Project "MONEY PIT"

[Cue-Ball]

Okay, not really sure why I am sharing this with you guys, but for some strange reason I have formed a bit of a bond with you knuckle heads so here goes.

I got my Crane diff cover for the 8.8 last week and so I went out to dry fit it and grind the axle to fit, I also figured why not shave a little off the bottom of the diff at the same time. THIS WAS A MISTAKE.

Here is a pic of the results when I decided to stop.



So I now need to really shave the crap out of it and plate it with some 1/4" plate I guess.

I am thinking of something like this:
http://www.code4x4.com/projects/axle_88/axle_88.html

But not going all out with the ring and truss stuff just the lower plating portion.

Any opinions?

[OverkillZJ]

Oooooooooooooooooooops

[Cue-Ball]

Big time.

Oh well this is how we learn.

[ATL ZJ]

Wow. That sucks.. Well at least now you can do some sort of cool skid on the bottom of it..

[Nordic1]

DUDE!!!!!!!! Go with it! Shave (or have machined) all the way down till just above the ring gear and then have jerod tig/stick like a 3/8" plate back on there... SUPER BLING!

[bburgi]

Definately, fully shaved is the only way to go

[Cue-Ball]

Yea I am still toying with different options, to be honest I am still really upset about the whole thing so I am not thinking clear about it.

More than likely I will cut the bottom prtion off all together and come up with a plate of some kind.

Might mess with it more next weekend or the following weekend.

Stay tuned as the saga continues.

[ELLLLLIOTTTTT]

there isnt really alot to shave on an 8.8 anyway, hence your results when you tried to. its not like a 14b that you can just trim a few inches off the housing without modifying the ring gear, its pretty much as good as it gets.

[Cue-Ball]

Yea I know that now.

[norcaljr]

Okay, not really sure why I am sharing this with you guys, but for some strange reason I have formed a bit of a bond with you knuckle heads so here goes.

I got my Crane diff cover for the 8.8 last week and so I went out to dry fit it and grind the axle to fit, I also figured why not shave a little off the bottom of the diff at the same time. THIS WAS A MISTAKE.

Here is a pic of the results when I decided to stop.



So I now need to really shave the crap out of it and plate it with some 1/4" plate I guess.

I am thinking of something like this:
http://www.code4x4.com/projects/axle_88/axle_88.html

But not going all out with the ring and truss stuff just the lower plating portion.

Any opinions?

ouch !!!!!!

I have some 3/8's plate at the ranch that you could use, or if you need another size let me know and I might be able to pick some up for you from modesto steel.

[Cue-Ball]

Thanks Jim,

Do you guys think 3/8 is strong enough or should I go with 1/2"?

Should not need to much just some scraps is all it should take.

[Cue-Ball]

Hey Jim,

Did you get the wiper blade I sent you?

[ogdak]

That realy sucks man.
But I will keep it in mind working on my own 8.8

[blackjak71]

hindsight is 20/20 man

[Cue-Ball]

Okay on a brighter note.

I am picking up my set of Clayton long arms on Saturday and my HP30 is turning out nice with the POR-15 paint. (I need to get those pictures loaded still).

I may even be purchasing a set of 35" Xterrains that are basically brand new from a local guy who is stepping down to 33's. I know they are Pro-Comps but the price is sure right.

I think the only things I have left to do will be to get the gears installed in my HP30, and then load up all the stuff and head out to AW's shop to get this install moving.

Give me a few more months and then this thing will be rockin' (if all goes as planned that is).

[ogdak]

Good luck, keep us posted

[Cue-Ball]

Trust me I will keep you all up to date.

(Although my install will not be nearly as entertaining as project Phoenix was )

[OverkillZJ]

Trust me I will keep you all up to date.

(Although my install will not be nearly as entertaining as project Phoenix was )

For the sake of your sanity, I hope not!

[Cue-Ball]

Okay here are some pix of the HP30 after acid stripping and then painted with POR-15.







Now with POR-15







Had to hit the Crane cover with the POR also.



I still need to touch up a few spots then I will take off all the tape and get a good shot of inside the diff to show how clean it came out.

As with all my pictures you can see the full sized ones at my FotoTime site along with others that may not have been posted here.

Stay tuned more to come...

[Nordic1]

Lol you're bling'n dude

[Cue-Ball]

Yea yea yea.

I am really impressed with the POR-15, that stuff is really tough. I spilled some on the ground at the house and I can not even break through it with a shovel, this stuff is TOUGH!!!

[norcaljr]

Dirk,

you know you still need to paint or coat the POR-15 right ? the UV light will kill it with the quickness.

[OverkillZJ]

Dirk,

you know you still need to paint or coat the POR-15 right ? the UV light will kill it with the quickness.

Really? (no, I'm not being sarcastic)

[Cue-Ball]

Dirk,

you know you still need to paint or coat the POR-15 right ? the UV light will kill it with the quickness.

Yes and No.

True the POR-15 is not UV rated, POR does make a top coat (that I have) but since the axle is not going to be in direct sunlight it is actually fine to leave just as is.

For my suspension parts I will paint them with POR-15 and then top them with chassis coat it is a flat black color, and when applied at the right time over the POR-15 I am told it is very similar in strength and what not as powder coating.

I will have to keep you guys posted on that one though. I will probably strip down my rock rails and cover them in that manner.

[ogdak]

the axle is not going to be in direct sunlight.

"Please roll me over"








Very nice job