DMT Fab Transformer

[dmtfabrication]

I have a build thread on Pirate, but felt like sharing this here.

I built my first rig a decade ago, I was pretty proud of how it turned out. As time went on, I realized I could do some things better and I "needed" to upgrade some things.

This was my first trip in the truck, went to Hannibal Rocks and had a blast. The initial specs were: '86 Toyota p/u, SAS, Detroits front and rear, 5.29's. LP 4.3, Toyota W56 5 speed, Toyota dual cases, 2.28 and 4.7, hydro assist, 38's and a little tube work.

The first change was one tons and 42's. This was fun, but I "needed" to change a few things....

I decided to make it look more like a Toyota truck again, but decided to ditch the cab.

I ran it like this for a few years, it crawled great and that was really all it did well.

This is the last picture of the rig prior to what has turned into a two year ordeal on the new rebuild.

 

[dmtfabrication]

For the most part, I'll just post pics because I feel like they kinda explain themselves

My first car was a FJ40. I have always wanted another, but I decided I'd rather have a FJ buggy instead.

 

[dmtfabrication]

 

[dmtfabrication]

As this project fell apart over the past few years, I wanted more and more and more. I ended up changing plans a thousand times, changing every aspect of the build.

 

[dmtfabrication]

picked up a different hood and cowl to cut up for the project

 

[dmtfabrication]

 

[dmtfabrication]

 

[dmtfabrication]

2014 Reality Check Buggy specs:

-Old chassis, new look, new design
-Bent Fabrications subframe and suspension geometry
-FJ40 cowl, hood and bezel
-5.3, LS1 intake, LS3 manifolds, Kevko pan
-TH350 RMVB
-203/205 with Jeds doubler, 32 spline throughout (except 203 input)
-Chevy 60, 5.13 with bells and whistles
-14B shaved, 5.13, with glitter
-42" TSL's on H1's
-16" SAW triple rate bypass shocks (used, great deal on trade) front
- 16" Fox 2.0 airshocks rear
-Old PRP's
-Full Hydro
-Fuel cell with multi pickups
-old M8000 winch
-stuff
-really cool rainbow LED light strip. seriously. its really cool.

 

[dmtfabrication]

 

[dmtfabrication]

And here is where I am at as of the last few weeks. Life has changed alot over the last few years, I have switched jobs three times, remodeled a house, moved, dealt with a nightmare work comp case that left my shoulder injured and pinned the costs on me :'( But I am determined to get this buggy done.

 

[dmtfabrication]

And thats where I'm at. I'm headed to the shop to finish the front truss and start the rear. Thanks for looking

 

[DougL]

Re:

Nice build man, I'm loving the front axle work. We all have hurdles that slow things down! Keep your chin up!

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[dmtfabrication]

Thanks, I'll never give up. I love building and wheeling and I NEED this back in my life.

Had to knock out a few other priorities at the shop before I could tackle the top plate. I made it out of 3/8" plate. Had to bend it on the ironworker. I used to bend plate all day long on a monstrous press brake for a barge builder, which is MUCH easier to finesse those last few degrees with. First bend was dead on, second bend.... well, I guess I flinched or something. I was able to back bend it on my press, so it all worked out. I am really happy with how things are turning out.

 

[Rokcrler]

Sweet build man..love the evolution

 

[dmtfabrication]

Sweet build man..love the evolution

Thanks, I could easily build a new buggy, but I am attached to this one. The B pilar is the second piece of tubing I had ever bent. I was 19 at the time. I'm 29 now. I like looking back and seeing how the truck has progressed. Likewise with myself. I'm really glad I have stayed with this hobby. The people I meet, the places we go, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[Gittinit]

I'm liking the truss. How much to cut me one?

 

[1SAWB]

BAD ASS !

 

[dmtfabrication]

I'm liking the truss. How much to cut me one?

Is this Faber? If you want one with the same suspension points, I'd cut you a deal. I have to call Bent Fab tomorrow and find out how/if I screwed up the link mounts. Otherwise you could send me whatever points you want and I could get it set up that way too. I'll send you my number.

 

[dmtfabrication]

Tonight

 

[dmtfabrication]

Been busy with real life, but was able to get some stuff knocked out this weekend. Hard to stay motivated when it is well below freezing in the shop.

I re-cut the front link mounts, moving the holes down 1". There was a discrepancy in the spread sheet I was using. Fortunately nothing was welded in yet. I cut out the 14B truss and pieced it together. I still need to cut the upper link mounts. The pinion angle is not staying like that and the gaps between the truss and the axle tubes have been addressed. I haven't mastered the slotted fabrication method yet, but I'm getting there.

The links are 1.75x.120 DOM uppers and 2x.238 DOM stuffed with 1.5x.120 ERW lowers.

Once I get the bolts this week, I will be able to have a rolling subframe. I missed my goal by a week, but life goes on.