Dave's comments on his project: ...

If there is one thing I like to do, it's talk about my Jeep.

I purchased the jeep in pretty rough condition. (see before pics) Working 3 jobs to support the family I don't remember my father much from my younger years, however I remember perfectly the sound of his old Willys truck going out the driveway to bring home the bacon. Needless to say when I saw this old heap I knew I had to have it.

The Ideas started flowin' before I made it made it home. The propane was a given due to the fact I couldn't afford EFI and didn't want the wires and computer to mess with on the trail, and carbs just dont work well on the inclines. The propane needed a hotter spark so I installed the HEI ignition system I had layin' around. The exocage was due to the fact it seemed more convenient for the space inside.( and it looks cool to) Then I went tire shopping. The 36/12.50 Super Swampers just seemed to be the biggest bang for the buck. Mileage wasn't a concern since it's a trail rig.

At that point I realized the suspension geometry was way off, leading to some decisions. 4-link,ladder bars, 3-link, rework existing? Nope, all allot of money. That's not my style. If axles just pivot in the middle, why not the whole truck? That's my style! Just a little different. Off to the salvage yard. After about an hour I settled on a wheel bearing assemble from a 15 ton JD manure spreader. That works. Lube-able replaceable and strong. I welded in some old rollback frame rails for cross members, dropped in the bearing and sliced it up. No problem all for about $150.00. Buy a 4-link kit for that price! Worked better than I thought. It will articulate 85dg before anything binds. Then my tire showed up. OOPS, no turning radius. P/S box outside frame is in the way. Back to the salvage yard.

Found a Massey Ferguson combine with all the hydraulic fixin's. Ripped out the old, put in the new, there ya go. Full hydro-steer! Decided to install a spool in the rear and added 5.13:1 gearing while I was there. D44 front, GM12bolt in rear.

So far, so good. Time for some accessories: onboard air, winch, dual gel-cells, tools, safety equipment ,CB, off road lighting, diff guards made from re-bar and ballistic steel, underbelly guard (also ballistic steel) (unbreakable, don't ask where it comes from), snorkel, exhaust stacks, 300 dollar Chicago Electric 8000 Winch from Harbor freight (believe it or not)and some more I'm forgetting. All of this took about 7 months.

As far as money, approx. $7000.00 at last count start to finish. Man hours, wow, more than anyone should ever use in 7mths.Approx. value? I listed it on eBay figuring that's the best appraisal one can get. Highest bid was $15,000. Maybe I should have taken it but I hadn't had my fun yet. Where do I wheel at? Well, local farms, (with permission) Paragon so far. Haven't had it to Rausch Creek yet. Started out as a streetable vehicle and exploded into this so I'm still working on the tow rig. Just purchased a trailer so that's a step closer. Tow vehicle almost done. I've been to Rausch Creek in my last Jeep and cant wait to take this one. So far it seems to laugh at anything I put in front of it. The only Mods left that I want to do are high steer arms, front locker, and finish up the hydraulics for the hinged area so I can max out the 85dg. Keep in mind the 85dg is with out the spring flex, so it's actually more than that. Can a 4 or 3 link do that for $150.00?(HE,HE,HE) One of the coolest things about it is that I have next to no fab. tools, and the same amount of experience! This was the learning project. I cant wait to see what I do if I would sell this and build another!

 This may have been too much detail, but like I said "I like to talk about my Jeep". 

Thanks,