Gladys

[Bizcuit]

I’m currently waiting on parts but there’s plenty to do so I’m going to start with bed . My last Jeep was a Wrangler and I didn’t care for the tire hanging off of the back, and with the Gladiator I think there’s too much overhang. So I’m hoping to get a compromise in this project. I’d like to post some pics in hopes of keeping me on track to my May finish line. So here goes.

 

[Bizcuit]

Here’s some shots of the prepping to cut.

 

[Bizcuit]

With the bed liner, I think this is my first and last.

 

[Bizcuit]

Here’s the first fit. I shortened as much as I could but wanted to retain the stock appearance of the beds interior.

 

[jeeeep]

nice, will be watching to see how it turns out.

 

[Jsouder53]

Looks good!

 

[2007 JKU CANADA]

I like the look of the bobbed bed

 

[GP NOIR]

@Bizcuit, you've got mad skills! As an aviation sheetmetal mechanic, I tip my hat to you

 

[Bizcuit]

This was an exciting moment.

 

[Bizcuit]

Got the front axle out to start removing the brackets. The Apex tie rod ends look big, even on the 60. Also cleared the frame of all the brackets.

 

[Bizcuit]

Bending up the strut hoops now. I printed some ends that I think will look good and simplify the process. I printed them in 5 degree increments to make up the difference in angles on the frame. Once I’ve figured out which ones I need, I’ll machine them out of steel. 5 degrees on the front, and 15 on the back of the hoop work for the front axle.

 

[Bizcuit]

Finished clearing the frame and starting to tack up the crossmember.

 

[Bizcuit]

Working on the LCA brackets now. This is the shape required to clear the DPF. I was going to delete just to get more room, but I was able to make them fit.

 

[Bizcuit]

As you can see, I’m going to be running a three link. Bolted them together to keep them from warping while welding.

 

[thrash66]

Impressive work!

 

[Bizcuit]

Impressive work!

Thanks. Leaning in the last couple of days.

 

[Bizcuit]

@Bizcuit, you've got mad skills! As an aviation sheetmetal mechanic, I tip my hat to you

Thanks.

 

[Bizcuit]

Working out the kinks of the strut hoops today. Not as happy with these as I thought I would be. The front mount point lines right up with the coil relief in the frame. I could cut it out and replace it with a flat piece, but I don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze. I also think I need to get them to be taller which would require moving the ABS and the battery.

 

[Bizcuit]

Here’s my next best guess. Because of the boxy design, it achieves the additional height I think is needed. And covers a smaller footprint on the frame, staying away from the old coil area.

 

[JT@623]

Here’s my next best guess. Because of the boxy design, it achieves the additional height I think is needed. And covers a smaller footprint on the frame, staying away from the old coil area.

Looks good I like it better than the hoop stronger I’m guessing as well.