Mightyraze's "Sasquatch II" [2017 Build-Off Entry] [Finalist]

Hmm?  I posted an update last night?  Must have hit preview instead.  I was pretty tired.  I'll try to recreate in a few.

Edit:  Missing post.

mightyraze wrote:

Well, I am doing some front end upgrades to the Sasquatch.  Changing out the pivot to a pair of springs.



I also practiced welding tonight too.  I’ll take the color discoloration as a good burn-in.




I try.  

It's amazing what you can tear apart in such a short time.



I got my bolt holes marked and they need drilled (not my favorite right now). I can use all pre-drilled holes in the frame.

mightyraze wrote:

I'll need to come up with something cool and gimmicky for the build! :-)

I have a really cool idea that I am trying to figure out. I'll reveal that in the end if it works out!

mightyraze wrote:

Maybe something to clean up and pretty the back over the hitch plate

The above item could take care of that some.

Im really looking forward to seeing this come to fruition mighty! Should be pretty rad. I'd maybe go over those welds one more time though just to be sure, looks like the one is split down the middle. Happens sometimes to me as well if I try and go too fast or use rods that are too small. Looking good!

LOL, that's because I missed completely on that one. I went back and the one is in the seam.

A little sidetrack for a bit.  After I dropped the front end off the squatch, I realized I better mow again.  I got the front done in less than 30 minutes like normal.  Yay good gas.  I was starting on the back and after a couple rounds I seen the neighbor giving our dogs a treat.  It's ok, he asked if it was ok months ago.  They are super nice people and the dogs like them.  I stopped and we started shooting the breeze.  During the conversation I mentioned that I hope I did not disturb them too much mowing till 1030 Sunday night.  He was like I didn't even notice.  You know I mow till 11 sometimes.  I was like yeah, I seen you doing that once, I just can't see too well with the poor mower lights.  You have that cool LED bar on the front of your mower.  He was like "Hold on a second"  he went into his garage and came out with a box.  He said, "Here, I have several of these. You can have this one."  It was a 7 inch NiLight bar.  I asked how much for it.  He was like, don't worry about it.  I have several that I got for about 12 bucks each.

I wasn't able to finish the yard as we were heading to my wife's parents and dinner was ready.  When we got home, it took just 15 minutes to install.  Most of that time was finding tools.

Meet Blue, (2006 Craftsman LT1000)  my actual mowing lawn tractor.  

That tree in the far background is about 70 yards away.

MINE EYES! THESE PEOPLE AND THEIR HIGHBEAMS! AUGHHH!




ohwait...
I might look into LEDs to put in my sears...

Thats pretty cool mighty! Its nice to have neighbours like that. My one neighbour once gave me a Black and Decker power tool set with a drill, circular saw, light, charger and battery. It was in the case even. He said he just didnt need it anymore haha.

I have one of those black and decker systems.  It was handy, but the batteries I had finally quit charging.

SO.....

Who can spot the BIG mistake in the following picture I shared earlier?  I was installing the springs today and was quickly stopped in my tracks about half way.





I'll give the answer later today.

So wait, which mounts are going on the front, the shackle mounts or the solid ones?

The big solid ones are up front, shackels in the back.

Springs loosely installed after fixing blunder.




I can go over or under. looking at under right now.  I am going to explore a couple things before I continue.

Looking good mighty! So...what was the big mistake you made then?

mightyraze wrote:

SO.....

Who can spot the BIG mistake in the following picture I shared earlier?  I was installing the springs today and was quickly stopped in my tracks about half way.





I'll give the answer later today.

As you can see in the picture. I properly made a left/right shackle mount. I made 2 right side solid mounts. I cut it off and welded it over. I got a chance to see how good it was welded. I had a decent weld on it. Good enough I feel good about going 30 if I can.

Got a new can of Grey to paint the mounts. I already have red for the springs and axle.
I also have the U bolts now to attach the axle. Not much more to report as I have been under the weather with a stomach bug. BLAH...

very nice work so far on the build, hats off to you, love the old hot rod theme.

Thank you!

Did a little work today.  I built a new front axle.  I didn't get around to seeing how it works out yet. I still need to weld a washer to the axle for the spring pin.

I did decide to go OVER the springs.  I'll still be a little nose up, but hey it's a gasser and they are nose up!

Wait, no pictures?? Aw c'mon mighty! Hahaha.

I decided to do a little more and button it down.  Made a calculation error on my shackle mount.  I need to move it back about 2-3 inches.  When I set the tractor down on the axle it compressed all the way down the shackle. Right now it's about 4 inches wider and about an inch taller.  Once the shackle is fixed, I'm guessing 3 inches higher.  Depends on spring compression.

Progress non-the-less.

Looking great so far mighty!

Thanks AlliskidD21. Once I get my rear mounts fixed, on to steering. Of course, make sure I do not get my steering backwards like some do. LOL!

Well, I got the springs done, now on to steering.



I'm thinking of scavenging the steering arms off this old Murray axle.



It has been nice to be able to use air tools that I have had, but not be able to use properly.  Dad gave me a 60 gallon compressor that handles the tools with ease!



Little bit of studying, and I will start my steering.  I hope to test that out soon and if all good, tear it back apart and paint.  After that, I have a couple other minor things I would like to do.

Now my pictures are sideways?! LOL

I was looking at the spindles and it appears that the it would be best to keep the tie rod on the back of the axle than the front.  There is much more room to work with on the back side.  Also, I can better follow Ackerman Angles.  It all looks feasible.  Looks like I will need the top steering link on the right side so I don't have backwards steering.  

PS: @RichieRichOverdrive , I know you pointed out long ago about the right front wheel tilted a bit. It was. LOL, not anymore!

nicely done, they seem to do the job nicely. those old murray front ends have some fairly beefy steering links on them should work good.

Did a little work prepping the steering.  I got a little warm in the garage today so I had to stop.  It's in the low 90's but Harvey down in Texas is pumping some humidity up here in Oklahoma.  

Anyways, I cut off the tie rod tabs off the old murray axle I had.  They went on very well.  Even have correct angles according to the Ackerman theory.  I ran a bolt through them both, and also welded them on the underside.  I just need the crossover tie rod for that.




I took off an unused steering tab off the 82 Murray.  I think that would work great for the steering link.  I am currently determining if I should extend that a couple inches or leave as it.  I'm thinking I will like the steering geometry with it a little longer.

Working on my 3rd pitman arm. Hopefully this time will work.

Whatever you do, make it so it doesnt snap off out of no where like mine did the first time:



Haha, kinda hard to do much with out a pitman arm attached eh?

I burned the last one on pretty well.

Look what is on it's wheels.  Took a stroll down the block and back.  Needed an adjustment on the drag link.  I ended up back with the old one.  LOL



No play whatsoever now with this setup.  With it testing well, guess what!  Time to paint!  Disassemble!!


Got some paint thrown on.