[Complete] Mightyraze's Kal-El [2018 Build-Off Entry]

Wow you work hard!

Thanks, I'm going to have mean bruises on the backs of my arms where I had it jammed up the center channel to reach a couple bolts.

If you get a minute Mighty, could you maybe grab a couple pictures of how you changed out that rag joint for a U-joint? I wanna do that as well on my LT11 when I eventually build it.

Looks good mighty. Does your front axle have any positive caster? It looks like it does. She might not autocenter so well.

AllisKidD21 wrote:

If you get a minute Mighty, could you maybe grab a couple pictures of how you changed out that rag joint for a U-joint? I wanna do that as well on my LT11 when I eventually build it.

I have not done that yet. I'll definitely get some pix when I do it.

RichieRichOverdrive wrote:

Looks good mighty. Does your front axle have any positive caster? It looks like it does. She might not autocenter so well.

I ended up with about 1 degree negative. Wasn't too happy about that, but we'll see how it goes. Didn't want to scrap and do it over just yet. If it was to sink about 1 inch in the front it would be 0 caster.

WOW, i wish, i can have a cloned kal-el! This Thing is so cool!

MightyRaze wrote:

AllisKidD21 wrote:

If you get a minute Mighty, could you maybe grab a couple pictures of how you changed out that rag joint for a U-joint? I wanna do that as well on my LT11 when I eventually build it.

I have not done that yet.  I'll definitely get some pix when I do it.

Oh sorry, for some reason I read your post thinking you said that you already did it, haha.

Part of my list to do's

I have thought about using a 1/2 universal impact socket as my u-joint. Should be plenty tough and only cost a few dollars.

That should work, but I'd try to keep away from hardened metal.

RichieRichOverdrive wrote:

Looks good mighty. Does your front axle have any positive caster? It looks like it does. She might not autocenter so well.

I was looking last night and I was wrong. It has about 1-2* positive caster.

Double W Cross Ranch wrote:

That should work, but I'd try to keep away from hardened metal.

I need to check the shaft diameter and I would prefer an actual steering u-joint that I can attach via set screw etc.

That castor angle looks great.

Zinc plated U-joint joints are pretty reasonable at McMaster Carr.  You do have to drive a hole through the joint and shaft to hold it together.

Zinc isn't too bad.  Still need to measure my steering shaft on the frame.  I was thinking of welding a socket in my tube on the steering shaft.  Still wondering if I want to do something completely else with it....

In other news....





I was thinking of doing the black like I did with Lil Red, but I think I like the solid blue way better.

Blue sure does fit your theme perfectly. I thought those U-joints were zinc plated not made from zinc. I would buy a steel one if I were in your shoes. This is going to be your main tractor so its steering is really important. I like your socket idea too. That can be done for cheap.

I did measure out the little shaft last night and it was 5/8. I was thinking I could square off the head and attach (and weld) one of those "black" impact universals to it. I have also found that a 7/8 socket fits nicely into the bottom of my steering column. Maybe drill out the snap in bearing and I could put a release pin in there possibly so I can still remove the steering if needed. Or drill out the other side. It may be easier.

Would you weld the universal joint to the socket or would you leave it as a quick release?

Kind of a half and half thing. Weld the U joint to the steering gear shaft on the frame side. Then the steering wheel side I would set it up with a release pin so I can still disassemble from that side.

Loving the look of the blue grille Mighty!

THanks! I am waiting for some PAR36 LED headlights to come in so I can finish wiring them. I need to hit up TSC to find a small round taillight. I think they are like 3 bucks. I may have to go to town and find an LED one should they not have an LED one.

Here is that thought I had with the universal.



That socket will be jammed into that steering shaft and welded. Then maybe drill out a hole for a pin where that connects to the universal that will be welded to below.

Looking Great!!! Like the metalllic paint

Did some more electrical.







PAR36 LED lights.

Test drive soon?

Maybe next month earliest. I need to complete steering first.

pretty bright lights

starting to look really nice now that more of it is put together. it’s really wide in the rear and I’m starting to get a better sense of how big this tractor is.

I'll see about rolling it out into the sun this weekend and pull up my Red tractor and see how it stacks up!

Ought to test suspension travel with the old board trick!