Dirty Rat - Sears

Thanks everyone, I should be getting back on the build tomorrow.  I should get my tie rods back on and make and install the steering rod.

1. Install tie rods
   
2. install steering rod
   
3. reinstall engine
   
4. measure belt, ( i may actually have one on hand the right size)
   
5. where to go from here?  (More body work?)
   
6. new front rubber
   
7. blow it all back apart
   
8. lock 2300
   
9. paint?
   
10. reassembly
    
11. wiring
    
12. new lights
    
13. install horn
    
14. acessories?
    

• What accessories do I want to install?
  
• usb?
  
• tether kill
  
• ??
  

Hour meter/tach

dude that thing looks neat also i have been testing those same tires on my tractor, results: unlocked diff not good in snow but the tires grip okay def needs the tires aired down

I think I am running about 3-4psi in my rear tires.  They are a harder rubber.

Got the tie rods installed and my steering rod built and installed.





I was super happy with the install.  Turned out my other 2 heims for the steering rod was 7/16ths thread so they're pretty stout too.  Only about 1-2 degrees play in the steering.  Gear gap is my play.  I may need a lower bushing, but it's not too bad.

I did get my engine put back on and belt alignment is going to be no issue.  All lined up fine.  Now do I want the 7" or the 8" pulley?  I'm leaning towards the 8". 





Things are moving along great thus far.  Really excited to get this driving.

Took some mockup shots today as well.  Let you guys see where this thing is going!









Of course, I had some garage dog help today!

Looks killer! I just can't get over the stance it's perfect!

Cute pup, Strafordshire Terrier (or a mix including)? What's her name?

Yeah, he's a bully mix.  Bear is his name.  

The machine is looking GOOD! Nice work, kudos!

The dog is a beautiful critter. I love dogs.

I really like this mock up. It's stretched enough for a great RAT look but not overly done either.

MightyRaze wrote:

Yeah, he's a bully mix.  Bear is his name.

My mistake! Beautiful pup!

Little video update.  No work today.  I think I have decided not to trim the finders.  I have some other thoughts.

Posting this here for reference. Bronze bushing for clutch!

Supposed to be near 70 the next few days before falling back into the 40's.  I'm going to try and get Grandpa out and take a pic of it with The Dirty Rat to give a good idea of the changes made to TDR. The old ST was only 1-2 inches shorter than the SS frame of the hydro. Maybe I get all my runners out tomorrow?  We'll have to see.

I'm so jealous of those Summit stickers! Lol. Nice video!

Brianator wrote:

I'm so jealous of those Summit stickers! Lol. Nice video!

They seem to be pretty stingy with them.  First time I got some from them.

Wasn't much done in the past few days.  I did go out this evening for a little bit and started creating a back plate to install a belt guide.  That's pretty much it.

Going with the 8 inch.



The good news, the belt on it is the exact right size!  I checked it out and it is in good shape.  I need to measure it, so I know what to use in the future.

That is a massive pulley, what are you running on the rear?

TechnoChicken wrote:

That is a massive pulley, what are you running on the rear?

4"  LOL, Gonna go fast!  Not too worried as the 1st gear on the 2300 is SO LOW that I can still grab it and get the torques when I need it.


Some comparison shots between TDR and a Regular Suburban.  I lined up the fenders, hood, and dash.

Rear stretch



Front stretch



Overhead




My ST/Suburban hood height  36-3/8"



The Dirty Rat's current height is 32-3/8"



After work today I hope to finish the belt guide and doublecheck the belt.

I also need to get the #'s off that engine so I can get a gasket kit for it.  Might as well get those redone.

I’m partial to rats and this one is a GREAT one!

Belt guide built for the new engine pulley.  My only concern is there enough throw to disengage the belt enough to shift?

Looks like you may need to slot the mounting holes for the guide and move it out slightly. One way to tell for sure!

Hmm... was thinking ahead.  Man, I shouldn't do that.  I realized a few things.

Gas tank, or the lack of one.  Hmm... at a loss here for the moment.
Rear bumper.  I didn't think about it, not worried about it.  But.... I have no current tow point or a way to push it if needed.  Hmm..

Not much done this weekend.  I was busy with real life.  I did have a couple hours I needed to kill this evening, so I finally got around to shortening the shifter for the SEARS.  It feels much better, and it doesn't interfere with the seat spring should I go ahead with the original.

I have the engine off again and I realized I had the clutch in the wrong setting on the clutch/brake rod.  I need to retest that for belt.  Engine will need to go back on.  Man, I wish I could just muscle the engine off and on like I could a few years ago.  My back just won't let me.  I also need to figure out how to service the jack on my hoist.  It is getting weak and appears to need fluid.

Things from this point:

• Continue to finish up the driveline.
  
• Procrastinate some
  
• Maybe create a foot throttle
  
• Eat a steak, maybe a burger
  
• horn decisions
  
• figure out gas tank
  
• figure out rear, do I need something for a bumper? Keep the bare look of the transaxle? something else? 
  
• take a nap
  
• far as I am going to list for now.
  

There should be a rubber plug on the side of the jack. Take the cylinder off, remove the plug and fill the cylinder.