06-APR-2014
Old winch plate
Here is the old winch plate and heavy plate that were welded to the front end.
06-APR-2014
Stacked garbage mounts
There was way too much metal welded and stacked for the spring hanger brackets. This is the reason that it had to go!
09-Apr-2014
Fixing the front spring hangers
Since I needed to fix the spring hangers I decided to move the front axle forward a couple of inches. After measuring numerous times I ended up moving the axle froward 2 1/4".
15-Apr-2014
New spring hangers complete
The new spring hangers are welded, drilled, and bolted in place. Much more clean than the mess that was there before.
I redesigned the hangers without all the extra metal and the design is now good and strong. The side plates are being held to the frame with three 5/8" grade 8 bolts. The winch plate will also use these heavy bolts as a mounting platform.
16-Apr-2014
Both sides complete
To tie everything together I added some strength between the two spring hangers with a piece of 1 3/4" .120 wall DOM tube.
17-APR-2014
New mounts bolted with bumper mounts
Another view with the bolts buttoned up, cross brace, frame support, and bumper stubs installed.
17-APR-2014
Bumper mounts
I installed some flat bar stubs to be used as mounts that will be welded to the front bumper. I welded the nuts to the flat bar because getting a wrench on the nuts will be nearly impossible.
17-APR-2014
Bolted up solid
All of the grade 8 mounting hardware installed with the 1/2" x 2 1/2" flat bar stubs for the front bumper.
17-APR-2014
Close up of frame brace
This bracket ties in the hanger with the frame which in turn boxes in the frame for strength.
19-APR-2014
Cross brace
The cross brace tube gives the spring hangers great lateral strength by tying the two hangers together.
I cleaned up the steering box and remounted it with grade 8 hardware.
19-APR-2014
Steering box protection
The tube brace that provides solid strength between the two spring hangers will also be protection for the steering box.
09-Apr-2014
Shackle hangers
I picked up a couple sets of shackle hangers from Barnes. They are pretty heavy duty and come with the bushing and sleeve. All you have to do is weld them up. I also drilled and tapped mine for a zerk fitting.