‘82 GMC “Junkyard JIMMY” {Build bash Rebuild}

[pblaze725]

Since mt last post I changed all my body mounts, and tranny mounts too. I picked up a set of BFG A/T Krawlers and hit the trail with Supermotard750.


I like these tires.

They grip the rocks VERY good.


I've never made this climb. This time I was confident the new tires would make the difference but I broke a front axle shaft at the U joint.
In the background Supermotard750 tore a sidewall.

All fixed up and heading out.




I thought this was a kool pic, just a little out of focus

 

[NorCal_Chris]

I've never made this climb. This time I was confident the new tires would make the difference but I broke a front axle shaft at the U joint.

Sounds like the new tires DID make the difference

 

[pblaze725]

I heard a pop earlier in the trail that sounded like the U joint Cap breaking but I kept going until it broke. I don't completely blame the tires, the locker played a small part in it too.

I went to the Junkyard today and got a new shaft.

 

[supermotard750]

Hmmm I wonder if that's what that was? I can imagine it could be but maybe I guess

 

[NorCal_Chris]

Do you tac weld your caps to the shafts?

 

[pblaze725]

That's what it sounded like to me. I know it was from the front and it was the first thing to fail.


Here's a story from that day too.
When I got to the trail I was passed by the sheriff and a ranger with lights on.
Apparently there was a guy in a heep on the trail that rolled on it's side and got someones arm trapped in between the door & a rock.
Some guys on dirtbikes said they could hear him screaming from the other side of the mountain miles away. He eventually calmed down. Life flight came in and rescued him.

From the sound of it, it was pretty close to where I almost rolled.
Man I hate to see people wheeling with there arms out the window. Let this be a reminder for ya.
Keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times!

 

[pblaze725]

Do you tac weld your caps to the shafts?

No I never did nuttin to 'em I bet they were 30yrs old.

I haven't hear of people doing that.

 

[NorCal_Chris]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=970297

Tons of info about em. Big problem with the u joints is the caps spin and pop out or pop partway then break. This stops that.

 

[pblaze725]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=970297

Tons of info about em. Big problem with the u joints is the caps spin and pop out or pop partway then break. This stops that.

That makes sense. Thanks for posting.

On one hand it seems easier to fix if you break it at the u joint and the break is on the outside of the axle tube.
If you break the shaft at the diff you are taking everything apart to get the broken piece out.

But on the other hand, a cap that slips under pressure is an unacceptable weak link.

 

[NorCal_Chris]

That makes sense. Thanks for posting.

On one hand it seems easier to fix if you break it at the u joint and the break is on the outside of the axle tube.
If you break the shaft at the diff you are taking everything apart to get the broken piece out.

But on the other hand, a cap that slips under pressure is an unacceptable weak link.

Yeah. But most u joint failures Jack up the ears on the shafts anyways, so you lose the joint and a shaft. It's easy for the ears to get wallowed out then they are junk


Oh and do you not air down at all? Your tires look like street pressure in those pics

 

[pblaze725]

I think they designed it to fail at the yoke.

I aired down to 13psi. You could tell on some parts of the trail. Supermo might have some more pics.

 

[supermotard750]

I'm so tacking my caps this weekend that's how both mine failed. I'm at work. I'll post pics tonight or tomo

 

[pblaze725]

Sounds like all the kool kids are doing it.

 

[rezkid]

where do you hit the trails at ? im new to this havent took my blazer offroad yet ,but then again its not ready

 

[pblaze725]

where do you hit the trails at ? im new to this havent took my blazer offroad yet ,but then again its not ready

Welcome to Ck5. The last trail we hit was at Corral Canyon OHV. It's about 1.5 hrs east from San Diego on the 8.

After Halloween i like to hit the desert. My favorite spot is Truckhaven located about 20 miles East of Borrego Springs. There is a 4x4 training area out there you can test your rig & find it's limits. After Easter it gets too hot out there to have any fun but some people still go.

Then there is Superstition Mountain for a mix of dunes and rocks.

Anytime I hit the trail I post up here first to see if anybody wants to go.

 

[pblaze725]

Welded axle u joint caps

I fixed my broken front axle shaft & welded the caps too.

Next I want to get this High steer, Hydro assist going.

 

[supermotard750]

Let's do it

 

[pblaze725]

Taking advise from NorcalChris has been paying off lately.

I fixed my broken front axle shaft and welded my U joint caps.




I'm going to the Junkyard tomorrow with SuperMO. I'm looking for a 2wd steering box maybe some other goodies.

Any reminders to keep an eye out for?

-2wd box
-xj steering shaft
-PS/ATF cooling fan
-Spare front axle shafts
-Spare front driveshaft
-doors
-roll bar
-
-

 

[pblaze725]

Junkyard Sunday

I went to the Junkyard today and got this 2wd gear box & XJ shaft for $60.

It's going to be my Hydro assist.




Supermotard750 gave me this flat top on my birthday.
I can machine for a high-steer.



And so it begins...

 

[K85 Octane]

hey PBlaze, you ever come up this way? I've got some D44 stuff and a stock DS, make you a killer deal man.