THE ROCKWELL PROJECT
This is a combination of a rockwell axle "swap", full hydro steering, and 4-link suspension w/ coil-overs conversion..
1-24-07 - the parts
2-10-07 - the new engine..
3-5-07 - mocking up the rocks..
3-18-07 - The front of the frame goes bye-bye, and the LS engine is put in its new home!
4-1-07 - Rear of the frame is next on the chopping block..
4-15-07 - Front frame rails and winch mount made
4-22-07 - Capped the frame rails, and CNC'd some hi-steer arms!
4-29-07 - Narrowed & added to the existing tube on the front end, added the stinger, engine mounts, and started on a revised winch mount.
5-6-07 - Beginning of the front 4-link
5-13-07 - Transmission crossmember and beginning of rear frame
5-20-07 - Rear frame capped, taillight panel made, front link towers, t-case mockup
5-28-07 - Front lower links, steering ram mount, shock hoops, radiator mount
6-3-07 - Radiator fan mounted, fuel cell mount started, IROK's mounted on the wheels..
6-11-07 - NP205 clocking plate & t-case installed, front 4-link done, front axle outers assembled
6-13-07 - Rear crossmember, beginnings of the NP205 cable shifter, fuel cell/rear winch/toolbox mounts, closer view of front lower link mounts
6-15-07 - Rear 4-link done, rear steer valve mounted, rear shock tower beginning, steering reservoir mounted, outside of rear crossmember.
6-16-07 - Look Ma, no jackstands! On all 4's again. rear shock hoops completed, rear axle assembled, pinion brake installed, coilovers installed, example of 3M "surface prep" disc
6-17-07 - rear winch & toolbox, cable shifters, adapted the steering column to the orbitrol, trans & steering cooler combo
6-24-07 - Steering & transmission coolers mounted, fuel cell pickups, pinion brake guard, rear steer ram mount, fuel cell & cooler mounted.
7-8-07 - Shot of the steering all put together.. stout!
7-14-07 - 90% done with wiring modifications. Relocated winch control box, engine steam vent return to water pump, intake made.
7-17-07 - Front end is back together.. serpentine pulley relocated, radiator & front bib on, exhaust manifolds on..
7-22-07 - Picture of steering column brace, and a little video of the engine coming to life!!
7-29-07 - Shots of the exhaust work, line-lock, tie-down points, rock lights, and a video of the exhaust...
8-3-07 - coilover spring swapping. went from 130/450 F - 110/350 R to 110/150 F - 80/130 R and exceeded my ride height/uptravel expectations!