Well thanks! And make sure you subscribe and share these videos! There is a ton more FJ content coming as i build the entire vehicle! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I've got a CNC plasma cutter. Its nice for some stuff, but stuff like the gussets for your PS box are usually easier to build with cardboard and a good 2" belt grinder. By the time I get done drawing the plate in plasmacam it would have already been built. The table is good for moving stuff from CAD (computer version, not cardboard :P) to plate. Its how I usually build battery trays, suspension brackets like for your 4-link, and junk like that. Even then, you are either screwing around in the plasma cutter software trying to draw it, or you have to import it from a cad system like solidworks or inventer. for one-off brackets its just too much of a pain.
Yes for one off weird shapes it is probably easier to just use cardboard, but for multiple pieces and repeatability the cnc plasma would be the way to go!
@@FabbinAdventures for sure. for instance the blue sandrail on my channel it uses a mess of tabs to hold the floor and roof on. I also used it to make the switch panel and a bunch of other junk. Here's a link to the build thread if youtube will let me post it. www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=612948&highlight=&sid=5173f68842b5f976296bbcf28b7503ad
Nice job Ron. Awesome project. I’m getting ready to do the Saginaw conversion on my 40 so I found this video a big help. I would have liked more detail on the bottom two bolts with the frame slotting and DOM install process. Could you give a quick explanation how you slotted out the frame and just where the DOM ends up? DOM size?
I've watched a number of these saginaw conversions - usually the main gearbox bracket is mounted flush to the top of the chassis, but I see yours is a good inch or more above it. This requires more cutting on the cross member. Can you explain why you did it that way? Maybe for better bottom clearance? I'm about to do this conversion on my FJ40, and I'm trying to learn what I can. Is there an advantage to the way you've done it?
No reason other than i looked at what i thought was the best mounting system i seen and copied it as close as i could so everything looked the same and would work. I don't have the project any more, sold it to someone who wanted it more than i did.
nice job. is it really necessary to do all that gusseting and bracing? I did mine 25 years ago and haven't seen any failure. when I did mine there was very little internet help but the "word on the street " was it wasn't necessary because FJ40s were so over built. thanks for sharing.
Well i planned on 40" tires at the time and hard core off roading so since im no engineer i tend to "over build" or "over engineer" things. Steering is one of the last failures besides brakes when on the highway or on the edge of a cliff! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@FabbinAdventures thanks for your insight. I think I might fortify my old conversion. Good luck on your project. ps: I hope you keep the 2F. I'm a big fan of that motor.
It never had the 2f when i got it, it had an old school sbc, i have a 400sbc planned for it. I also just found a cadillac 500ci i may just havr to buy..lol
Ive been hoarding that 400 for nearly 20 years for just the right project, but have alot of people suggesting an ls, i like simple though, no sensors to go bad 20 miles back in the bush with the old school 400.
Lol, I called that a cardboard CAD in one of my last videos, on making some bumper ends. I promise I came up with that myself, but apparently I'm not the first person to make that comparison.
I’m actually just learning about the Saginaw gearbox, seen plenty of them growing up, but never knew the name. The reason I’m now interested in them is because I’m building two Overlanding Rigs and the second one is an off-road RV type, I currently am using a 1995 GMC 3500 14’ wheelbase chassis, but tempted to go bigger. RV chassis’s were typically Dodge one ton truck frames. I’m building completely from scratch and will have a semi flat, cab over design , raked below the bumper with a large skid plate, and slight rake above just to look futuristic.....so the Saginaw steering box seems the best way to keep everything forward, but I’d still like to use Dana 60 axles, I thought I heard you mention you we’re running Dana 60’s.....is there a conversion kit for the Dana 60, or is it just a hard search for the older axles? Thanks
Wow sounds like shes gonna be quite the rig when your done! The dana 60s in passenger side drop can be found in the old square body 1 ton chevys and dodge 1 tons, the chevys are preferred as they are arguably the strongest of them all. Driver side drop will be found in ford trucks up to present. If you do a little searching you can find the dana 60 bible on line. Good luck with your project!
@@FabbinAdventures thanks, just asking, do you think there is an adapter for the Dana 60 to connect it with linear steering like the Isuzu NPR’s use? I think if I’m going with a cab forward design, I may be forced to use linear steering, though I know you risk entanglement issues when off-roading
Looks like I’m going to go with the Jeep CJ 5 style gear box for cross over steering.....seems you can put those pretty far forward and still reach your pitman arm, rear engine you’ll have nothing to hit up front, and an electric power steering box and ram assist can give you the hydraulic pressure
you got a pretty steady hand on that plasma cutter
Oh its not that steady lol, grinder cleans a lot up. Helps if you can cut fast.
Your FJ is coming along great 👍
Thank you so much for the shout out Ron! I really appreciate it 🙂
I'm headin over now to check out the Pinzgauer. I've wanted one for years!
Thanks Mike, its comin along slowly but surely..lol
Your channel is 1 of only a few i watch regularly.
Keep up the great work!
Yup check it out, down to earth guy, explains stuff in a way we all can understand!
@@MonkeyWithAWrench Awesome!
This is the best fj40 link series I have seen. Very good work sir.
Well thanks! And make sure you subscribe and share these videos!
There is a ton more FJ content coming as i build the entire vehicle!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I've got a CNC plasma cutter. Its nice for some stuff, but stuff like the gussets for your PS box are usually easier to build with cardboard and a good 2" belt grinder. By the time I get done drawing the plate in plasmacam it would have already been built. The table is good for moving stuff from CAD (computer version, not cardboard :P) to plate. Its how I usually build battery trays, suspension brackets like for your 4-link, and junk like that. Even then, you are either screwing around in the plasma cutter software trying to draw it, or you have to import it from a cad system like solidworks or inventer. for one-off brackets its just too much of a pain.
Yes for one off weird shapes it is probably easier to just use cardboard, but for multiple pieces and repeatability the cnc plasma would be the way to go!
@@FabbinAdventures for sure. for instance the blue sandrail on my channel it uses a mess of tabs to hold the floor and roof on. I also used it to make the switch panel and a bunch of other junk. Here's a link to the build thread if youtube will let me post it. www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=612948&highlight=&sid=5173f68842b5f976296bbcf28b7503ad
awesome job Ron.... looks like you're runnin' a little short on some CAD... need me to send you some from Alaska?
Lol thanks for the offer, i have ton of cardboard hoarded away in the seacan!
Thanks for a great idea, awesome design and a totally professional results...!!
Best wishes from Copiapó, Chile..!!!
Thanks for watching, i was installing the 3 link front suspension today, video should come out next Sunday.
@@FabbinAdventures Nice..!! Waiting for new video.
Im working on it, hopefully it will be up on Sunday.
Thanks for your comment.
Nice job Ron. Awesome project. I’m getting ready to do the Saginaw conversion on my 40 so I found this video a big help. I would have liked more detail on the bottom two bolts with the frame slotting and DOM install process. Could you give a quick explanation how you slotted out the frame and just where the DOM ends up? DOM size?
Send me a text or email and ill send you some pics tonight after work with more detail.
Very interesting!
Thanks for watching!
I've watched a number of these saginaw conversions - usually the main gearbox bracket is mounted flush to the top of the chassis, but I see yours is a good inch or more above it. This requires more cutting on the cross member. Can you explain why you did it that way? Maybe for better bottom clearance? I'm about to do this conversion on my FJ40, and I'm trying to learn what I can. Is there an advantage to the way you've done it?
No reason other than i looked at what i thought was the best mounting system i seen and copied it as close as i could so everything looked the same and would work.
I don't have the project any more, sold it to someone who wanted it more than i did.
Is it possible to put the 4 link as a front suspension? It will be done?
It might be possible, maybe....
Im putting in a 3 link and even that gets a little tight for room and clearances.
Video hopefully comes out tomorrow.
nice job. is it really necessary to do all that gusseting and bracing? I did mine 25 years ago and haven't seen any failure. when I did mine there was very little internet help but the "word on the street " was it wasn't necessary because FJ40s were so over built. thanks for sharing.
Well i planned on 40" tires at the time and hard core off roading so since im no engineer i tend to "over build" or "over engineer" things. Steering is one of the last failures besides brakes when on the highway or on the edge of a cliff!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@FabbinAdventures thanks for your insight. I think I might fortify my old conversion. Good luck on your project.
ps: I hope you keep the 2F. I'm a big fan of that motor.
It never had the 2f when i got it, it had an old school sbc, i have a 400sbc planned for it. I also just found a cadillac 500ci i may just havr to buy..lol
@@FabbinAdventures oh man, I love that sbc 400. One of the best. Don't know nothing about Cadillac 500. Sound sweet.
Ive been hoarding that 400 for nearly 20 years for just the right project, but have alot of people suggesting an ls, i like simple though, no sensors to go bad 20 miles back in the bush with the old school 400.
Lol, I called that a cardboard CAD in one of my last videos, on making some bumper ends. I promise I came up with that myself, but apparently I'm not the first person to make that comparison.
Lol, i think that is common among us fabricators that dont have real CAD.
Thanks for watching!
I’m actually just learning about the Saginaw gearbox, seen plenty of them growing up, but never knew the name.
The reason I’m now interested in them is because I’m building two Overlanding Rigs and the second one is an off-road RV type, I currently am using a 1995 GMC 3500 14’ wheelbase chassis, but tempted to go bigger.
RV chassis’s were typically Dodge one ton truck frames. I’m building completely from scratch and will have a semi flat, cab over design , raked below the bumper with a large skid plate, and slight rake above just to look futuristic.....so the Saginaw steering box seems the best way to keep everything forward, but I’d still like to use Dana 60 axles, I thought I heard you mention you we’re running Dana 60’s.....is there a conversion kit for the Dana 60, or is it just a hard search for the older axles?
Thanks
Wow sounds like shes gonna be quite the rig when your done!
The dana 60s in passenger side drop can be found in the old square body 1 ton chevys and dodge 1 tons, the chevys are preferred as they are arguably the strongest of them all. Driver side drop will be found in ford trucks up to present.
If you do a little searching you can find the dana 60 bible on line.
Good luck with your project!
@@FabbinAdventures thanks, just asking, do you think there is an adapter for the Dana 60 to connect it with linear steering like the Isuzu NPR’s use?
I think if I’m going with a cab forward design, I may be forced to use linear steering, though I know you risk entanglement issues when off-roading
No i have never seen any thing like that in my search for parts, other than going full hydro steering maybe.
Looks like I’m going to go with the Jeep CJ 5 style gear box for cross over steering.....seems you can put those pretty far forward and still reach your pitman arm, rear engine you’ll have nothing to hit up front, and an electric power steering box and ram assist can give you the hydraulic pressure
What jack stands are those?
Also love Mike festivas channel too
The link for them should be in the description.
Thanks for your comment!
love this build ron,....iv got a 1 ton square .and ummm those bbox`s bolt onto the outside of the frame .....
Yeah i made a mistake, its a steering box from a chevy car.
Thanks for commenting.
@@FabbinAdventures all good ..we make mistakes...we are human
Thanks man! Yes we do.
Inside the frame is a popular position for the FJ40 conversion.
Yes it is, hope it will work for me.
Wow if I only had a lathe