1950 Willys Truck re-rebuild by 50wllystrk

3 minute(s) of a 620 minute read

Ok, I'm the one learning now...axiom... that was good. I had to look that one up in the dictionary. Basically an unquestionable statement of fact. I like that one.

This is good, it as basic, yet for anyone getting into metal fabrication we need to get back to basics. My lesson was once again, many years ago. I had to make matching plates. I made the first plate, then the second off the first, then the third off the second and the fourth off the third. WOW, what a mess at the end, a little here, a little there. It took some grinding to bring them all back to the first, but what a lessson.
While we're on the subject. I can't tell how many times I've scrapped an idea half way through a process do to a better idea all of a sudden. I have no problem starting all over again for a better product.
Going Back quite a few posts I mentioned not keeping time on a "hobby". With this in mind, tossing aside an idea doesn't hurt so bad.

Tonight the lower shock mounts are pretty well finished. Looking at them on the work bench they just don't look like much. Once I put 2 of them on the shock, I thought they were looking better. Then I temporarily put the assembly up against the axle, I'm very pleased. 

Thought...I notice most trucks on the road have the lower shock mounting brackets hanging well below the axle tube. I question the reason for this.

My only thought is the farther the distance from the bottom mount to the top mount requires a longer shock. I suppose with the longer shock it has a longer distance of travel. Just a thought. 

I'm not fond of the idea of having the shocks hanging down. With the large diameter tires my axle clearance greater than most. Also with the axle below the springs I already have a built in long distance from bottom mounts to top mounts. So my length of travel will be plenty, so my bottom mounts are gonna be close to the bottom of the axle tube, and no lower. 

Lets get to the pictures.