My first Solidworks project... a couple major tubes are not pictured, but you'll see them as the photos come in (mainly a cross brace from the lower mounts to the center of the front boxed winch plate).
The plan:
Progress...
I had a very disappointing realization just as the last tube was notched and tacked into place: the body was not centered on the frame... off by 1/4" on center. Totally my fault as just did a custom body lift. Only needed 1/8" shift to the passenger side, but I would always see the mistake so loosened all the body bolts while my wife sadly shook her head (she knows I am hopelessly A.R. about the things I do have control over). Completely disassembled the assembly and started over; luckily it didn't require too much mod'ing to get the tubes all happily married again within a couple hours. All the material is 1/8" wall, 1.5" round and square tubing (the one exception is the lower frame mounts which are 3/16" x 2" square tube)... I know that is on the thin side for off road but I am all about more triangulated tubes for strength rather than thicker ones. I'm using the Chassis Unlimited generic two piece winch mount plate.
I spent a lot of time on the mounts as I wanted it rigid as possible for the winch with a bunch of front clearance while still bolting to the unmodified frame. I'll post details of them tomorrow.
As I make more progress I'll post more pics. Goal is drop off at the powder coater's next week. Waiting on tabs for grill mounts and have yet to figure out turn signals, although the OEM driving lights mounted up really nice and well protected with full adjustability intact.
Thanks for looking. This forum has given a ton of inspiration and information over the last 6 months... some crazy talented and smart members.
