Black Magic Build Thread

4ever4running · May 2, 2013

Looks good man! I've heard that the panhard drop can actually cause stock panhard mount to twist when wheeling so the gusset was a really good idea.

On another note, why coils are you running in the rear? I really like that you still have some rake, even with the extra weight from the bumper, hi-lift, and spare.

sn0wrunner · May 3, 2013

Thanks man! The rear coils are OME-851's. They will get you sitting high in the back!

4ever4running · May 4, 2013

sn0wrunner said:
Thanks man! The rear coils are OME-851's. They will get you sitting high in the back!

Gotcha. So even though they're "light" LC coils, they can still support all the additional weight? Did they sag at all when you added the bumper, spare, etc.?

Do you think they could handle the weight of a CBI w/swing out tire carrier, 60-70lb spare, full jerry can, and hi-lift without sagging?

sn0wrunner · May 5, 2013

Every spring is going to sag a little bit with extra weight. But yeah, they will be just fine holding up all that weight. I think my bumper and tire carrier are about 150 lbs. Spare tire is another 80 lbs, high lift maybe 30 lbs, my cargo box empty is about 130 lbs, plus another 75 lbs in tools, and I still have a little rake. I think they are perfect if you're looking to have some rake and you carry a ton of weight. Not sure how much you'd have to load them up before they would sag enough to not have rake. Check in the 3rd gen picture gallery sticky. Another member posted pics of his with 851's towing a big camper trailer and he was still raked slightly.

ChildrenOfBodom · May 5, 2013

Do you or Gerdo still have that panhard gusset template?

sn0wrunner · May 6, 2013

ChildrenOfBodom said:
Do you or Gerdo still have that panhard gusset template?

I didn't make a copy of it, but I know Gerdo does. I could probly mail you a piece of cardboard if he's willing to share...

Got a little more work done this weekend in preperation for my moab trip the 15th-19th.

Added some Toytec Adjustable upper rear links:

Also added the Lotus Development RCAMS. (Rear Control Arm Mount Skids)

Finally got around to taking the Lil' Skip's gas tank skid off the '96 and repainting it before installing on my black beauty. Finally have a full set of skids now!

Lastly, I got the rear bumper back from powder coating. It does have some inconsistencies and concavities from the rust. But overall I'm pretty happy with how it came out.

downpour11 · May 6, 2013

Friggin' beautiful truck man :thumb3: looks like you're about set for Moab

sn0wrunner · May 6, 2013

Almost! Still gotta do a little more work on the cargo box/sleeping platform, and swap out cv's as well as replace the lower ball joints.

SantaCruzRunner · May 6, 2013

Good lord baby Jesus that gorgeous <3

JWaldz · May 6, 2013

Damn, quite the transformation.. Love those wheels on your rig. Bumper came out pretty nice too.

rideexileex · May 6, 2013

Jeff, I like the idea (at least thats what I think I see!) of the rubber bushings on the hi-lift mount. I might steal that idea... What did you use for them?

sn0wrunner · May 6, 2013

Thanks fellas!

Sean, you'd have to ask Gerdo about them. I'm really not sure.

sn0wrunner · May 21, 2013

Finally got my first "real" wheeling trip in with the new runner last weekend. Went to moab and ran Posion Spider, Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim, Hell's Revenge, and Steel Bender. The only one of these that I haven't done before with my '96 was Golden Spike. We had an awesome time and the weather was perfect! Here is some pics. Enjoy!