And so it begins....

[6cuda6]

Been getting things sorted for our 08 Volvo 670 build and was finally able to get the frame rail extensions bolted/supported into place.

[6cuda6]

Couple days ago, i had a local welder come out and weld the rails on...i can weld but i figured im better off paying someone who is certified that way i know its done properly.

[6cuda6]

Next step is to mark and drill as we are moving the axles back one spot so we get the balance and overhang we want in order to build/affix the 22 foot box we will have. Sadly the drilling may not happen to quickly as i dont have a mag drill yet and the last holes i drilled in this thing seriously damaged my wrist when the 5/8 bit in my big drill jambed, broke and spun the drill backwards.

Stay tuned, but be patient, as this will be a slow build (i travel for a living so only have limited toy build time)

[6cuda6]

Another good days work, one new grinder later....rear axle moved back and 85% installed. Have a few more holes to drill and need some longer bolts to secure things correctly. Once thats done ill move the other axle, it will be faster as its going were the other was so probably only 6 or 8 holes to redrill.

[6cuda6]

Well waiting on grade 8 bolts so i secured the axle with what i had on hand and continued on.....axle #2 moved back to the old rear axle spot giving me a total move of 54" and about 6' of overhang. The plan is for a 20 to 22 foot box keeping us around 34 to 36' total length so we can get into most parks.

Next will be to hook up/replace all the air lines etc so we can air this thing up.....not worried about making it driveable so driveshaft will probably wait a bit.

Then we will need to decide as to weither we build the box or buy a used van body/refer box.....still not sure as they both have pros/cons.....opinions?

[Big Mike]

just curious why you are using the tandems on such a short box

[6cuda6]

Originally Posted by Big Mike

just curious why you are using the tandems on such a short box

Few reasons:
- traction/flotation with the ability to lock all diffs so 4x4
- extra set of brakes
- running the stock fuel tanks (250gal approx total) and didnt want to take a chance with axle ratings
- last, and most important, i personally dont like the look of the single rear axle...stupid excuse perhaps but im building it....lol.

[6cuda6]

Well the snow is go [i hope] and i can finally get back to working on this project. I have been patiently waiting to ream the holes and install the last 4 suspension bolts to complete this task.

[6cuda6]

Next task was to take a section out of the 3rd cross member to allow clearance for the power divider. Yes it may have been easier to perhaps relocate it but that would mean more drilling into the frame and probably welding up extra holes. I will make a new lower "shelf" for the area cut out and weld it in but today is not a welding day, so it will have to wait

This was one of those things i didn't for see till i was moving the axles back and i was committed, so no stopping till after it was all in place.

[6cuda6]

Next thing was crossmember #4....this one goes between the rear axle suspension mounts and because the frame i used for the extension being one year older than the truck it was also a couple millimeters thicker....so i had to slice about 3/4 inch out of the crossmember. Yup, it will get welded up at the same time as the other crossmember.

What's that old saying....2 steps forward and one step back....lol....good thing i like to fabricate is all i have to say.

[6cuda6]

So what's next....i think it will be to drill holes for the lateral bar mounts, weather permitting and if there is still time in the day, weld up crossmembers so i can get the frame squared away from a fabricating stand point.

Still not sure if i'm going to build the box or buy a dry van box....problem for me is the closest box is 5 hours away or 1000$ delivered but then steel has gone up huge in the last bit....anyone have an opinion on this? What is the better in your view?

[6cuda6]

Cross member welded up and installed...now if the weather would cooperate i might be able to drill the holes for the lateral bar mounts.

[6cuda6]

Torque arm mount for the rear axle now in place, 5 front mount holes drilled with one more to go but i might have to drill the last one by hand.

[6cuda6]

Well got the last of the bolt holes drilled for the torq arm mounts, what pain to do by hand instead of the mag drill. Then mounted it up.....next will be cleaning up the frame and a trailer hitch plate.

[6cuda6]

So got the rear support fabricated.....this offers both support for the rear rails, a place to fasten a trailer hitch and eventually a storage drawer will be fabbed that slides out the back. Still need to drill all the mounting holes, paint etc.....getting there, slow going when you work on the road 275 days a year.

[6cuda6]

Well lots of stuff ordered.....airlines, rear new rear brake valve, thermostat etc but sadly not much done other than bolt in the rear support frame and treat the frame rails so i can paint them.

Still trying to decide on a weither to build the box, buy a dry van box or a sea container....wife and dogs got pretty freaked when the tree fell on our RV in the spring and crushed the roof with them in it (no one was hurt and it was a 1977 GMC TZE with a full aluminum bow roof) so naturally she wants the sea can with the huge beams....

[6cuda6]

Well it appears we have a box coming....22 foot reefer....if things go to plan of course.....lol.

[stever88]

Great progress and I admire your tenacity </:-)

[6cuda6]

Originally Posted by stever88

Great progress and I admire your tenacity </:-)

Thank you, i enjoy doing it.

[6cuda6]

Well we got ourselves a box...22 foot reefer. Now the trick is going to be getting on the truck asap as the "one that rules" has put her foot down and doesnt want the box clogging up the driveway this winter.