FC Ute

[FireKraka]

Hi Pete;
I've said it before but I wish I had half of your talent; between you and JB you are both going to have 2 of the neatest looking Utes in the country (no disrespect to any other ute owners meant) I only hope that I can get my new project (FB/EK Ute) to half the standard that you two have.

More photos please from both of you.

Regards
Neil H

[FCV08]

Pete

Plenty of time. ;D ;D

Aren't you driving it to Toowoomba for the 2016 Nats ;)

Cheers

Craig D

[NES304]

What dates are the 2016 nats then Craig?

[FCV08]

I assume Easter weekend

[FCRB26]

1hr on the ute today
Took the diff out made up a frame and set the rims up under the rear on the frame.
Cut another diff down 116mm each side so its going to need reliefs for the callipers into the rails.
Machined the outer bit for weld prep
Trued them up they were pretty straight anyway.
Will assemble it all tomorrow at work as I need to cut and fit saddles first.

[NES304]

Cut another diff down 116mm each side

Bugger me

[Old_Mt_Isa_Boy]

I would not have got the tools out in an hour let alone "whip" up a 116mm shorter axle.

Glad you got some time. We are all hoping this year maybe.

Regards

Wayne b

[FCRB26]

I may be quick but lets hope its right  :D
I had to dummy assemble the standard width diff with axles and discs and measure that width.
then measure face to face of the wheels under the car so lets hope my edumecation paid off..

[FireKraka]

Hey Pete;
The way I'm thinking of of doing it for my ute is to tack the saddles on (when I get them  ;D) using the measurements from my sedan and then putting the wheels on sliding it under the back onto the springs and then measuring what I need to take off to make sure I am completely under.
What do you think?
I think this is the easiest way for me as I dont have a jig etc.
Already got the old saddles etc off of the donor diff.

Regards
Neil H

[FCRB26]

My jigs only 2 parralel lengths of rhs to hold the rims square

yours should be 88mm each side from memory you need to cut out of your tubes and put the join in the middle of the saddle.
peg to peg is 1mtr exactly for the saddles.

Got and hr this arvy and finished my diff off.

Excitment all panels are off to the blaster tommorow
We are loading all edges up with lead tommorow before putting into a sealer. i want perfect gaps so my mate dave reckons he will get it smick.

Camera is cracked on my phone so blurry photos

[JB]

Doesn't look like a 4 link lol 😀

[FCRB26]

Dont you start  :D

I nearlly started cutting last night but uif i dont get it finished it will hold up progress on the sedan next yr so the leafs stay for now.

It affect everything if i change to a 4 link exhaust, diff, chassis kit, ect ect so ill stay with leafs.

I want to take both cars to the nationals not very likely but thats my goal..

[JB]

LOL, I have just been trying to get 1 car to a Nats for the last 5 years... Its amazing how circumstances change.

But it would be good to have them all there together... Even if the ute is down on horsepower.  :P

[fcwrangler]

Neat job Pete, how much extra length does the backing plate and brakes add? as there doesn't look like there is much room between the diff flange and the spring hanger or is it just the angle of the photo.
Jim

[FCRB26]

Neat job Pete, how much extra length does the backing plate and brakes add? as there doesn't look like there is much room between the diff flange and the spring hanger or is it just the angle of the photo.
Jim

The backing plate heavy pressed steel one fits the backing plates will fit also but will need the brake line clip removed as its umm close ..

cant remeber but the disc centre is around 10mm thick and the backing is 6mm and the axle is around 80mm  theres going to be a fair relief section for the callipers i was going to rotate the disc down a bit but havent looked that far.

[FCRB26]

Came home crook with the flu
So hid in the shed and notched the rails for the callipers.
Everything is so bloody tight .
I can fit the factory backing plate if I cut the brake line clip off and fit to the diff.
Handbrake cable is very close to the diff saddle so I will put a small notch into the saddle.
Went and got a Tyre fitted fits very well.

[hsv-001]

Not going to weld the saddles for a sway bar while your there ? I just find its a little neater not to use "U" bolts .Cheers Haydn P.S. Love the attitude with the callipers and the subframe [ if its in the way cut it out ]

[FCRB26]

No room for a sway bar with a twin 3 inch system.
I prefer u bolt over bolting it in I reckon that looks neater looking.
Maybe its the age gap you have undone too many you bolts over the yrs  :D

[fcwrangler]

How about a pan hard bar? Read one of Alex's posts about hotting up early Holdens and the guy used a pan hard bar with great results.
Jim

[fe350chev]

Good to see it progressing Pete well done.