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LJ in Flux

The Freeak said:
Would there be any benefit to adding a grease zerk to the hinge?

In my experience the OEM hinges only fail due to lack of lubrication.
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The corrosion underneath (where it touches the tub) doesn't help either. Was already thinking of fittings whether or not Flux planned them.
 
EndlessMtnFab said:
Def would like a set of those (when they become available). Keeping my tire on the bumper (so to speak). But there's def a benefit to better (and serviceable) hinges.
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I should be ready to make my first run here with in the next few weeks.

The Freeak said:
Would there be any benefit to adding a grease zerk to the hinge?

In my experience the OEM hinges only fail due to lack of lubrication.
Click to expand...
I though about it but decided against it. These don't see high speed just potential high load. I am using oil impregnated high load bushing sleeves and I greased everything during assembly. My front hubs don't have zerk fittings and seem to retain the grease with long service life intervals. I am hopeful this will do the same.

I am not at all opposed to adding a zerk, just want to test and see if its really needed. I stood on the open tailgate and it didn't even know I was there. lol

These hinges are really geared towards mounting a spare tire or accessories. They are more like a control arm than a hinge. The bolt, bushing sleeve and body side bracket create a "hinge box" similar to a control arm bushing bolted into a bracket. The gate side hinge is one piece for a direct connection from the spare tire to the pivot point. This uses the tailgate as a laminate layer and latch. Goal is to have a solid single action tailgate spare tire carrier that doesn't weigh a 100 lbs.

The looks of T6 is a bonus.:beer:
 
EndlessMtnFab said:
The corrosion underneath (where it touches the tub) doesn't help either. Was already thinking of fittings whether or not Flux planned them.
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Good point, mine where not rusted. I bet those that see salt are or are on their way. The tub side hinge covers the entire area where the the old hinges where. I would suggest installing the tub side hinge, taping off the area and addressing any rust or surface issues before reinstalling. I am just waxing this set with car wax. My other aluminum stuff seems to do fine.
 
Tire mounted. I made the plate with three options. Centered, stock (1.25” offset to PS), and another 1.25” to PS just to see it.
Centered
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Then offset 2.5” to PS.
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Thanks guys the input super helpful. I was on the edge of only offering the centered option but clearly people want the options

The Freeak said:
I think the improved access of the latch outweighs the lack of symmetry.
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I initially leaned this direction. It also puts the weight closer to the pivot point.


NDCjeepsmith said:
You apparently don't have OCD...

I actually never noticed they were offset to begin with... now I'm never going to be able to unsee it!
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The other benefit from centering the tire is the gate opens further.
 
Also got the aluminum front bumper prototype back from laser cutting. Fit up looks good. Should be able to get it welded and test fit next week sometime.

Should work with factory swaybar. Should work with anti rock swaybar as well. I have a buddy that has one, I’ll need to get it test fit.

All aluminum is 3/16” 6061 aluminum and the lower corner brace/rash guards are 3/16” P.O. Steel. They wrap around the bottom section providing support for hits to the lower section.
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Finally finished the corner guard bender.
Test bends getting the radius dialed for cross grain 6061 spring back.
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They fit great.
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Wife’s out of town next weekend so plans are to finish countersinking everything, double check my hardware and install this next weekend! Rockers and corners. Been a long time coming.
 
The Freeak said:
Will you be offering corner blanks?
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Yes thats the plan. I have some request for blanks with a little extra length on the edge that meets the rocker so it can be trimmed to fit, no mounting holes so they can be lined up with existing holes but with tail light holes.
 
Front Aluminum bumper test fit with anti rock looks good. The swaybar arm hits the grill before it makes contact with the bumper. I’m going to bring the back edge of the end cap forward .25”. for better clearance.
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FLUX said:
Yes thats the plan. I have some request for blanks with a little extra length on the edge that meets the rocker so it can be trimmed to fit, no mounting holes so they can be lined up with existing holes but with tail light holes.
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I’d be interested in “partially blank” ones as well. No wheel or fuel openings but light/hinge holes would be awesome.
 
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