Did we mention how much we like going to junkyards, recycling centers, auto salvage establishments, and the like? Nothing is more fun than spending a day hunting for treasures. Every gearhead we know wants to go into a junkyard and find an awesome part for next to nothing, and we hate to say it, but there are fewer and fewer yards out there that don't know the value of a front Dana 60, an NP205 and Dana 300 transfer case, or an aluminum LS1 V-8 for that matter. But have no fear; just because these golden ticket parts are scarce, doesn't mean there is nothing left to build a cheap fun 4x4 out of. In fact, we have a new rule; look at any car or truck in the yard and you should be able to find something that you could put on a project, be it the mirrors, seatbelts, or e-brake handle. We spent a weekend cruising through some yards and found an armload of stuff with possibilities, and that's half the secret to building a budget trail rig-looking for ways to make unwanted parts work. Of course it can lead to some compromises and, if you're not careful, added expense. However, if you use some ingenuity and have some mechanical or fabrication skills and the time to use them, then oddball parts can be junkyard treasures that when assembled form a unique, one-of-a-kind trail rig. More and more recycling centers are closing their doors to public parts pulling due to liability and environmental concerns. Don't be surprised if the guy at the gate asks what you need and then goes looking for it himself. Try explaining that you are building a hot-rod 4x4 and you need to make some measurements of parts like transmissions, engines, and axles. Just respect the yard boss, try not to break valuable surrounding parts as you remove what you want, and hopefully they'll be fine with you looking around time and again.More and more recycling centers are closing their doors to public parts pulling due to lia The tools you take to a salvage yard are very similar to those you take on the trail, but bringing too much stuff is a headache since you don't have a truck to haul it around in. We've found that a minimal cache of gear can get nearly any part off an abandoned vehicle. Here's what we like to bring: A backpack or little red wagon to haul stuff, a tape measure and notepad to record sizes in case you are not sure if it will fit, a camera to record odd parts you have never seen before (though some yards don't allow cameras), and a small sack of handtools. If you know that you'll need some serious power, look into the Milwaukee 28-volt cordless impact; it's super burly and great for tearing vehicles apart fast.The tools you take to a salvage yard are very similar to those you take on the trail, but If you have a 4x4 project try to find similar trucks in the yard that might have accessories on it ready to go. If we had a Jeep Cherokee we would be taking home this heavy-duty rear bumper. It's amazing how many vehicles are around with good bumpers, tow hitches, nerf bars, and rollcages that just need to be cleaned up and repainted.If you have a 4x4 project try to find similar trucks in the yard that might have accessori Upon entering the yard you will find vehicles completely disassembled and others that look like they could have driven there. Check out the complete trucks if you are looking for a new project. Oftentimes the problems could be minor such as this Toyota 4Runner that ran but didn't pass smog so the owner dumped it. Some yards will sell the vehicles complete, but others can get more money from parting them out and won't let them go.Upon entering the yard you will find vehicles completely disassembled and others that look When it comes to axles, there are desired axles and then there are junk axles. Jeep guys have always wanted Scout Dana 44s, and nowadays Dana 60s are super hot, but these are not the only options out there. If you are willing to change rims, you may find the rear axle of an Isuzu Rodeo or Honda Passport attractive. These Dana 44s come with disc brakes and 30-spline shafts and can run standard Dana 44 gears and lockers. Some things to know: They use a six-lug bolt pattern and some have a unique 4.30 gear ratio, but if you match it with a front Dana 44 from a Jeep Wagoneer, all you need is a gear change and you're ready to swap them under your Wrangler.When it comes to axles, there are desired axles and then there are junk axles. Jeep guys h We've learned that original Toyota driveshafts are super strong, and some components of the constant velocity joints are as big as 1-ton truck CVs. If you are going to get a shaft built you may want to find a good used Toy shaft to have modified to your desired lengths. Be sure to check that there is a flange available for your transfer case first. One more thing: Get the bolts that hold the shaft on, they are unique shouldered bolts that are pricey from the dealer.We've learned that original Toyota driveshafts are super strong, and some components of th Now we're getting crazy, but deal with it. This is a Jaguar rearend. It's independent and it uses a Dana 44 with internal disc brakes. We're sure some ingenious wheeler out there could make a fully independent mini-truck that could soak up the dunes while still using standard Dana 44 gears and lockers. Build it and let us know how it works, but remember, hot-rod guys like these too, so they may not be real cheap.Now we're getting crazy, but deal with it. This is a Jaguar rearend. It's independent and We looked at this clean Mitsubishi and quickly visualized its little body and frame packed with an early '80s 1-ton drivetrain. Many folks are building mini-trucks like Toyotas and Chevy S-10s with fullsize truck drivetrains, so why not start with something different and unique, since all the important stuff will be tossed for big beefy parts? Hmm, we can even imagine it on 2 1/2-ton Rockwells, 44s, and a big-block.We looked at this clean Mitsubishi and quickly visualized its little body and frame packed You can find all sorts of old worn-out vehicles at the yard, lifted trucks included. If you decided to bring home the suspension under a derelict four-by, be sure and check it for broken parts like springs. Get info on all the parts-even if they are worn out like shocks-just in case you need replacements. This Ford had front springs from one company, rear springs from another, and shocks from a third, and we only found that out since some springs still had the stickers on them. Also don't forget steering parts like drop pitman arms and aftermarket drag links.You can find all sorts of old worn-out vehicles at the yard, lifted trucks included. If yo 1 | 2 | » | View Full Article Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
