GIGANTOR

 

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Gigantor is likely to be the Tallest......Widest.......and most capable 80series Landcruiser built. (at least in Oz)

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Gigantor was pulled off the road to be slightly modified for Tuff Truck 2002. Lack of free time and the fact that the job was a lot bigger than first estimated resulted in this project taking approximately 12months.
As a result of careful planning and constant hounding from the wife to spend time doing family things, the project was finally finished May 2003.
Things could be better, but all I want to do is drive it and have fun now. The only problem I will probably experience is the fact that the front doesn't travel and respond as good as the rear. The A-frame is so flexible the front really only works under pressure......like in this shot where it's lifted from the rear.
Even at this height, the truck is very stable as you can see there isn't much body roll.....its all travel. Some reckon you can have too much travel, but I reckon this is just the right amount. The back stops traveling before it passes the centre point of the truck, I think if it went beyond the centre things than may get a bit tricky.

I have experimented and lifted the truck higher from this view and eventually the right wheel leaves the ground, I think this is good rather than the passenger front leaving the ground which would result in a potential roll over.
90 percent of the work was done by myself and brother in-law, although the rear spring drop outs were done by Macquarie 4x4. The drops out are great....they are a solid shaft attached to the top of the spring which glides through a hemispherical bearing. The shaft protrudes into the rear cab, but you have to give a bit to have a bit.....he he he .
Hear you can see clearly the drop out working, shocks are set up perfect for optimum travel. Even at the angle these shocks are mounted at, they don't perform to bad on the road...just wind up the rancho adjustment and make them harder. The A-frame has been performed by the use of the std upper arm mounts. Its only a short A-frame but for articulation this is all you need.
The 5-link has been changed from the previous design, this five link was designed by me, but parts made by a local fitter and welding done by the brother in-law. The design works really good and best of all drives and steers great on the road. The lower arms use existing diff mounts and Johnny joints at chassis end. The top arms have new mounts on top of the diff housing and again use Johnny joints at chassis end.
Ranchos seem to give good travel and as you can see guides have been made so the spring doesn't fall away as they slide up and down to reseat.
These are top and lower control arms for the 5 link. At the chassis end both arms use Johnny joints. Best thing since slice bread, these joints are a hard nylon which are fully adjustable/greaseable and can easily be rebuilt. Unlike your Rose joint that wear and give that metal to metal filling, these are far superior.
The five link working,  check out those Johnny joints twisting.
Notice the claws don't foul the chassis rail, plenty of clearance, thanks to the 3" wheels spacers.
Notice I have reversed the Baja Claws on the front, this performs better off road as the claw bites harder, especially if you turn the wheel the side lugs grips and pulls the front of the vehicle up and over the obstacle so much easier. Although in the mud for obvious reasons, they should be swapped back around.

It doesn't drive to bad on the road like this, or at least I don't notice any change.

The drag link damper fixed all problems concerning bump steer and tracking. She drives like it's on rails now. Note also there is no steering dampers.....not required once the drag link damper was installed. Also at this angle you can see the Johnny joints working hard.
Looking at this shot, it may pay me to clamp the bottom of the front springs.
Misc shot
Misc shot

Gigantor Rollover

Nissan Trials

          

Gigantor Will Return

        Gigantor will be REBUILT