2004 Nissan Titan - Project Titan, Part 5

Day 3

8:55 a.m.: Check out these link arms. Prior to welding each arm, an Evolution bung was pressed into each end. The line across the bung in this shot indicates that it is a lefthand-threaded bung. Having opposite threads at the end of each link arm allows for fine-tuning the arms once everything is bolted together. Because we ordered our Evolution rod ends with 4-inch threaded shanks, the bungs have more than 2 full inches of thread engagement at each end, which equals greater strength.

1:15 p.m.: The way Toby tied together the lower link mounts to the axlehousing is easily confused with origami. With four interlocking pieces of steel at each lower link mount, there is no way that these mounts are ever coming off the axlehousing. Notice how the main brackets fully encompass the axletubes for added strength.

5:40 p.m.: Here you can see how meticulous details like these link-arm brackets can make or break a truck. Thankfully, Toby is a skilled welder and his attention to detail is a top priority. The results are consistently beautiful and strong welds every time.

8:50 p.m.: With the rear axle located in place, it was time to start tubing out the rear portion of the truck. Toby surprised the whole crew when he attached the tubing bender to the forklift forks. His plan was to run one continuous length of tubing from the middle crossmember to the end of the truck and back, forming a rear stinger along the way. This was a fairly complicated process because it required two compound bends to form the stinger. Here, you can see Nick up on the forks, cranking away at the bender. (We're pretty sure OSHA wouldn't approve of this.)