MischiefMaker has already made up his mind and is just waiting for you to get on board with the full hydro option. He needs 'em, he wants 'em, you and Walter just need to do it.
Full hydro still wouldn't resolve the the problems with the frame. You still need to repair that on either solution you decide. Me personally would stick with the steering box and hydro assist. Depending on the ram you are running, you can actually get more turning strength from that setup than full hydro and in the rocks with your tire size that could be significant. I would suggest that you call and talk with Tony from Genright as he is a very knowledgeable person and could explain the pro's and con's better than I could, plus on all of his rigs he runs a steering box with a ram assist and there is probably a real good reason why if not more than a reason. Good luck with your decision and please video your results.
Go full full hydro and eliminate problems. I think at this point and like you said Mischiefmaker is your go to serious off road machine. Keep up the great content.
Metal fatigues and that is a major stress point. It will probably just crack again next to the welds. If hydro takes the stress off that area, it would be a very good option.
Full hydro, that eliminates a lot of moving and stress parts, moving and stress parts break, get after market cross members, plate the frame and your done, cost ya now but the joys of continued confidence will bring peace of mind
Fix it for now. It would be better than what it was. That way you won't get to sidetrack from your other projects. Then think about hydro later when things have calmed down and you actually have the parts on hand.
Great video Hollie!! Yup, that cross member tubing looked a bit to thin walled to me. Not surprised it broke. the stress on those welds and tubing in a twist situation is tremendous. I would take it completely out and replace it with the same diameter but thicker wall (1/4" at least) tubing. Also the frame material is pretty light. I'd make some fish plates to fit in that area at least a foot long (front to back) on both sides ( driver and passenger) of the frame. I'm thinking I would go with full hydro on the steering. As you said, you don't do much highway driving and from what I understand it seems like most of the "big boys" doing rock crawling use full hydro. Love your videos and I hope you get it all done as well as getting all you need done on your"s and Rudy's Chev.
Park him up When you come back ,get into stripping down things ,stock crossmember needs to go ,the chassis needs to be plated ,then you have a sound platform to work with . For what you expect of mischief maker,one can't think stock components are going to work or give you longevity. The steering assist hasn't let you down ,the chassis has ! One might check the rear end chassis for weak spots . Time to Rally the troops and have a couple of working days getting stuck in ,Matt ,Paul ,Ben,Rudy maybe ? You did say to comment,take care ,enjoy the travels
Oh, full hydro FTW! I'm considering that for Penny, too, for very similar reasons you are encountering. I'm headed to PA, too, but not until the end of July with BFG. ;-) You're a big reason why I wanted to do this trip--thank you for the inspiration! Looking forward to this trip!
I have full hydro and triangulated front 4 link. Personally for the trail to trail drives its perfect. Any drives over an hour can be a little annoying with the full hydro, but the benefits in the dirt with articulation, no bump steer, and overall strength is well worth it 👍
Pop down to Ephraim and discuss load bearing paint with Robby and Hillbilly. Seems to have been the only thing holding the Broncstar together for the last few years. Probably why Matt sends his vehicles there too.
Full hydro for a rig like Mischief Maker for the reasons you stated. It's already a full on trail rig that primarily gets trailered everywhere. The steering box on the frame is a weak link on a lot of vehicles built to the max like Mischief is.
Hey Hollie, I think at this stage in the game and the most cost effective and time wise would be to go full hydro. That's just my two cents. Keep up the great work and get him done! Can't wait to see!
Well Hollie, he's there all apart I'd go full Hydro but then your gonna have to trailer him where ever you go. And I know how much you like just jumping in him and going wheeling. Tough call but we support you in what ever decision you make.
My stock steering box has had it after 10 years of wheeling and also being my D/D so I'm going with the PSC Adventure steering kit. Mischief Maker deserves to go full hydro, looking forward to seeing the install video Hollie.
I suggest you make another link bar and attach it to the same point as the track bar on the driver side of the frame and then build a mount on the passenger side for the opposite end of the new link. It will distribute an enormous amount of the load to the passenger side and extend the life of the driver side. I have full hydro and it's no fun on the road...no matter what anyone says, it's a bear on the road.
If mischief maker is already down she's got broken parts what better than to simply fully upgrade then he's ready to rock and will be even more bullet proof than before and able to provide many many many more smiles per trail for yrs to come
Hey Hollie I love how you have done all the work here in the last few years and you and big man Walter getting your own shop now on too M-M it is time you go full hydro like you said he is off road only now I can't wait to see what you guys decide to do keep up the good work and putting out all the awesome content
I've missed all the spring runs with my jeep club due to some lovely module issues. Just got it back running. Although it took buying an entire parts jeep to do. Ride, break, fix, ride.
I feel you answered your question. MM is a full time is a full time trail rig and taking into account you are running extremely difficult trails I feel if I was you and had the opportunity I would go full hydro and upgrade the front end.
Go full hydro, otherwise a few months from now you will think, why didn't I go full hydro when I had the chance?. This gives you an opportunity to beat up frame more, get things dialed in better and take you to the next level. ❤❤❤
Definitely easier to just fix what needs done. But if it’s just a trail rig then full hydro makes more sense. You will probably get more turning angle by ditching the steering box.
Plan B full hydro you can get away with it as an option to daily occasionally but will be oh so much better crawling and not so much stress on the chassis.
Go full hydro. It’s just a matter of time before you wreck that box or bend your steering linkage . If it’s not seeing any real street use there is no downfall. I have it in my Jeep with unimog axles and 49s. I can steer with my pinky
With the line of business you are in and what you do on a regular basis the full Hydro would be the way to go. Does not surprise me one bit on the cost. I have been wanting to put lockers in my XJ and being a novice just getting started, I'm like WOW, I can't afford all that stuff and have to pay someone to install it all for me. You and Walter have gained such a vast knowledge over the past several years, I am sure you all will get it whipped out in no time. Thank you for sharing and hope you have safe travels to good ole PA.
Go full hydro it will be the best decision u will make. Take it from me I had a mud truck and it was the best decision I ever made had no more steering issues
I could be swayed either way on the steering. I have assist and have no plans to change. I don’t daily and just drive to trailheads. That unfortunately takes me on highways at times. Think Fordyce and Rubicon. Even Moab. There is a ton of fab work to be done on your axle for full. It may be the unpopular opinion but I would repair the frame and steering box mounting and stay with the assist. Cheaper and better all around for what I see you doing. Not really that much more than repairing the track bar bracket to fix the steering. Yup, I said not that much. In theory, not much but new territory and not easy to be fair. I do get that you will need to cut out your upper coilover mount though to fix the steering box bolt holes though. Can a worms but I believe in you guys!
Sorry to see MM is under the weather. Think I would go full hydro, unless that would not be allowed to get it plated for the street to be able to drive to trail heads.
Mixed feelings on the full hydro. Not having the box with mechanical steering as a backup if you blow a hydraulic line or seal is my only reservation. For die hard reliable I prefer manual transmission with manual steering which is how my snow plows and construction vehicles were set up however I understand the Hydro when you are having to steer against/up rocks and out of deep ruts. Yes driving them was a workout and helped strengthen your upper body and core. On the engine - one wire diesel with a mechanical Kiki Pump using an old school turbo and no computers whatsoever is my inclination. Even if you lose all electrical you can manually open the fuel valve, heat up the intake with a torch (if its cold) and push it down a hill to start it. I still have one vehicle that's old school fully manual everything for emergencies. If you go full hydro of course carry extra hydraulic fluid and at least the most vulnerable hydraulic lines along with the tools to change them out with you. Bottom line is you and Walter have to be comfortable with the pluses and minuses plus the expense. That's free advice and the great thing about it is that you are under no obligation to follow it. Best!
If I was Holly. I would bring in one if not two very experienced fabricators/builders and have them go over the entire vehicle. With a focus on everything that was modified or attaches to the stock frame. Has the Mischief Maker ever had a complete tear down, inspection and rebuild? I am talking down to bare frame? I suspect not only is the frame torn in the area of the track bar and steering gear box I bet that the frame is bent and or twisted.
@@MischiefMakerTV You need to think about all the forces that are being generated with the axles, wheel and tires and turning them. The side to side forces are huge when in the rocks and without the entire front of the frame being reinforced the stock frame will never be up to the task. Is the Mischief Maker caged all the way to the front of the frame like Nessy? From winching, bumping the bumper into ledges and all the steering forces are just too much for a stock frame. Things being bent is just a sign that they have been stressed beyond it's yield strength. Go and get some seat time in Nessy. Be happy you have that option and if Mischief Maker is down for a while and needs some significant attention it is just part of it.
@@MischiefMakerTV Yes, that is "normal" but the stock frame is probably worn out because what you see is stress fractures. And there are probably other parts of the frame in much the same state. Frame needs stiffening or better yet a "new" one with stress points reinforced.
Full hydro would be ideal. I vote for building it better. That’s what you’re supposed to do anyway, if it breaks you build it! If you’re going to spend time and energy on it you may as well make it better.
Do it. I had an 89 YJ that every time something broke, I over built it. That's why all that was left of an 89 YJ when I sold it, was the frame and the tub. Built it bullet proof.
I honestly believe your only option is to go full Hydro with that rig. You would eliminate so many problems, and you would be amazed at how much better that thing is going to steer.
@MischiefMakerTV because you asked.... ...I would repair the frame/trackbar mount & steering box mount issues. Then do the longer track bar. Get back to wheeling. Later, when not pressed for time, do your full hydro.
If you weld it all back How much time are you going to get Before the cracks come back If you eliminate the steering box you can completely re fabric your front section of your frame maybe beefier shock towers replace that coke can they used for a cross member You’ll end up with a much beefier set up What ever plate steel you use try to get the same stuff they use to make frames with
Mischief maker has earned a full hydro set up! Make him better than he was. You got this.then you can cut out and patch that frame the way need to for that new track bar set up.
Plate the frame .. reinforce crossmembers .. and leave the steering box .. You blow a hose on full hydro you have no steering game over .. You blow a hose with a steering box you can still drive out
It's all up to how and when and even where you drive MM. That said, I have not looked back since gong to full Hydro on my rig. It takes all the stress out of, well, everything as you have seen when tearing it all down. Full hydro is a simple install, pretty straight forward. Just know, it gets pretty "quirky" driving more than 35-40 MPH. You will do a lot more trailering with full hydro, but it functions so much better out o the trails.
From what I know, which isn’t much btw, hydro assist has the benefit of having a backup if you will. If one breaks, you still get off the trail. With full hydro, WHEN it breaks, your stuck. But then again you can just call Matt. Lol. Go full hydro! Go big or go home!
I learned a looooong time ago. Build it right, build it once. Go hydro and never look back. It gets rid of the weak points and allows you to over build it. You know that's what you wanna do anyway and for the money, you can't go wrong
If I had the money, and was in your position using it as a trail rig, I'd go full hydro. Street manners will still be manageable to get from trail to trail and you'll enjoy the benefits of full hydro. Best of luck with whatever you decide! If you keep the assist that steering box mount section of the frame is going to need a plate or two.
You ask if you should go Full Hydro on MM. I'd say keep him as-is/built (but fully repaired), your build on him thus far has been solid. Go Full Hydro on another toy later; You've got plenty of time as I see your sitch' ;-)
Something is causing those frame attachments to break. There's a lot of stress concentrated in a very small section of frame. Even if you weld it all up and reinforce it's likely you'll start breaking something else, possibly at a critical time. Going full hydro will spread the stress out. I think ultimately full hydro will be the less expensive, safer, and more effective choice. That and for some reason I find it easy to spend other people's money.😉
Remember the track bar is the only thing keeping the front axle centered and any side load on the wheels and axle go directly into the side of the frame.
Full time trail rig, now is the time to upgrade and enhance your trail experience. If you keep it the same, you'll wish you had upgraded. Spend now or later. Now means you get to have more fun with it though.
I would look at making the frame stronger on that side. The take the other side apart and see what things look like over there. Both sides of your frame may need to be stronger. Also a good time to do all front end maintenance. I would also look at the rest of the things under the Jeep. Go to the back and look back there. May not take things apart unless I see a problem but make sure all is tight and looks good.
Sucks about the extra damage. You might as well upgrade to full hydro now, while it's torn apart. No sense in repairing stuff that would have to be ripped out later on.
If money was no object and I could still do the mechanical and fabrication work (sucks to get old) I would remove the front clip so I could get to the front cross member and replace it and go full hydraulic steering. I would also fish plate the frame and fabricate a heavier track bar mount.
Honestly, I would probably swap the wheels and tires out with mischief maker and Nessie. Put Nessie in the rocks and see what she’s made of. No since in having a 150k paper weight just my 2 cents. Have fun and be safe.
Nessie will stay on 37s for now. And there’s plenty of time for that later in the year. She is purpose built for Hammer Trails and I will get some seat time here in Sand Hollow, but seat time in Johnson Valley Matters most - but I’m not going there in the summer because it’s WAY TOO hot out there right now 🥵
I don't suggest you go hydraulic. I've worked with and on hydraulics most of my life and I avoid having anything hydraulic on my vehicles. Reason: when there's a problem with mechanical parts they usually still work to some degree. When there's a problem with hydraulics it's dead and doesn't work at all until it's fixed. You have a chance of getting back to and on the trailer if you repair the mechanical parts. You have more of a chance of being stranded where you are _when_ ("if" isn't a thing. Things break) and need a tow to your trailer if you go hydraulic. Have a great time at Coopers Lake! Welcome back to PA!
"We've Only Just Began" by Karen Carpenter, such a beautiful song. I was planning to hire a singer to sing that song during my wedding but unfortunately I never got married..
I am concerned: If the frame has failed at one corner I would be afraid of other frame damage. I would think that a full inspection of the frame and a look at reinforcing it would be in order. Its' flexing is what did the damage in the first place.
Hydro assist is nice if the packaging and geometry is good. I think its nice having that drag link but you dont have to worry about your track bar matching your drag link and stuff with full hydro. That is a tough choice. I like driving on road but i feel like a good full hydro setup will go just fine off road. Your steering wheel will find different centers it wont stay straight like with a drag link but thats not necessarily bad. I kinda vote for staying hydro assist because i feel its more versatile if it can be packaged nicely but it wouldn't take much for me to choose full hydro on a build even if it was going on the road part time.
I love your channel and your videos. Always very informative. What I'm going to suggest, you have probably already done and made up your mind by now. You have made amazing contacts and know a ton of people with way more experience than me. Reach out to them and get THEIR opinions. Pretty sure at this point, they will all tell you to take Mischief Maker to the next level and go full hydro. Your skill level is there and is just ready for the next step in progression. Good luck! I hope you get him up and running better than me in no time!
MischiefMaker has already made up his mind and is just waiting for you to get on board with the full hydro option. He needs 'em, he wants 'em, you and Walter just need to do it.
I'd go Hydro - Rory is kind of the role model here: When he fixes something he always makes it stronger.
Full hydro still wouldn't resolve the the problems with the frame. You still need to repair that on either solution you decide. Me personally would stick with the steering box and hydro assist. Depending on the ram you are running, you can actually get more turning strength from that setup than full hydro and in the rocks with your tire size that could be significant. I would suggest that you call and talk with Tony from Genright as he is a very knowledgeable person and could explain the pro's and con's better than I could, plus on all of his rigs he runs a steering box with a ram assist and there is probably a real good reason why if not more than a reason. Good luck with your decision and please video your results.
Option 2 , go with the upgrades. MM deserves the love.
What I enjoy most is how much, in such a few short years, how capable you have become in taking care of your own equipment
“IMPRESSIVE”
Thank you! It’s been a very fun process 😊🤘🏻
Go full Hydro. Rudy is able to drive his rig on road just fine. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!!
"We've only just begun ".........
Brings back memories!
🤔
Go full full hydro and eliminate problems. I think at this point and like you said Mischiefmaker is your go to serious off road machine. Keep up the great content.
That rock crawling is very hard on the vehicles. Costly hobby. Got to love it.💕💖
Metal fatigues and that is a major stress point. It will probably just crack again next to the welds. If hydro takes the stress off that area, it would be a very good option.
Hollie, the singing interludes during your mechanic work gives you a unique identity, The Singing Mechanic.
Full hydro, that eliminates a lot of moving and stress parts, moving and stress parts break, get after market cross members, plate the frame and your done, cost ya now but the joys of continued confidence will bring peace of mind
Fix it for now. It would be better than what it was. That way you won't get to sidetrack from your other projects. Then think about hydro later when things have calmed down and you actually have the parts on hand.
Don’t forget to vote every day. They are falling behind more and more every day.. VOTE VOTE let’s get them back in first place 👍
I try to remind and always post the link in their videos and they rarely do
Great video Hollie!! Yup, that cross member tubing looked a bit to thin walled to me. Not surprised it broke. the stress on those welds and tubing in a twist situation is tremendous. I would take it completely out and replace it with the same diameter but thicker wall (1/4" at least) tubing. Also the frame material is pretty light. I'd make some fish plates to fit in that area at least a foot long (front to back) on both sides ( driver and passenger) of the frame.
I'm thinking I would go with full hydro on the steering. As you said, you don't do much highway driving and from what I understand it seems like most of the "big boys" doing rock crawling use full hydro.
Love your videos and I hope you get it all done as well as getting all you need done on your"s and Rudy's Chev.
Park him up
When you come back ,get into stripping down things ,stock crossmember needs to go ,the chassis needs to be plated ,then you have a sound platform to work with .
For what you expect of mischief maker,one can't think stock components are going to work or give you longevity.
The steering assist hasn't let you down ,the chassis has !
One might check the rear end chassis for weak spots .
Time to Rally the troops and have a couple of working days getting stuck in ,Matt ,Paul ,Ben,Rudy maybe ?
You did say to comment,take care ,enjoy the travels
Oh, full hydro FTW! I'm considering that for Penny, too, for very similar reasons you are encountering. I'm headed to PA, too, but not until the end of July with BFG. ;-) You're a big reason why I wanted to do this trip--thank you for the inspiration! Looking forward to this trip!
Keep me posted on what you decide to do. Based on the majority of comments, it looks like Full Hydro is the way to go. 🤣
I have full hydro and triangulated front 4 link. Personally for the trail to trail drives its perfect. Any drives over an hour can be a little annoying with the full hydro, but the benefits in the dirt with articulation, no bump steer, and overall strength is well worth it 👍
We all know what you're going to do! Go for it Hollie!!
After seeing what you have to repair and where the repairs have to be made, I think full hydo is the way to go as the best long term solution.
Pop down to Ephraim and discuss load bearing paint with Robby and Hillbilly. Seems to have been the only thing holding the Broncstar together for the last few years. Probably why Matt sends his vehicles there too.
Full hydro for a rig like Mischief Maker for the reasons you stated. It's already a full on trail rig that primarily gets trailered everywhere. The steering box on the frame is a weak link on a lot of vehicles built to the max like Mischief is.
Hey Hollie, I think at this stage in the game and the most cost effective and time wise would be to go full hydro. That's just my two cents. Keep up the great work and get him done! Can't wait to see!
Well Hollie, he's there all apart I'd go full Hydro but then your gonna have to trailer him where ever you go. And I know how much you like just jumping in him and going wheeling. Tough call but we support you in what ever decision you make.
Full hydro is 100% the way to go. Absolutely love mine!
Full hydro is the way to go. Have fun and stay safe. From AZ.
For a jeep chassis, and flex points they all need to be considered, checked regularly and reinforsed. Yes it will increase the stifness.
Butler PA. So close but yet so far. Wish we could make the trip next weekend. Maybe next time. Full hydro of course.
My stock steering box has had it after 10 years of wheeling and also being my D/D so I'm going with the PSC Adventure steering kit. Mischief Maker deserves to go full hydro, looking forward to seeing the install video Hollie.
I suggest you make another link bar and attach it to the same point as the track bar on the driver side of the frame and then build a mount on the passenger side for the opposite end of the new link. It will distribute an enormous amount of the load to the passenger side and extend the life of the driver side.
I have full hydro and it's no fun on the road...no matter what anyone says, it's a bear on the road.
If mischief maker is already down she's got broken parts what better than to simply fully upgrade then he's ready to rock and will be even more bullet proof than before and able to provide many many many more smiles per trail for yrs to come
Hey Hollie I love how you have done all the work here in the last few years and you and big man Walter getting your own shop now on too M-M it is time you go full hydro like you said he is off road only now I can't wait to see what you guys decide to do keep up the good work and putting out all the awesome content
I've missed all the spring runs with my jeep club due to some lovely module issues. Just got it back running. Although it took buying an entire parts jeep to do. Ride, break, fix, ride.
I feel you answered your question. MM is a full time is a full time trail rig and taking into account you are running extremely difficult trails I feel if I was you and had the opportunity I would go full hydro and upgrade the front end.
Full hydro take the stress and strain off the track bar. Mischief maker will be more capable and more resilient. Keep up the great work
Go full hydro, otherwise a few months from now you will think, why didn't I go full hydro when I had the chance?. This gives you an opportunity to beat up frame more, get things dialed in better and take you to the next level. ❤❤❤
full Hydro. good luck on the repair.
Sweet. I can't wait to see Nessie. Let's see if I can actually get you out on our trails this time. 😁
Wow lots to be done on that rig!!! Have fun 🎉
I'm actually surprised MM doesn't already have a full hydro steering system😉🇺🇲
Definitely easier to just fix what needs done. But if it’s just a trail rig then full hydro makes more sense. You will probably get more turning angle by ditching the steering box.
Plan B full hydro you can get away with it as an option to daily occasionally but will be oh so much better crawling and not so much stress on the chassis.
With the trails you take him down I would go ahead and do full hydro. Oh and I'm stoked been looking forward to some stickers 🤙
Mm needs full hydraulic and rear steering to make it a full on rock crawling beast great video keep up the good work God bless from GA and stay safe
Go full hydro. It’s just a matter of time before you wreck that box or bend your steering linkage . If it’s not seeing any real street use there is no downfall. I have it in my Jeep with unimog axles and 49s. I can steer with my pinky
With the line of business you are in and what you do on a regular basis the full Hydro would be the way to go. Does not surprise me one bit on the cost. I have been wanting to put lockers in my XJ and being a novice just getting started, I'm like WOW, I can't afford all that stuff and have to pay someone to install it all for me. You and Walter have gained such a vast knowledge over the past several years, I am sure you all will get it whipped out in no time.
Thank you for sharing and hope you have safe travels to good ole PA.
Sometimes you just gotta look at it.
Full hydro all the way! Also maybe next time take Nessie out? Would be great to see her on the rocks!
Hey lovely miss Holly,
My golly, what a folly,
At least is not made out of poly.
Hahahaha ❤😊
Your down to
4 wheeling on roller skates.
Go big!! Elevate a lot of your issues at once.
Go full hydro it will be the best decision u will make. Take it from me I had a mud truck and it was the best decision I ever made had no more steering issues
I could be swayed either way on the steering. I have assist and have no plans to change. I don’t daily and just drive to trailheads. That unfortunately takes me on highways at times. Think Fordyce and Rubicon. Even Moab. There is a ton of fab work to be done on your axle for full. It may be the unpopular opinion but I would repair the frame and steering box mounting and stay with the assist. Cheaper and better all around for what I see you doing. Not really that much more than repairing the track bar bracket to fix the steering. Yup, I said not that much. In theory, not much but new territory and not easy to be fair. I do get that you will need to cut out your upper coilover mount though to fix the steering box bolt holes though. Can a worms but I believe in you guys!
Sorry to see MM is under the weather. Think I would go full hydro, unless that would not be allowed to get it plated for the street to be able to drive to trail heads.
Mixed feelings on the full hydro. Not having the box with mechanical steering as a backup if you blow a hydraulic line or seal is my only reservation. For die hard reliable I prefer manual transmission with manual steering which is how my snow plows and construction vehicles were set up however I understand the Hydro when you are having to steer against/up rocks and out of deep ruts. Yes driving them was a workout and helped strengthen your upper body and core.
On the engine - one wire diesel with a mechanical Kiki Pump using an old school turbo and no computers whatsoever is my inclination. Even if you lose all electrical you can manually open the fuel valve, heat up the intake with a torch (if its cold) and push it down a hill to start it.
I still have one vehicle that's old school fully manual everything for emergencies.
If you go full hydro of course carry extra hydraulic fluid and at least the most vulnerable hydraulic lines along with the tools to change them out with you.
Bottom line is you and Walter have to be comfortable with the pluses and minuses plus the expense.
That's free advice and the great thing about it is that you are under no obligation to follow it.
Best!
I'd say go for it and do the upgrade.. with everything else you have done already, it would be a great compliment 😊 have fun this weekend
Great video, showing the fans, everything needs maintenance once in awhile
Looks like a repair Matt would do!Time for a custom frame.
Holly you are so incredible with staying calm, assessing and finding resolve....bless you
If I was Holly. I would bring in one if not two very experienced fabricators/builders and have them go over the entire vehicle. With a focus on everything that was modified or attaches to the stock frame. Has the Mischief Maker ever had a complete tear down, inspection and rebuild? I am talking down to bare frame? I suspect not only is the frame torn in the area of the track bar and steering gear box I bet that the frame is bent and or twisted.
It’s definitely bent/twisted, but that’s normal based on the purpose.
@@MischiefMakerTV You need to think about all the forces that are being generated with the axles, wheel and tires and turning them. The side to side forces are huge when in the rocks and without the entire front of the frame being reinforced the stock frame will never be up to the task. Is the Mischief Maker caged all the way to the front of the frame like Nessy? From winching, bumping the bumper into ledges and all the steering forces are just too much for a stock frame. Things being bent is just a sign that they have been stressed beyond it's yield strength. Go and get some seat time in Nessy. Be happy you have that option and if Mischief Maker is down for a while and needs some significant attention it is just part of it.
@@MischiefMakerTV Yes, that is "normal" but the stock frame is probably worn out because what you see is stress fractures. And there are probably other parts of the frame in much the same state. Frame needs stiffening or better yet a "new" one with stress points reinforced.
Full hydro would be ideal. I vote for building it better. That’s what you’re supposed to do anyway, if it breaks you build it! If you’re going to spend time and energy on it you may as well make it better.
Do it. I had an 89 YJ that every time something broke, I over built it. That's why all that was left of an 89 YJ when I sold it, was the frame and the tub. Built it bullet proof.
I honestly believe your only option is to go full Hydro with that rig. You would eliminate so many problems, and you would be amazed at how much better that thing is going to steer.
If you him taken apart anyway, why not take advantage of that and upgrade! You and Walter got this!!❤
@MischiefMakerTV because you asked.... ...I would repair the frame/trackbar mount & steering box mount issues. Then do the longer track bar. Get back to wheeling. Later, when not pressed for time, do your full hydro.
If you weld it all back
How much time are you going to get
Before the cracks come back
If you eliminate the steering box you can completely re fabric your front section of your frame maybe beefier shock towers replace that coke can they used for a cross member
You’ll end up with a much beefier set up
What ever plate steel you use try to get the same stuff they use to make frames with
If you can afford the new steering go for it . And you have a mentor . Rudy has already installed that system on the rudicon ... Good luck ....
If you guys can afford it, I would def go full hydro! My understanding is that you will be happier in the future.
Always go upgrade when you can, especially when you're at the decision of; do I redo what broke before?; or do I add strength and reliability?
I had the same options. I went with psc 2.75” double ended ram, and a cbr pump. Makes life way easier and less of a fight.
Mischief maker has earned a full hydro set up! Make him better than he was. You got this.then you can cut out and patch that frame the way need to for that new track bar set up.
Plate the frame .. reinforce crossmembers .. and leave the steering box .. You blow a hose on full hydro you have no steering game over .. You blow a hose with a steering box you can still drive out
That was much you have to do. Good that you find all that now! Hope he will be frech soon!
Ese Jeep azul me encanta ese color..es el icono de tus video ....Saludos desde PR
It's all up to how and when and even where you drive MM. That said, I have not looked back since gong to full Hydro on my rig. It takes all the stress out of, well, everything as you have seen when tearing it all down. Full hydro is a simple install, pretty straight forward. Just know, it gets pretty "quirky" driving more than 35-40 MPH. You will do a lot more trailering with full hydro, but it functions so much better out o the trails.
From what I know, which isn’t much btw, hydro assist has the benefit of having a backup if you will. If one breaks, you still get off the trail. With full hydro, WHEN it breaks, your stuck. But then again you can just call Matt. Lol. Go full hydro! Go big or go home!
I learned a looooong time ago. Build it right, build it once. Go hydro and never look back. It gets rid of the weak points and allows you to over build it.
You know that's what you wanna do anyway and for the money, you can't go wrong
Good luck on the rebuild 🤙😎
If I had the money, and was in your position using it as a trail rig, I'd go full hydro. Street manners will still be manageable to get from trail to trail and you'll enjoy the benefits of full hydro. Best of luck with whatever you decide! If you keep the assist that steering box mount section of the frame is going to need a plate or two.
You ask if you should go Full Hydro on MM. I'd say keep him as-is/built (but fully repaired), your build on him thus far has been solid. Go Full Hydro on another toy later; You've got plenty of time as I see your sitch' ;-)
Something is causing those frame attachments to break. There's a lot of stress concentrated in a very small section of frame. Even if you weld it all up and reinforce it's likely you'll start breaking something else, possibly at a critical time. Going full hydro will spread the stress out. I think ultimately full hydro will be the less expensive, safer, and more effective choice. That and for some reason I find it easy to spend other people's money.😉
Remember the track bar is the only thing keeping the front axle centered and any side load on the wheels and axle go directly into the side of the frame.
Full time trail rig, now is the time to upgrade and enhance your trail experience. If you keep it the same, you'll wish you had upgraded. Spend now or later. Now means you get to have more fun with it though.
I would look at making the frame stronger on that side. The take the other side apart and see what things look like over there. Both sides of your frame may need to be stronger. Also a good time to do all front end maintenance. I would also look at the rest of the things under the Jeep. Go to the back and look back there. May not take things apart unless I see a problem but make sure all is tight and looks good.
Full hydro for sure. Gotta get him back up and running
Sucks about the extra damage. You might as well upgrade to full hydro now, while it's torn apart. No sense in repairing stuff that would have to be ripped out later on.
If money was no object and I could still do the mechanical and fabrication work (sucks to get old) I would remove the front clip so I could get to the front cross member and replace it and go full hydraulic steering. I would also fish plate the frame and fabricate a heavier track bar mount.
Thanks for sharing .
Great idea on going full hydro since its mainly an offroad rig.
I agree, full hydro and suspension upgrades.
Build a rock crawler, they said. It will be fun, they said. You ripped a good chunk off that frame.
full hydro = More Mischief and we love mischief
Honestly, I would probably swap the wheels and tires out with mischief maker and Nessie. Put Nessie in the rocks and see what she’s made of. No since in having a 150k paper weight just my 2 cents. Have fun and be safe.
Nessie will stay on 37s for now. And there’s plenty of time for that later in the year. She is purpose built for Hammer Trails and I will get some seat time here in Sand Hollow, but seat time in Johnson Valley Matters most - but I’m not going there in the summer because it’s WAY TOO hot out there right now 🥵
I don't suggest you go hydraulic. I've worked with and on hydraulics most of my life and I avoid having anything hydraulic on my vehicles. Reason: when there's a problem with mechanical parts they usually still work to some degree. When there's a problem with hydraulics it's dead and doesn't work at all until it's fixed. You have a chance of getting back to and on the trailer if you repair the mechanical parts. You have more of a chance of being stranded where you are _when_ ("if" isn't a thing. Things break) and need a tow to your trailer if you go hydraulic.
Have a great time at Coopers Lake! Welcome back to PA!
"We've Only Just Began" by Karen Carpenter, such a beautiful song. I was planning to hire a singer to sing that song during my wedding but unfortunately I never got married..
It was our wedding song 50 years ago!
Great video Hollie, thumbs up from Australia 🤠👍🇦🇺
Hydro assist is my opinion. Cause if one or the other breaks, you can usually limp your self off the trail With what you have left.
Full hydro. Its the circle of wheeling...break, make better, test, repeat process until it breaks less and less
Full hydro. Rudy did a tasty video on how safe it is on-road. It would solve a bunch of problems with the frame with a wee bit of work.
I am concerned: If the frame has failed at one corner I would be afraid of other frame damage. I would think that a full inspection of the frame and a look at reinforcing it would be in order. Its' flexing is what did the damage in the first place.
Time to 4 link front and go full hydro!!!👍👍👍
Hydro assist is nice if the packaging and geometry is good. I think its nice having that drag link but you dont have to worry about your track bar matching your drag link and stuff with full hydro. That is a tough choice. I like driving on road but i feel like a good full hydro setup will go just fine off road. Your steering wheel will find different centers it wont stay straight like with a drag link but thats not necessarily bad. I kinda vote for staying hydro assist because i feel its more versatile if it can be packaged nicely but it wouldn't take much for me to choose full hydro on a build even if it was going on the road part time.
I love your channel and your videos. Always very informative. What I'm going to suggest, you have probably already done and made up your mind by now. You have made amazing contacts and know a ton of people with way more experience than me. Reach out to them and get THEIR opinions. Pretty sure at this point, they will all tell you to take Mischief Maker to the next level and go full hydro. Your skill level is there and is just ready for the next step in progression. Good luck! I hope you get him up and running better than me in no time!