Custom Snorkel Fabrication

[Wolf Fabrication]

This is another one for the project archives. I just finished a custom snorkel for my D-90 and just wanted to share the project and ideas for any of you who may attempt to make your own in the future. It turned out great. Here are a few pics and a link to the write-up.
http://www.cj-3a.com/fabricating_a_custom_snorkel.htm

[Grover]

Well done! Being mechanically inclined can definately save money when working on these trucks. One day I will have a welder...

I had a Safari Snorkel on my Jeep TJ years ago and it seemed the ram-air effect gave the motor a bit more pep...do you notice anything performance wise?

Keep us posted on your mods...


Cheers...

[Wolf Fabrication]

I have not taken the rover for a spin since the install, but I'll let you know. It's been so damn cold here the past few days....

[Grover]

I know...it is going to get cold this weekend here in Cincinnati...0deg:eek:
BTW, your truck and mine truck have the same name...Grover...

Cheers...

[rgrrvr]

Teufelhund,

where did you get the 3" pipe sections? Can you get these anywhere? What are your thoughts on PVC? Obviously not weldable but I was considering using rubber hose for the bend connections and either bending the pvc with heat or using angles

[Wolf Fabrication]

You can get the 3" pipe sections at most good muffler shops. I got mine at a racing parts/fab shop. You can also buy them online. I think I saw them on Ebay, but I bet Summit probably sells them. I have an extra section if anyone is interested.

As for the PVC, it would work, and they do make various angles for your bends. I just think it would look cheesy. But if you are going for function versus form, then go for it. As for heating the PVC, you could only get a slight bend out of heating it up before it creases and collapses in on itself. Using flex tubing for the bends would work, but then again it would look like shop class.

[JimC]

You must have some plan for securing it to the roll cage? Its hard to tell - from the back, it looks like the pipe follows the angle of the cage, but from the front it looks off - whats the real deal?

[Stmpede]

I don't know about the angle. I agree with you, from some pictures it looks perfect and from others it looks slightly off. If you look through the page again he shows a tab a few times that is welded to the upright tube and one of the roll cage bolts goes through it to secure it. Really nicely done actually instead of having those big brackets hanging off.

[JimC]

Oh yeah, I didnt click through. Silly me.

[Wolf Fabrication]

You have to look at directly from the side for it to parallel the roll cage. And yes, there is a tab welded to the snorkel that bolts to the cage. It's surprisingly rigid. Plus the panel that covers the fender vent is welded to the tube, so that keeps it secure as well.

[cgalpin]

Nice Job - you have been a busy bee. Regarding the single bracket, do you think that's enough to secure it if a good sized branch got hooked on it? I'd think you'd want one higher up too.

Have you prepped her to be able to go deeper than the stock intake level yet? Do share what steps you take. One thing I hardly see is the axle vents extended too, which I think is a must.

So when are you taking her in some water? I'm doing a trail on Feb 17 with a local 4x4 club that will have a nice bit of water to play in if your interested in coming.

charles

[Wolf Fabrication]

We are not quite ready for water playtime. I still need to install the winch, add some armor, add some more waterproofing, plus figure out some mechanical issues.

The tubing I used it 1/16" thick, which is actually thinker than most exhaust tubing. The bracket is plenty strong enough and it would take a massive tree hit to do any damage or bend it. Next time you see my Rover I'll let do some yanking on it.

As for the wheeling, I've been meaning to join Off Camber Crawlers, but there are all those crazy rules for membership. I just need to get out to some of the functions but I am still prepping my ride.

[cgalpin]

Ok. Just keep in mind I'm taking my POS '84 110 on this ride, so how much preparation could you need? :D

You can come as a guest on any trial ride that is not a members only event, and the base requirements are purely safety equipment and things like recovery points. You'd qualify as-is, although armor is always a good idea. The trail I am talking about is fine - maybe a diff guard would be a good idea.

charles