Since we decided to keep the stock frame, we thought it would be best to plate the outside for a little added strength. We started by using a cardboard box from the last tool purchased to make templates for the plates we needed. | 
Using a plasma cutter, we cut the plates out of 1/8-inch hot-rolled steel, using the cardboard templates we had made as a guide. Sure there are cleaner ways to cut steel, but for this task the power and speed of the plasma made it the right tool for us. Not to mention a bare truck frame makes an excellent cutting table. | 
With all four plates cut out, we set off to welding them to the frame, leaving a space to be cut out later for the C-notch. |
Since weight distribution plays such a key role in off-road trucks, we decided it would be best to move the battery to the rear, and to also add a second battery for the big-draw items like lights and eventually a winch. We built mounts for these nifty boxes that are built specifically to hold the Optima batteries we decided to go with. | 
On the twelfth day, we took a much-needed break to do some important work: restock the garage minifridge. The key to getting good help from friends and family is a well-stocked minifridge. It also helps on those long days working in the hot sun. It's a necessity in every garage! | 
By design, the upper- and lower-link mounts share a bolt, making it easy to locate the lower-link mount once the upper-link mount is put into place. You can see here the lower-link mount mocked up with a piece of 1/8-inch plate behind it. This plate will be welded to the frame for added strength at a later time; for now, it's just tack-welded into place. |
With the link mounting points now set and the axlehousing under the truck, we were then able to set the pinion angle and weld the lower-link mounts onto the axle. | 
On the twelfth day, we took a much-needed break to do some important work: restock the garage minifridge. The key to getting good help from friends and family is a well-stocked minifridge. It also helps on those long days working in the hot sun. It's a necessity in every garage! | 
Here you can see the axle in place, the upper and lower links bolted on, and the frame C-notch completed. We now had a four-linked truck! |
To be sure we would never have a problem with the rear axle, we went with a Strange nodular third member loaded with a Detroit Locker and 4.56 Sierra Gear gears from West Coast Differentials. The Strange nodular housing uses a Daytona pinion support and billet 1350 yoke for the ultimate in strength. | 
With the links now in place, we were able to fully assemble the rear axle. The rear axle is complete with Currie Enterprises 35-spline axleshafts and the Detroit-locked Strange third member from West Coast Differentials. It also has 11-inch Explorer disc brakes in place of the stock drums and a host of other goodies. Once assembled, it was bolted back in place for the final time. | 
Remember the unfinished lower-link mount? Well here it is finished. Also notice the strap added to the bushing of the lower link for support and the grease zerk to keep things moving smoothly. |