Patience and decisions

I’m at a speed bump on fitting the rear suspension to the frame due to not having the new leaf spring shackle hangers. Once I get those I can find the spacing of the rear Kelderman air ride system. They should be in within two weeks. I did fit the rear shock mount crossmember. So that’s great. 

So while wait, I decided to go ahead and dig into the motor. 

Once I took the exhaust manifold off I found the #6 port to have what I thought was oil in it. So I figured a scored cylinder. 

Luckily, I think it was just evidence of a valve stuck it not seating right. Cause once the head was off I can see that the cylinder walls are beautiful. Still has the original crosshatching. 

So now I have a decision to make. Leave the block as is or rebuild it. I think I’m gonna just go ahead and rebuild it. Should be fun. 

Does it still fit?

Since I am using a frame different from what the suspension parts came from, I am 100% ensuring that all parts fit/bolt up/whatever before I strip /seal/paint the frame and suspension parts. Doing this gives me peace of mind but also tests my patience! Hurry it up already!

I also bodged up the crossmember lower bolt mounting holes on the frame. So I lined her up and tack welded in some washers to help align the bolts when I’m ready for final mount. 

Need to order the new rear suspension brackets that will lower the rear end. That way I can cut/drill the mounting holes and ensure fitment. 

THEN I can strip and paint the frame. Need to start thinking of overall color scheme. I may want to paint the frame and suspension parts that will go with or match the rest of the truck. 

Photo dump

Donor parts truck is gone!

Finally I have everything g off the donor parts truck/frame I need. The frame is cut up and out of the shop. 

Next is to mock up the crew cab frame with all suspension and crossmembers except for the tranny crossmember. Still not sure what direction I’ll go with that. 

Moving along!

Sick of crossmembers

After getting the engine crossmember off of the donor truck, I realized I can’t just slide it on the crew cab frame. It has to sandwich between the motor mount plate and the mount for the shock and upper control arm. 

So I carefully cut the motor mount plates off. I drilled pilot holes first to align them when I bolt and weld them back on. 

Now I’m just getting the crossmembers off of the donor truck. Next I’ll need to cut the welded holes on the crew frame, then mock up everything. 

VIP’s!!!

In order to take the motor mount/suspension crossmember off of the donor frame, large heavy rivets had to be removed. 

The plasma cutter and the air hammer were the real VIP’s in making that happen today. 

Spring Squisher

The grand Tennessee Redneck spring compressor worked great! Thanks to my evil genius of a father for giving me the idea.