Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Here is a closer picture of the trans to transfer case adapter. It's good and close to the floor. I didn't have the back shim in the body mount. Hopefully that will give some more lift. Also another picture of the transfer case linkage. I will have to also change out the other linkage piece. The hole is to big for the '72 linkage.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Tonight I tore into the driveline. I cut off perches and got everything dialed in. One thing I noticed is the hanger bearing cross member is sloped downward. Not sure if they all have a slope but one thing to keep in mind. I didn't notice until I had things bolted together for test fitting. Also got the shock mount relocated.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

It looks like you might need to knock the rivets out of the carrier bearing riser bracket and move it to the right a little too. It doesn't look to be straight from the tcase to the pinion by the way it looks.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

I was wondering about that whether it was ok or would have to be straight in line. I will have to shorten the rear driveshaft. There is little to no travel.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Looks great, good move on the front driveline plenty of travel now. :mm: Looks like the carrier cross member just needs to be squared up to the drivetrain centerline then square to the rails. Should be fine with a little adjustment, try a laser and good mounts, carrier bearing etc. when you do this you'll get the whole shebang nutz on! The rear section may kick over a little to mate to the off center 14b pinion.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

The past few days I got the perchs welded back on, painted and rear axle secured again. I was able to slide over the hanger bearing mount to get the driveline straightened out. Pulled power train and got all the holes drilled for all the cross members. Started clean power train.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Today was spent cleaning up parts for paint. Finished cleaning the power train and got it primed. Then I tackled the front cross member. I ended up using the '80's style. Wasn't to bad just took some time and a few choice words.:haha:. The cross member is actually in backwards compared to the way it was in the K30 frame. I put the cross member in the way the original cross member was and attached the sway bar. Now that I now the position it had to be in I squared it up and got out the torch. With the torch and a good set of welding clamps I heated the edges and pulled top corners up to the frame. I started off with some lighter clamps and they just didn't have the torque. I them did the same for the bottom drivers side. It's doubled up there so you have to get it good and hot then crank er down. Don't forget like I did and remove the bottom bushing. Luckily I caught it in time but still got a little deformed. I then started on the passenger side and worked my way around drilling and bolts. Making sure everything stayed square. For reference the top holes ended up being 2" forward of the factory holes. That was enough fun for one day.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Also got the shocks installed

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Very nice work!

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

This morning I painted the power train and sandblasted a bunch of miscellaneous pieces for moving forward. I then tried out my new powder coating gun. It went pretty well for the first time but I am learning a lot. I purchased a stove for $25 on Craigslist to cure the parts. Did three batches now I will be ready to drop the motor back in tomorrow. This afternoon I changed transmission fluid and filter. Also put a new oil pan gasket, oil filter, and fuel pump. Had to stop there because I need longer bolts for the motor mounts.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

I love the stance of Big Bird. Nice job! I will be keeping an eye as the build continues.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Nathan, can you take a measurement for me on your frame rails. What is the height of the biggest spot on the frame behind the front cab mounts? Is it 8"? Thanks Trevor

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Nice progress!

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

7 1/2" right behind front cab mount. 18" back it's 8"

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Thanks Jud

P.S. I would be interested in buying the Longhorn back if that day comes.
;)

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Thanks a million!

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

One thing about building a truck is there are times when it feels as if I am just treading water. Clean, blast, clean, paint repeat. But when it comes to assembly it's like it's Christmas time and you get to put things together. I will have to say that is one of most enjoyable feeling to this hobby. Today was that kind of day. Bolted on the water pump and the engine mounts with transmission support braces. Got the transmission and front cross member installed along with my make shift steering gearbox brace. I just cut out that area of one of my donor frames and bolted it up. Not the ideal setup but thought it can't hurt. So the gearbox also got installed. Then it was time to drop in the drivetrain. Went together like a dream. I installed the transfer case shifter and the front driveshaft temporarily to get it off the floor.

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

A couple more pictures

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Looking nice! I really despise those 4x4 engine cross members. I'm doing a Longhorn C30 to K30 right now and i'm making a Napco inspired engine cross member for it. At least you went with the poly ones!

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

fyi your front dana 60 needs to get rid of the 80's warn hubs and get the early used spicer hubs on it .

stronger and look more correct for this build .

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Where does one go to find a set of those hubs?

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Break your wallet out when you find them. :lol: I just painted my knobs blue to hold off the purists. Haha

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

I kinda figured they were probably spendy. I have a couple blue sets for 3/4 tons saved for the future. What does a Napco cross member look like?

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Blue, can I get you to measure the height inside your frame c channel in the circled area? No rush at all- I'm just trying to make sure my frame isn't pinched, pulled, squeezed or tweaked. I'd greatly appreciate it!

Attachment 1748275

Re: Big Bird - 1972 Longhorn K30
 

Inside measurement is 5-1/8" top to bottom right in front of cross member. I posted in your thread also and wanted to post again here for future reference.