82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I learned how to turn a wrench working on these squares when I was in my early teens. When I was is in high school I bought the truck that I'm picking up the restoration on once again. I drove this truck for about three years before I pulled to motor out to replace it with a big block. Well between work, school, and life that didn't happen. Now ten years later I finally have a plan on what I want to do with the old truck and I built a shop in which to do it. So here we go, this is what i'm starting with. I took these a couple months ago when I frist brought her home. (she had been sitting in a pasture for about 5 years)
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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

A mentor of mine told me years ago that before you start a project you need to decide what you want the project to be, then find the one key componet to that and build everything else off of that. So thats what I did. I want this truck to be a comfortable ride that the wife and myself can get in a go across country on trips. On top of that it has to be able handle AND have a cool stance. I think I found the answer.
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A No-Limit Engineering Wide Ride IFS front end and their Fat Bar four link both with Coil Overs. For the moment it's sitting on the shelf waiting for me to get the frame ready to install it. I am going to haul the frame to work this week and wash it with some heavy duty degreasers.
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I have also picked up an 07 5.3L that I will be building and backing up with a built 4L60E and c10 12bolt with 3.42 gears, and a eaton posi
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Pretty much everything under the sheet metal and in the cab will be new, upgraded, or modified. The body will be repaired with a few mods made. I am still fiquring out how and what i'm going to do with other parts of the truck.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Looks good, cant wait to see how this turns out !

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Welcome! I'll be following along. Your friend had great advice. I'm always much happier when I find that "must-have" part of a build and make it happen.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Great shop, great truck and great plans. You will have a lot of fans watching this!

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Nothing that a little TLC can't fix, I'm in!! Awesome looking shop!! :metal:

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Nice project. You are right down the road from me. Tons of coool rides in our area. Look forward to seeing yours.
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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

sounds like a good plan....

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

No limit and Fat Man Fab.... NICE!!! I cant wait to see the fab work on the suspension with this build. That cross member looks really nice.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Thanks to all for the complements, especially about the shop. That has been my project for the past couple years, and i am very proud of it. My uncle and my friends helped me build the frame and hang the sheet metal but about everthing else I have done myself. Ok back to the truck, I've made a little progress. I got the frame washed Monday and last night I got it up on stands and level. This actually took quite a bit of time.
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I also finished my engine stand and got the engine mounted onto it.
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Hopefully I will get some time to work on changing out the front suspension this weekend, after I cut up the oak tree that fell at the rent house yesterday from the ice storm.
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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I got alittle time out in the shop yesterday and almost got the new front crossmember installed before I had to call it a day. Getting the crossmember into place was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. I had to cut out the pressed out areas in the frame where the old brake line bulkhead fittings where located. Then after I fit the new crossmember, bolted it in on the bottom, I used a rotary file the line up two holes on each side and the drilled the other three holes on each side. I then made filler plates from 3/16 plate to repair the frame. I got those fit and welded before stopping for the day. Hopefully I will be able to get the front done this week so I can move on the the rear.
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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

i cant wait to see more work! sounds like you have an awesome plan. shop looks sweet too, how big is it?

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Thanks, the shop is 45x52 including the enclosed overhang area, most of the overhang is a clean room/lounge/office. I went out last night to try and finish the install on the wide ride but ran into some fittment issues with the motor mounts. I got ahold of Rob and he's working on a fix. Hopefully I hear back on that soon. That pretty much shut me down on the front end so I spent some time cutting and grinding the old brackets off my 12 bolt. Hopefully I get the front end done soon so I can start the back.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Ok I need to vent a little hear so bear with me. Last Wednesday night I was working on the getting the “bolt in” front suspension setup installed after I had to cut on the frame to get it in place. And I found that the motor mounts would not line up. I was trying to install them the way the pictures show them in the threads I found on here that deal with the wide-ride. I have had to use the photos here because the instructions from Nolimit really do not pertain to this style truck and are pretty much useless. The mounts would not line up if you tried to bolt them in place on the top of the frame rail. They were pitched way to far forward and were not sitting all the way on the frame. I double checked everything I could, but since the instructions have ZERO reference measurements, I was having trouble figuring out what the problem was. It seemed the tabs on the crossmember might have been in the wrong location. So I called Nolimit just before they closed to ask for assistance. I explained what was happening and sent them some pictures via text message and Rob told me he would get back to me the next day (Thursday) with measurements. On Saturday afternoon I called again and after a little prodding I got Rob to measure out what everything should be on his jig. Sunday after I got home from work (I have to work every third weekend these days) my daughter and I went out to the shop and I measured out the crossmember and the frame. And low and behold the frame is taller than what the setup is designed for. While looking things over I noticed the upper control arm mount was also pretty close to the top of the frame, and since frame was too tall I figured I had better check that as well. And sure enough the control arm would not get close the recommended starting setting of the adjustor straight down, without hitting the frame. On Monday morning I sent Rob an email telling him what I had found. And nothing, I still have not heard a word from them. Not a “we’re sorry”, not a “how can we help”, and certainly not a “how can we make this right”. Now don’t get me wrong I know what needs to be done to fix it or at least make the system work at this point. It just bugs me that they advertise this system as a “bolt in” for our trucks and it is anything but. My frame is a plain-Jane half ton SWB frame, not anything new or odd. But I am now going to have to cut down the rail height to get this wide ride in. I almost boxed the whole mess up and sent it back. Then I got to thinking that if I did that I will have wasted all the time I already but into this and if I post and show what I do then maybe the next guy that gets sold this “bolt in” will have something to reference. As for Rob and Nolimit, there were a lot of parts I was looking at getting from them still but now they will not see another penny from me.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

The motor mount problem.
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My Helper
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The A-Arm Hitting
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The frame measured out to six and a sixteeth inches overall height before I cut it.
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I cut just enough that the "roll" of the corner was removed and the cut was about sixteen inches long so that it cleared the a-arm in the back and the motor mount in the front with a little room to spare.
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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I started building the filler plates to go back in and got the right side tacked in place before calling it last night.
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Since I cut the frame I think I am going to need boxing in that area but with the frame being wider at the bottom and all the bolts I have to be able to get to I'm still trying to fiqure out how I'm going to do that. Any advice is welcomed.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Man that sucks. Sorry to see your havin so much trouble,and even worse that you are getting no help from no limit. I was looking at their four link rear for my truck but I think I will hold off and see how yours works out.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

any progress

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Sorry things have been a little crazy. Between work and spring projects around the house I haven't had much time. I am actually writing this from my desk at work (it's mothers day Sunday) while I wait for a piece of equipment to show up to be repaired. I did get the rest of my motor mount parts in so I can mock up the motor and finish the front "bolt in" cross member modifications but I havent had time. I went with the slider adapters from Dirty Dingo and Energy Suspension mounts. I did go ahead and get all of the rear suspension out and strip what I didn't need on the motor for mock up off. Sorry no pics. Hopefully I will get some time soon to get some work done in the shop but it looks like the next couple weeks are going to be as bad as the last couple.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

It has been awhile since I posted but I have made some progress. The last time I posted I was still working on getting the front suspension in place. After I finshed the frame cut down I remounted everything and drilled the holes for the motor mount brackets. I installed the Dirty Dingo adapters and the poly mounts and test fitted the engine into the frame. Everything seemed to fit really well but of course I forgot take a picture. With that done I finished installing the front suspension components and everything else fit well. I did have to remove the front cross brace to allow for mounting the sway bar. That will have to be modified or a new piece built. I sprayed the unpainted/unpowdercoated parts with some primer till the mock up is done and I can paint them. Since the new rotors are 5 x 4.75 I used a die grinder to modify the old wheels for now. I really don't want to spend the money on wheels to mess them up while working on the truck. That and I cannot decide what wheels I want to use.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I have also been working on the rear suspension. I stripped down the frame and cleaned everything up where I would be welding components on. I sprayed the areas that I would be welding on with weld thru primer.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I lined everything up and tack welded all the brackets in place on the frame and the rear end. Which I know I took pictures of but I can't find. I welded out the brackets on the rearend and prepped it for building. I assembled with rearend using an Eaton Posi carrier, Richmond 3.42 gears, a Richmond install kit, Moser rear cover, and Moser street axles with a 5x4.75 stud pattern to match the front. I got everything setup assembled and painted with Eastwood's extreme chassis black. I untapped it this afternoon and this is the finished product. And some pictures from during the build.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Well I will try and put the rest of the pictures up tomorrow, for some reason the uploader is not working for me. I am also going to try and get the rearend under the truck tomorrow and I will take pictures of that as well. I will try and update a little more often, my work has finally put us on a rotation so I am getting some much needed time off.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Here are the pictures I was trying to put on last night. I used some plastic sheeting and made a small paint area in my office. That is the only area that I can keep warm enough right now. The trick was getting the engine lift thru the entry door by myself. The legs completely collapsed on the lift where still 39in and the door opening is 36in. The paint I used was Eastwood's extreme chassis black in spray cans. It laid down really well and looks great. I used an acid based product called Etch Tech to help remove the rust and then sanded and wire wheeled the housing till no signs of rust could be seen. Before spraying I wiped the whole rearend with rubbing alcohol to get any oil or dust off.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I got the rearend under the frame this afternoon. After wrestling the engine lift out of the office, it's 39in wide with the legs collapsed and the door is 36in wide, installing the rearend was easy. I am leaving the brackets on the frame tacked for now, I will weld them out when I make sure everything is set right and I finish the mock up. I think it looks pretty good. I also called Wilwood and I think we have a brake setup figured out. Hopefully I have that in my next days off.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Im the owner of a custom shop in the far north in Canada. I always seem to have these problems and decided to try no limit. I had made a order, ordering a chassis pack which included the front suspension kit, rear 4 link kit, motor mounts and trans mount along with a brake booster and master cylinder. I had also ordered a gas tank and never did recieve it. my customer had delt with them and I was informed from no limit that my customer was quite rude and that they would never do business with him again!!!! I learned really quickly from no limit that your just a number. I had called no limit to deal with the missing gas tank and make right with my customers actions and it was my fault that it the tank wasn't sent??? which was bs because my order was first done with e-mail and the tank was my number one concern. fast forward a week later and I called to get the gas tank ordered and Robs wife had absolutely no idea who I even was even after a 20 minute rant about my rude customer???? so needless to say I'm tired of no customer service in general these days and this company had one chance to do business with me and decided to not deal with the issues, so I guess they must not need the business. there's my rant! lol the worst part is that by the time the shipping and broker fees are paid this was almost a 10,000 dollar order which is alot of money regardless of who you are

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I got my brakes for the rear end in the other day and was able to get out in the shop last night and get them on. the rear end is looking cool. Now I just have to get the rest of the truck looking that good. The car in the background is a buddy's, and now that the frames about to roll again it has to go. I need the area it's in bad.
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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Cool. I cant wait to see how this will turn out

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Ok it's only been 8 or 9 months but I thought I should do an update anyway. :lol: I have been working on the truck slowly. I cut boxing plates out of 12 gauge sheet metal and tacked them in place after welding nuts to the inside of the frame or all the suspension. They are tacked for now incase they need modification further down the road.

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I also made the crossmembers for my new fuel cell. I went with a 20 gallon Aeromotive aluminum cell and pump. The original rear crossmember had to go so I could put the tank farther back in the frame. Since I don't have access to a press brake I welded a piece of strap that was cut to the correct width between two pieces of angle iron to form the rear crossmember. The allthread in the picture was there to keep the frame set while I cut out the old crossmember and made the new one. And yes it is needed, the frame springs out about 3/8ths of an inch when I take out the crossmember now. so having those in place until all the holes where drilled makes sure the frame goes back correctly.
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I then mocked the tank in and made the front crossmember out of a piece of 1x1x1/8th angle iron and a couple 1/8th in tabs. I was able to use existing holes in the frame to mount it.
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I have begun making the straps that will hold the tank in place and welded the brackets to the front cross member that will hole the adjusters. I am still working on finishing that. You might notice the pieces of rubber in between the tank and crossmembers. It is 1/16th of an inch and when done will cave the crossmembers and the straps.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

When I took the cab off the frame one of the cab mount bolts hade to be cut off. I fixed the passenger front cab mount by cutting out the floor to get the nut out, then placing the nut in a vice and heating it with a torch till the remainder of the bolt screwed out easily. Then reinstalling the nut and welding the floor back in.
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I then was able to set the cab in place so I could check engine and trans clearance.
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The trans hit the cab even with the slider mounts in the forward most position so I decided to cut the trans tunnel a little more to get the engine back farther.
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As it sits the engine is 2in to the rear on the sliders and the engine and trans is sitting with a -3degree angle the match the pinions +3degree angle. and the transmission has about 3/8ths clearance to the cab.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

After the motor was in I installed the trans 3 in drop crossmember from Trans Dapt with an energy suspension mount. I also cut some 1/4in plates to mount between the frame and the mounting flanges to allow for easier install and removes. Sorry no pictures of that for some reason. I then set up my steering column and linkage using the parts recommended by nolimit. I used a Ididit column with a double D shaft and joints from Flaming river. I had to notch the frame and boxing plate and it is very close to the A arm. I may have to grind the A arm a little for clearance when I get the alignment set on the truck.
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I also set the bed in place to check the fitment of the fuel cell and had to modify the rear cross brace under the bed as it was directly over the pump and filler.
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And that is where am at now. I am getting ready to start hanging the front sheet metal back on so I can get the wheel clearance issues worked out then start mocking up the engine including a turbo.

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

I figured I would give a couple more pics that show stance and progress.
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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Sweet truck! I just read the whole thread, i really like it!

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

awesome work and progress

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Very nice I just went through and read your build so far!

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Very nice build. You got some skillz bud! :metal: Will look forward for the next update!

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Wow its coming out nice love the work

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Thanks for the compliments gentlemen I really do appreciate them. I finished the fuel tank straps the other day but don't know if I like them or not. They fit the corners good and tight but I was thinking that a frame around the bottom might work better. I don't know what I'll do, it's something I'm thinking on.

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Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Really cool build!

Re: 82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude
 

Any updates?