Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

I bought it in 2008 from a guy in TN and am finally just now getting around to starting my build thread. Better late than never. This is what I started with. . .

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

I found out it was a converted C-10 4x4 with a rebuilt 350 and a rebuilt TH350 sitting on new BF goodrich mud terrains, aluminum rims, and 3.08 geared 12 bolt rear and Dana 44 front end.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Although I planned for it to be a weekend driver after some minor work, much to my wife's chagrin I decided instead to perform a frame-off complete restoration.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

I took it apart in my garage. Here are some photos.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

I've purchased a lot of parts already and have begun working on my frame. I'm travelling this week but I'll post more when I return next weekend.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Although my frame was converted from 2x2 to 4x4 it needed a lot of work. Good project for someone like me just learning how to weld. Someone had cut a lot of holes in it trying to get the 4x4 suspension to fit so I started by filling these holes with some scrap steel and a MIG welder. I also enlisted the help my buddy Nick to correct the hack job done on my trans cross member. In addition to teaching me how to weld he cut me some nice looking holes into stock steel and cut them to fit a square space I created with a cutter and grinder. It looks 100% better than before. The frame is now ready to get sand blasted minus the traction bar brackets I plan to fab soon.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Next in line was my 12 bolt. I had stripped my Dana 44 front end and 12 bolt rear end, had them chemically stripped and powder coated. The Dana 44 looked great but the 12 bolt was too pitted. Instead of grinding on it for hours and running the chance of it still not looking great I decided to find a replacement. Luckily I found an brand new K5 Army Blazer 12 bolt housing on ebay which was the same housing length. Unfortunately it still required a lot of work moving the spring perches and shock mounts.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Anytime you move leaf spring perches you have to be concerned with ensuring your pinion angle gets sets straight. As a result, I spent a lot of time researching what my pinion angle should be.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=375196

Unfortunately, I found a lot of conflicting information - but I got the most important parts. Your trans-driveshaft angle should equal your pinion- angle, and my driveshafts for the rear and front ends should enter the trans, transfer case and pinions within 2-3 degrees of each other to keep the force on my universal joints and resulting vibrations to a minimum. Since my new superlift leaf springs already came with a wedge to keep the pinion angle stock I decided to try to keep my pinion angle as stock as possible. First, I had to buy a magnetic angle finder. I bought this one (Spohn) off ebay for about $10 - works great. Then I checked the pinion angles of both housings before I began any cutting and grinding. I wasn't sure if my original 12 bolt pinion agle was stock because it looked like the spring perches had been moved. Basically I put the angle finder on the face of the 12 bolt where the cover sits and fixed it in place holding it at a zero angle. Then I measured the angle with the angle finder on the leaf spring perches. I measured -14 degrees and -15 degrees. This makes sense since the pinion should rotate up once the weight of the truck rests on the springs making that - angle zero. Since I'm going with a 6 inch lift I'll put my new leaf spring perches on at 15 degrees.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

cool project, I'm going to move it over to the 4x4 build section for ya....

I sill have to reweld my spring perches too. I think as long as they are close you will be find, If they are perfectly straight in both directions then your U-joints won't get the proper workout on the caps...

what are your plans for the 4" springs?

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Thanks for moving it. Much appreciated.

Are you referring to the springs which were on the truck when I got it?

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

yep, are they 4" lift springs?

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Nice project! Glad to see i'm not the only one doing a frame off resto in my 2 car garage :)

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Nice project, I like the round holes in the in the carrier bearing brace, I plan to do something of the sort for my exhaust to route. As others have mention as well, it is good to see others working in a 2 car garage as well. Good luck with the build and keep us posted with the progress.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Thanks for looking guys. Yeah, the 2 car garage works but a 3 car would be nice. If we ever move again I'll be looking for a shop or 3 car garage.

The front springs I took off are in really good shape - Skyjacker. I think they are 3 inch or 4 inch - not sure. My rear had 3 inch blocks but I think the stock springs had an add a leaf. I tried selling them before but I couldn't find a taker.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

After measuring and remeasuring multiple times, I finally finished getting the leaf spring perches and dual shock brackets tack welded on just in time for afternoon football. Looks good and straight. Next step is fabricating some axle and frame brackets to mount my traction bars. I am also struggling to find my missing spring hanger so I can put my suspension together to make sure everything goes together before powder coating my frame. I may need to buy a new set if I can't find it. Bummer. . .If anyone has one they are willing to sell please let me know.

Good news. A couple of guys offered up some front spring shackles so I should be good to go here.:)

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

I bought these adjustable traction bars off a guy on craigslist a couple of months ago. They are 'homemade' but about 1/2 the cost the others were and very sturdy. I've been going back and forth on how to attach them to my rear axle and frame and decided to use some 1/4" shock mount tabs I found on http://www.barnes4wd.com. Great site for you do-it-yourself guys. Anyways, I plan to weld the curved shock tabs to the rear housing and the flat bottom types to a steel plate which I'll bolt to my frame. Bought the bushings from http://www.polybushings.com and the grade 8 bolts from the local automotive fastener shop. I'll post more pics when I get it together.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

www.diy4x.com is another great site, the owner can customize your order as well...

$20 for these,
http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?rout...product_id=135

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

I started a thread a few months ago asking for advice on if I should go with 4.10 or 4.56 gears.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=369789


After a lot of research and explanations from folks a lot smarter on this stuff than me, here's some logic -

Average truck tires are 28" give or take. Don't forget - my truck was originally a 2 wheel drive!

With 33" tires and 4.10:1 differential.

33/28=1.18

4.10 x 1.18 = 4.84:1

28" tires with a 4.10:1 differential = 33" tires with a 4.84:1 differential or
33" tires with a 4.10:1 differential will have the effective ratio of a 3.48:1 differential compared to 28" tires.

Since the cam I already bought calls for low gears (3.73 or numerically higher), and the fact I've already got some decent size tires and I may go with larger tires and a manual tranny, I decided to go with a 4.56 ratio. Front Dana 44 and rear 12 bolt Richmond Gear ring & pinions are enroute from Summit racing now. Merry XMas to me.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

You're right! diy4x.com is a great source as well. Thanks msgross.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

what part number did you get for your d44?

im looking into rebuilding the original d44 for my jimmy and need some advice as to what i should be looking for. i plan on going to run 4.56 as well to match my rear end.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

My part# won't work for you unless you know what gear rotation and carrier series you have. Chances are you have a standard rotation and your carrier series can be determined from the original gear ratio which came with your rig. My Dana 44 4.56 R&P Summit part # is RMG-6902181. Good luck!

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Merry Christmas! I was able to get away and get some time in the garage today. Nick helped me with the arduous task of removing the very rusted rubber bushing steel sleeves from my rear shackles this week with a hydraulic press and a blow torch so I thought I could get the rear leaf springs on the frame before I install my traction bars. But before I could insert the new bushings I needed to clean the 30 years of crud from the inside of the sleeve with some WD-40 and a wire brush. Once these were clean enough I wiped the WD-40 off and lubed the bushings with some silicon. Then, after cleaning my frame shackles with a wire wheel I was able to finally get the drivers side leaf spring installed. This was only after double checking to ensure I put them on correctly (point of wedge facing forward to lift pinion angle to compensate for lifted springs). It was a very tight fit - good thing I had my fancy Harbor Freight orange dead blow hammer. :lol:Then I had some clearance trouble with the shackle bolt clearing the frame (cleared barely after standing on leaf spring to rotate shackle)as well as lining up my bolts with the spring eye bushing bolt sleeve. Shackle bushing is red because Superlift's bushings were back ordered to late next month so I bought Skyjacker to keep the project moving forward. Superlift no longer sells red bushings - at least that is what they told me. . .Finished just in time to come inside to watch the Chargers embarrass the Titans.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Great progress on the project!

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Got some good work done today while my wife and son were at the movies. :bann: Installed the 2nd rear leaf but realized I'll need to raise my jack stands or buy a set of taller ones to get my rear end under the springs. Also filled my four 3/8" thick shock tabs so I can drill the holes to 7/16" versus the 1" holes present. After some sanding should be able to drill these Monday. This will enable me to get my traction bar brackets measured and mounted this week. After wire wheeling my upper shackle hangers I'm also ready to drill their mounting holes with a hole saw and mount my front leaf springs. Would have drilled the holes today but realized the saw bit I borrowed is not a direct fit with my air drill and requires a special arbor.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

i still have the original d44 that has 3.08 that i wanna re-gear to 4.56 and run crossover. i rear somewhere that with re-gearing you need a new carrier or can use thick cut gears and keep your old carrier?

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

It is my understanding you can keep your old carrier with the 4.56 gear change but you must specifiy which carrier you have when ordering your ring and pinion. I hope this is the case because this is what I did. I am also going with 4.56 gears and my new Richmond gears are in route from Summit now.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

are you going to install them?

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

certain carriers could only hold certain gears I think... series 3 and 4? just make sure you set them up correctly...

http://www.ringpinion.com/ProductDet...px?ProdID=3312

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Yes I am going to install them - Dana 44 and 12 bolt. It will be my first time though.

Correct msgross. I read from the factory 3 series carriers were for factory ratios lower than 3.08 - 3.73 and 4 series were for above 3.73 ratio. But you can order any gear ratio for any carrier but you have to know what OEM carrier you have so you can order the right size ring and pinion.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

yep, I forget that they make them like that...

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Finally got my eight 3/8" thick traction bar tabs 1/2" drilled holes filled in and ground/sanded smooth. Managed to cover my entire garage in black steel dust, put a couple of slag holes in my foot (yes - I was wearing leather shoes) and catch my bench top on fire in the process. :lol:

Also received my custom sized 3 x 6 x 3/8" steel plates I ordered from www.onlinemetals.com. Two day turn around - decent price - awesome!

Planned to get the 7/16" inch grade 8 bolt holes drilled this week but realized my traction bar frame mounts would come close to the transmission cross member which is mounted by large round head rivets. :confused: So I decided I needed to mount my rear end first to be sure of the frame mount location. To do this I had to buy a couple of cinder blocks from Lowes because my jack stand were maxed out on height. Unfortunately, I discovered I was missing one U-bolt mount bracket (official LMC name is a U-bolt spacer) so this is on hold until my new set arrives from LMC. :waah:

To keep it rolling I shifted to the front end. The first challenge was when I discovered the front spring bushings come with two different size eye bolt sleeves. I had no idea. As luck would have it I installed identical sleeves on the same spring instead of 1 and 1 as it was intended so the bolt diameter would fit through the smaller front spring rear shackle hole. Luckily I used plenty of lube and the bushings popped back out. The second challenge was when I realized the front spring eye bushing would not fit inside my already mounted spring shackle. 30 mins later problem was solved after grinding the bushings 1/8" thinner and bolt sleeves and 1/8" shorter.

Third challenge was when I shifted to the rear eye of the front spring. Following the old adage "Measure twice and cut once" I double checked my measurement, compared against photos of other K10s then drilled out the front upper shackle hanger hole with a 1 1/2" hole saw.

In the event you aren't aware, my truck is a converted C10 4x4. When I got it taken apart to the bare frame there were numerous irregular holes 'butchered' in my frame with a torch so I filled these in and started from scratch.

Everything was great until I went to mount the front upper shackle hanger in the hole and realized it was supposed to be flush with the bottom part of the frame so it can be bolted to the frame. Oops! :crazy:

Oh well. . .nothing my Lincoln MIG 180 and a sanding wheel can't fix.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

oh the trial and errors that we all encounter!



BTW, Tractor Supply is your best source for grade8 bolts, except they don't carry 7/16th in bulk. I replaced almost every rivet with their bulk bolts and saved a ton!

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Thanks for the advice Mike. I'll keep TS in mind since grade 8 bolts $ add up quick.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

it sure does, they also have grade 5 and 2... I just bought a bag of grade2 hardware for my basement shelving, cost $1.75 for 40 bolts, washers and nuts! They were 1/4" and didn't weigh much...

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Silver7:

I just run across your build. The work is looking awsome. You got alot of work ahead.

Nothing like repairing someone else's butcher job.

Keep at it, you will end up with a truck that most folks only wish they could have.

What better way to spend your free time then learning how to do something enjoyable like restoring a truck. Also it beats the heck out of watching the mindless wonder (T.V.).

I will be following the build..

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Thanks for the feedback Crumley. I'm learning alot and loving every minute of it. And yes, I almost never watch TV anymore - except for my Colts.

On another note, does anyone have one of these these can sell and get to me soon? Unfortunately, I am missing one and need it to mount my rear springs so I fabricate my traction bars. LMC trucks is charging way too much. :no:

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

is that for the U-bolts? mine is different...

PM 6t727t2 since he has a lot of 4x4 parts, or teeitup

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/member.php?u=14978

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/member.php?u=3597

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

I thought that might come up. When taking my truck apart I was surprised to learn the U-bolt attaches differently for my rear than for my front. The round part of the U-bolt is on top of my rear leaf but the round part is under my axle in the front. I thought maybe the guy before me did it ass backwards but I saw that LMC's catalog and my factory 1971 chassis manual had it the same way. I'll try 6t727t2 or teeitup as recommended. Thanks.

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

If it were me I would get a set of 73 up spring plates and go u bolts up...but if your wanting to leave it as is here is a u bolt spacer that you can still get over your GM parts counter and much beefier than the original thin version.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...LIFTSPACER.jpg

Re: Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod
 

Good idea. I'll look into that - thanks!