Fiftee3's suspension & bagging project

[Nut Case]

53, I agree with you on the LCA extra bracket. I'll do the same when I get started. The USA wrench is great we re purpose old trucks why not re purpose seasoned wrenches. I like that your updating a straight six, they have a great sound.

Keep on keepin on. Nut Case

[Titorod]

Nice build, great looking truck.

[Sim6]

Nice truck! Interesting heater core set up. What's the interior heater fan look like?
Jeff

[Fiftee3]

Thursday 4/14/16,

Thanks for nice comments all. Sim6, I would take a photo of inside heater box. Too dark right now!

So Saturday I mocked up front end. And yes, measure 10 times weld/cut once!!! I welded upper shock mounts the day before without checking upper control arms...had to grind em, and redo. All good now. Actually enjoying this. Learning lots...here's some pics;

[Fiftee3]

tonight got cab off after work...

[Fiftee3]

going to sand, grind center frame now. Paint w/por 15 like front. Run new stainless brake lines and run front air lines for bag to back. Going to clean engine and paint wheel color to match plan. Mount engine in frame, run and weld exhaust in place instead of all the clamps I had. Running out the running boards on drivers side. Then remove rear bed, weld in 4 link, bags, air tank, compressors, etc. Getting there.

[Fiftee3]

Vid of air suspension airing out / test

sorry, had to edit to fix link, ill try again later...

[Advanced Design]

Moving along quickly!

[Coach529]

Looks great!!

[52MNResto]

Fiftee3- What kind of measurements did you end up using on your spacers above your bag? everything looks great!

[Fiftee3]

thanks all, having a lot of fun getting this truck goin.
Hey Evan, thanks. I cut the top tubes at 2 3/8 plus top plate. left bottom plates off, didn't see the need since there is no rubbing, etc.
The JW Rod Garage kit has been going great. All parts seem to be quality. I especially like how the beefy caliper brackets bolt up. No forcing, bending etc. bolts all just lined up. going to wait till motor is in to be sure ride height is ok.
I did put calipers on upside down! Noticed the next morning.

[Fiftee3]

So, slow going. Was away for 12 days. Switzerland then Italy. Was nice, but good to be home! Hoped I would see some AD trucks, none.
So I got the rear c notches in and frame cut. I'm happy so far. A little disappointed I will not really lay completely flat out, but I guess I'm within a half inch so in front. Since I'm using the 6 cyl I left that crossmember in front of trans crossmember. It's where the rear engine mounts lay. Anyways, that actually bottoms out before front of running boards. Rear will lay flat.
I wanted to keep my HO 33 rear to save money. It's a hair wide. With the 255/70/15's the tires hit the top of the fenders. I like the 8" wheels in the rear, so I'm thinking of going with a smaller tire to get me on the ground.
Coming along. Next welding in 4 link and rear bags/shocks. Will post pics from other computer... Thanks all.

[Fiftee3]

[Fiftee3]

[Fiftee3]

[Fiftee3]

Oh, and I love this site for information. Even though I don't post a lot, I search and find many answers here. Thanks for providing so much info!
I just did the Premium Member upgrade. Well worth it!

[Advanced Design]

Good to see you back on it Phil. The truck gets pretty low!

[dug224]

Great build. Will be watching progress. dug

[Fiftee3]

[Fiftee3]

most of frame is Por 15 painted now. Front end is done, finally!
Front brakes are bled. Stainless lines are ran.

[Fiftee3]

Found this in the market this weekend!. Usually drink Stone IPS's, but how could u resist!

[Fiftee3]

Also finished painting engine. Im happy. 4 coats. Then 4 coats of High Heat clear. Going to hoist it into frame tomorrow then finish 4 link.

Happy Fathers Day all!!!

[Fiftee3]

[84blaze]

Nice job so far!

[Fiftee3]

Thanks Blaze...
Got home from work tonight and got the motor in. The concern with an IFS suspension when using a 235 was that the pan hits crossmember, rack and or both. All fits perfectly. Very happy so far.
Again, I really don't have the skills most of you have hear, but I enjoy posting.
And, sometimes photos can really help another out.
Next going to POR15 the cab bottom ant try to get cab back on.
Then I will move to the rear and finish the 4 link.