stripingbyakin's Crew Longbox Build

[stripingbyakin]

Okay ladies and gents, I think it's time for a build thread for my rig. I traded my '67 Longbox for this thing a little over a year ago, with plans for a comfortable 'bagged driver that would have no problem pulling my 25' travel trailer, and also look cool cruising a truck show. I've been collecting parts for most of the time I've had the truck, and now I have just about enough to get started. Here is a picture of what it looked like when I bought it:



And a rendering of what it should look like soon.



It may not actually be this low in the beginning, it's getting a 2.5" spindle and a 2" stepped lower control arm on a 265/35/22. If I'm not satisfied with the stance, I'll probably section the crossmember. More to come as work is done! Thanks for looking!

[stripingbyakin]

As you've probably noticed from the wheels, I'm putting half ton suspension under the truck. I bought a rolling chassis off craigslist for $100, and stripped it to the rails. I'll be using the upper and lower arms, the rear axle, and possibly the crossmember (if I end up sectioning it). I don't really have the extra cash for aftermarket control arms, so I decided to step my lowers 2". Also went through and put new Moog bushings and balljoints in the uppers and lowers.

Halfway cleaned up:


Nose cut off:


1/4" Plate for the step:


Stepped and welded:


Gussets added:



Uppers with new hardware and paint:

[STOCKISH]

Wow, I never saw anyone do that to their lower control arms. Guess it'll get the job done for sure. Looks like a really sick truck.

[stripingbyakin]

Yeah, I wouldn't run them on a show truck or anything, but they definitely do the job, with a minimal amount of cost and labor. On my '67, I actually stepped the arms like this instead of buying spindles, and that thing laid out hard on the front cradle. Of course that was with a 195/75/15, so the spindles are definitely necessary on this one.

[stripingbyakin]

I also had a 400 SBC rebuilt fresh for the project. I still have a little bit of tidying and painting to do in the engine compartment, and I also need to build the bracketry for my york compressor (for the air ride), but here's how it sits for now.

[Driveway Dreams]

Really good looking truck, and nice plans for it. This is gonna be yet another sweet build to watch.

[BGRAFX]

I like that rendering! nice truck man

[stripingbyakin]

Well here we go, finally some progress!

Here it is with all the 3/4 ton suspension stripped:



First time on the ground, with the inner fenders still in:



Had to lose those fast... much better.



The wheels are Coys C-57s.. i decided on them instead of the C-5s.



So now, on to the rear suspension! Wish me luck!

[LiveAnimals]

Very Nice

[palposity]

That is a very nice truck! And great fab work you do too!

[Driveway Dreams]

Looks nice laid out. I love those C-57s. That is what Adam (Cochino12) bought for his Blazer, I saw them in person couple weeks ago...very nice. I love the way they look on your truck too. What all are you doing on the rear?

[STOCKISH]

Very nice, I'm jealous.

[stripingbyakin]

Thanks for the kind words guys. Loose plans for the rear are a custom triangulated 4-link (with a half ton rear obviously), and a step notch. Cleaning up the frame should be a blast, considering it had helper bags on it at one point and there are plates welded flat to the rails with the brackets welded to those. I may have half a day in burning all those cobbled welds off there and cleaning the rails just so I can cut them up.. lol. After that, it will just be a matter of building the rear bag mounts, mounting the tank/compressors/valves, and a little plumbing and wiring. The rear bags are Firestone F9100s, which are sleeve bags and are rated at about 2500 lbs a piece, so towing my camper with it shouldn't be a problem, and the ride should still be nice. I also sprung for the accuair valve manifold, which I've heard is killer. I hope it's worth the extra dime. Theres a show in Tunica, MS I'm trying to get it together for on May the 14th.. so as long as I can shake it down for a few days prior to work out any bugs.. I'll be happy.

[87 chevy silverado]

thats some more ideas

[89muscletruck]

any updates?

[Mello Mel]

Any updates ?