55 First Series Build

[Larry Lindley]

Picked up this first series a couple of months ago and have been slowly working on it...

[Larry Lindley]

So far Ive got a 5.3 LM7, 4L60E, Camaro rear, drop axle front, disc brakes with hydro boost, BDR Fuel Cell and power steering...

[Larry Lindley]

Okay a little more on my 55 1st build.Took body and bed off the frame.No pics. of this because I know you seen this many times.Back to my other truck the 54 I made my Intro with got the bags and four link under it.Will try to post pics if anyone would like.Also a few more pics of the frame work on 55. Later

[Larry Lindley]

Okay heres some of the 4link. Got lots more,just a preview thanks for looking any input would will help.

[Larry Lindley]

here we go engine and trans.in to check for fit.going to move engine back ,#1 cylinder should line up behind center line of axle.

[Larry Lindley]

well now to remove engine and trans,time to box frame.cross checked frame for square,its out by 1/16 good enough for me.not going to use stock exhaust manifolds.back to boxing frame,I will box from front to rear axle.using 10Ga.steel.the area around the exhaust part of frame will be notched,then all boxed.just take about 1 inch from top lip of frame rail.

[Flames97]

Looks like you have a good build going there. Keep up the great work. And thanks for posting.

[BlueJeep]

Looks great! Where'd you get those brackets you've got the cherry picker chain hooked up to?

[99 to Life]

Oh I'm digging this. I have a 55.1 series waiting to be worked on. I am glad to see you went with the drop axle. Where did you pic that up at? I started a thread on here about lowering the OG frames, but it kind of faded out. Not many guys running the drop axle.

Can't wait to see this one through. Your off to a great start.

[Larry Lindley]

Flames 97 happy to post, thanks for looking.stay tuned this may have a change or two.

[Larry Lindley]

Blue Jeep they came with the engine,this engine came from a Tahoe. the way it shipped.Thanks for looking.

[Larry Lindley]

99 to Life got the at speedway,going to change front springs.to duel flex.rear springs are from S10.But that may change.Thanks for Looking.

[1959 Apache 3600]

Monster powerplant!

Any specs on your steering box setup?

[Larry Lindley]

1959 Apache 3600 the steering box is from 1983 chevy pickup i had.pitman arm is aftermarket cpp. thanks .

[Larry Lindley]

Need to thank about the rear set up.the S10 springs are not working for me.This is my thoughts.Truck arms with air,and panhard bar.what do you guys thank?Ive never used truck arms with drop axle,maybe this set up should work on street.Its going to be driver not much though.Also while Iam in outer space how about and air drop axle?Only seen one built by Nitro street a 29 chevy truck.got to go its time to take my meds.ha ha.

[Larry Lindley]

Started this afternoon looking for a trailing arm kit,wow $$$ guess Ill come up with some used arms or try my hand at building a set.in the mean time more pics got my headers they are Hookers.got them from scratch&dent auction.they look new.Also picked up a set of truck arms.Thus the indent in the frame.headers clear ,whew thought I looked at tape wrong.last picture is a look at how cab is going to fit.cab needs both corners seems all these need replaced.thanks to my friend mike.near side and my son far side aka Joe Dirt.

[Larry Lindley]

with the nice weather I went to do some work on my truck.while waiting on parts started to build my set back fire wall,made a pattern from card board started from there.got p/s toe board made up.My metal brake is angle iron,two clamps,a 2x6,and hammer.ha ha.Blasted the kick panel every thing spot welded so heres some more pics.:

[99 to Life]

gotta love the joe dirt friends. Liking the build keep it up. On the cab, you might wanna get some braces tacked on there to help keep that cowl from sagging and just keep everything nice and square. I'm sure you'll get it looking good though.

[Larry Lindley]

will put a link from door to door then cross brace.thanks for the tip,this truck was hit in back of p/s door.thats the thing about having lots of eyes looking,thanks for looking.

[Larry Lindley]

like to forgot thanks 99 to life.

[99 to Life]

no problem, it's hard to give tips through typing without sounding like a jerk or know it all. There are tons of ways to do the same thing, just some are easier than others. It seems like you got a good grasp on the build. I'm diggin it so far.

[Larry Lindley]

I saw your build with all the snow,give me heat ha ha.good build.thanks for looking.

[99 to Life]

Yeah I'm constantly battling weather. When I started the build it was snowing, when my original engine I got blew up it was snowing, when I rebuild the one that is in it, it was snowing. Now I'm starting on two other trucks and it is snowing. Definitely makes things harder, but it's no excuse. You just gotta get things done no matter what. Maybe if I decide to drive out to viva las vegas show we can meet up. I dunno if it would be this year, prolly next. I got alot goin on. Would be cool to meet up with someone that you followed building ya know.

[Larry Lindley]

Being busy all the time?I know what your talking about,I go to VA hospital once a week,and its almost time for my six month checkup.I dont work on my truck everyday,sometimes Iam too tired.thanks for looking not too many questions though.

[99 to Life]

Larry, I'll try not to keep posting "non" question posts if that is what you meant, or did you mean you don't get a lot of people asking questions? That is definitely the case on here. Most times people find what they are looking for or just view peoples builds but don't post. I personally don't like alot of posts that don't pertain to constructive questions. Compliments are nice but I see what you are saying about the questions. Sux you gotta go to the hospital that often, that is def something most of us take for granted, health.