Cross Member Drop?

[HotRodYJ]

Z'd the rear frame today and made 2 lower links for one of the rear axles. For the rear Z, I cut the frame 2" behind the cab and kicked the entire rear frame up 6". And for the lower links I used 1.5" DOM with 1/4" wall thickness and some poly bushings I had already on hand. Need more bushings to make the rest of the suspension links but the rear suspensions will be a three link set-up for each axle with a upper wishbone. Lower links are fully welded solid, the center bushing in the upper link will be threaded for pinion angle adjustment.

This week I hope to mount the t-case and the forward rear axle and install the two lower links on this forward axle.

[royo]

Originally Posted by HotRodYJ

Z'd the rear frame today and made 2 lower links for one of the rear axles. For the rear Z, I cut the frame 2" behind the cab and kicked the entire rear frame up 6". And for the lower links I used 1.5" DOM with 1/4" wall thickness and some poly bushings I had already on hand. Need more bushings to make the rest of the suspension links but the rear suspensions will be a three link set-up for each axle with a upper wishbone. Lower links are fully welded solid, the center bushing in the upper link will be threaded for pinion angle adjustment.

This week I hope to mount the t-case and the forward rear axle and install the two lower links on this forward axle.

pics please

[63 & 64 Bowties]

cool project. I can't wait to see this one done.
It sounds like you've got a lot of experience with the whole tandem thing, but just a quick question from an "old truck driver," you will have a way to take the transfer case out of gear, right? I just know from experience driving the big trucks on dry pavement with the differential lock engaged is like driving a 4x4 on pavement with 4wd engaged.
Very nice work you're doing. I'm subscribed to this one.

[scotts62]

Originally Posted by royo

pics please

X2

[HotRodYJ]

update

[HotRodYJ]

few more

[joe231]

if they are both open diffs, bind shouldn't be a problem, should it?
I thought the diff lock on big trucks not only engaged but also locked each diff, like an air locker in a jeep?

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by joe231

if they are both open diffs, bind shouldn't be a problem, should it?
I thought the diff lock on big trucks not only engaged but also locked each diff, like an air locker in a jeep?

You wouldn't think it would be a problem, and I don't know enough about how they work, but if you think about it, a 4x4 truck has open differentials too unless it's posi or detroit locker or something like that, and they don't like dry pavement. I just know from driving the big trucks, when you're in differential lock there's a lot of "scrubbing" going on with the tandems in a tight turn especially bob-tailing (no trailer.)

[joe231]

yeah but the difference with the 4x4 analogy is that the front and rear wheels take very different paths and have major differences in the amount of area the wheels cover due to the front wheels turning side to side, if you don't turn as drastic with the front tires the bind is less severe. the problem comes when the front tires want to rotate more than the rear for the vehicle to cover the same ground binding the t-case. I think the tandems should be following a much closer path and be covering mostly the same area. but I'm in no way positive of this...
but you could use an all-time 4 wheel drive t-case, they have a built in differential

[Bazooka]

[XXL]

I like the 3x2 intake and the early oil tube!

For the "oddball" approach you're taking to this truck, did you consider a 348 or 409?

[HotRodYJ]

Originally Posted by XXL

I like the 3x2 intake and the early oil tube!

For the "oddball" approach you're taking to this truck, did you consider a 348 or 409?

This is also low budget, so nothing but a simple SBC will do for low cost, reliable and easy to get parts for if it were to breakdown on a trip.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by HotRodYJ

This is also low budget, so nothing but a simple SBC will do for low cost, reliable and easy to get parts for if it were to breakdown on a trip.

Makes sense. 3x2 still gives it that odd flare that matches the other mods you're doing (6 barrels, 6 wheels... coincidence? I think not. )

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by XXL

Makes sense. 3x2 still gives it that odd flare that matches the other mods you're doing (6 barrels, 6 wheels... coincidence? I think not. )

Does this mean it needs a 6-speed tranny?

[royo]

??? the rear drive shaft if i missed it sorry hows it going to fit

[meansting04]

This is an great build, you have a lot of talent and skill. I will follow this one. Keep up the good work.

[HotRodYJ]

Originally Posted by meansting04

This is an great build, you have a lot of talent and skill. I will follow this one. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the compliment. Not sure about the talent and skill part of it, I just like to do things a little different and think outside the box.

[74 C-30]

wow nice progress! looks awesome, cant definatrly tell theres alot of time into that!
btw USA6x6 is no longer.....

[joe231]

WOW!!!
That thing is hella COOL!!
Nice work!!

[HotRodYJ]

Been working a few nights on a little more low buck old school flare for the truck. These valve covers are the old school finned aluminum that I really wanted. My Dad ran this particular set on his 37 Pontiac street rod for the past 30 years. These covers were old enough even back then that he bead blasted them and clear coated them before putting them in that car. I media blasted them again last week to get that 30 year old clear coat off of them and started polishing. Polishing is free it just takes time. I'm really happy with how these are turning out, they actually look better in person. Now just one more to go.

Before and after....

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Cant wait to see her done..

[OLDIRON69]

subscribed!

[joe231]

how is this beast coming?

[HotRodYJ]

Slowly. Been working on some "Honey-do" projects the past couple months around the house. Back into bodywork a little on the truck so not alot to show right now. Over the next few weeks I hope to complete the body work and get it in final primer (cab and frontend). Also have to tear down my 4x4 version 700R4 and swap in a 2WD output shaft and tailgousing then put it back together. Once that's done it will be about ready to stick the motor in it for good and finish out the drivetrain.

Thanks for the nudge, I need it sometimes.

[joe231]