JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

I'm going to start a build thread since I got some pretty key components for my build yesterday, but first let's go back....

I picked this truck up in early May from a buddy on the Eastern Shore.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9d9eedff_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b55e435f_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

It's a 1986 GMC Sierra Classic 4x4 SB. It has a few rust issues as most do in this part of the mid-atlantic but I can deal with that. It also has had a 350 dropped in to replace the tire 305 which has less than 20K on it. Bonus.

The day I brought it home:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7ccdb413_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

I started doing some stuff to the interior to make it more livable.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c779b5b6_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2fd5efae_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6497cebd_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e0b4efc3_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

LED dash lights
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d0738a8f_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bc481d95_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Now that the interior was livable and I could set my cell phone on the dash without losing it inside it, lol, I moved to piddling around with he exterior.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...772af909_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...db264f2f_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cf4252e4_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

I added some 2" bolt on wheel spacers to make this happen:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3ffdf69d_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

So after that, I just drove it around when I wanted to and didn't do much to it. I pondered where I wanted to go with it and finally after some lucrative OT at work this happened:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3d7cb066_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

4.56 open diff 3/4 ton 14 bolt and dana 60 front to match. So now 35's are on the way and I am trying to decide on 3 or 4 inch lift to go with it. I don't want it to be super high. This thing will be used off road so it needs to not rub even when flexed and tires stuffed.

So I think my path is clear now, lol.

Stay tuned as I refurbish these axles, get my tires and wheels in, and pick out the lift. Any pointers for those that have been down this path is greatly appreciated!

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Nice truck and upgrades. You will need at least 4" of lift for 35's. I have a 4" with lt315\75r16 tires, which are around 34.5" , and while I have no rubbing issues, if it was flexing off road much, I'm sure there would be sheet metal carnage. The lower back corner of the front fender openings would be the first to go unless you do some fender trimming. You can see in the pic how much room there is. Wheel offset will also affect the clearance. Mine have no offset and I don't rub at all, but if you offset them out,you will probably rub.

Keep us posted.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

You have made good progress on it. Looks good.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

My 81 k10 has a 4" lift with 35's and with my 8" wide wheels I can flex a decent amount before it rubs.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Well I plan on running a 8" wide wheel with a 4" back spacing and pushing the front axle forward 1" so hopefully that will allow clearance when stuffed of the 315/75 R16's. I will also be properly setting up the bump stops once the lift is on and I check clearances. If not, I'm not afraid of a sawz all. :devil: This truck isn't going to look nice ever. It's going to be purpose built and if a little bit of sheet metal gets in the way, that's not going to stop it. lol.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Subscribed to see my old truck become awesome. :metal::metal::gmc2::gmc2:

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Update on the progress up to today. Have been painting the front axle and doing some research on where to get a Bilstein steering stabilizer. Seems like a pain int he butt to find. The compressed length of the leaky stock one is 14.75" and the extended length is 23.00" according to my rough measurements. Bilstein's website lists a model for a later model F-350 that is 14.96 compressed and 23.03" extended. I'm not sure it that will work and the bushings can take up that .25" difference. Offroad Designs has a Bilstein stabilizer listed on their website so I am going to give them a call tomorrow to see which one it is.

I also started disassembly of the 14 bolt. I got the Ubolts cut and off the axle and was able to disconnect the mangled hard lines. The axle is out of a 78 so I am assuming it has SAE fittings and since my truck is an '86 it should have metric correct? Any help here would be appreciated.

I have my tires now but I think I am going to wait on the wheels for a bit.

Any way, here's a few pics. As usual constructive feedback is welcome.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8e317114_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Crappy leaking pinion seal is out and new one is in on the 60.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f3e464a2_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4eaa47bd_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Brake calipers and pads should go on tomorrow as well as painting the short side axle tube and C-hub. Still waiting on the new diff cover to come in and once that is installed then I can paint the center chunk.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Man, gonna be a nice build. Ultra strong front and rear you got there.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Killer truck!

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Since everybody loves pics, some updates. Some parts rolled in today. Should have the tires and wheels mounted and balanced this weekend.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b3e29307_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...03b9eeab_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e34b2d87_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2f2f62b0_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

So good news and bad news. Good news first. The front axle is ready to go under the truck.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b69635c4_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Bad news, got the hubs and drums off the 14 bolt and looks like the brakes are junk. All the parts aren't even there.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5634e0f7_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Does anybody have a lead on a source for 1984+ backing plates for a 14 bolt that are the 11" brakes? I can't seem to find them anywhere. I can find the 13" brake backing plates but I'm not sure if I want to switch to those.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Massive update. See pics below. the front should be going under the truck this weekend.

Decided to go disc on the 14 bolt. Here it is ready to weld shock tabs on and then go under the truck.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...684a34b4_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Wheels and tires mounted up.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5185844f_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Custom made Alcon front springs with the pin moved 1" forward.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f31500fa_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Other suspension goodies, new shackles front and rear, all new mounting hard ware, etc.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f03676c3_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Shocks are on the way and hopefully will have them by the weekend. Stay tuned for more.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

I bought a set of those Milestar Patagonias from Amazon, I like them.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Getting closer. No going back now.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...08aa9bae_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

It sure is coming along, great progress and updates!

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

what brand of wheel spacers did you use

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Bulletproof Off Road Adaptors (Bora).

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Incremental update:

Axle and shocks are in. Brake lines, driveshaft U bolts and crossover steering are in route. Going to Napa today to order a 2wd steering box.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a130c729_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...54acbc3c_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e8af8409_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

2wd steering box installed. Awaiting arrival of ORD crossover steering kit.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...50e60c51_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Small update. Brake lines are in and hooked up and I took a couple motivational pics.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0402bff4_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5b790082_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f83e9e21_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Sweet truck! I love your build. Be careful with those harbor freight jack stands. There Is a recent recall on some of them for failing!

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Thanks. Only the big ones are harbor freight and they aren't the ones on the recall. The other little ones are craftsman.

Hopefully I will get the rest of the steering tomorrow for a weekend install.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Have specifics on the dash pad (or is it a cover?), LED's, and gauge overlay that you used? That looks great!

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Dash pad came from this guy:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=736613

The bezel is from LMC truck as are all the other trim pieces.

The LED lights I just searched for on Amazon.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Saturday update. Having to dodge rain but I have made some good progress.

Rear axle out.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b7f96e9c_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...91817664_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

These things, yeah F*** them, lol. Pain in the ass.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...87fa927b_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

One side shackle flip done before the hard rain came and shut me down.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b56b2ca7_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Rear axle is in and it is sitting on the suspension! Need to order a new rear drive shaft from Tom Woods tomorrow. Still a bunch left to do but this is a big milestone.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9817dff7_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4f7df559_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Shake down run to the gas station was completed! Went un-eventful which is good. Need to get the tires re balanced as some of the stick on weights have come off.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...52b1810c_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Truck looks sharp. I'm not normally a fan of black wheels, bumpers, etc. But it suits that color combination and the purpose.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Another update.

Winch install:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8b0f9924_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6f52549c_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fc0cab1c_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

I used a universal mount from Amazon, some class 3 hitch extension, a little welding and some creativity.

Next, the spare and hi-lift jack install:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c3ef8faf_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

And finally, CB for the trail:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7fc58ed0_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

I need to put a pinion seal in the 14 bolt as it is weeping when driving right now but she is coming together.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Looks nice!

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Small bit of progress this afternoon. Got extended bump stops in the front. And have mods for the rear end!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bda1f94e_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...80d7de8e_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr
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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0d886ddf_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Hopefully I lowered the stops enough. I may have to swap to a lower profile engine cross member because of the crossover steering. I need to flex it out and see how close it gets.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Nice work Jason. That crossover steering looks great.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

I like it! Looks like your hard work has paid off. Congratulations on the progress.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Update, the truck completed Pott's Mountain Jeep trail including the 4 hour drive there and back. Had to winch 2 times. Winch and mount performed flawlessly. Sustained minor body damage on the driver bed side and passenger lower front fender when it dropped down on a rock. On to some pics:

before:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cd93a7ba_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

after:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7bbf59a8_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

I'm trying to get some videos that some people took of the outing. Edit:

https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/...6172d4d7_w.jpg122796231_355680369085914_8818866883030842522_n by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Awesome stuff! Looks like a blast, I never did Potts when I was still in VA. My brother has taken his 98 grand Cherokee on 40’s up there a few times.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

It was a good time for sure. I wish the weather was a little better but I'll take it. At least it wasn't pouring rain the whole time.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Any updates

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Not really. Been driving it around on the weekends. I really want to take it up to Flagpole Knob this summer. I did end up having to do a rotor, cap and plugs on it the other day because it was running really bad and almost didn't get me home from work. I also want to move the gas tank to the bed and get some sliders on it to protect the rockers. I did redo the exhaust after it almost fell off, lol. I think I tweaked it at Pott's Mountain:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...db5f0d26_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1a7a63bb_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...086351ca_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Small update. The wipers on my truck have never parked right and the intermittent setting has never worked. Well, now they do. Had to replace the wiper motor. Seems like the little switch at the top that rides on the gear was trashed.

https://youtu.be/hwYNsoCknbM

Next up, I have door panel strips on the way and a NP208 speedo gear to get my speedometer correct finally.

Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story
 

Update! So I finally decided to keep the saddle tanks under the truck and incorporate protection for the tanks into the slider design. Now, I don't have the equipment or skill to build custom bolt on (they have to come off to service the tanks) sliders but I was able to find a talented fabricator in my area willing to work on my old junk. I got him to custom make me some sliders and a bed rack (because overland, duh? lol). So after a few weeks of waiting this is what I have:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...871649fe_b.jpgUntitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

The rack will hold the spare, a 4 gallon Rotopax because she's a thirsty girl, hi-lift and various recover gear associated with the winch etc. It also has a provision for the CB antenna and additional Rotopax mounts for water/coolant or whatever else I can decide. This frees up the bed by allowing me to lose the giant heavy steel tool box and go to a lightweight footlocker for spare parts. It also allows me to camp in the bed if need be.

The sliders have an integrated step (a requirement from the wife) and protection for the saddle tanks. The are also bolt on so they can be removed to service the tanks. I need to replace the passenger side as it has a pin hole leak.

I intend to drive the truck wherever I go to wheel, gas prices be damned so it needs to have the ability go down the highway at 70 mph. Next mods up after the fuel tank replacement, is hydro assist steering. I'll post more pics of the sliders when I get a chance to take some.