Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Been a long time since I posted anything. Truck is running, can move and stops on its own now! Bucket seats are nearly done, just at upholstry shop getting assembled back together. I hope they turn out nice, has been a long time coming to get those done. Also sent my radio off to Gary Tayman to get converted, excited to see how that turns out!

I also started another truck because one is not good enough :crazy:
Its kind of a frankenstein truck...found a long box frame so cut it down to a short box. Bought a stepside box in another deal....and then got a rust free cab and front end in another deal lol.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Picked this up locally. Complete jack kit, still even has the original bag! Ordered a new bag from a member here, should look good in the truck.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Finally got my seats done. I swear they have been the most stressful part of the truck so far...between spending more $$ on them then I had planned, waiting on Truck World covers, and every place that had them for work took FOREVER (skirt repair and the upholester). Just happy to have them done! Also got my Gary Tayman radio conversion back

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

The seats look awesome.
I ended up doing my seats for my car my self cost me $1,754.38 for 2 buckets and back seat. I got quotes for $5,300 to $8,000.00. They look like brand new.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Well my 69 2wd is done for the most part. There are things to do on it yet but they will get finished as I continue to drive it. So after being away from my 4x4 for over a year I can get back to it.

I hung the doors this weekend before I end up tripping over them and it's getting me excited again. I ended up buying a brand new box as well as the original one went to my 2wd build. It matched quite closely so I figured I would use it on that truck. It's mostly just a bunch of assembly stuff left as the truck is running and can be moved under its own power.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Bump on this old thread.

Lost ambition on this truck so for the past couple years I built a 2wd shortbox and a 69 Suburban. So turning back to this one now with motivation again! I bought this truck when I was 17 and I'm now 34 so it deserves to finally get back on the road.

But plans are changing. I've decided to rip out the 350 and 4 speed and throw a 5.3 in it. I've got my donor engine and will be using the 4l60e. Dakota digital gauges, lokar floor shifter, advance adapters kit and my wiring harness are ordered. So playing the waiting game now. But this thing will get done this winter, and hopefully get the box painted shortly after.

Picture is me loading it up this past weekend to haul it to the shop for the winter.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

You mention a "radio conversion." Please tell me what that entails.

Thanks!

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Basically upgrades the original radio to have Bluetooth, USB capability, etc. Makes it a modern radio while keeping the factory look.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Making some progress.

5.3/4l60 is all bolted in attached to the np205 with the Advance Adapters kit.

I used the Dirty Dingo crossmember. I was hoping I could get away without a lift kit, but the springs are old and likely sagged a bit so I did not have the clearance I need from the front diff, so I went with a 2" Tuff Country lift kit. New springs all the way around.

Slowly knocking things off, I imagine it will be running in the next 4-6 weeks. Then just finishing up all the odds and ends, putting interior back together, and then paint the box.

I also snagged some 15 x 8 four nub steel wheels, so excited to get those cleaned up and painted and throw on. I have a set of dog dish caps to go with them as well.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Awesome progress!

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

The 15 x 8 wheels and dog dish caps look MUCH better then the old wheels.

I'm hoping to get the fuel system plumbed next weekend. After that, a few things left to check off before first fire. Hopefully can hear it idle before the end of the month.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

One last update on this truck I guess.

Its all back together, interior is mostly done now as well. Put about 50 miles on it this summer. I need to get the box painted, but who knows when that will happen as I picked up a 70 Blazer project that has diverted my attention haha.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Nice Truck.
15 x 8's look great, agree.
What size tires did you put on them?

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

They are 32s. Bought them a few years ago assuming I was staying stock height, probably would have went a little bit bigger had I known I was going to put a 2" lift in it.

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Nice truck

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Looks great! Getting quite the collection!

Re: 71 4x4 SWB
 

Great build! I like the decision to go with the 5.3 engine. You can easily bump up the horse power to around 340 with a stage 2 low lift cam from Texas Speed.