Starting 1966 Factory Short Bed Build, Bagged, 383 Stroker and Muncie M20 4-Speed

[88Stanger]

Originally Posted by Modges'66

WOW! Very nice build! Great work!
I am just checking in to see what's going on!
Just out of curiosity, earlier someone commented to flip the center steering link, and you said that you couldn't because the holes are tapered....but I am pretty sure that if you flipped it 180º end-for-end it might work, because the holes are offset from the centerline of the rod.
I am pretty sure that I did this once... But that is probably all behind you now...
Stay well!

I did try that, but the hole sizes are different for the pitman arm and idler arm. I appreciate your idea though, but, I did order a new rack and pinion setup

[88Stanger]

I have a few updates from this past weekend.

So, i was going to use CaptainFabs power steering conversion bracket which is actually awesome, but after some frustrations with what i bought for suspenson upgrades i decided that it is best if just went with Rack & Pinion. So, POL sells a complete bolt in kit with no major frame modifications required and works with Bags and lowered, so i went that direction. Pics of that to come.
Also, I had the stock Rear rebuilt completely, all new internals, new Posi, new 3:42 gears and then i got a nice aluminium cover. Well i did no know that if you do this and lower the truck alot (ie see c-notch and bags) that the standard adjustable trac arm will not work with the aftermarket cover! So, CPP sells a bent and longer arm that does work, so its on the way now, pics to come.
But with that all said, i got the front and rear roll bars in, both CPP.
Also, the frame brace has two mounting holes to select from, if you are lowering the truck alot, go with the set of holes towards the rear of the truck, not the front set, lesson learned here. But after adjusting that and mounting the trailing arms in the top holes on the frame brace, it lined up very well.

[88Stanger]

few more pics, the rear and front roll bars installed

[88Stanger]

couple more

[88Stanger]

Scoti,
I assume you are asking in reference to maybe how the truck will sit at ride height? I sense a concern?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 88Stanger

Scoti,
I assume you are asking in reference to maybe how the truck will sit at ride height? I sense a concern?

Correct. The same size bags front & rear are not so much an issue. The installed height in the rear (bracket + bag) vs. what you're targeting for 'ride height' drop amount will possibly be the issue.

Those bags look like the standard C10 fronts (2600's/SS7's/Firestone 224c F6873) have about a 6" recommended ride height @ pressure. If/when you deviate from that recommended pressure, it impacts ride quality.

I ran that same size bag in the rear w/no bracket & it took only ~25psi to achieve my desired ride height (top of axle tube @ bottom of frame rail lip/approx. 2.5" from bottoming out on the c-notch). Now, I also had lowering blocks in the rear which should be a wash for your bag bracket since they prob both were similar in height. Below 30psi the ride was too bouncy & felt like it was basically too much for the shock.

You might want to set it up & verify dimensions. The smaller Dbl. Convoluted bag (2500/SS6's/255c F6781) are ~5" @ recommended ride height @ pressure (40-50psi likely). You get a much better ride quality w/the correct air pressure.

Food for thought. You sound like you weren't planning to go as low as mine was so you might be ok. I figure it's worth mentioning while you're still in the build stages.

A pic for reference . This was a bolt-in C-notched frame, bags directly bolted to the frame/Truck-Arm, & 1.5" blocks. I know it's a different year/body style but the chassis' are almost identical for the ride height concerns/comparisons....

[88Stanger]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Correct. The same size bags front & rear are not so much an issue. The installed height in the rear (bracket + bag) vs. what you're targeting for 'ride height' drop amount will possibly be the issue.

Those bags look like the standard C10 fronts (2600's/SS7's/Firestone 224c F6873) have about a 6" recommended ride height @ pressure. If/when you deviate from that recommended pressure, it impacts ride quality.

I ran that same size bag in the rear w/no bracket & it took only ~25psi to achieve my desired ride height (top of axle tube @ bottom of frame rail lip/approx. 2.5" from bottoming out on the c-notch). Now, I also had lowering blocks in the rear which should be a wash for your bag bracket since they prob both were similar in height. Below 30psi the ride was too bouncy & felt like it was basically too much for the shock.

You might want to set it up & verify dimensions. The smaller Dbl. Convoluted bag (2500/SS6's/255c F6781) are ~5" @ recommended ride height @ pressure (40-50psi likely). You get a much better ride quality w/the correct air pressure.

Food for thought. You sound like you weren't planning to go as low as mine was so you might be ok. I figure it's worth mentioning while you're still in the build stages.

A pic for reference . This was a bolt-in C-notched frame, bags directly bolted to the frame/Truck-Arm, & 1.5" blocks. I know it's a different year/body style but the chassis' are almost identical for the ride height concerns/comparisons....

Scoti,
I so appreciate your comments and thoughts! That is such a great help to me. It allows me to understand what i can do if what i het is not enough. Thank you for your time here!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 88Stanger

Scoti,
I so appreciate your comments and thoughts! That is such a great help to me. It allows me to understand what i can do if what i het is not enough. Thank you for your time here!

No problem. I would just make sure you can mount the smaller bag in the same set-up that way if it does seem it's necessary, you're already set-up for the task.

What brand/manufacturer are the bags?

[88Stanger]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

No problem. I would just make sure you can mount the smaller bag in the same set-up that way if it does seem it's necessary, you're already set-up for the task.

What brand/manufacturer are the bags?

I am using EZ Air Ride full Deluxe kit for my C10

[0ldSoul]

Awesome. Looking forward to seeing what you think of that no frame modification rack and pinion setup, sounds intriguing..

[SCOTI]

Interesting read.....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=804452

[Corts60]

Excellent work! Very nice detail on everything. Just read through your thread; can't wait to see it all come together!

[88Stanger]

Originally Posted by Corts60

Excellent work! Very nice detail on everything. Just read through your thread; can't wait to see it all come together!

Thank you sir, i appreciate it. Hopefully i can help someone with what i am doing.

[88Stanger]

Originally Posted by 0ldSoul

Awesome. Looking forward to seeing what you think of that no frame modification rack and pinion setup, sounds intriguing..

So, you were interested in how it went? Well it went as smooth as i could have asked for! I was amazed! 4 large bots and tada.... its in and done.
Now honestly, it took me about an hour to just get it installed, figuring out what holes to use for the mount. Basically, i was trying to make it alot harder than it was. LOL I Laughed at myself once i figured it out.
So, here are multiple pics of the install....

[88Stanger]

a few more bolt in power rack

[88Stanger]

a few more

[88Stanger]

last couple

[0ldSoul]

Yeah that looks so good! Coming together very nicely!!

[Paul Y]

Hi Jeff,

Good to see the chassis member in place and looks good powder coated in red.

Tried to respond to your DM but your mail box is full.

Want to arrange a good time to call.

P.

[88Stanger]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

Hi Jeff,

Good to see the chassis member in place and looks good powder coated in red.

Tried to respond to your DM but your mail box is full.

Want to arrange a good time to call.

P.

should be good now. Sorry about that

[67C10GS]

loving this build, you're doing most of what i want to do to mine so i cant wait to see it done.

[88Stanger]

Originally Posted by 67C10GS

loving this build, you're doing most of what i want to do to mine so i cant wait to see it done.

Well Thank you. If you have any questions please let me know.

[88Stanger]

ok, installed the front disc brake kit, all part of CPP lower kit. Also, trying to snug fit the air lines for the air bags.

[88Stanger]

New Rear Disc Brake kit from Master Brakes, great company, great stuff, perfect fit and good customer support
First couple pics of mounts, you will notice i have the the Driver side on pass and Pass on Driver... lol they were swapped.
Aslo, caliper are painted red of course

[88Stanger]

more with the new Rear Disc Brakes and then onto a full roller!!!