Longer is not always better...

[delinquent]

Turning the 91.5 from:



into this:


Cutting the frame in a z pattern and boxing in. using a short bed from a 88. For now will just be using the stock fuel tank thrown in the bed, until I can get a permanant system fabbed up. Thinking about putting a 16 gallon sumped cell, where the spare tire used to be and either fill through the bed floor, or make a neck and fill behind the liscence plate. Kinda worried about the driveshaft and ensuring proper measurments for the driveline shop. Anything else I should watch out for? I know the brakelines will need to be shortened. Any help is appreciated!

[oldestof11]

Springs maybe???

While you're doing that, I would 4 link, or even better, tub it!

Slammed and quick is my 2wd motto.

[delinquent]

I agree...Just may have to take a leaf or two out. What is the best way to lower the front. In the past on 73-79 Chevy's, we would just cut the coil springs, but often would be a alignment nightmare. Is there a spindle option?


I am going to run aluminum wheels off of the 99-02 trucks, with a big fat tire in the back, probably somthing equivalent to a 31x12.50 Drag Radial. I am wanting to go with a narrower tire in the front, but don't want to risk safety. Opinions are great, keep em coming!

[PToombs]

That's cool! Somebody was asking about shortening a truck just the other day, and I told them to do just what you did. It looks sharp.

[oldestof11]

I have thought about getting new springs but welding up a longer spring tower to keep the right spring rate..

[BREEZE1]

You can use lowering springs for the 2nd gen 3/4 ton trucks. Just remember that a stock 1st gen coil spring compared to a stock 2nd gen coil spring is 1” shorter. Meaning when you order a 4” drop spring for a 2nd gen truck to put on yours it will only lower it 3”.

I love your truck. im doing the same to mine!

[BREEZE1]

Also, i believe you can use your stock tank. I have designed a sheet metal part to put into the bottom corner of my cab, so that the tank will have the proper clearance to work. Hold on before you do anything drastic. I can send you one if it works. I should be shorting mine sometime this week. Let me know if your interested...

[delinquent]

drastic...done gone and chopped. I'm fuel cell bound anyways.

[delinquent]

Ok guys, I tried and put the bed on, but it sits up like 2 inches to high. It looks like I am going to have to cut away at some of the bottom of the bed supports/mounts. Any help on this is appreciated!

[Mark Nixon]

Dunno' why you didn't just use a 1/2 ton shortbed frame?
Strength wise, there is very little difference between a 3/4 ton frame and a 1/2 ton frame, and you have a usable stock gas tank set-up.

Mark.

[Remps]

Bump...

[delinquent]

Well, I have came to a stand still. The bed is just held on by a few bolts. This task is really too much of a headache. I was planning on doing a 06-and up 2500 long wheel base truck in the near future, but I will not. I will start with a 1/2ton short bed, and drop the cummins in it.

I still have to permanatly mount the fuel cell under the bed, and move the batter to its new loaction, where the fuel tank once was. Still undecided on color of the finished project. For simplicity, it will probably go back white, and add a few black accents here and there. I'm ready just to get the body and interior finished, to really start on the drive train. I have big plan for this truck, and unlike many projects before this one, it will be finished, and done right! No 1/2 ass-ing this one.

[1STGENFARMBOY]

Are you puttin all that go-fast stuff on this truck ??

Dar

[PToombs]

That looks good, can't wait to see it all painted up. Guy I know shortened his 3rd gen, it was a lot of work. He made special mounting plates where the frame was cut. He's a machinest and milled out the plates. It was wild.

[delinquent]

yeah...all the go fast goodies are going on this