1981 C10/5.3L Build Thread
Ian, I might go ahead and do the rear tank when I pull the bed to box the frame and setup my 4 link. If I do I will be sure to add some pictures.
I chopped the ends off my Dana 60 and cut off the mounting brackets. I'm ready to start ordering parts!
This thing is a monster, 3.5" diameter tubes with 0.375" wall thickness!
I chopped the ends off my Dana 60 and cut off the mounting brackets. I'm ready to start ordering parts!
This thing is a monster, 3.5" diameter tubes with 0.375" wall thickness!
Got the bed pulled off and cut off all the stock brackets.
2nd picture is the rear most cross-member I'm putting in. Its 2"x4" rectangular tubing
Got 3"x4" tubing for the cross-member that will be close to the 4 link mounting area.
I am welding the crossmembers into the C, and then will box around them so it should be super stong.
I put a 1.25" tube through the cross-member so I can run my taillight wires
2nd picture is the rear most cross-member I'm putting in. Its 2"x4" rectangular tubing
Got 3"x4" tubing for the cross-member that will be close to the 4 link mounting area.
I am welding the crossmembers into the C, and then will box around them so it should be super stong.
I put a 1.25" tube through the cross-member so I can run my taillight wires
Also, I bought the Moser housing ends for my D60. I got the newer GM disc brake bolt pattern with the Ford Big bearings, and bought an alignment Jig.
I looked all over the place trying to find housing ends that would fit the 3.5" axle tubes and they are very hard to find. So I bought some beer for a machinist and he turned down the Mosers so I could slide them into the axle tubes.
It was also difficult to find 4 link brackets that fit a 3.5" axle tube, I finally found some and they are actually like 3.495" holes so they dont fit. I bought a honer and will have to hone them out to make it fit.
I looked all over the place trying to find housing ends that would fit the 3.5" axle tubes and they are very hard to find. So I bought some beer for a machinist and he turned down the Mosers so I could slide them into the axle tubes.
It was also difficult to find 4 link brackets that fit a 3.5" axle tube, I finally found some and they are actually like 3.495" holes so they dont fit. I bought a honer and will have to hone them out to make it fit.
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Mount Gambier, Australia
Looking good. Long slow process, but you will get there. I dont think these projects ever get finished, I am always coming up with more to do.
I forgot to ask, what oil pan did you use? Does it hang below the xmember? Mine does, and want to lower the front a bit more, so looking at options.
I forgot to ask, what oil pan did you use? Does it hang below the xmember? Mine does, and want to lower the front a bit more, so looking at options.
Yea it is a long process. At least when I get the new rear end put in I will feel like it is safe enough to go to the drag strip!
I actually used the truck oil pan, it sits maybe 3/4" below the front cross-member, but with only being lowered 2.5" in the front I have plenty of room. You may look into the Hummer H3 pan, I think that might be what comes in the hotrod kit or whatever it is.
I actually used the truck oil pan, it sits maybe 3/4" below the front cross-member, but with only being lowered 2.5" in the front I have plenty of room. You may look into the Hummer H3 pan, I think that might be what comes in the hotrod kit or whatever it is.
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Verdad Gallardo Made templates for the step notch and frame boxing.
Notched the frame.
Boxed the frame (picture is only partially welded)
I also welded in nuts for the bed bolts so I can bolt/unbolt the bed all from the top side
Notched the frame.
Boxed the frame (picture is only partially welded)
I also welded in nuts for the bed bolts so I can bolt/unbolt the bed all from the top side
Now I am looking at the final parts of the suspension: bump stops in the notch and a sway bar. Thinking about going with a Splined sway bar from 1Speedway...
After that its finally time to rebuild the Dana 60.
I already bought a Strange S-trac rear differential, rebuild kit, axle ends, discs and calipers.
After that its finally time to rebuild the Dana 60.
I already bought a Strange S-trac rear differential, rebuild kit, axle ends, discs and calipers.
