New-B needs advice on C4 susp.

[pgf545]

Thanks Paul, I am still in the boxing phase...man thats lots of welding and grinding...lol. I will probably try and get my brother to come over cause he is a much better welder than I am....at least his welds are prettier.

Bernie

[paul5663]

Bernie, Actually, the welding I had done in about 3-4 hrs taking my time, laying 3-4 inch segments and jumping around alot. Its the grinding part that took me a couple of days. Have fun....its all about the EXPERIENCE! Right?

[pgf545]

Thanks Paul, I am about 3/4 of the way through the welding...the top side is done and I still need to finish some on the bottom. I will post some more pictures when I get it done.

Bernie

[paul5663]

Got a little done today. Put recess in the boxed side for the brake booster clearance. Put mounting bracket in place for booster/master cyl and everything looks pretty straight. Next will be to place cab on frame (maybe this weekend?) and install brake pedal mount, motor mount brackets and transmission mount.

[paul5663]

Pics I forgot to attach last post:

[tygaboy]

Very cool - and it looks great. I'm about to get the Flat Out 'vette stuff on my '52 Suburban project and it's great to see someone who'd a bit farther along. Very motiviating!
Thanks for posting and keep up the great work.

[solidaxel]

Does that crossmember come with a drop out transmission mount, or do you have to fab one?

[pgf545]

Hey Solid, It comes with a drop out crossmember. I am fixing to do the one on our truck. Really nice piece.

Bernie

[paul5663]

Yea, it is a nice clean set-up. Here is pic of pc, I'm installing this in a few days. I'll post it.

[paul5663]

Once I had the front susp. assembled and the cab on the frame, I couldn't resist putting on the front clip. Looks like my dog Hannah is ok with it. Decided to use the original column since I'm going w/ a Lokar floor shifter. I kinda like the old wheel anyway.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Very impressive work you’ve done! I really like the look of the progressive X-member you install. Keep up the good work, your going to have a killer ride.

[paul5663]

Thanks Cal, I appreciate the encouragement. I just finished checking out your own truck. Man what a great inspiration! Its a great example of what a good number of the members on this sight are hoping to accomplish with their project. Nice job.

[paul5663]

Well, a semi-productive Sunday is now complete. Installed poly tank I purchased from Tanks Inc. on line. Pc. fit pretty good between the two existing crossmembers. I had to plasma away about 1 inch off the bottom of the rear one. Also had to make steel hold-down plate (see pic) and spacer pads and weld them to the corresponding crossmembers. Mocked up rear end to be sure I wasn't going to hit there. Just need to finish mounting straps and I'm done. Motor mounts, trans crossmember and steering hookup are next. I'll post it.

Paul

[entourageguy]

Nice looking build.

With the tank filler neck did you check for clearance on the box floor cross members?

Brian ...

[paul5663]

Yea, I'm fine for clearance where the filler neck is concerned......I will probably have to trim one of the crossills to make way for the sending unit but nothing drastic. Feel free to comment if you see something I don't because I pretty much "winged-it" here. Thanks.
Paul5663

[tiggerstoy]

dam nice build, good work!

[Jebb1978]

Agreed, truck looks sweet!

[paul5663]

Hey thanks much Brian, Tigger, Jebb......I am having alot of fun with this truck so far. I am currently cleaning up a "mildly used" ZZ4 350 and running a slightly built 700R4 to give her some giddyup. Putting those in place are next for this thread. Please feel free to drop any hints or advice along the way. Its cool to have the feedback. I'll be sure and do the same. Paul

[53lochevy]

Great build bud need to ask a question about the brake booster did u use a I believe a 7inch or a 9inch round booster that are available with the x-member from progressive? I'm going to user the x-member from progressive could u have made the crossmember wider before u tack it together without having to fab the frame rail for the booster to clear? Also one more question the brake booster rod can it be made longer/ shorter is there a coupler for extended if mounted further back with the use of the stock brake linkage is used or vise/versa. Should have pics of mine by the weekend its going to the media blaster next week just finishing up stipping doors apart and left over wiring and brake lines,etc in the frame. Ordering box plates and x-member next week also so I was wondering which booster to order.

[Kabwe]

Very nice build. Good luck with it.

[paul5663]

53lochevy,
I ordered the 7 in booster/master cyl from progressive along with the cut-away box for booster clearance along the frame. The install of the box was relatively easy. I would consult Progressive before modifying the width of the Xmember as you may weaken it by changing the geometry. As far as the brake pushrod goes, Progressive will send one to you at no charge after you have your system installed and you call them with the length you need. I'm not sure about using the stock brake linkage. I am using Progressives brake pedal assy as well. I had to modify the pedal itself by putting as "S" bend in it to move the location toward the center about 3/4" so it would line up straight into the stock brake pedal opening on the floor. Good luck and call Progressive, I have done so a couple of times and have received great service. Post your build with lots of pics, would love to see it come together.
Paul

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by paul5663

Hey thanks much Brian, Tigger, Jebb......I am having alot of fun with this truck so far. I am currently cleaning up a "mildly used" ZZ4 350 and running a slightly built 700R4 to give her some giddyup. Putting those in place are next for this thread. Please feel free to drop any hints or advice along the way. Its cool to have the feedback. I'll be sure and do the same. Paul

Paul,
I did the same thing with my ZZ-4, but I changed the pistons and the cam and did a port match on the manifold. I do like the roller Comp Cam that I installed, it is a bit smaller than the stock ZZ-4 cam, but it is very streetable and the A/C works great in the summer here in the desert and the temps stay on the thermostat 190* max in traffic.
I can look up the cam numbers if you are interested,it starts at 1000 and runs out of breath at 5000 and with the .64 overdrive it is perfect in 5th gear.

[paul5663]

Solidaxle, I am going to run the motor basically "crate stock" except for a demon carb and MSD ignition for a spell from the start. I am definitely open for suggestions on tips to make the performance more usable like a cam change as you mentioned. Certainly will consider it if you have the part #. Thanks a mil.

[paul5663]

Had to modify the motor mount brackets a wee bit to get them positioned
where they needed to be. Took a while but everything lines up and looks good so far. I havent installed the trans crossmember yet. That'll be next.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by paul5663

Solidaxle, I am going to run the motor basically "crate stock" except for a demon carb and MSD ignition for a spell from the start. I am definitely open for suggestions on tips to make the performance more usable like a cam change as you mentioned. Certainly will consider it if you have the part #. Thanks a mil.

Paul,
Look up a 8-408-8HR I am 99% sure that is the one that I chose. it seems to like the heads on the ZZ4 as it breaths reel good, and the ingition I am using is a MSD also with ported vacuum and a 3:70 rear gear .The mileage around town stays in the 14MPG range and I have been checking it for the past two years which is where I drive the most. The cam is very streetable with good pick up in 4th to get through a light.
In 5th and it is just right in the 2K area just out of the idle circuit. Sometimes I wished I had chosen the next grind up but for the most part I am not trying to beat anyone from the stop light, but I do like the way it pulls in 2nd all the way to 5K!!