Z'ing my frame??

[cdog73]

Ok guys, so I've came to the realization that I'm not ready to drop 5k plus for all of the Porterbuilt suspension I would need to put my truck on the ground like I want to, so I've decided to Z the front and possibly a 3 link the rear. My reason for this post is to hear the do's and dont's when doing this type of set up. Should I go with a straight cut or an angle cut to push the wheels forward an inch. I'm not building this truck to sell, I'm building it to drive and enjoy. I know people are still doing the Z because it wasn't to long ago a truck with a Z got the cover of street trucks. I just want all of you guys with the knowledge of doing this to give a brother a hand in what to do and what not to do. Pictures are very helpful. Steering info will be greatly helpful. Anything that Nate P., Delmo, Keith Stephens, or Dino want to throw in would be great also. Help me out here guys, cause I want to do this right the first time. Thanks for everything in advance everyone. All help is welcomed. So the truck I'm going to be performing the Z on is a 1971 c10 shortbed. Thanks again guys.

[tinydb84]

Do you have the necessary skills and tools to do it?

I Z'd my C20.

The Z itself wasnt that bad. I just went overboard with everything else to get super low. I imagine I could do one in a weekend if I had someone to help and only did a small Z.
If you are just laying frame a 2'' Z is sufficient and minimizes all the other ancillary work you will have to do.

Another option would be to do a crossmember section and switch to a rack and pinion set up. It is a bit more for the rack and pinion but worth the improved steering. I did this one is only an inch (not wanting to mess up the stock steering too much). Much less work, you can do it to a spare one to minimize down time, and you dont have to pull the engine.

[andrewmp6]

Do you trust your life on your welding skills?

[cdog73]

Yes the welding and fitting isn't an issue as I atteneded Hobart School of Welding in Troy Ohio right after high school. I'm just trying to get opinions from everyone who has done one so I do it right the first time with minimal issues. come on guys I need more than 2 responses. Help me out here.

[cdog73]

yes have the tools and welding ablity to do this. So you think 2 inches will be sufficient to lay out flat?

[tinydb84]

You really only need 1.75" but I'd do 2 to be safe.

[bbbc10]

just a heads up thorbros is making his raised crossmember again for half the price of the pb dropmember....me I wouldn't want to do a z on my truck

[cdog73]

bbbc10 I seen that thor bros had their crossmember pretty cheap but I don't believe it allows the use of stock a arms, so there is almost 2k by the time its all said and done. I want to do this as cheap as possible so I don't have 25,000 dollars in a truck that's worth 20,000. I'm building this truck for me and nobody else and I think doing the Z will work for me.

[tinydb84]

It does accept the stock arms. The wait time is pretty long on it though.

If you just want to lay flat I would do a 2'' up 1'' forward Z. You will likely have to do some minor tunnel mods and maybe some to the rear if you are a short bed (depending on tire size). You will need to modify your trans crossmember and shift linkage. You will need some steering joints and a bracket to hold it all in place.

Pull your engine and front clip. Remember your jack stand points can change body gaps when you are putting it all back together. Cross brace everything before you cut. Get a few levels and clamp or tape them in place. Two jacks makes it a lot easier. Have a friend around to help line everything up if you can.

Lots of threads on here have Z's. Mine is pretty detailed if you want to look.

[andrewmp6]

Talk to pbfab they use to offer weld in drop members front and rear that was like 500 cheaper each then the bolt in stuff.

[bbbc10]

The one from thorbros that i got was 600 shipped an its just like pbfabs.....

[68laydout]

On my 68' I did a 3" Z with a 74 degree cut. Moved it forward 1". I used some poster board to simulate the cut and this was the angle I came up with.