83/84 swb stepside long time build

[rip2174]

Now I need to clean up my garage. So things will be on pause for probably a week or two. By then hopefully the other truck with motor shows up so I can start putting together a truck. LOL

[rip2174]

Originally Posted by jpnh

getting closer. looks good-jeff

Thank you

[rip2174]

Ran into some issues with the front shocks this past week. Got with Nate and he is going to try and help fix the problem. I really like Porterbuilt's customer service. Meanwhile I've started on installing the Accuair e-level system today. This will probably take me a little while. when I get a few things done I'll post a couple of pics. Really like the quality of the product that Accuair puts out. The system was nicely packaged with some pretty excellent diagrams.

[rip2174]

Here is the rear sensors mounted. Need to tweak the linkage a little to get it more centered. Didn't get the full 2.75 recommended. But it is over 2.5. About the best place I could find to mount the sensors. Having a little difficult time finding a spot for the front ones.

[rip2174]

Ok getting the front end back together. Can't afford to upgrade brakes right now. Went with the CPP drop spindles. Had to buy the HD 1.25 rotors to go on spindles. Was told I could use stock calipers , just needed to order a bracket from CPP to attach stock calipers to spindles. Attached bracket and calipers with new pads wont fit over the rotor. Gap between pads fully retracted piston is 1.125. Do I need different calipers? Any feed back would be nice.

[rip2174]

got the HD calipers and everything lined up and went together well. Heres a couple pics . Also got the front height sensors mounted.

[aotte1]

It is looking very nice, you really come a long way, with a great build.

Les

PM sent on 220

[rip2174]

Originally Posted by aotte1

It is looking very nice, you really come a long way, with a great build.

Les

PM sent on 220

Thank you Sir. And thank you for the welder advice.

[rip2174]

Well I got most of the front stuff installed. The Accuair sensors. The rack and pinion.

[rip2174]

got to the sway bar and thought I'd get a few questions answered. the brackets line up with a hole in the frame in the front hole. Should I use these and drill the rear holes? the holes are a 1/4 in difference off the front of the frame.

[rip2174]

got this with the sway bar kit. Got to say the instructions are pretty vague. Should this bracket be under frame between the frame and the U bracket holding the bushing?

[rip2174]

Nate from Porterbuilt got back to me today about the angle of the front shocks. He said he'd be unable to make new brackets and that I'd have to move the shock brackets forward. So know I have to take those off, cut most of the old shock mount out and move the brackets up. Wouldn't be so bad except I just painted. LOL Still impressed with Porterbuilt's product and their customer service.

[rip2174]

Well. Its been a few weeks and Ive been dragging my feet. had to remove front shock mounts and move them forward about an 1 1/4 in. Had to cut out the stock bump where the shocks use to bolt to.

[rip2174]

got mount mounted back up and shock close to the 3/8 that Nate suggested from the upper control arm bolt.

[rip2174]

put 2 washers in lower shock bolt and now the shock bushings are in better shape.
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[rip2174]

Wanted a little up grade in brake lines. Got some braided brake lines from Azproperformance.

[rip2174]

For now im just painting old wheels.
With or w/o?
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[Hankster]

I was planning on painting mine black and running chrome center cap and no ring, but now I'm going white.. So If i was you, I'd run center caps, and no rings.

[rip2174]

Originally Posted by Hankster

I was planning on painting mine black and running chrome center cap and no ring, but now I'm going white.. So If i was you, I'd run center caps, and no rings.

definitely center caps.

[rip2174]

Ok went out today to finish mounting the sway bar. Got it all in place and aired the frame out and noticed that the passenger's side is slightly higher than the driver's. Checked to make sure all air was out and stood on frame to get it to drop, but seemed to be bottomed out. the sway bar seems to be off. so I took a few measurements and it is out like 1/2 inch. posting some pictures. can any give any advice why the frame isn't laying level side to side?

[rip2174]

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[rip2174]

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[rip2174]

[rip2174]

Well its been a bit. Was pretty depressed when I felt I hit a wall with frame and the old truck. Guy finally told me other old truck was almost ready. I had to take some time off with that and school and work meeting high demands

[rip2174]

Got the other truck back. Highly disappointed with what I felt was a good project truck coming back and the money I spent for the new vortec. The truck is in real bad shape. He must have stored it under a tree for the last 13 years. All kinds of rust! that wasnt there before, lots past what I feel my body skills are.