85 C10 4 Link 9inch Z Frame Air T56 Build

[tinydb84]

Anyone else read that as "9 inch Z"

I was like man he is going to have so many problems!

Nice build

[maxxxy]

Nice work so far!

[98layinframe]

Ahhh.. i cant see any of the pics! Im very interested to see this Z frame project!
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[wraprail]

Worked on the motor mounts and transmission crossmember last night
Frame pads are Moroso for an F body. They were too tall for me so I cut them apart, removed about 1/2 inch and welded them back together as low as I could get them. The Z moved the motor up 2 1/2 inches and forward an inch. Actual mounts on block are Prothane

[wraprail]

Trans crossmember is a universal trans dapt dropped unit.

It ended up going all the way to the top of the frame fail in the inside. Four bolts on each side.
I felt the crossmember should mount to the top and bottom of frame as the factory one did so made these plates from 2 x 1/4 thick flat bar.

Here they are welded to Xmember and installed.


Here is the motor mounts



And the Xmember finished.

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[wraprail]

With the Z, the crossmember sits so high in the frame I have max clearence indet it for the exhaust. I have brand new Hooker shortie headers. Not gona use them. I had Doug Thorley 300 tri-y but they were way to low with the truck lowered. Actually dented the collectors on a speed bump. After the Z its like magic! Now the Dougs headers are a perfect fit! Tucked completely inside the frame, no chance they can drag. Added 2 1/2" Flomaster cats and they exit 1/2 inch under trans crossmember. Couldn't ask for a better fit.




I found those headers at Pic A Part last summer paid $40! $500 at summit right now.
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[wraprail]

I didn't mention, everything I'm posting from now on is real time. Thread is now current.


So today I added some bracing to the front frame horns/bumper mounting area. Felt it needed something after Z cutting. This should do fine I think



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[wraprail]

Also ran some brake lines, brake hoses and air lines
Front caliper hose

[wraprail]

Started on air lines and mounting York EDC gona use small pulley on water pump
I have another York bracket/idler for small chevy for sale if anyone interested PM me. $75



The rope is temp to align up the pulleys and get a belt size.

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[wraprail]

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[wraprail]

Finished exhaust except tail pipe which will exit in front of driver rear tire through a hole in bed side. Heres some pics of exhaust..

[wraprail]

Came across this power steering cooler that was on my 05 Cadillac (I changed to an aftermarket cooler) actually forgot I even had it still, all it needed was 2 spacers 3/4 inch and fits nice. Looks factory. Even the pre curved hoses off the cadillac look like they belong. Check it out..

[wraprail]

Ran all the lines, brake and fuel, and the air lines. Installed the motor and trans for the final time (I hope) and hope to get the cab installed today.

[wraprail]

So got the cab back on the other day. Went just as I had planned had to cut a little hole for the T56...


I planned for this and had a replacement (hi hump) ready to go.

Cut out for the shifter. No problem. I did not plan for the driveshaft clearance in the floor. I will cut a tunnel from a donor car my next trip to pic a part.

Got air lines run and could finally put it on the ground and see how its gona sit. I'm happy with it. Puts the frame one inch off ground which is fine with me. Thing i'm really happy about is everything is up between the frame rails. Headers, cats crossmember. Everything. I can drive it aired out and nothing will drag.

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[wraprail]

Got the clutch and brake masters mounted as well as the pedals and steering column.
.



And started on Dynamat


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[wraprail]

Also finished up front shocks. Total low budget upper shock mounts ( as in zero cost) came out pretty good. Shocks are the same ones i'm using on the rear which worked out well. They are Jeep CJ5 front (monroe 32207)




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[maxxxy]

Looks good man! But I'm curious as to why the frame still sits an inch off the ground after the Z?

[98layinframe]

Junk ass phone of mine.. who knows what changed, but I can gladly see the pictures now. Anyways, nice job! Love how smoothly the Z was blended in to almost look stock!

Couple questions.. that hi hump section, what model did that come out of? Whats keeping the truck from laying out? How well does the motor fit height wise? Any hood issues? (assuming not)
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[wraprail]

Thanks for the comments. The Z would look better if my welding skills ( and welder) were more advanced.
The floor section came out of a 4x4 automatic (only one hole for transfer case shifter) C10. Must have been close to the same year, 85 cuz it fit my floor exactly. I used to have a 74 and the 85 floor is not the same.
As far as laying frame, that was/is not a big concern. I still have the factory dual saddle tanks which I want to keep for now and it almost sets them on the ground and its just an empty cab right now. Once I add the doors, front end, bed and interior it may drop another inch or more. I screwed up when I got my parts together and got 2600 bags for the front and 9000s on back. That may have something to do with it.
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[wraprail]

Got all the wireing that goes to the back end ran and supported. Battery cables, disconnect switch, Accuair valves, Dakota pressure sensors, remote tank drain selonoid and diff cooler pump all wired.


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Finished up all brake lines and clutch line. Bleeding clutch and brakes done.


Finally got the correct belt for my EDC just need to run a leader and figure where to mount my manifold with the pressure switch and also has my tank pressure sender for the Dakota air controller

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[wraprail]

Time I updated this now that i'm driving it!
Pics to follow.................

[mooseknuckles]

nice work!

[Stereojnky]

What pedals and master cylinder did you end up using for the clutch? Maybe I missed it...

[Mulk]

Great build and detailed photos.

I just wanted to say thanks. I used your 20 degree idea while Z'ing my 68 Burb today. I went with a 3 inch Z, and it moved everything forward the inch I wanted.

You saved me the headache of trying to figure everything out.

[wraprail]

Watch for 4 year 40,000 mile update coming soon