1971 4X4 $WB $tep$ide Frame Off Re$to Mod

[dbash]

Thanks Gary, and yes I am anxious to drive it and see how much different, better it handles and feels with all of these mods done to it. But not until after the show..... I owe the builder that courtesy.

[swamp rat]

That is one awesome truck!

Would like to know if the springs are 4" lift? if they are can you come up with the brand and length of the shocks you used? Just about everything i find the shock body is too long for my 4" springs or the extended length is too short.

[dbash]

Thanks Swamp Rat. Looks like your doing a great job on yours.

Those are Rancho Shocks. I will not be able to measure anything until its out of the interior shop. I will post them once I am able.

The Leaf Springs were made for me by Deaver Springs. I requested a 4" lift. At that time they told me they typically don't build anything less then 6" but that they would do the best they could to accommodate me. Everyone is convinced it is a lot closer to 6" then 4" depending on how much they settle after being driven some.

If your close you can always weld on some horizontal mount points to help the fit of your shocks.

[swamp rat]

I appreciate the info on the shocks if you can get it. I have BDS 4" springs and ORD shackles, 12" between my BFG 33' tires and the front fender well lip. I have concidered trying to find some kind of shock upper mounts but not sure what to look for or where to look, have seen some for a C10 but not a K20.

As for me I have ether been swamped with OT or sick this winter for the 3rd time, just now getting over a week long bronchitis and fever so things have gotten a bit sidelined since November, i'm getting frustrated to say the least wanting to get the build back on track.

[msgross]

Very nice build...

[dbash]

Thanks msgross, and more importantly, Thank You for your service!

[dbash]

The Gauge Bezel, Ashtray and Glove Box came back from having the Carbon Fiber applied today..... Motor fired right up yesterday.

[trayallen72]

killer dash gauge bezel who done the work

[Posted]

OMG!!! Awesome

[dbash]

Originally Posted by trayallen72

killer dash gauge bezel who done the work

Thanks, contact name is Sal and his # is 916-320-8454. Sacramento, Ca. area.

[dbash]

Originally Posted by Posted

OMG!!! Awesome

Thanks

[JayB331]

Nice work!

[Posted]

What headers are those?

[dbash]

Originally Posted by Posted

What headers are those?

The headers were shipped with the Engine from Turn Key. Their description states "ceramic coated block hugger headers".

[Posted]

thanks. You bought a complete tunrkey. Nice. I just picked up a build turnkey privately for mine. 350 with about 350 horse or so. I am in the middle of getting that in with the 100% rebuilt TH350. No where near as nice as your ride. Just guessing, but you have to be into this for some bucks! That truck is a real beauty! Basically 100% redone right? I have to go through all of your pages again.

What did you use for a harness? I am using American Autowire. That is going in this week.. should take some time..

[dbash]

Yes its 99% new parts other then Frame, Sheet Metal, Axle Housings and Buddy Bucket Seats. I must point out that I was unable to finish my rig myself and that a local hot rod shop took it from what would have been an average build to what it is today.
As for my investment? my son and then my grandson (who is not even conceived yet....) will have to drive this for 20 years each in order for it to begin to be a practical investment.

I purchased a complete wiring kit, Fuse box to Tail lights, from Brothers.... I do not remember the particular brand to be honest.

[CUSTOM/10]

I believe Brothers uses M&H for their wiring, they may also you AAW. I just got my harness from Classic Heartbeat, they use M&H and AAW. I learned from Wes @ Classic Heartbeat the M&H and AAW are almost identical, because these two guys use to be partners.

Gary

[Posted]

Originally Posted by dbash

Yes its 99% new parts other then Frame, Sheet Metal, Axle Housings and Buddy Bucket Seats. I must point out that I was unable to finish my rig myself and that a local hot rod shop took it from what would have been an average build to what it is today.
As for my investment? my son and then my grandson (who is not even conceived yet....) will have to drive this for 20 years each in order for it to begin to be a practical investment.

I purchased a complete wiring kit, Fuse box to Tail lights, from Brothers.... I do not remember the particular brand to be honest.

Still worth it! That is very cool. Hope it stays in the family forever.

[ThreeQtr]

Killer looking truck! I guess it not going to follow you in your Jeep at the Rubicon now.
on your first page you mentioned that you wished they made a swb 4wd one ton chassis version, check this build out.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=585571

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=612307


Watching from sunny south Florida

[dbash]

[QUOTE=ThreeQtr;6509277]Killer looking truck! I guess it not going to follow you in your Jeep at the Rubicon now.
on your first page you mentioned that you wished they made a swb 4wd one ton chassis version, check this build out.

Thank you. You are correct, no Rubicon Trail for this truck any time soon, but that's why I have the crawlers after all.

Identity Crisis is a sexy beast of a build. That guy is a master craftsman and one hell of a visionary.

[Ozzy2013]

Originally Posted by dbash

Picture speaks for itself. Note the Frame is boxed in here and within a few inches of the front. Same on both sides. The passenger side is a work of art due to the fact he had to trim the top rail to clear the headers and only took what he had to so the box has two "waves" in it. I could not get a photo that showed how great a job he did.

Hi I will be doing a 68 2wd to 4wd conversion I was wondering .Where did you get the spring hangers for the front differential? They look a lot heavier than stock. Thanks a million .Oz

[dbash]

Originally Posted by Ozzy2013

Hi I will be doing a 68 2wd to 4wd conversion I was wondering .Where did you get the spring hangers for the front differential? They look a lot heavier than stock. Thanks a million .Oz

Hello Oz, your correct, they are significantly heavier duty then stock. I purchased these from ORD (Offroaddesign.com) They have a great product line and their very helpful on the phone if you follow up your online order to confirm everything is correct for your rig/goals.

I have their parts on my rock crawlers and they get the heck beat out of them on the rubicon trail and have never failed me despite thrashing against granite boulders with 42" super swampers. Their a bit overkill for this truck but I prefer to drive my rigs rather then wrench on them.

Good luck with your conversion. Do your homework before you purchase parts.... The 2wd frame is different then the 4wd frame especially at the back axle area. Its thinner metal too so consider beefing up some critical areas like the steering box mount area where your going to add more stress with a 4X4 set up, you can see this on my build. Some cross-members are different as well.

[msgross]

Originally Posted by Ozzy2013

Hi I will be doing a 68 2wd to 4wd conversion I was wondering .Where did you get the spring hangers for the front differential? They look a lot heavier than stock. Thanks a million .Oz

check out DIY4x.com as well for your conversion...

[Ozzy2013]

Originally Posted by dbash

Hello Oz, your correct, they are significantly heavier duty then stock. I purchased these from ORD (Offroaddesign.com) They have a great product line and their very helpful on the phone if you follow up your online order to confirm everything is correct for your rig/goals.

I have their parts on my rock crawlers and they get the heck beat out of them on the rubicon trail and have never failed me despite thrashing against granite boulders with 42" super swampers. Their a bit overkill for this truck but I prefer to drive my rigs rather then wrench on them.

Good luck with your conversion. Do your homework before you purchase parts.... The 2wd frame is different then the 4wd frame especially at the back axle area. Its thinner metal too so consider beefing up some critical areas like the steering box mount area where your going to add more stress with a 4X4 set up, you can see this on my build. Some cross-members are different as well.

fortunately I have a GMC with rear leaf springs and I will be beefing everything up will be the 4th conversion I have done .The others were 20+ years ago and I used all stock parts .Thanks for the help and congrats on one awesome truck!

[quadzero]

What a great fun project. I really enjoyed reading thru it. I like all the attention you gave the front end like the steering brace. The motor and cool dash are fantastic. Keep up the good work.