"Elwood" the 77_remix

[smpoulin01]

Outstanding! Really looks good.

[Advanced Design]

I agree, rear differential looks good too. Congrat's on getting equipment back in place. What is your business?

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Cab temps will be controlled by a Restomodair #haymaker blowing through Brothers Trucks vents

Are they special vents to adapt to the restomodair kit? I’ve battled with vintage air trying to adapt their non ac cab kit to OE style vents.

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Today was a good day, especially considering its a Monday. At work we are setting equipment in the last location that I lost due to Hurricane Harvey. Its a significant step in getting my company back on track.

Besides that, I got pics from Brent at Sculpt Garage. He got the additional yardage needed from Snowden Supply to finish the back cover on my seat.

I’m in AWE! That seat looks amazing!!!!

[mcbassin]

Love the seat Ken! looks great!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by smpoulin01

Outstanding! Really looks good.

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

I agree, rear differential looks good too. Congrat's on getting equipment back in place. What is your business?

Thanks for the kind words.
My company owns and operates arcade games. We lost six of our accounts to flooding from Hurricane Harvey. We were blessed that there was no damage to our home or warehouse, but the loss of equipment and revenue was significant.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Are they special vents to adapt to the restomodair kit? I’ve battled with vintage air trying to adapt their non ac cab kit to OE style vents. I’m in AWE! That seat looks amazing!!!!

I plan to adapt to OE vents. If there is an issue I will bring it to RestoMods attention.

[N2TRUX]

I have been waiting for a few weeks to make an exciting announcement. Once again, I will be working with RideTech to debut some of their latest technological advancements in suspension components. They showed several items at SEMA 2017 that were coming available soon.

Of particular concern to the classic truck owner is the recently released 73-87 Coil Over System for C-10's. In case you missed it, that system was installed on Scarlett my 85 Sierra. LINK

This same package is available with air springs as well. The Bolt-On 4 Link System for 73-87 GM trucks is available with CoilOvers or Shockwaves. The latest update to the ShockWave version utilizes a new "Composite Design" material with CAD-engineered reinforcing ribs that is stronger and lighter than billet aluminum.

The R&D department gave approval to send a system out for public testing, and Elwood will be first on that list. Stay tuned for an indepth install feature.

[rustytruck50]

Still tuned in & enjoying the project! Shaping up very nicely...not that it was out of shape before!!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Still tuned in & enjoying the project! Shaping up very nicely...not that it was out of shape before!!!

Very kind, but it does need some love. After a few seasons of sitting, its time for some attention.

[N2TRUX]

While waiting for shipments, I'm tinkering with small projects. The differential cover was coated with undercoating over spray that was baked on. It took a while to get it clean, but I finally cut through the grunge.

After a trip or two in the media blast cabinet, it was ready for primer. I hit it with a couple of coats of filler primer then sanded it smooth. I followed it with a top coat of my favorite accent color, VHT Cast Iron gray.

[N2TRUX]

Christmas came early at N2trux house. The FedEx driver doesnt look anything like Santa Clause and I'm pretty sure he not one of the "Wise Men" either . Regardless he did bring gifts of joy to my shop.

I pulled in from work and stacked under my usual work related shipments were several large boxes from RideTech. I grabbed my dolly and shuttled everything inside the cozy confines of my garage. Oh boy, truck toys!

It was quite a process to unpack everything. RideTech shipping department does not scrimp on the packing materials. Each item is wrapped tightly and smothered on foam packing sheets. Not a single part was out of place.

[gringoloco]

They do packs things nicely

[rustytruck50]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Christmas came early at N2trux house. The FedEx driver doesnt look anything like Santa Clause and I'm pretty sure he not one of the "Wise Men" either . Regardless he did bring gifts of joy to my shop.

I pulled in from work and stacked under my usual work related shipments were several large boxes from RideTech. I grabbed my dolly and shuttled everything inside the cozy confines of my garage. Oh boy, truck toys!

It was quite a process to unpack everything. RideTech shipping department does not scrimp on the packing materials. Each item is wrapped tightly and smothered on foam packing sheets. Not a single part was out of place.

Cool! Thank goodness for the ability to live vicariously! Pretty big word use for this late at night! Lol

[mcmlxix]

When you have a minute, can you take an outside measurement of the frame with, arrow to arrow?
Thanks

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

When you have a minute, can you take an outside measurement of the frame with, arrow to arrow?
Thanks

The frame alone is 34" with the bridge in place it goes up to 34 3/8"

[N2TRUX]

As you saw from the previous pics, the frame has been stripped of the last version of the RideTech 4 link in preparation for the new. I left the C notch in place until I was ready to bolt the new one up. Both sides of the notch will be supported while the transition takes place.

[PowerdbyChevy79]

well.. I have finally got caught up on this build thread..I am stoked to see the outcome Ken!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by PowerdbyChevy79

well.. I have finally got caught up on this build thread..I am stoked to see the outcome Ken!

Welcome Ruben. It should be a lot more interesting from now till LST.

[N2TRUX]

It snowed here in South Texas last night. It was a perfect night to spend in a warm shop. I fired up my little space heater and went to work. I unpacked the last box of parts from RideTech that stored my new bolt-on 4 link system for 73-87 GM trucks. The parts were wrapped extremely well to protect the slick satin black powder coated finish.

[N2TRUX]

After unpacking, I double checked the inventory list. I'm not sure what process RideTech uses cutting out their parts, but the finished edges are so clean.

I re-positioned my jack stands to ensure that there was no stress on the C notch area. With that stable, I removed the old cross brace and C notch. The old bolts came out with ease letting me know my jack stand adjustment worked.

It was a relief to see that all the old holes lined up with the new C notch. I had to drill one additional hole, but everything else lined up. Note that there are some longer bolts in the bags. These are used in the cross brace brackets. Yes, I didnt catch it till I had them all in place.

[gringoloco]

Slick!

[N2TRUX]

Thursday night I finished the C notch bolt in and added the 4 link hanger to the frame. After double checking that all the brackets were square on the frame, I ran them down with my 20v followed by hand torquing each bolts to ensure it was locked in place. That also gives me an opportunity to clock the bolt heads. Yes, I'm anal.

[N2TRUX]

I'm not on call this weekend so I have had some quality shop time. Friday night I installed the 4 link brackets to the new 10 bolt axle. The fit and finish on these pieces are incredible. I did note that the center pin for the top perch plate was just a bit too long. I shaved it down a hair and the plate fit flush on the perch.

[N2TRUX]

With the axle in position, I added the 4 link bars. Hanging the bars up front is simple. Its no easy task connecting the rear bars by yourself. I found that creative placement of a 2x4" block on the floor jack helped roll the housing enough to align the mounting holes.

[N2TRUX]

With the axle in place and the 4 link bars cinched down it was time to add the icing on this cake. Besides a much cleaner design of the entire 4 link kit, the biggest difference is the change in bags and shocks.

The previous system worked just fine with the sleeved bags and separate shocks. This set up required a panhard bar that was located with a bracket attached to the center of the axle. It worked very well, and rode smoothly. It was however a bit cluttered and did not allow room for a rear exit exhaust.

The new design allows the use of coil overs or Shockwave air springs on the same kit. This includes a lower mounted panhard bar with a much cleaner placement. All of this means you have room to tuck a true dual exhaust system and run it out the back.