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Old 09-17-2011, 10:48 AM   #1
erock805
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to z or not to z

Looking for some guidance from the experienced. My last truck had a lifted crossmember, then I pie cutt the upper frame supports and made clearance for the tie rods. I am thinking the way to go was just z it from before the core support to behind the shock mounts. Then I dont have to worry about the tie rods and I can get that cross member up and out of the way....

What will I face when I do this? How much is too much? Anything I need to keep in mind during this project?

Thanks.
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Old 09-19-2011, 09:22 AM   #2
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Re: to z or not to z

come on...someone has done this...I seen pics, cant remember who though
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Old 09-19-2011, 11:10 AM   #3
Dinos63
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Re: to z or not to z

Eroc i want the stepside bed and no z pancake it
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Old 09-19-2011, 09:01 PM   #4
Doug19
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Re: to z or not to z

Anyone have any guidance on this. I'm really leaning towards z'ing the front of my truck too. I'd love a pb dropmember but just can't stomach the price and don't really want to go the bag route.
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Old 09-20-2011, 02:18 AM   #5
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Re: to z or not to z

I pancaked the last one. Thought Id try the z...Saw a post on a truck, cant remember who it was.
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Old 09-20-2011, 02:20 AM   #6
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Re: to z or not to z

Quote:
Originally Posted by erock805 View Post
I pancaked the last one. Thought Id try the z...Saw a post on a truck, cant remember who it was.
Super high dollar build, had a crazy expensive hot rod in the shop with it...
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Old 09-22-2011, 07:18 PM   #7
nhtc33d
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Re: to z or not to z

I did a Z'd frame for my project. I too would have liked to buy a dropmember but
for about the same money i bought a Hypertherm plasma cutter and a Hobart MIG welder. I found it to be easier than i thought but it is def. alot of work. here is a link to my project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285353
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Old 09-24-2011, 02:04 AM   #8
newagecustom
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Re: to z or not to z

I have done quite a few z's. Its pretty easy, I can do one in 2 days without removing the engine or trans.
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Old 10-18-2011, 01:13 PM   #9
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Re: to z or not to z

Noob here bumping an old thread.. but id be very interested in some Z'd frame pics too. My plan is to lay 2x4" box tubing inside the rails under the cab inorder for the rockers to touch the ground. Question is how much of a Z would be required for this? 3" - 3.5"?
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Old 10-20-2011, 03:21 PM   #10
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Re: to z or not to z

depends if your putting the 2x4 in the top or bottom of the frame. i chose to put my 2x4 in the bottom of the frame so less of a Z is required and to keep my 4 link from hitting the ground. with 2x4 in the bottom a 2" Z was needed to lay out but i did 3" Z so i could layout on a 2" taller tire. my build thread has lots of pics and info. feel free to check it out and let me know if you have any questions. Z and body drop are in the last few pages.

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Old 10-20-2011, 08:54 PM   #11
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Re: to z or not to z

Id be putting the box tubing at the top side of the frame and triming the bottom off that way i dont have to drop the cab bed or coresupport down anything different... this will be the easiest body drop ive ever done! haha.


My plan is to level the frame out sitting it down on top of the frame table and weld it in place. Next lay the 2x4 inside the rails, weld it in and trim the bottom off. Third cut the frame loose and add several pieces of 3" tall box tubing under the cab section and weld it to the table. Ill weld mounts for the front frame horns and rear rails too hold everything stable. Lastly cut the Z, lift the cut cradle section up and slip the same 3" box tubing under it then start welding it back in place.
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Old 10-23-2011, 12:25 PM   #12
Slammed66
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Re: to z or not to z

Erock , Do the Z!!!!!!!!

a 3 inch z will put you where you wanna be, the is none of this frame trimming and 2x4 in the frame rail biz nasss needed unless you wanna door it.

You will need a shorter rad. you will also need 3 steering ujoints and a support bearing.

The thread you are looking for is Di Bella found here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392728

here some shots of my truck before I went dropmember.





Hiked up..




IM redoing it witha dropmember and 4 link right now , that can be found here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=449019

Holla if you any more Q's I still have the zd frame in the garage if youd like ay more pics. Matt
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Old 10-23-2011, 12:39 PM   #13
Slammed66
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Re: to z or not to z

Quote:
Originally Posted by nhtc33d View Post
i did a z'd frame for my project. I too would have liked to buy a dropmember but
for about the same money i bought a hypertherm plasma cutter and a hobart mig welder. I found it to be easier than i thought but it is def. Alot of work. Here is a link to my project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285353

bad ass truck......................
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