76 Stepside Resto

[TurboLS]

Hi All,
After many years I am back. I could not remember my password so I had to create a new account. The link to my previous thread for this project is:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=286267

This project has been a long time coming. A lot has changed over the years as well as my plans for the truck, we'll sort of. The last post of my old thread I had just put the truck back together. Well, it is completely torn apart again, down to frame. The new plans are:

- Porterbuilt Front drop member, A arms, Coilovers, and rack & pinion
- Porterbuilt Rear 4 Link, Coilovers
- Porterbuilt Chassis Stiffener
- LQ9 6.0 swap, cam kit, and prep for Turbo setup
- 4L60E Level 3 built by Bow tie Overdrives
- 9" Full float Rear end with disc brakes built by Schriener Enterprises
- CPP Front Big Brake Kit
- POL Rear mount Aluminum Fuel Tank

All my parts are finally here and I thought it would be a good idea to start a new thread and try to keep a step-by-step of what I've done. And yes, a lot more pictures to come!

[TurboLS]

After it was completely striped to a rolling chassis, I took it to a local shop and had it put on a frame rack. They were able to pull it into with 1/8" square. Probably way overkill, but I figure with the money I'm spending might as well make it right.

[TurboLS]

I ordered a Schriener Enterprises Ford 9" Full Float Rear end. Custom built for my application. It will be getting 4.10" gears and a Detroit Trutrac. This should handle my 700HP goal!

[andrewmp6]

If you ever wanna adopt a fully grown kid let me know lol.Looks and sounds like a good build so far.

[Shugalou]

Looks like this is gonna make me jealous!!! Keep us posted on the progress

[TurboLS]

Got the Rear 4-Link kit today! All I can say is this is some seriously high quality parts. Well worth the 9 week wait. Gonna get started on the install tonight. More pics to follow.

[TurboLS]

So I started to tear down further and prep for the C-notch. Pulled the old 12 bolt rear and leafs. And after staring at all the parts imagining how they go together, I realized the area on the driver side where the stock shock goes has a bent ear for reinforcement, it has to go! It will not allow the top aft crossmember/pan hard bar mount to go into place.

[daddyjeep]

This one is going to be cool.

[TurboLS]

So I've decided I'm going to try and put as much detail on here for this suspension install. Nate at Porterbuilt has been very helpful, but they do not have a detailed instruction/guidelines write up for 73-87 c-10 as of yet. They are working on it.

Here is the 1st issue I've ran across. Driver side frame where the factory bump stop was located. The frame is bent down, probably for reinforcement. The new crossmember/panhard bar mount has a channel that goes on top and bottom of the frame and bolts on. This bent section of the frame prevents the the crossmember from going into position. I made the executive decision to cut the piece off. Hours later I while fitting the 2 piece C-notch I realized that was a bad call. The lower bolts holes for the notch and the crossmember are on the edge of the frame with no meat to drill. I will be welding a piece back on and making it right.

Not sure what the correct and easy route might be. Maybe if I had my torch setup, heat it up, bent it straight, trim the extra. Too late now. Don't make my mistake.

[TurboLS]

Besides that, got some other stuff done today. Driver side C-notch installed. Driver and passenger Front 4 Link mounts installed.

On a side note: The lower forward bolt holes on the driver and passenger side both have to be drilled for the Front 4 Link mounts. The hole in the bracket does not line up with the leaf spring mount holes.

[TurboLS]

So for today's update, it looks like I accomplished a lot but it's mostly visual progress. I got both C-notches installed. Also got the 2 main crossmember bolted in. And while taking a beer break I decided to mock up the fuel tank. Amazingly perfect fit! Was a little concerned when I bought the tank.

[Shugalou]

Wow this is impressive - I was just beginning to understand the 4/6 drop and now this...This is looking like some high level setup going on here.

Congratulations on the progress it looks like it will be top notch.

[TurboLS]

Got my 2nd wind after some lunch. Got the 4 link bars assembled and installed. Along with positioning the rear end and dropping in the panhard bar. Finished off the day with getting the rear crossmember installed. I was able to use existing rivet holes, 2 on each side. Instead of drilling new holes for the other 4 bolts, I've decided to weld in this piece. Between assembly, disassembly, road trip to and from powdercoat, and reassembly, I don't want to throw off my frame that was just squared. Also thinking about welding in the Chassis brace. That will be delivered tomorrow so we shall see.

[TurboLS]

Originally Posted by Shugalou

Wow this is impressive - I was just beginning to understand the 4/6 drop and now this...This is looking like some high level setup going on here.

Congratulations on the progress it looks like it will be top notch.

Thanks Shugalou. I have been planning this for years. If you checked out my 1st thread, all the pics from the beginning are there. Started in 2002. I was also looking at just the standard 4/6 drop. But after realizing I wanted an LS swap and big power plans, suspension became a big concern to put the power down. My whole Front End Kit shows up tomorrow, so I'll be getting those pics up soon.

[TurboLS]

Today's delivery! Once again, amazing quality.

[TurboLS]

Completely stock 40 year old front end. Installed Energy suspension bushings about 10 years ago. Got the tie-rods and gear box off before I took the pic.

The new drop member is a work of art! Finished off the night by getting the engine mount trusses in place and top hats.

[andrewmp6]

Yeah you gotta love nate he won't sell anything ugly.

[RootBeerFXS]

frame porn

[77K10Silverado]

Dang son!

[TurboLS]

Ha, here's today's Frame Porn pics!

Made some progress. Only had a few hours today. Decided to play with the Chassis Stiffener a bit. Not done yet. Also got me rear Coilovers in today.

[TurboLS]

So while installing the front end top hats, and reading the Drop member installation guide, it says if the 3 holes on the top of the frame do not line up to contact Porterbuilt. My frame only had 2 holes on top and only 1 lined up. I sent Nate some pics and my concerns, he responded quickly and told me to go ahead and open up the existing frame holes and drill the missing ones. Doesn't look like I'll have much time to get stuff done tomorrow but hopefully Sunday I get find some time.

[TurboLS]

By far the most time consuming part of this build so far has been the Chassis Stiffener. It doesn't seem like much but after figuring out the rear bracket locations from Nates CAD drawings, positioning the brace in place and locating the center and forward bracket I probably had 4+ hours into it. A big part of it is making sure all the hardware is loose.

But the Stiffener is in. I also finished drilling and bolting in the front Top Hats.

[atopper]

Lookin good TurboLS

[stepside83]

this is a wesome build so far love where your going with the frame, i have a 83 stepside im planning a LS swap and a turbo, gonna watch this for sure. keep up the work and pics coming

[TurboLS]

I love coming home from work to find surprise deliveries!

CPP Big Brake kit, Modular 2" Drop Spindles, 13" Drilled and Slotted Rotors with 52mm Dual Piston Calipers, Stainless Steel Lines, and my power Rack & Pinion.