93 RCLB K1500 Build Thread - TIGERZ

[TIGERZ]

Hey everyone!

Well its about time I created one of these. Well Here is it. I have a 93 RCLB K1500 I've owned for about 4 years now. I bought it from my neighbor who was the original owner with 88k on the clock.

So long story short heres what I've got so far:
33" Mickey Thompson Baja Claws
17" Moto Metal Wheels
K&N filter
Cobra CB Radio w/ PA Output
Sony CDX-gt740ui head unit
Pioneer Component 6 1/2 System
Kicker 10" sub behind seat
PowerStop Slotted Rotors/Pads
Animal antenna topper


Here are the goals in order:
6" Lift Kit
5.3 Engine Swap
Front Bumper
Train Horn
3" Body
37" Tires
Body/Paint Work



So here is where she currently stands. These pictures are from about 6 months ago. Since then I removed the For Sale sign and added some bumper stickers

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_0998.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_0996.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_0995.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_0999.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_1004.jpg

Nevermind the For Sale sign. That was when I was pissed off at it lol.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_1003.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_1002.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_1001.jpg



And the body damage from some a$$hole who hit me but didn't leave a note
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_1000.jpg

[TIGERZ]

I just picked up a complete 6" rough country lift kit off a dude for $320. All I need is the brake line adapters and some new shocks!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/309078_10150352324556728_508366727_8163323_1066875 532_n.jpg


After verifing everything was in order I dropped it off at the blaster / powercoating last thursday.

While waiting for my parts to be done I added some additional upgrades!!
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/315694_10150356433356728_508366727_8184658_1342117 839_n.jpg

[90chevstepside]

You've got train horn twice. You want two? Lol jk. I've got one horn but no compressor or tank. I need to get one.

When's the lift goin on?

[TIGERZ]

You've got train horn twice. You want two? Lol jk. I've got one horn but no compressor or tank. I need to get one.

When's the lift goin on?

Patience young grasshopper! I just picked up the lift today!

The lift probably won't go on for another week or so because I still need to buy shocks and I'm going out of town for 5 days.

[TIGERZ]

Well I just picked up the kit tonight from San Diego Power Coating & Protective

http://www.sandiegopowdercoating.com/

I must say they did a fantastic job!


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/truck/IMG_1283.jpg

[90chevstepside]

Patience young grasshopper! I just picked up the lift today!

The lift probably won't go on for another week or so because I still need to buy shocks and I'm going out of town for 5 days.

I guess not everyone is like me. I bought my lift In new condition but from someone on CL and got home with it at 6:00 P.M. By 8:00 P.M. My front tires were coming off to begin install.

I'm not a very patient person when I get something for the chevy, I want it on ASAP!

I don't have a build thread. Maybe I should make one as well.

[98BlackSierra]

I love the look of the truck, but as soon as I saw the powdercoated pieces I shook my head. I'm not sure I'm going to like that look. But hey, its your truck so if you like it is all that matters. Any plans on replacing/updating the headlights?

[PETTERLE]

you should put a 94+ front end on it. maybe de-mold/de-badge.

[TIGERZ]

I love the look of the truck, but as soon as I saw the powdercoated pieces I shook my head. I'm not sure I'm going to like that look. But hey, its your truck so if you like it is all that matters. Any plans on replacing/updating the headlights?

The kit was pretty old and covered in grease and surface rust so it really needed to be done. I feel as though maybe I should have gone with a different green but I do intend to paint my truck a brighter green down the road so we'll see how it looks. They look great in person. It was really me wanting something that stands out more. Everyone has a black or blue or red lift, not many have it custom painted. As for the headlights, yeah I plan on replacing them all with the new clear versions. Nothing too crazy.


you should put a 94+ front end on it. maybe de-mold/de-badge.
I've really thought about the 94+ but seeing as how I just replaced the grill on it 2 years ago I don't really have a reason to justify spending the money on a new one. The one thats on there still looks great.

[PETTERLE]

I've really thought about the 94+ but seeing as how I just replaced the grill on it 2 years ago I don't really have a reason to justify spending the money on a new one. The one thats on there still looks great.


i know EXACTLY what you mean lol. good luck with the build

[Tazaro]

I like the green direction, but maybe make it look more like a Detroit diesel green, and then put a Detroit diesel into the engine bay and you'll have a hell of a unique truck, :cool:

[zraffz]

You're missing skid plates... guess it isn't a big deal if you aren't beating on the truck.

It will look awesome when it's done. I'm about done doing mine and I'm getting excited.

[TIGERZ]

You're missing skid plates... guess it isn't a big deal if you aren't beating on the truck.

It will look awesome when it's done. I'm about done doing mine and I'm getting excited.

I have the skid plates but i didn't get them done. I'm undecided about them



I like the green direction, but maybe make it look more like a Detroit diesel green, and then put a Detroit diesel into the engine bay and you'll have a hell of a unique truck, :cool:

You get me the engine and I'll get make it that color! deal?

[TIGERZ]

Quick update:

extended brake line adapters came today. I just ordered my shocks Pro Comp ES9000. I wanted Bilsteins but my wallet didn't. Besides I figure the ES9000s will perform just as good as the chitty $30 autozone brand that are in there now. I should be picking up the shocks on Wednesday. Plans to get everything installed is this weekend!

[JAYB1RD]

Sub'd! Cool project, keep it goin!

Also, if you really want better brakes I would go with the 2500 calipers and master cyl. It's a direct fit for the 1500 and more of an improvement than a pad/rotor upgrade for almost no extra cost compared to the stock equipment. The best part is that there's no extra noise or dust like you'll get from the aftermarket stuff! IIRC the calipers cost $10-$15 more than the OEs and you just need to use the heavier duty 1500 rotors (but your light weight OE ones will work for now if they're still good).

[TIGERZ]

Sub'd! Cool project, keep it goin!

Also, if you really want better brakes I would go with the 2500 calipers and master cyl. It's a direct fit for the 1500 and more of an improvement than a pad/rotor upgrade for almost no extra cost compared to the stock equipment. The best part is that there's no extra noise or dust like you'll get from the aftermarket stuff! IIRC the calipers cost $10-$15 more than the OEs and you just need to use the heavier duty 1500 rotors (but your light weight OE ones will work for now if they're still good).

Thanks for the tip. I might look into that when my next brake job comes around.

Update:

picked up my shocks and boots last night. Already got my time cleared for a half day at work so I can drive out to my buddies place on friday and start working on it. If all goes well the lift will be on this weekend!

[90chevstepside]

You have til Saturday and there better be pics! :cool:

[TIGERZ]

Anyone have pictures of the exhaust mod that needs to be done so i can clear the driveshaft? I recently learned that I need to get that done

[TIGERZ]

another update. Last weekend we didn't make really any progress. Due to a ton of rain and no garage we were only able to get the torsion bars out. This weekend we made siginificant progress. We have just about everything removed and have to finish up cutting and grinding the old shock mounts off so we can start mocking everything up. Thank god this week I'm only working 3 days so ill definitely have it done by the end of the week. Pics soon!

[90chevstepside]

I was gonna reply to your question but I say your thread in offroad section. But I'm ready to see pics of it lifted now. Is it more or less work than you thought it'd be? I planned for mine to take 2-3 days and mine ended up taking 7 days and over 40 hours of combined work to finish! Talk about pain in the arse! But the end result is worth it IMO

[TIGERZ]

I was gonna reply to your question but I say your thread in offroad section. But I'm ready to see pics of it lifted now. Is it more or less work than you thought it'd be? I planned for mine to take 2-3 days and mine ended up taking 7 days and over 40 hours of combined work to finish! Talk about pain in the arse! But the end result is worth it IMO

The biggest road blocks we've hit so far were:
1) Rain. Which pretty much killed an entire weekend.
2) Torsion bars. The crossmember for the torsion bars had been slammed on a rock and was bent. So in order to unload the torsion bars, We had to cut away some metal to be able to turn the bolts. Which in turn led to me having to locate a replacement cross-member from a junkyard.
3) Not having a cutting torch. We've been using grinding and cutting wheels. So much time would have been saved if we had a torch.
4) Working M-F 8-5 and having my truck be 2 hours away.

[90chevstepside]

Yeah those are pretty big setbacks. Mine was 15 mins away and I spent every available hour when I wasn't at school or work until about 2 every morning, then get up and work more then go to class or work. Friday night I spent the night in te truck and slept from 1:30 to about 8, and woke up and finally finished it about 3 o'clock that day. Then drove a mile down the road and a wheel bearing blew out on me, so I had to spend the rest of the day takin the left front back apart and puttin it back together lol.

[TIGERZ]

Yeah those are pretty big setbacks. Mine was 15 mins away and I spent every available hour when I wasn't at school or work until about 2 every morning, then get up and work more then go to class or work. Friday night I spent the night in te truck and slept from 1:30 to about 8, and woke up and finally finished it about 3 o'clock that day. Then drove a mile down the road and a wheel bearing blew out on me, so I had to spend the rest of the day takin the left front back apart and puttin it back together lol.

Got any more pictures of your truck? I find it sex-z

[90chevstepside]

Hahahahaha! Do I have pics? I've prolly posted more pics of my truck in random places on fsc than I have posted text, but when I get home tonight I might just finally break down and make a build thread even though most ofthe work is already done lol. I'll post lots and lots of pics in there. Don't wanna whore up your thread more than I already have.

[90chevstepside]

Where's the pics of the "lifted" truck you're supposed to have completed?

Btw here's the link to my build thread that's full of pics:
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/general-discussion/projects-builds-restorations/488513-90chevstepsides-build-thread.html

[Country-Man]

Thats going look sweet with the lift in their. love that green colour to

[90chevstepside]

Any progress?

[TIGERZ]

Sorry for the lack of updates. It didn't tell me any of the posts were new so I didn't check.
Got the front finished last weekend but haven't done the rear yet. holy Sh!t it was a PITA!!!! Did anyone else have as much trouble aligning the differential rear crossmember?? I'm probably going to finish next weekend or over the christmas holiday. Having the truck/tools 2 hours away is so much work and has been expensive in gas to keep driving roundtrip. All I have left is to get it aligned and install the rear lift which is cake compared to the front. This was definitely much harder than I anticipated it to be.

Heres a small teaser pic of how its sitting now:
http://i43.tinypic.com/4ugqps.jpg

Are there any brackets or anything to cover up the torsion bar drop blocks. They look pretty ugly from the side. I should also add that I havent adjusted the torsion bars yet either. So it should be another 2" higher than the way it currently sits.

[Tazaro]

Here i remember an add from the "OBS lift" thread, ill give you link.

http://http://www.realiftsusp.com/ (http://www.realiftsusp.com/)

[TIGERZ]

Here i remember an add from the "OBS lift" thread, ill give you link.

http://http://www.realiftsusp.com/ (http://www.realiftsusp.com/)

Yeah i remember seeing that. They're pricey though $300+

[Tazaro]

I've never even checked the price, but if your good with metal, could always make your own i guess, it doesn't seem like a complex piece of metal.
Look forward to seeing more pics of your truck, are you going to crank the front at all once you throw the blocks in the rear on, or just leave it as is for the ride quality?

I kind of want to see if anyone here has ever done the RCX 3" kit in detail, cause i keep getting mixed stories about it.

[TIGERZ]

I've never even checked the price, but if your good with metal, could always make your own i guess, it doesn't seem like a complex piece of metal.
Look forward to seeing more pics of your truck, are you going to crank the front at all once you throw the blocks in the rear on, or just leave it as is for the ride quality?

I kind of want to see if anyone here has ever done the RCX 3" kit in detail, cause i keep getting mixed stories about it.

I'm going to crank. Currently the bars are almost completely decranked. I'll go up an inch or so and see how it rides. With the way the cv joints are now, i have a lot of room to grow.

[90chevstepside]

For an OBS the 3" kit does nothing but lift the rear 2-3". The front of the 3" kit is garbage and does nothing for the OBS trucks. Neither do torsion keys. The stock keys will crank to the bump stops and it is physically impossible for your suspension to go any lower than that.

Tigerz Truck looks good. At first I was like that 6" kit only put it up a few inches but now I see you're fully decranked. What size tire are you wanting to run?

[TIGERZ]

Tigerz Truck looks good. At first I was like that 6" kit only put it up a few inches but now I see you're fully decranked. What size tire are you wanting to run?

I want to step up to 37s I think I may do a body lift on top of this next month. Do you know if the body lifts remove the bushing between the body and the frame? Or do the spacers go under them? If they replaced them completely I could imagine it would ride like $hit.

[90chevstepside]

Honestly I know nothing about body lifts besides the basics that everyone knows. I would think it would replace them, simply because If you put them on top or bottom to me it'd be like stacking blocks. One might slip out from under the other and be a hazard on the road. But from what I've heard they don't ride too bad. But IMO I wouldn't think about 37's unless 1. You have the bl on too, or 2. You plan on putting on the bl asap.

I run 37's and unless I'm fully cranked, 37's rub and at full crank it's VERY hectic on my ifs front end parts. And even cranked all the way, if I try to turn and hit a slight bump, it rubs like crazy on the front bumper. It also ate up the rear of the front fender on mine by running the 37's. If I had the money, right now I would put a 1.5 or 2" body lift on mine In a heartbeat. But my trans blew up on me yesterday and lost 3rd 4th and 5th so now I've got to spend $800 to get it rebuilt and beefed up some.

[TIGERZ]

Honestly I know nothing about body lifts besides the basics that everyone knows. I would think it would replace them, simply because If you put them on top or bottom to me it'd be like stacking blocks. One might slip out from under the other and be a hazard on the road. But from what I've heard they don't ride too bad. But IMO I wouldn't think about 37's unless 1. You have the bl on too, or 2. You plan on putting on the bl asap.

I run 37's and unless I'm fully cranked, 37's rub and at full crank it's VERY hectic on my ifs front end parts. And even cranked all the way, if I try to turn and hit a slight bump, it rubs like crazy on the front bumper. It also ate up the rear of the front fender on mine by running the 37's. If I had the money, right now I would put a 1.5 or 2" body lift on mine In a heartbeat. But my trans blew up on me yesterday and lost 3rd 4th and 5th so now I've got to spend $800 to get it rebuilt and beefed up some.

Yeah definitely. I won't run 37s without the BL. I'm planning on doing it next month then look into tires later. Sucks to hear about the tranny. Have you considered putting the money towards a 4l80 rather than beefing up your stock one?

[90chevstepside]

At this point, I'm beefing up the 700R out of necessity. It's already been down one day, and I won't be able to pull the trans til Friday, and it'll take roughly a week to rebuild then I have to reinstall. I haven't done any research on the swap to even know where to begin. I'm driving my dads dodge Dakota until mine is back on the road but it's a big burden on everyone. Also the guy rebuilding it is a good family friend that knows his stuff and has built everything from dirt track cars, to mud buggies, to blown drag cars. If I had the time to research, and look for parts for the swap, I'd consider it but right now, it's just not possible unless it's a direct bolt in. (again, I've done no research)

[90chevstepside]

:deadhorse :banghead:

[TIGERZ]

:deadhorse :banghead:

lol

I FINALLY have an update!! I finished the rear tonight and got the torsion bars cranked up!! I'm sorry about the delay. It had to go on the back burner while the holidays took place and some stuff with work went down. I ended up getting laid off last week :-/ . BUT it does give me lots of time to tie up all the odds and ends on the truck. I'll probably take it in for an alignment tomorrow. I'll post pictures tomorrow. It rides and looks SOOOO much better. I love it. All the hard work and money finally paid off.

[TIGERZ]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/IMG_0297.jpg?t=1326411345

[90chevstepside]

ABOUT TIME :lol:

It looks great. So I'm guessing you're happy with it? :thumbup: sucks to hear about the job though. Maybe you'll get a better one real soon!

[TIGERZ]

ABOUT TIME :lol:

It looks great. So I'm guessing you're happy with it? :thumbup: sucks to hear about the job though. Maybe you'll get a better one real soon!

It's gonna be a while. In about a month or so after taxes and unemployment is filed i might be taking a month vacation to Europe.

I'll tell you this. The headache I had to go through with installing this used lift makes me wish I had bought it new. I'll take better pictures after I wash it and paint the exposed part of the frame and torsion bar drop brackets the same color.

[90chevstepside]

What trouble did you run into??

And Europe?? Take me with you. Haha what are you gonna do over there?

[TIGERZ]

What trouble did you run into??

And Europe?? Take me with you. Haha what are you gonna do over there?

tracking down hardware to install the kit, still had to buy shocks on top of the price of the lift, then the rear blocks/ubolts werent the right size. He also didn't include the add a leafs. So I had to order the entire rear lift which was another $130.

As for Europe. Provided finances are in good order, i plan to go for a month and hit up as many countries as possible in that amount of time. Stay in hostels, meet people, camp, just backpack it for awhile. You're more than welcome to come!!

[90chevstepside]

That'd be cool as hell. One of my good friends did that in Australia. She loved.

I had an extra set if ubolts i would've sent you. Lol oh well. But atleast you got it all on there though. It feels good lookin at it and thinking, "f$&@ yeah. I did that" lol I do that all the time.

[TIGERZ]

New addon that was finished yesterday. Getting ready for those trails.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/IMG_35911.jpg

[abrady94]

someday i want mine to look like yours

[old chevy man]

Not a bad looking truck, I like it too.

[05bigblue05]

Looking good!

I would say now that you have more time to do things since youre layed off... (unfortunately)

- new mirrors
- make headlights clear
- delete bug shield
- window tint
- polish up the chrome grille and maybe the molding
- ANNNNNNNNNNDDDDD give it a nice bath :D

[TIGERZ]

someday i want mine to look like yours

Thanks man. Means a lot :):


Not a bad looking truck, I like it too.

Thanks!



Looking good!

I would say now that you have more time to do things since youre layed off... (unfortunately)

- new mirrors
- make headlights clear
- delete bug shield
- window tint
- polish up the chrome grille and maybe the molding
- ANNNNNNNNNNDDDDD give it a nice bath :D

Lol I plan on doing most of those things. Now that I have the time, I'm going over the whole truck bumper to bumper. Here's my list of upcoming work so far. Also, I have now moved in with my friend and live where I can work on it. So i'll be on this thing almost everyday.


ENGINE:
Tune up
Fix cooling issue
Replace motor mounts
Fix squealing noise
Rebuild?

INTERIOR:
Door Hinges
Arm rests
Shampoo seats
Relocate GPS
60/40 Bench swap?

ELECTRICAL
Redo all grounds
Find battery drain
Replace starter cables
Fix backup light switch
Replace CB Radio/PA speaker

EXTERIOR
Pull out bed dent
Look into fender replacement
Replace headlights
Cowl hood?

DRIVETRAIN
Fix rear-end clunk
Locker
1-2 tranny shift problem
14 bolt?

SUSPENSION
Go over entire lift and retorque
Install Add-A-Leaf
Control arm bushings
Ball joints
Alignment
Sell front end / SAS?

BRAKES
Flush all brake fluid
Replace rears

[bhookxen]

best $300 bucks ever for the Realift torsion bar relocators. it's amazing how much more i smile when walking to it now coming out of the house, stores, whatever.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss221/bhookxen/96%20burban/suburban004.jpg

[TIGERZ]

So im noticing A TON of creaking noises coming from the front. Most of the control arm bushings are pretty shot. So i think im going to replace them all and see how it turns out. Anyone else run into this issue?

[90chevstepside]

My buddies did that. It was all the bushings, after they were replaced, it didn't do it anymore.

[TIGERZ]

Well my tax return ended up being DOUBLE what i thought it would be! So this gives me money for goodies!! I've had my eye on this bumper for quite some time. Or if anyone on here knows someone who can fab that up and give me a good price i'd be interested as well.


http://www.buckstop.biz/Images/chevygm/pre99/LB009_l.jpg

[90chevstepside]

I thought that was your truck at first, I was about to say, hollllyyyyy ****!

[TIGERZ]

I thought that was your truck at first, I was about to say, hollllyyyyy ****!

lol i wish my truck was that clean!

[TIGERZ]

look what came in the mail yesterday!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/IMG_0312.jpg

[TIGERZ]

Look what also came :)


Before


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/IMG_0311.jpg



After:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/IMG_03111.jpg


Night Shot:


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/Screamn4444/IMG_0313.jpg


Sooo much brighter than my old headlights! The low beams are brighter than my high beams used to be.

[05bigblue05]

It's coming together nicely. Another thing I would do that is personally bugging me, is sand paper your wiper arms and re-paint them. It looks as if there is some metal showing.

probably a 15 minute job and costing you $5.

[90chevstepside]

Your got it looking better and better every day!

[TIGERZ]

I know its been a long time since an update but a lot has happened Over the past 2 months. I ended up taking a job working on Disney Cruise Line out of Florida. Since most of my family is moving out there in a few months there is a very strong possibility that I may move out there when my contract is up this summer. And NO SMOG in Florida!! Screw you Cali! Lol. I unfortunately don't have any truck updates for now, other than a new CB radio I installed a few weeks ago. It's very nice and I'll snap a picture of it this weekend.

[TIGERZ]

http://i41.tinypic.com/2hx7w53.jpg

:)

[DDKAJK]

nice setup keep it up

[90chevstepside]

:thumbup:

[TIGERZ]

Replaced starter today
greased slip yoke (big difference)
replaced motor mounts...they were COMPLETELY gone.


got a lot done in 7 hours. For the first time in my life I had a full shop at my disposal. Makes me want my own that much more. Without it, it probably would have taken an entire weekend to get all that done. Not to mention it was 104* outside.

[TIGERZ]

Replaced starter today
greased slip yoke (big difference)
replaced motor mounts...they were COMPLETELY gone.


got a lot done in 7 hours. For the first time in my life I had a full shop at my disposal. Makes me want my own that much more. Without it, it probably would have taken an entire weekend to get all that done. Not to mention it was 104* outside.

[TIGERZ]

My new home....


http://www.trbimg.com/img-4f5652dc/turbine/la-trb-disney-fantasy-april-sailings-20120306-001/950

[90chevstepside]

new home?

[TIGERZ]

new home?

i live and work there now