My slow lame build.

[julscruiser]

So I am creating a build thread to keep track of truck progress. Warning it will be slow and not to exciting. I plan on doing things to her to just keep her running well and a good daily driver. Things that will make her more comfortable and perform better. Nothing to drastic.

Only thing I have done to her so far is take off the running boards and rails on the bed. I also changed to mobil 1 high mileage synthetic. Ill post up pics tomorrow.

In the next few days I am gonna paint some stuff (de chroming) and do a bunch of fluid changes. Pics will come.

[CustomChevyGuy]

sounds like a nice starting point (from your title)

[julscruiser]

Well I debadged her today and removed the fender flares. Ill post up pics when I wash her in a little bit.

I meant the title to imply I wasn't lifting her and putting on huge meats or building a super engine. Just keeping her clean and functional. So it will be a slow lame build.

[cancritter]

comein up on 5 years for mine....no rushs here

[julscruiser]

So these are of the truck when i first got it.http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0183-1.jpg

[julscruiser]

ive taken off the running boards and the bar things that were on bed. There available if anyone wants them. 5.3 liter

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0190.jpg



http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMG_20120117_155806.jpg


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0182.jpg


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0278.jpg


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0279.jpg

[julscruiser]

Wether I decide to lower it or lift it, i dont know yet but it wont stay stock. It wont go extreme either way though. I want it to remain a truck no matter what so I want use of the bed and able to tow my cruiser around.

This is where my cruiser was a month or so ago.
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0192.jpg

This is where it was few days ago. Its not done but will need to be towed so thats what truck is for.
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0306.jpg

This is after I debadged it and deflared it. I like it alot more. Not prefect cause I still have to get all the glue goo off.
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0320.jpg


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/IMAG0319.jpg

[julscruiser]

Before I go back to work on Wednesday I plan on painting a couple things on truck like wheels, mirrors. Maybe bumpers. Well see. I have changed the oil over to mobil1 synthetic, i will be changing over all fluids to synthetics as I change them.

[RRTEC]

Keep it going!

[julscruiser]

So i am going back and forth on what to do with truck. I want to do a 2/4 drop. I should be able to tow with it still and if I do go down dirt roads just need to go slower. I like being able to drive the truck though and not havi.g to worry about keeping her clean and unblemished which i feel i would need to doif i lowered her. I use the bed and dont worry about dinging her up yet if i lower it then i feel like i gotta keep hr nice which means i cant treat her as rough as i do now. Loading stuff in the bed sure would be easier if it was lower though. Any thoughts? If i did lift i wana go as small as possible, with 35 or maybe 33 if they look ok.

Sent from my HTC Hero S using Tapatalk 2

[14GDHPs4ME]

Don't lower a 4x4. :read:

[cancritter]

Don't lower a 4x4. :read:

x2

[julscruiser]

i think ive determined just to put some keys on her and upgrade shocks and call it good for now. I gotta find some pics with 33s on a nbs to see if they look right.

[SuburbanCamper]

It looks alot better with all that unneccessary bull**** taken off. Keep up the good work.

[julscruiser]

Back and forth I am but I can seem to commit to lifting the truck. I really want to lower it. So I think I am. I can always go back. I am going to go order new u bolts (for 2wd truck). I will decrank the front for now. In a bit I will order lowering shackles and new lowering shocks. But few steps at a time. I will be looking around for wheels but am in no super rush to get them. I gotta go get fluids today and change it all out also.

[julscruiser]

So i ordered some hd keys and some belltech shackles. Bam! If i hate it lower ill go higher.

Painted chrome mirror bits black and changed oil again and front diff fluid.

[TOLOFOU]

Nice truck, and sounds like you are enjoying it. Cool!

[ZombieSoldier]

You looking to sell the fender flares by chance?

[obs_fan]

agree with SC...looks clean, totally different from the first pics you posted.
It looks alot better with all that unneccessary bull**** taken off. Keep up the good work.

[julscruiser]

Fender flares went to someone already sorry.

Few question???? When i take off the shackles to put on lowering shackles do i need to remove shackle hanger??? Also does anyone know which side the shackles face, open side to front or rear?

I need to get new u bolts so i can do all the stuff at once.

[julscruiser]

So I went to take off the bed today and the bolts didnt want to budge so they got some shots of pb blaster and hopefully come off tomorrow easier so I can do lowering shackles. I took the keys i bought off ebay from a hd and threw them on the front. I have it sitting at 34 3/4 right now with maybe a quarter inch left to go down before the keys have no tension on them. Ill check out angles tomorrow. Either way they went in smooth and seem to be doing there job. They were leveling keys for a hd so I was not sure what they would do but seem fine.

Is it normal for the keys to be cranked slightly different on each side to be at same height?? Also as long as I have some tension on the keys then they will be fine correct?? I am not sure if you can crank the bolt all the way out and not have it with tension on it or not.

[julscruiser]

The back is sitting at 38 3/4 and the front was inch below before I did the keys so if I get a full 4 inches out of back will be perfect with front.


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/2012-08-19192522.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/2012-08-19192440.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/2012-08-19192459.jpg


Ill take better pics tmrw.

[julscruiser]

Ok ill throw what i have up for pics, nothing good but oh well. Shackles came off easy enough. Taking the bed off makes it way easier, make sure you have a good way to do that (wife helping is not a good way). Isn't really noticeable with it lower. At least not drastically.

Hopefully once I get rid of the 285s itll look better. Any body got some wheels and or tires they want to trade for some 285/75/16 bfg all terrains???

I copied from someone elses thread on how to unload the keys without a tool and it worked real nice. Switching the keys out was super easy.

I took measurements but didnt write them down and dont remember now what they are. Im thinking rear was 39" and now its 37 something. Fronts at 34.5" right now.


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01830-1.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01855.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01857.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01859.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01863.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01865.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01864.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01874.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01875.jpg

and the helper...............
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/new%20junk/DSC01867.jpg

[bahndrvr]

Hmm, kinda confused on the direction but I admit I didn't read all of it, saw the LC and about cried, only way I'm cool with taht is if your exo'ing it and then wheeling the piss out of it. Love them almost traded the Burban for one but the other guy pulled out - Lol

[julscruiser]

lc is getting roll cage and the works, now that i have a tow truck i made it for offroad only.

I am lowering the truck and seeing if I like it. I just posted up in your thread about your wheel swap actually.

[julscruiser]

so i got the rear blocks out. Not as low as I want but some of it is tires. I can see why people say do the 3/6 drop instead of 2/4 but oh well.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01918.jpg
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01917.jpg
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01916.jpg
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01915.jpg

Took off receiver and back up lights.
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01914.jpg

[silverado_lover]

Not sure, but I love a lowered 4x4

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t200/honcrf150/IMG_4819.jpg

[julscruiser]

so dismounted the 285bfg and threw some cheapo 265s on there so i could sell the bfg's. trying to wrestle up the funds for some new wheels and tires. I will wait till I have new meats on but i think i will be going lower already. Should have gone 4/6.

Anyway, heres some pics with cheapo tires on. I would paint them but I figure if i get some new wheels ill sell these so I do not want to ruin them for someone else.

Before...................
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01918.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01915.jpg



After....................
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01980.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01979.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01978.jpg

Does not really look great at this height with this tire combo but oh well.

[julscruiser]

painted front today. Also bought an eraser wheel to deal with mess from debadging. Once I do that I am going give her a real good buffing.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01988.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01987.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01986.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01985.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01984.jpg

[04RCSB954]

I like the eraser wheel, clean and less elbow grease but when i got my truck all i used was a rubber pry, goo gone and plenty of elbow grease

[julscruiser]

im going the lazier route

[GMCNuneZ71]

awesome going good

[04RCSB954]

im going the lazier route

Aka smarter route lol yougot some nice black paint, what's next on the list?

[VighJ]

Looks good... Lots of potential there

[GMCNuneZ71]

eraser wheels THEE BEST!

[julscruiser]

Im trying to scrounge up some money for some wheels. I figure that will allow me to decide where to go.

Actually a better radio is next.

[GMCNuneZ71]

you have just stock radio in right now?

[julscruiser]

yes stock radio

though im planning on getting some new rollers here soon i decided to paint them today. Pretty murdered out right now. I would actually stick with stock wheels and upgrade some other things but i need new tires so has to be next thing either way.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01995.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01994.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01993.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01992.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01991.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01990.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/DSC01989.jpg

[GMCNuneZ71]

looks pretty sweet did you tint the windows as well?

[julscruiser]

they were tinted when i got it. im going to redo them though cause one side has bubbles in it

[julscruiser]

I am wanting to go lower. Id say 2 inches lower in front and back so basically turns it inot a 4/6 drop. I took out the blocks in rear and got 2" lowering shackles. cranked the front down with some hd keys.

Whats best way to go about lowering it some more? Should I get some hangars for the rear or am I better off going with a flip kit? Also spindles for the front is the only option i am seeing. Throw me out some ideas.

[julscruiser]

so i wanted to do my landcruiser olive drab. cruiser is gone so not happening now. The trucks paint is thinning in some spots and though i like all black id like to mix it up some. Im moving back to maine shortly i believe. So I am thinking im going to line whole truck in durabak in olive drab. It will protect from salt and junk and i dont gotta wax it. Just a thought for down the line. I think its cool though.

Not much for pics as far as lowered but enough to get idea.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/282640_191178300940012_100001435312459_531253_7168 429_n_zps5c0fa551.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/20100322_176sm_zps76c2d1f5.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i330/julscruiser/rob-browns-98-gmc-pickup_zpsafe6332f.jpg

[julscruiser]

Well im looking to go lower. I took out blocks and added 2" lowering shackles in rear and cranked down the hd keys in front. Well I want to go down 2 more in front and rear. So I know ill need drop spindles for front. The rear is where my options open up. I could get hangers and that would work or I could get a flip kit and remove my shackles. Is there any advantage over either option for rear? Im gonna have to buy a notch kit either way I know. Opinions please!!!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[julscruiser]

Well im looking to go lower. I took out blocks and added 2" lowering shackles in rear and cranked down the hd keys in front. Well I want to go down 2 more in front and rear. So I know ill need drop spindles for front. The rear is where my options open up. I could get hangers and that would work or I could get a flip kit and remove my shackles. Is there any advantage over either option for rear? Im gonna have to buy a notch kit either way I know. Opinions please!!!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[julscruiser]

Well i have enjoyed the lowered truck but its just not practical for me right now. So i will e putting on leveling kit and some 315s.

[Gmack2012]

Well i have enjoyed the lowered truck but its just not practical for me right now. So i will e putting on leveling kit and some 315s.

Thank Jesus! Lol

[GarrettCobb]

Well im looking to go lower. I took out blocks and added 2" lowering shackles in rear and cranked down the hd keys in front. Well I want to go down 2 more in front and rear. So I know ill need drop spindles for front. The rear is where my options open up. I could get hangers and that would work or I could get a flip kit and remove my shackles. Is there any advantage over either option for rear? Im gonna have to buy a notch kit either way I know. Opinions please!!!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Nahhh no c notch, you'll be fine with the right shocks
Umm hangers or flip kit, really doesn't matter
Definatley spindles in the front, keeps geometry bang on

[rodburner21]

nice!

[julscruiser]

Well im waiting on oneloudz71 to call me back to order leveling kit.

Just ordered tires from discounttiredirect

4 Falken Rocky Mountain ATS
LT315/75R16D2 121S B

Went to get the truck inspected and my rusted out flowmaster wouldnt pass so i ordered that also. Should be some awesome stuff showing up soon.

[julscruiser]

leveling kit ordered

[oneloudz71]

Heck of a swing this truck is making! Should look good with the leveling kit, I like mine!

[julscruiser]

I dont want to knock lowered trucks cause i enjoyed it. But sliding into ditch would leave me stranded, driving on my lawn to pull out brush presents its own issues. Driving down some rough camp roads. A lowered truck doesnt work for me right now so im go up.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[FrankTheTankZ71]

I dont want to knock lowered trucks cause i enjoyed it. But sliding into ditch would leave me stranded, driving on my lawn to pull out brush presents its own issues. Driving down some rough camp roads. A lowered truck doesnt work for me right now so im go up.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Good call man.

[mcrisby]

I am wanting to go lower. Id say 2 inches lower in front and back so basically turns it inot a 4/6 drop. I took out the blocks in rear and got 2" lowering shackles. cranked the front down with some hd keys.

Whats best way to go about lowering it some more? Should I get some hangars for the rear or am I better off going with a flip kit? Also spindles for the front is the only option i am seeing. Throw me out some ideas.

You have a great looking truck, i love black vehicles. My only peeve is keeping them clean is a pain in the a$$. But, this is just speaking from my own opinion i don't mean it in any negative way... it's just i don't see why people would lower a 4x4 truck. Maybe it's just me, but i'm just curious... is there a particular reason why you chose to?

[julscruiser]

Something different for me. Doesnt matter at this point cuase now shes on a rough country leveling kit with 315s. Ill post pics when i get the chance

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[FrankTheTankZ71]

Do you rub at all?

[julscruiser]

I have not noticed any rubbing except one instance. When I back up and turn wheels to the right something hits but that only when i back up real sharp. My alignment guy put it at factory specs but i think it is off. Rough country does recommend something different so im gonna mess with it before i wear unevenly on tires.http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130202_145949.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130201_124406.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130201_124359.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130131_090401.jpg

[julscruiser]

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130131_090347.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130131_090339.jpg

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130130_144010.jpg

[julscruiser]

This doesnt look right to me alignment wise. So I am going to tweak it and try rough country's settings. Otherwise im gonna eat tires.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130201_150611.jpg

[FrankTheTankZ71]

This doesnt look right to me alignment wise. So I am going to tweak it and try rough country's settings. Otherwise im gonna eat tires.

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss50/jondoeletsgo/20130201_150611.jpg

Yeah, that doesn't look right.

[julscruiser]

Tried to fix alignment. I have a lot of play in pitman arm and idler arm. So will be replacing then fixing alignment.

Im not sure what else is on my to do list. Im thinking next on list is lights.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Aidenlouis]

Before I go back to work on Wednesday I plan on painting a couple things on truck like wheels, mirrors. Maybe bumpers. Well see. I have changed the oil over to mobil1 synthetic, i will be changing over all fluids to synthetics as I change them.
Great idea..keep going with that...

[julscruiser]

Have been ignoring truck for most part other than driving but did start to paint her today. Will finish tomorrow if weather permits. She was all black with just the chrome painted green but now shes going all green minus black plastic pieces and wheels. Ill take some more photos tomorrow. I want to start giving her some more love but have been working on my bike to get her going since it is riding season.

http://www.xjrider.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10044/20130503_164429.jpeg

[julscruiser]

http://www.xjrider.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10044/20130505_141609.jpeg


http://www.xjrider.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10044/20130504_184049.jpeg