shakeys project log

[shakey]

I posted a couple pictures in another thread but i figured a project log would be appropriate.

For the record, heres what i started with.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP02370.JPG
Then it went to this:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/MyTruck1.jpg
And then during college it turned to this:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_0011.jpg

I got a wild hair up my butt and decided to go lower, so i ordered a bunch of parts and got to work. I started in the back since thats the hardest part of the deal. So we took the bed off and heres what i started with back there.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1124.JPG

After i pulled the gas tank i welded in the 8 piece 8" Round step notches.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1132.JPG

Heres an idea of just how beefy the 4-link bars are
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1138.JPG

After i cut out the front crossmember i welded the lower bars to the axle.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1139.JPG

Next was installing the crossmember the 4-link and welding the front of the lower bars to it.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1141.JPG

Then came the upper bars...triangulated style.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1143.JPG

Then i went back and welded everything in all solid like.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1147.JPG

And thats where i'm at as of today. Next up i have to notch the new crossmember for the driveshaft and put some bars across the notch to mount the shocks to and add some strength.

Btw, heres my newest bestest friend:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1125.JPG

more to come this coming week.

[97gmcextcab]

Looking good! I'm just plumping my air lines and wiring and i'll be back on the road. Look for a thread about my finished project in a week or so.

[Low88]

you are probably going to need a little more triangulation of the upper bars to prevent lateral movement. The minimum reccomended is 40*, Id say if its not too late, triangulate them a little more.

For reference, here is 40*. If you want, take an over head picture and ill measure them in CAD for you real quick like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/toreadorxlt/40deg.jpg


Also, depending on where that x-member is, how low you want to go, and how big of a tire you want to run, You will probably have to cut the whole center section of that crossmember right out to get the driveshaft to clear... The driveshaft comes up quite a ways. My crossmember is 1.5" above the frame, and the driveshaft hits when the front is all the way up and the rear is all the way down. Something I either have to revisit, or be smart about when driving my truck.

EDIT: Nevermind, I forgot you had an ex-cab. You might be in better shape. Keep an eye out for it though.


Everything else looks good!

[CamaroGuy87132]

Thats come a long way. I love the progress. Can't wait til its all done man. :D

[IH8FORD]

looks awsome man cant wait to see more up dates.

[Chuggernaut]

Lookin' good from a novice's standpoint :assclown: :cool:

[shakey]

i was worried about the amount of triangulation as well. i put some serious force on it and it didn't move side to side at all. i'm hoping it will be ok.

as for the drive shaft, yes it will hit and i'm taking care of it tomarrow. i've already cut the x memember and i am modifying a hoop i already had.

[Chop Top]

Looks like great work there. It would be easy to go ahead and box in that part of the frame from the hoops to the crossmember mounting point wouldn't it ?


CT

[CKTA]

Coming along nicely! :cool:

[FordeatinZ71]

lookin good man! you're gonna be draggin frame soon!

[CrewCabSilverad]

looks good seems like alot of work but it will be worth it in the long run. good luck with it. Anthony

[DragginLowChevy]

looks good... i cant wait to bag the back of my truck...

[Marcos]

Damn thats looking good... keep us all posted!

[Mattman24]

i was just wondering, what advantages do u have in useing trianglation?

[shakey]

i was just wondering, what advantages do u have in useing trianglation?

when done correctly, a triangulated 4-link wont require a panhard bar or watts link. The triangulated bars take care of the side to side (lateral) movement.

plus it looks cooler.:assclown:

[lowdown]

Looks good Jeff, can't wait to see it when it's done!

lowdown

[chevytodd]

Nice work ! Can't wait to see it when you're all done ! 1 quick question, when your truck was static what amount of drop did you have ? It looked pretty sweet static too !

[Slinky05Crew]

nice man!...you gonna roll that thing out to carlisle again this year?

[shakey]

nice man!...you gonna roll that thing out to carlisle again this year?

I wish, the only reason i made it to carlisle last year was i was in ohio for school. i'm back in idaho now, so i cant make a cross country trip for the show. maybe i'll be back one day though.


chevytodd: it was at a 4/6. i liked it at that level but i got the bug to go lower.

[bignick31985]

Looks good man!

[shakey]

Update!!!! Woot! I've been working only at night for a couple hours when i can and on weekends.

I had to modify the lower bag mounts that came with the suicide doors 4 link to mount, centered on the link bars instead of off to the side. I also notched the crossmember i put in for driveshaft clearance.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1152.JPG

heres another pic of the bag mounts and where i plated the frame for the upper bag mounts.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1153.JPG

Heres the upper mount tacked on with the bag in place.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1156.JPG

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1157.JPG

The last thing i did last night was get the shock crossmember and tabs tacked in.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1161.JPG

just to give you an idea of how much lower it will be. On the jackstands the truck is level to where it was at its old drop. the tire is about 8-12" off the ground.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1151.JPG

More pics to come later. I'm just about to go out to get to work.

[SSMUFF]

looks good, can't wait to see the finished product.

[shakey]

The fuel cell is in, woo hoo! I ended up biting myself in the butt because when i got the shock mounts all set up the shocks were going to hit the cell, i was pissed!!! so i cut it off and started over.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1175.JPG

Its a tight fit back there. i only have about 3-4 inches between the fuel cell and the rear axle.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1178.JPG

[Low88]

Progress looks good man. Can't wait to see it layed out.

I know one of those fittings on the cell is a return. Is the other one a feed or a vent? It might be tough finding a pump that will pull fuel out of that if there isnt a AN fitting on the bottom.

And I'll have to show you the cool way to convert to AN fittings right out of your OEM fuel filter for your feed line.

[CKTA]

Lookin' good! :cool:

[shakey]

Progress looks good man. Can't wait to see it layed out.

I know one of those fittings on the cell is a return. Is the other one a feed or a vent? It might be tough finding a pump that will pull fuel out of that if there isnt a AN fitting on the bottom.

And I'll have to show you the cool way to convert to AN fittings right out of your OEM fuel filter for your feed line.

you already told me and i already ordered the parts..lol.

the other is a vent which i'm going to tie into the factory vent system. the feeds are on the bottom in the rear.

[Bagged 04]

Looks good. Keep up the good work. And keep us posted.

[Low88]

you already told me and i already ordered the parts..lol.

the other is a vent which i'm going to tie into the factory vent system. the feeds are on the bottom in the rear.


Wow, my short term memory is shot.

[tpichevy]

sh*t its lookin good!! you have about a week and 2 days to have it done for the Hot Truck Nationals out at firebird on the 20th haha. you goin to be out there "without a truck" im goin to be racing i hope! anyways the trucks lookin great man cant wait to see it finished!! what did you spend on the fuel cell i would like to do one also if i ever link the rear! :55:

[tahoen]

Looking really good, Jeff!

[shakey]

sh*t its lookin good!! you have about a week and 2 days to have it done for the Hot Truck Nationals out at firebird on the 20th haha. you goin to be out there "without a truck" im goin to be racing i hope! anyways the trucks lookin great man cant wait to see it finished!! what did you spend on the fuel cell i would like to do one also if i ever link the rear! :55:


it was $250 from summit, its a 20 Gallon with sending unit.

sadly i wont make the hot truck nationals, i'm trying to get it finished for motorfest.

[shakey]

alright. because the fuel cell sits so low below the frame i built a frame to keep it from hitting..ever.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1179.JPG

I'm going to mount the fuel pump and some hitch balls on it. plus it will protect my roll pan..woo hoo!

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1180.JPG
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1181.JPG

until next time!

[Low88]

Nice work. I gotta build something similar one of these days... but to protect my rollpan.

[shakey]

Big Update!!!
I've been busy. Heres an overview of what i got done: I mounted the air tanks and compressors, made mounts for the shocks and hitch balls, and mounted the fuel pump and new battery box.

After getting everything together and cycling the rear end i found out that i will have about 16" of travel!! i'm a little excited about that.

now for the pictures:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1186.JPG
and the front half
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1189.JPG
heres one of the air tanks and the fuel pump mounted.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1188.JPG
and one of the shocks, both sides are the same.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1190.JPG
and the battery box. its from AFCO and only costs 25 bucks, woot!
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1191.JPG

i'm hoping that i'll be able to get it plumbed and wired by the weekend so i can drive it next weeks, rip it apart at my work next weekend and paint the frame, bars, and tanks with POR 15.

[shakey]

quick update with no pictures though, sorry.

i have the front done, the truck all plumbed and wired and i'm now driving it to work out any kinks. good news, one day has passed with out any issues. woo hoo!!

[96thebossgrnchv]

great news, it's going to look badass

[IH8FORD]

awsome man cant wait to see pics of it all layed out.

[shakey]

Oh SNAP!!! I can drive it!! WOOT!!!

on to the pictures, heres the front after i got everything cut and such.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1192.JPG

and the shock mounted up
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1195.JPG

heres some pictures from today, i've been driving it for about 4 days.
aired up:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1199.JPG
aired down (i still have to trim the fenders and raise the y pipe):
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1204.JPG
the rear up (i have about 16 inches of travel):
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1200.JPG
another rear shot:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1201.JPG
the battery mount:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1202.JPG
the compressors mounted:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1203.JPG
the rear aired out:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1205.JPG
the rear again:
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1206.JPG
the the trophy i won at a show today that i wasn't even going to enter.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1207.JPG

[Chuggernaut]

Sweet! :rocking:

[Slinky05Crew]

Nice! when are you going to get the bed mounted up?

[shakey]

hopefully by the weekend. i'm going to take it apart tonight and paint it tomarrow. then put it back together thursday and hopefully have the bed on saturday for a local cruise in.

[tpichevy]

where is the cruise in on sat? i may have to come check it out!

[likaroc13]

don't know how i missed this thread...but it looks great man! wish i had the skills to do that...nice work...can't wait to see it all back together

[shakey]

where is the cruise in on sat? i may have to come check it out!

its at the sonic on overland by edwards from 7 to 9 on saturday. come hang out, i'd like to meet you and check out your truck.

[shakey]

So last week i tore the rear end apart and painted then frame and got it back together last saturday. This week we got the bed cut and ready to go on and got it on friday night. I went out saturday for a BBQ with the family so you'll have to excuse the grill and stuff in the back.

on to the pictures!

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1208.JPG

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1213.JPG

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1216.JPG

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1218.JPG

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1219.JPG

[Sweet Tea Man]

colorsanding the bedside? what happened to the tailgate?

[Otto]

your truck prolly dreams of some 20s and low pros

looks good btw, besides rims

[shakey]

colorsanding the bedside? what happened to the tailgate?

yeppers, its getting 600grit for some paint repairs. the tailgate was a victim of some not so great amature body work on the body line and a 4x4 front suspension. i got hit about a week after carlisle last year in the passenger tail light. so i fixed that. the cab is next up to get sanded to fix some things i'm just not happy about.

[shakey]

Well....I'm back at it...its winter time which means the truck got tore apart again. The big thing was i had to fix the rear bag mounts. The area that was boxed in wasn't strong enough and bent. when i cut it out with the plasma, heres what it looked like, that was flat when it was put in.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1426.jpg

And heres the frame area once i cut out the old mounts and box

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1430.jpg

So to fix it i got some 1/4" Plate (replacing 3/16th)and made new plates to box in the frame, and i took it all the way to the front crossmember.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1427.jpg

Once they were fully welded in and ground i mounted the new upper mounts that i got from AVS. They're also 1/4"...as were the old ones.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1429.jpg

So theres half of phase 1 done, i'll get the other side finished up this week. I haven't quite decided what i'm going to move on to but i'll post up progress pictures.

[shakey]

and just for reference, heres what it looked like before i tore it apart, this is from Drop Zone 07

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1381.jpg

[ikon]

looks nice...but damn ur cell hangs low...

[shakey]

i'm fixing that this winter too.

[shakey]

Yay, new update. Not a lot has changed lately, its just been grind-fest 2008, we're grinding everything smooth including the notches and the bag mounts. I also added another battery box.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1437.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1440.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1439.jpg

And like i said i would i'm fixing the fuel cell thing. I hacked the bottom off it so it wont hang below the roll pan anymore. it'll be welded up this week. All i have left on the frame is to weld up a new bar for the cell and then it gets painted again.

No, thats not me in the picture. Thats my friend Cody, whose been a big help from the beginning.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1443.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1445.jpg

Coming up i'll be able to up the truck back together and you guys will see some of the surprises i'm cooking up.

[shakey]

Finally a new update for you guys, i've been busy with the truck and just haven't taken the time to update, so here it goes.

I cut out the old bar that i had for the fuel cell as it wouldn't work with the cell now. So, i made a new one out of some 1.5" DOM.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1446.jpg

Then i put up some plastic and sprayed the back half of the frame again with good old POR-15.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1448.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1449.jpg

Now i'm on reassembly. The fuel cell is back in and i ran the air lines along the passenger side. I also mounted all the valves on the frame this time. Right now i'm running fuel lines....out of freaking stainless steel....god i hate this stuff.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1453.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1454.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1456.jpg

Thats pretty much it for now. As soon as i get it all plumbed i'll hang the rear end and get the bed back on.

Question: what do you guys with extended cabs do with the center drive shaft bearing crossmember? just weld it on and get rid of the rivets?

[Inverter]

Hey Shakey,
Just saw this .Truck looks B/A for sure.Alot of nice work there.I do wonder about the triangulation though,,any side to side movement issues?Also,,it looks as though your new cell cage will still fall below your pan.
On a side note..Props to you for running a real tire,not a rubberband.Makes the truck look Phat!!! Super clean and custom obs. stay w/it!!!!

[Bens95cobra8594]

Real nice work bro, got a great stance. Classic colors too.

Keep up the great work!

[shakey]

Hey Shakey,
Just saw this .Truck looks B/A for sure.Alot of nice work there.I do wonder about the triangulation though,,any side to side movement issues?Also,,it looks as though your new cell cage will still fall below your pan.
On a side note..Props to you for running a real tire,not a rubberband.Makes the truck look Phat!!! Super clean and custom obs. stay w/it!!!!


I drove it for a year without any issues. I've reefed on the truck to check and nothings moved. As far as the cage, if it does hang below i'll be ok with it, it will save the roll pan, and i won't hang below as far as it did. I really enjoy having some sidewall, but as soon as i get the money saved up it will get a 20/22 combo.

[Low88]

Looking great in that POR15..


where did you get that battery tray?

[Inverter]

I drove it for a year without any issues. I've reefed on the truck to check and nothings moved. As far as the cage, if it does hang below i'll be ok with it, it will save the roll pan, and i won't hang below as far as it did. I really enjoy having some sidewall, but as soon as i get the money saved up it will get a 20/22 combo.
Gotcha! Combo's gonna be the sweetness!

[shakey]

Looking great in that POR15..


where did you get that battery tray?

i got them both from summit. They're made by AFCO and available in 2 different sizes. The best part, they're only 25 bucks.

[shakey]

Big update!!! In case i didn't make it clear earlier, i hate stainless steel. Now that thats over, lately its been a festival of plumbing and wiring and then some wiring and plumbing. Oh, and i got my rear end back...finally. On to the pictures.

The fuel lines are bent and installed along with the air lines along the drivers side.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1459.jpg

I ran the 0 Gauge to between the batteries to parallel them.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1466.jpg

The rear end and 4 link was finally reinstalled
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1469.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1470.jpg

Time for the rear discs
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1471.jpg

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1472.jpg
I installed the freshly painted calipers
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1475.jpg
I decided to forgo the traditional hardline into softline setup on the rear axle so i had custom stainless braided lines made for the axle.
http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1474.jpg

Finally all together and outside, i still have some details to take care of but for the most part its handled.

http://myweb.cableone.net/calvinsusanreed/DCP_1481.jpg

[Low88]

VERY Clean. Huge improvement man.

[FordeatinZ71]

man that's slick...nice work man!

[likaroc13]

very nice & clean...great work & keep it up!

[94extcab]

Looks awesome, whats the specs on that rear disc setup?

[chevysnbuicks]

Dude, that's beautiful. Subscribed.

[CKTA]

Very Nice! :cool:

[BHB]

That is the way lines and hoses should look. :10:

[Jokeman]

Dang that looks good:cool:

[m3gumby]

That paint really made a difference. Well done man

[BackinBlack]

Looks great. That's clean work.

[Bens95cobra8594]

I say leave the bed off. Loox 2 good to cover up!

:lol:

[envision]

Truck looks awesome!! Very clean.

I'm curious, does the sending unit on your fuel cell work properly? I have a NBS but can't get it to read and I have tried every combination of factory wires.

[Inverter]

Very organized.Excellent layout.

[shakey]

That paint really made a difference. Well done man

All the color is actually all powdercoat. The only "paint" is the POR 15 on the frame it self.

Envision: The sending unit works fine. Are you sure you got the 0-90 OHM unit for GM?

[BagginA93chev]

Thats looking sick man, you do nice clean work!