Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Mile stone tonight. Mounted 1 tire and wheel and ran through the suspension and all is good after a little trimming. First 2 are ride height and the rest are laid out. Last one is the start of the bag mounts.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/test5.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/test6.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/test7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/test8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/test9.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...rln/test10.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...rln/test11.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

What is the mounted tire diameter? I was planning on running a 285/35R22 for 30" tire diameter, might be pursuaded to run the 305 if diameter works. Thanx

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Mounted on this 9" rim (10" out side width) the tire is 31 3/8" x 11 3/8" at I believe 34 PSI.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Don't suppose you want to adopt a few more kids? I'm only 31.:lol::lol:

In all seriousness though, you seem like a really good daddy to your son.:metal:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

What is that? Do I see independent rear in there? I still got to go back and read.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Thank you that is one of the best comments I have received on this site;)

Crud did I put the front in the back? Nate must have mis-marked the DM box:lol:


Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

22 3/4" of rear rubber:metal:
I started working on the rear bag upper mounts. I decided to go with tube so I can tie it in with the upper diff web and then into the rear of the frame. I still have several mount braces to add to what you see as well as the upper mounting plates. But I did find one slight or major problem with the space limitations I have. I went to slide the tank in so I could see were to add the bends to the cross bar and found my tank and rear toe in bars are sharing the same space. So for now I just moved the toe in bars to the other side of the LFD mounting plate. Now depending on how the suspension cycles I will ether need to change the mount if I can or build another tank since I already sealed the inside of this one. I hope it is the tank because I was not as happy with this one as I wanted to be but it will never be seen but I do have a nice stash of SS. sheets that would do the job nicely. I think I am liking this idea:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.


[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag5.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag4.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Im glad your buggy/cage building days have found a way into these trucks! its looks awesome! keep up the good work!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

This thread kept me up till 2am :lol: . I am moving out to Northern California in a month. I would love to come check this bad boy out when things settle down. Your work is next level. :metal:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I hope you are planning on putting a plexiglass floor in that thing and not covering up all that work!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

X2! 1/2" Lexan! Put it on hinges so you can lift it up for cleaning. Who needs a third row? ;) Think of it as a class room. Your son can watch the IRS function as you drive! Geometry in motion.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Were are you moving to?

Nope steel all the way!

Maybe we will keep the floor in his truck out. He is already getting schooled:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I am moving to Plumas Lake in Yuba.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

The top mounts are done except for some braces that will go on once the body comes off. I should have it rolling by noon Saturday so I can get XXL's truck in the shop for a DropMember install. This will be the first DM with an I6 and should be sweet once it is done.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag6.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag7.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Kevin,... Did Nate build an I6 Dropmember? Or are you modifying one of his SBC Dropmembers?
I hope you are doing a thread on XXLs truck!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

If all works out right I will be making templates and sending a set to Nate for future kits. This will be the first one.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

It rolls and moves up and down on AIR! I still have allot of work to go but that will happen after XXL's truck is finished and I get my DropMember installed. Then I will fit my 5.3/4L60 so I can pull the body off and finish the frame.

Kevin
LFD Inc.


[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag9.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag10.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Reminds me of the gassers of the late 50s/early 60s sitting that way.

Nice job Kevin. Can't wait to see what you do to XXL's wallet eater.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

You know Kevin, I am not a fan of lowered trucks, but I am damn impressed with how this thing is looking.

Allthough my biggest question is, why go with a 5.3 when this is going to be a tow rig? It would seem to me that the motor is a little light duty for the job.

It could be just me, but I had a 99 1500 x cab short bed Z71 with a 5300 vortec in it, and when you hooked a trailer to it, it could barely get out of its own way.

I even added a Chip, and removed the Cats and did a few other things to the truck, and still it didnt even come close to satisfying or impressing me.

I wound up selling it and getting a 97 GMC 2500HD Xcab short bed, that truck impressed the heck out of me, it had the Vortec 454, and with the MSD ignition I added, the chip, and dual 3" exhaust and the Cat's removed, it was pulling over 16 mpg on the interstate, and I pulled my 71 Cutlass on a 18' car trailer from Seattle to Livingston Mt over the 5 mountan passes between and it kicked some serious tail, and still got about 9 mpg.

I will also add that I have the 8100 vortec in the tow truck im driving now, it is far less than impressive, it is out right anemic. But it is a 2001, I dont know if they got better as time went on.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I know what you are saying but it is an 05 with more HP and torque than my current tow rig with a 93 vett LT1 5.7L. I was a little worried about it until I used our shop 08 4.8L to tow 70 2wd Blazer, spare bed sides on a steel floor 16' Carson car hauler, a complete cab and doors along with a lift gate and tail gate for a 65 Burb in the bed of the truck. I was blown away at how well it towed from Ca to AZ and did 60 mph over the Grape Vine into Los Angles and that hill is a truck killer. So for what short trips I have planned for towing with the Tahoe I think it will be just fine. Oh and I got 14 mpg when loaded doing 65+

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

that is some tubing structure you have back there, looking really good Kevin, i don't think that a rear vette diff has ever looked so good.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Those tires/wheels look perfect on there. Your rear will def be lower than mine. Can't wait to see the front down.

On the 5.3, I had a 2001 Tahoe with a 5.3 and I towed my 61 on a full trailer over mountain passes and the Tahoe acted like there was nothing back there. Very impressive power even stock.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Yeah thanks for all the info on the wheels and tire's. I may still run some spacers to get the rear out just a bit because right now the wheels are touching my back seat. I do still need to adjust the camber on the rear at ride height and that will help out a bit. As far as a stock motor, who likes a stock motor right!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

That is SWEET! Those rims look perfect on there. I like the pic with the wheels cambering in!

Tony from Norcal

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Hmmm... What are your plans for hood hinges?

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I have not decided just what I want to do for that yet. I think their is some info on doing a forward flip hood but I might just build my own tubular cowl mounted units. Right now I don't have a clearance problem;)

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Wow! This thing looks better every time I check on it. Nice work, and you know I'll be looking forward to the I6 Dropmember!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Bag8.jpg

Wow, that saves a lot of floor space as apposed to using a solid rear axle.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Yep and the camber helps tuck those big tires right up inside the body with out having the Axel narrowed of tire inset a few inches.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

NICE JOB KEVIN,THATS GOING TO BE A COVER TRUCK FOR SURE :metal:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

This ride is really looking sweet Kevin!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

ok, i'm on post 117. got to go..... awsome. glad you decided to keep it.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Hey all just a quick up date. No direct progress has been made and no work has been done!
I have been busy doing customer vehicles to build up the toy fund so I can afford my front tires, dual adjustable shock waves and the Accuride complete system. It will take longer than originally thought because we just dropped down to a single income house hold so my wife and can stay home and raise our son (worth every penny of the toy fund) so my shop money will be split between house hold needs and toy wants.

I have been busy in the shop installing a drop member in XXL's wallet eater over the last few weeks as well as yesterday I built a SS 3" oval exhaust for his insane HHR SS turbo'd DD. I am also working on a 68 Camaro that is getting a new drivers side quarter panel and wheel well, trunk floor and back window valance. Then once this is done XXL will bring his truck back for some other mods before I dive into a 41 Chevy truck full build.

Here are a few pics to keep you all happy for now!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

XXL's bagged truck next to my lifted LowBuck. Yes this is at ride height, dumped is frame on the ground.
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...rln/XXL108.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...rln/XXL106.jpg[/IMG]


HHR SS exhaust.
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...rln/HHRSS8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ln/HHRSS11.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ln/HHRSS14.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ln/HHRSS17.jpg[/IMG]

And the start of the 68.
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...n/Nicks681.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...n/Nicks682.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...n/Nicks683.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

We did the same thing when my kids were little. Remember to make sure your wife feels appreciated. If she is used to working outside the home, there will be an adjustment period for being away from that environment. She may get frustrated at times and bored. Regular re-inforcement of how important the job of mom/wife, etc. is will help. We went without a lot of things during those years, but we have 3 great kids that I think are going to be pretty well adjusted, and I'm positive we owe it to those early years of sacrifice by my wife.

You're doing a great job with all of these projects. I always look forward to seeing your updates.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I could not agree more on all accounts! I am very attentive to her needs most of the time, that is why I am always happy;) We have already had the talk about staying home raising our son is more work than I could handle and it is by far the harder job. But like I said I feel it is worth what ever we have to cut back on to make it happen.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

PS since we can no longer edit posts what I meant to say is I am going with the full Accuair E-Level system in our Tahoe (as well as the 51 F1) not a Accuride! I keep calling it the wrong product but if you have not checked into this system DO before you spend your money on anything else!
Here is a quick link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=341459

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Kevin, if you weren't so far away, I'd love to have you do the quarter on my 70 camaro, it too needs a trunk (had rust and the PO put a new trunk on top of the out floors, so it is overlapped and not done correctly). and a new rear panel. Mine was cut off over 5-6 years ago and has sat ever since, waiting!! Lookin' good and glad to hear mom is staying home. My wife stayed home till my two boys entered Kindergarten, now she works.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

That is our plan as well so we will see how it works out.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

well the way we deal with it is. I encurage her to continue education. she is a lmt and she wants to be a lpt so I encurage it. help her and support her so when she is ready (and the kids are all in school) she can do what she loves.(and make money)

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Well guys no real Tahoe progress but I did add a new hot rod to the fleet. This one will be a work horse for moving trailers and pulling vehicles around as needed. It is a craftsman 16hp , 3 speed with hi/low range and it also has a 3pt implement attachment on the rear. I will mainly be using it for pulling my car trailer in and out of its parking spot and around to the front of the house. I have a great spot for my trailer right between my shop and my out building but it is a very tight spot to get back in their. It is right off an alley that has buildings about 15 feet away and the trailer is 18' plus the pull vehicle. So once I put a trailer ball on that 3pt I should be set. And yes it will end up getting rebuilt and some hot rod flair added to it down the road. Right now it just needs a new front tire and that is about it. I gave $250 for it and drove it on the trailer!

Kevin
LFD Inc.


[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ln/Puller1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ln/Puller3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ln/Puller2.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

So how are you going to put corvette suspension on this one?