Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

you may need to start over with the column linkage. it looks like you need two u-joints to get the shaft to line up, and some cut to fit DD shaft. with two u-joints, i would have a bearing on the middle section of shaft (many people use a big heim for ease of fabrication)

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Thanks for the feedback. I have seen many setups with 2 u-joints. What is the main reason for using 2, is my angle too great?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

it just looks like it doesn't line up to bolt together. if it does, then i don't think the angle is too bad.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

You are correct, 1 ton of fun, the u-joint binds, so I think I do need 2 u-joints.

Also, how is the column attached to the firewall? Is it welded, or is it just clamped? Feedback please and thank you!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

56, I just pulled the column out of my camaro and it has a plate the is attached to the column and the is bolted to the firewall. I haven't done the truck yet so I am not sure what I am going to do on that.

Bernie

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

i would bolt it, in case it would ever need to be serviced in the future. i try to design my stuff so i can work on it easily for maintenance and repairs.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Hey 56, The angle on mine is close to what yours is. I did use 2 joints and a double D shaft. I did not use the rag joint at the steering box. Here's a few pic's.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Borgsons web site gives some good info on where and how many universal joints you need. I'm getting ready to tackle mine and have figured I would need one at each end with a slip joint in the middle because based on previous experience with 4wd the cab and frame will flex when off-road.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Thanks guys. Hey Cal 58, did you install a vibration dampener as well?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Also Cal 58, how did you attach the bottom u-joint to the steering box? Thanks!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

How do you suggest I bolt my column to my firewall, keeping an asthetically pleasing both in the cab and in the engine compartment?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

No, I did'nt use the dampener. I can fill a small amount of viberation in the wheel but nothing really bad. I still might put the dampener in later. The bottom u-joint is attached to the steering box and then to the double D shaft. If you in need of a double D shaft let me know, I have a new one that was powder coated I would let go real cheap.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

i'm using one of these, and making a plate to cover the factory hole:

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...rod/prd169.htm

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

I've looked at those floor mounts...doesn't it need to slide over the column from the bottom? Would my shift link on the bottom of my column get in the way?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

yes, i am trying to figure out how to disassemble the column linkage to get it on there

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

I found a u-joint/vibration dampener from Borgeson. I'm going to look into it further.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Had some time yesterday to install my power brake booster/mc

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Will you need another access hole in your floor board? This will keep your firewall clear.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

would be a great solution with a whole lot of newer cars too when they want to shoehorn a bigblock in it .
one of the things that engine will hit is the booster itself

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Yah, looks like I will. I didn't look in the cab but I think its going to end up being cut right under the seat.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Finally got the entire front end completed, first time testing the bags, everything works great, might need to regrease the lower control arm bushings.

10" of travel! 5" from bottom of front frame horn when bags empty and 15" when bags have 60 psi in them.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Crossmember: 1.5" from ground when empty / 8.5" when full.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

few more pics

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Now that's a lot of travel!

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

I hear yah bud!...Im surprised at the amount of lift myself

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Was a productive day...started working on the rear axle and removing the rear leaf springs.

Does anyone know how to remove these shackle bolts?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

The rear shackle bolts are threaded into the perch. You remove the nuts on each side then remove the shackles on each side and screw out the bolt..

The front one there is a wedge pin that holds the spring pin in place. it has a nut on one side... Remove the nut and drive the pin backward to remove it. then from the inside of the frame drive the spring pin outward.
I would soak them for a few days with kroil or some other penetrating oil.

save the shackle parts they get $20 a pair on ebay.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Thanks for the info dwcsr...after some deliberation I decided to go with a four link air kit from TCI instead of dealing with a set of 50 year old springs.

Also dropped the rear jackstands and positioned a rear wheel to get a look at the new stance.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Bought some guages today: Classic Instruments Silver series.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Forgot to install the sway bar; this thing is a monster! Had to drill out the bushing because CPP sent me the wrong size twice.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

My father and law gave me his 93 Aerostar van. I drove it for several weeks before it bit the dust. I got rid of the van but before I did I pulled the 2nd row leather buckets out. I am thinking of dyeing them charcoal gray to match my interior and install them into my 56. They are in good condition. The passenger side seat has 2 armrests and the driver has 1 one the right hand side. I will have to fab my own brackets for them.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Welcome back from vacation.......

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

I like these a lot. where did you buy them at?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Go to www.classicinstruments.com.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

How about these seats?

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Sweet build thread.... Keep up the good work...

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

i love the new stance

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Hi Blaine,

Thanks for the pics, I'll send you a PM.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

Thanks, I think it'll look good when its done...should be a rolling chassis soon as the 4 link is done.

Re: My Project 56Chevy1300
 

I wish I could do the under the cab brake booster. I had to cut out some of that bracket though to get my tranny crossmember in. It wanted to end up right under the brake bracket.

I am going with a firewall mounted unit. I have the pedal assmbly and booster/master from an s10 that I am going to use I think.