Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Thanks I will be rollin in Friday AM and I will give you a call about Sat. Did your DropMember come in yet for that Crew Cab?

The forward tilt front end I sold to the guy who owned that Trazer I built last year. The Tahoe will get somthing simular but different. I agree I hate your tail lights as well:lol: We will have to see how they did them to figure out what it will take to undo the wrongs that have been done.

Thank's! I am waiting on my front suspension before I deal with the motor install.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

if you dont want reverse lights on your ride cali law states that a vehicle 69 and older doesnt have to have them.....ask me how i know:lol:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Quick up date!!! I ran up to see Nate Porter on Thurs (836 miles ea way) at 3pm and was at his shop at 8am Friday. I dropped off my (old) 2wd Blazer for Carter Hickman and a few other parts for Nate. I worked for him all day Friday then headed over to meet up with Dino63 and a few other guys Saturday for a few hours then back to Nate's to grab my car trailer before heading back home. I did get my Members Only plack so you all know what that means!! I will be going to pick up my Dana 44 C4 IRS Monday morning that Carter Sent my way for my Tahoe and first thing I will start doing is designing a new rear cover so I can stick it up tight to the floor with out as big of a notch as you normally see. I might also pick up a Tahoe 2nd row seat because I am not Happy with the placement of the Burb seat I have now for mock up. I should have some pics in the next day or so. Well off for a few hours of sleep after over 36 hours of non!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Hey Kevin!

I just wanted to say thank you for posting all your work. I know that takes a lot of time. It is so helpful for us new fab guys to see and get info from those who have been doing it a littie longer. I just shorted my long bed and was motivated by your Low Buck Build to do so!

Thanks again!

Vex

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I guess you didn't get stuck in the snow on the grapevine. I must have been fun driving with a trailer in the nasty ran. Glad you made it back in one piece. When is the next work weekend?

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Yeah I got back Sunday morning so I missed all the white fun. I decided to leave about 6:20 Satruday night even know I had already payed for the room till Sunday but for some reason I just felt like driving at night so I left. I will get back to you on the next work weekend.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Went shopping today:metal: Can you guess what I have in-store for the Hoe!

Can you guess what this receipt (plaque) is for;)

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

Then the 93 complete front C4!

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4front1.jpg[/IMG]

86 Dana 44 (the big daddy of C4 rears) rear complete as well.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear2.jpg[/IMG]

I also picked up my Eng and trans today from a friend who I bought it from last year. It is a 5.3L Vortec with 4L60E all with only 22k on the ticker. I also got the vet bat wing pan with it as well.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2.../Tahoeeng1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2.../Tahoeeng2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2.../Tahoeeng3.jpg[/IMG]

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Looks like you have got alot of work ahead of you. That bad boy will run and drive like a caddy when your done. Can't wait to see your progress updates.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Your 4 dr. Tahoe just keeps getting sweeter!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Well my first task is to build a new rear cover/mount so I can set the unit up in side the frame. This way the diff and frame can be even and that will give more drop with out needing to raise the floor an extra 4". But at the same time I need to give enough room for the half shafts to travel while still keeping the frame strong enough for towing;) With the rain we are having right now I might be getting started on it sooner then I thought.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

You're planning to tow with a C4 IRS? How much are you wanting to tow? It would be cool as hell to see this thing at an ultra-low ride height towing a classic airstream travel trailer, but that might be asking too much, huh?

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

No Fair, you get all the COOL STUFF...........I want one of those for my truck. I look forward to helping with that install.

This week end I will be working on the sump pump under my house. Its buzzing and not pumping. It got so hot that it made the water boil, well steam. I cant let it go too long with all the rain we have had.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I will not be towing allot but the Dana 44 set up right will do the trick with out any worries. I will just be towing my 16' car trailer with a small rod or truck to local shows.

Sounds like a blast!




Well here are some pics of the start of the new C4 diff cover. It is made out of 3/16" plate with a double stack on the mounting ring. When done it will have mounts for all the needed items like the stock one has with out the spring mount. I will have it ran on a surface plate once it is finished up for a perfect surface.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Diff1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Diff2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Diff3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Diff4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Diff5.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Diff6.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/rokcrln/Diff7.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Man, I wish I'd known you were coming to AZ, I would have asked you to bring my Blazer top this way and I'd liked to have met ya!! That thing is super sweet and the Vette stuff makes it even cooler, if that was possible?!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

It would have been nice to have met you but my truck was full so the top would thing would not have worked out.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I guess I might head that way sometime between March 14-21, you don't need anything else from Nate do ya? I'd like to see this thing in person if I do get over there, I'll PM ya if I am for sure headed that way to get your info? Looks sweet!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Well my next customer just left for Mexico so it will be another 2 weeks before we can sit down and go over his builds start. So I guess that means I get two more weeks on the Tahoe. I just sold my 63 GMC SWB so now I have the play money to get my EFI Harness, drive by wire pedal and tack module, Mass air censor and get my computer re-flashed:metal:

I will pull the Tahoe back in the shop Saturday and start mock up on the C4 rear end. I got my mock up 22" rims and 30" tires today for $28:lol: I will finish up the mounting bracket for the new diff cover once I have it placed in the frame and know just what I will need. Who knows I may end up not needing anything but the factory one depending on how much my floor needs to raise up to clear everything.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear5.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear3.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Looking forward to seeing this progress. Love the wheel/tire combo! :lol:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Those wheels aren't very plyable, or are they? :lol::lol::lol:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

What made you decide to step up to 22's? Couldn't have been that visit to AZ could it??? :lol:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

be careful, you'll start another new trend like that in California...!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Nope! Their used to be a guy in Oregon that WAS working on a Burb that has 22's on it that LOOKED great. But since then he has turned to mini cars so I thought I would steel the look he was going for.:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Our roads here in California are soo nice and smooth we don't need a side wall!

It will be a short lived trend due to the amount of termites we have here:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I started by getting it all level and I set it up 5 1/2" above ride height so I could fit under it to work. I then cut out the inner tubs then marked center line on the body and frame using my laser set up. Then I added allot of bracing to the frame before cutting it apart. As I was cutting the frame I kept waiting for that pop sound you get as the last cuts are made but it was nice and quiet! That tells me the frame had no movement at all so I am now good to go on the next step.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear6.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hoeC4rear9.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

no turning back now... well with your skills you could and nobody would know...

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

You dropped a piece. ;)

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

This is going to work out slicker then I thought. I figure I will only need to raise the floor about 3-4" max. This means allot more head room for the rear row of seats. So far I have only mocked up the IRS unit in the chassis and I will start building the new frame section in the morning.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear10.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear11.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear13.jpg[/IMG]

Here you can see the floor will be just over the top of the diff. I will need to complete the new diff cover for this to work out just right.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear12.jpg[/IMG]

All the way raised up.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear14.jpg[/IMG]

All the way down. Nate is doing the DropMember with 1" of frame clearance at full dump so I will have about 1.5 to 2" at the rockers.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear15.jpg[/IMG]


I will be doing a combination of tube and plate for the new frame section. These are 2" .120 wall tube.
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear16.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I like updates with pictures. Looking good!

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Damn, that axle fits nice.
I need the flat floor, that is why i did not want to go with bags on my suburban.
Now i see this i regret it very much, even more because someone offered me such an axle.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

This would be so easy if it were a truck but since I want the most interior space possible so I am causing my self allot more work. I started with a 2" .120 wall round tube bent up to clear the half shaft and rolled them inward to limit the amount of floor I would need to remove. I am then using 3/16" plate to box in the tube in a way to not take up any axle clearance but at the same time it will form 3 structural Chanel's per side. At 1" over full dump I have a full 1/4" space between the half shaft and the notch. I will need to flip the toe in rod things so they enter the hubs from the bottom and not the top. So when I finish up the new rear diff cover I will lower the mount down to keep my toe in check. So it ended up that my frame notch is only 1 7/8" above the rear floor and this will end up with the floor only being raised up about 2 1/2" not bad for stuffing a 30" tire.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear17.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear18.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear19.jpg[/IMG]

1/4" of clearance should be plenty between the half shaft and the notch. The bottom of the tube will be exposed when it is all said and done just in case it ever does make contact it will be smooth.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear20.jpg[/IMG]

Sorry for the bad lighting but you can still see how much room I will have for routing my exhaust right under the diff.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear21.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear22.jpg[/IMG]


This is just the start of the frame boxing, I have allot more to go and then a few hours of grinding to clean it all up. I will wait for the clean up work until after I pull the body off.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear23.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear24.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear25.jpg[/IMG]

The level is sitting on the floor in front and in the rear so you can see how little the notch really is.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear26.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Haven't been back to see this thing...AWESOME !!!....

Nice rear-end cover.....Kinda looks familiar !!! ;)

:lol:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Plating the rear notch is going to be time consuming. I have 8 hrs into it this far and only have the tops and one inside done. That leaves one more inside and the real fun out sides left so I am guessing about 12-16 hrs with clean up. Good thing I have a break that will do 3/8" plate or it would be allot more pieces to get it all to fit.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear29.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear28.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Now that's a hole! :lol: going to lay frame I assume?

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Porter is setting up the C4 DropMember so the frame will be 1" off the ground with 28" tires at full dump. I set the rear up the same way with 30" tall tires. As for the size of the hole in the rear it really is small for almost laying out with 30's. The notch is only about 4" compared to almost 10" with a solid axle ;)

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Just Awesome! :metal:

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Things are starting to fall together. I had today off so I hit it hard in the shop and got allot done. I finished the notch plating and started doing my tubular cross member to hold the frame rails in place and give even more strength. When I started bracing the frame for cutting it I put 2 1 3/4" tubes tacked to the frame right at the C pillars and they sat on the ground to keep the frame from sagging. I set these tubes on an 1/8" plate and not right on the ground and today when I cut all the bracing loose I tapped out the 1/8" plates and the chassis did not drop at all. This tells me I had not flex or sag from the operation.

I started doing my tube work but I need a gas tank in place first before I can finish it up so I will get one in the morning. I will be boxing in the entire frame before I am done and I will build tubular cross members all the way up to the front DropMember and tie them in at that point. It will look really cool and make this chassis rigid as all heck. This in turn will make the suspension work like it should and keep all flex out of the equation.

I mocked up the rear floor and all the seats to just see how it all fit. All I can say is I like it!! I first set the second row seat in place and with it folded forward that gave me the placement of the front seats. This will be the location of the middle of the front seat travel so it will have 4" forward and aft of this point +-. Then I slid in one of the rear seats and with it almost up against the rear doors even I can fit in their with out much problem at all and I am 6'-0". I have good head room and my leg room is OK but I would not want a long trip back their. For kids it will be great and the second row seat has plenty of room for me even on a long trip.

So plans for tomorrow are to mount the gas tank, trim the rear floor section and if time allows I will start building the seat mounts Also I decided on putting the new rear floor in at 4" above stock. I could have done 3" but at 4" when the second row seats are down the floor is flush with the seats.

Also I will be ordering my rims in the morning, I am going with the Coy C5's in the Gun Metal Grey. 20x8.5" with 5 1/4" back spacing in the front and 22x9's with 5.5" back spacing in the rear. I could do the 5" back spacing with an 11" wide tire but I want to try and fit the 305/40-22's that are 12" wide.


Kevin
LFD Inc.

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear30.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear31.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear32.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear33.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...oeC4rear34.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...C4rear2935.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...n/seats1-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...n/seats3-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...rln/seats4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...rln/seats5.jpg[/IMG]

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Looking killer Kevin. It looks like it will be super stiff. You definitely got some awesome skills. The wife should love to drive it by the time your done. I like the second row seat. What did it come out of? Daren

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

I sorta like it when this truck doesn't sell... Because every time you work on it it gets more and more badass.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Seats are 2003 Tahoe/Burb but the second row is Tahoe only. The Burb seat mounts flat on the floor causing it to be 5" forward of the Tahoe.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: LFD's 4dr Tahoe Build
 

Thanks Kevin