Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

That's where I'm at right now. I have a very nice, running, stopping stock truck, but my intention before I found a truck was to build it the way I wanted.

Before I found my truck my intent was to add a higher cu motor, maybe even a big block with a competent transmission to handle the hp along with a built up shortened rear end. I was also going to add 20's or 22's with a static drop. You know, the usual here is SoCal. ;)

I found a great stock truck (Highlander edition) that most people would think I would be an idiot for changing things. The 350/350 in it has been rebuilt about 10K miles ago (receipts) and purrs like a cat. Absolutely no issues with the drivetrain. Factory AC works, but for some reason the heater hoses were cut. Probably a leaking heater core. I already have those parts to fix that sitting in the garage. The 12 bolt rear end also received attention around the same time. No leaks and like I said, it runs great! The only thing I needed to change was the leaking fuel pump and remove an add a leaf in the rear. I also fixed the "high" setting on the fan assembly by moving one wire on the fuse panel.

I will be changing out all of the front end suspension parts as they look like they are a bit worn, rubber cracking. Not sure if they have ever been changed, but it will make me feel good to know everything up front was replaced and solid.

This is where I need to make a decision. Do I add drop spindles/spring and in the rear, drop leaf springs? This would be the time to do that. I've seen quite a few trucks online that are dropped with stock wheels and they don't look bad. I had also planned on going with Intros on my truck. Another dilemma.

Do I replace the 350/350 combo it has and maybe have to deal with problems with another set up? BTW, I will not be going with an LS motor. If I do change them out, what to do with them? Sure I can sell them, but it's painful to think about removing such a great running drive train for no real reason besides wanting a gas guzzling high hp motor that can leave tire tracks for half a block.

Part of me thinks I should just find another truck and go ahead with my plans. Maybe try to find a truck with no motor/trans and go from there. Problem there is will I have any other issues with anything else that I don't have currently. It would also deplete the funds for upgrading.

Monday I will be ordering the front end parts, I need to make a decision on whether I want a drop or leave as is.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

You can do what you want, it's your truck.
But if that were mine, I'd leave that creampuff alone (except ditching the whitewalls).

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I have never started with a nice truck. If I had that truck I think I'd have a hard time changing it. I'm drawn to original trucks, they're hard to find. Anyone can buy a restomod truck.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

There are quite a few trucks on the board that are running the same wheel tire combo that you have but are lowered and they look really good. I transferred all my photos to an external hard drive so none readily available to post.

But hey its your truck do with it as you wish.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I think you should go ahead with your suspension plans, a nice drop suits these trucks really well and you need some new parts anyway. Done properly, a drop is reversible, although I haven't ever met anyone who ever regrets lowering their truck (properly). I'd leave the 350 in there, but I would be tempted to swap in a 700R4... and a posi, if you don't have that already.

Great problem to have, that is a really nice truck.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Do it. Id pass on the LS though.
Its way easier with a nice truck than starting with a dumpster fire of prior mistakes and disasters

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

X2 on this!

I think it's always a good thing if you can find the best start for a project, unless some prefer to build more than a quicker finish.

That is a very nice truck from the pictures and it is now yours with your money, build what you want and what makes you happy.

Congrats!

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Absolutely!!!!

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I agree with most of the sentiment, thus far.

Is the plan you have hatched, as far as you are intending to go?

It's not obvious to me how you feel about the trucks appearance, beyond your planned upgrades. If you think you will be happy at those mods & like the appearance, it's a great plan.

If you really are heading for a performance goal, 1/4 mile times, handling competency, etc. You may want to consider a different starting point. Balancing those goals against potential appearance changes may leave you wanting to preserve your current truck & letting a new owner enjoy it.

If you care about improving the handling or overall performance, I feel starting with a coil spring truck might be easier. Much better basic bolt-on upgrades, until you get to full replacement options.

I have always started with the best sheetmetal I could. But all of my hotrods have been mutts. I like minimal trimwork & mild custom visual changes. Starting with a truck that has the condition/appearance of yours would have changed my plan substantially.

It's an interesting question you present, also not one all of us encounter. I think weighing the different types of modification against each other is where my thoughts go. A little discussion & thought on the goals should help narrow your plan.

Hope this helps

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Probably the hardest thing or change in my truck was changing from the manual 3 speed to an T350 automatic. I would not have seen my friend EdB fo that. However, I wanted to keep driving the truck and enjoy it after neuropathy got to my left foot and leg. Other than that I am trying to stay close to what Ed and I talked about doing to it before he died.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

My truck is a low option converted shortbed (originally long bed), so I have no problem making changes/modifications.

But if it were an all original shortbed in good shape, I probably wouldn’t do anything I’m planning on my current truck

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I have this same debate with myself every time I replace a functional part on my truck.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Relative to current engine and trans. Unless you have current or planned use issues for the SB, the effort and cost seems like a poor ROI. BB torque is intoxicating at a cost operationally and unless needed for towing its real power can only be used for seconds at a time on the street.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Drops on otherwise stock trucks look great...

Take a tip from Rene (c/10 King), paint the wheels body color, put wider whites, and rule the world.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I’d trade it for a k20 with cab lights problem :chevy:solved

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

.

I agree with getting it down lower and keeping the existing spirit of the truck. Maybe you could start with spindles/springs up front and flip the rear axle over top of the springs. 350/350 is a keeper right away too methinks. OD is really good. 3.08 or taller rear gear is good.

Post more pics!!!

EDIT: The image here was generated with chatGPT as follows:
1) Uploaded the image of OP truck and the first image from raggedjim's post.
2) Typed the following in the text box and hit the Return key: "alter the first image so that it reflects the same ride height as the second image."

-Kevin

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Couch surf sunday

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

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I see what you did!

Seriously though. I'd rather spend that 4k-6k (Intro wheels) on tubular, coil over suspension front and rear. But, but...that'd be my build.

-Kevin

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I had this issue with my 68 Camaro, my rule of thumb was that if I make a change, I can undo it in a weekend and have it back stock. So I have never done any new drilling or anything on the car. I kept the original motor in it, just hopped it up where it still looks stock but has alot more pep in it.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

your truck is a beauty .... have your way with her....Im on # 4 build the latest multi year build with parts purchased including motor 350 stock and rebuilt 700r4 trans front suspension rebuilt static drop 4 wheel disc conversion etc for short money long ago .....Im getting the LS fever ....I was going to look for another truck but instead when I finish # 4 I'll do a swap in my most recent purchase ......long story short ONLY YOU WILL DECIDE and I betcha you'll like it and it will be one of a kind ....good luck ...build thread so we can follow :)

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

That truck would look great 4" lower.
Everything else the same.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

It's your truck, do with it as you please. Personally, I'd never.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

That guys always gets some of the baddest trucks! Have you seen his new black one?

That's another thing I'm throwing around, drop it, add wider WW's and drive it for a while to see how I feel about it.

I believe an axle flip would require a notch and that is something I don't want to do. If I drop it I'm looking to do a 3/5 with spindles and a 1" spring in front with 5" drop leafs in the rear OR a 4" in the rear, see how that turns out and if I need another inch, just do shackles.

I absolutely want OD. That is something I will eventually look in to. I think I have 3.08 right now because on the freeway the motor doesn't really scream at 70MPH.

I had Intros on my Silverado SS back in the day so I'm hooked! Not really interested in a tubular front end as I doubt I will use it for it's intended use.

Can a leaf spring rear end be changed over to trailing arms and springs? I was a bit thrown off when I saw the current rear suspension. From what I understand a leaf spring rear suspension was an option as well as the 12 bolt I have.

I thought about doing a few bolt ons for the motor like a cam, headers, heads, and maybe even FI.

Thanks everyone, it's good to hear other peoples opinions.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Can either of you solidify my decision by adding the Intros I want on my truck with the drop?

These are the two I'm looking to go with.

https://introwheels.com/en/products/...0-80-exposed-5

https://introwheels.com/en/products/...attern=5xblank

Thanks!

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Very nice. My style. Lower??? Hate to have to look up at SUVs the rest of my life. Stock is beautiful. Try to get a good nights sleep without pills. Have a good one eh!

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I have always enjoyed practical low end restomods. A 3/5 drop with the factory wheels and a 350 with a 700r4 with 3.42's or 3.73's is a common set up because it works. I would look into better bushings when you rebuild the front end, then lower the front and rear and get good shocks. This will tell you if you fall in love with the truck and want to invest more parts into this truck.

At the end of the day it is your truck and your money. Do what you want and modify it how you like.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Yes..... Leaf's or Truck-Arm/coil set-up was available from the factory so it's a bolt-in swap. You'd need the complete T/A set-up from another truck (arms, corresponding rear end, shock mounts, shocks/coils, Panhard bar set-up).

You could probably buy a non-running parts truck or rolling frame (a long bed works) for obtaining the specific parts or if going the drop route, several manufacturers offer robust kits w/many of those parts specific to lowering at the same time.

A clean, well dropped stocker w/a sbc/OD trans is on point. Modding (cutting up) a super-original one is very subjective.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I went through this exact same debate in my head with my last truck. I bought it as a completely original truck that I intended to keep original. Then I ran into a few issues with the brakes and eventually the motor started overheating. The truck sat beside my shop for 3 months while I went back and forth about rebuilding the stock components, or turning it into a full build. I eventually got over the fact that it was an all original truck when I started looking into the costs of rebuilding the stock 305. An LS swap spiraled into a full build. The end result was in the spirit of the original truck, similar to what you are wanting to do. I never regretted my decision to cut that truck up.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...47bb1557_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5ba87997_b.jpg

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

That is a very nice truck! It seems you can do all the things you want to it but just dont cut on it or modify anything that isnt just a simple bolt on and easily reversible.

Keep all the original parts you take off the truck and that includes the engine/trans if original to the truck.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

What brand wheels are those?

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Either way would rock.
But an open wheel like those would needs some matching big brakes.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Crude but v rods are cool

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I wouldn't call you an idiot, but I would keep the truck stock. Looks like a perfect example of what many of us would like to have.

How about preserving it and finding another one to modify? Having owned mine for 36+ years, I sometimes wish I would have restored it, but kept it stock. Well, except for disc brakes.

I know it's a personal thing and I'll get $hit for this, but I think 22" wheels belong on new trucks and SUVs, not classics.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Truck is perfect the way it is now
Wouldn't change a thing
Anyone can have a built truck
Original survivors are becoming non existent
If you end up kicking down the road
Pm me, I'll buy it
And save it's life

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

This is really a loaded question. Everyone is going to have their opinion. So really there is no right or wrong answer. Bottom line is it's your truck to do with as you see fit. It all depends on what you want to do with it. No one should really bash you one way or the other for your decision.

I love these trucks as I've owned a 69, 70 and 71. What I've done to my trucks likely might not sit well with some people, but I'm not doing it for them.... I'm doing it for me and that's all that matters. Everyone has different taste and that's what makes the world go around. How would it be if we all did the exact same thing with our trucks? I love seeing what other people have done to their cars and trucks. I try to keep an open mind, and what might be something for me, might not be something for the other guy.

Now what I don't understand is how Chevyland can say that, "Anyone can have a built truck", because it's not that easy. Trust me... I know. Ask me how, or look at my build threads. You can put a lot of blood and sweat into these trucks.

Either way, have fun with it and enjoy it!

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I have modified a lot of vehicles. But couldn't touch that one.

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

...

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

I agree, it's his truck and he should do what he wants with it
My point is that it is much easier to find modified trucks these days than originals that haven't been modified
I'm not saying restoring trucks is easy
I've had several of them, but never drove them
They are only original once....
And it seems like that is weighing on his mind
Hence this thread

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

You’re not cutting it up if everything you do is bolt on . I lowered my 68 added disc brakes and put a 383 stroker in it . Nothing that couldn’t be undone. I did the same with my Chevelle . I still have the original drive trains for both . It’s not like you’re making a short bed out of a long .

Re: Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?
 

Nothing wrong w/that either.