Buildin my 88 Crew Cab long bed AKA STRETCH!

[WillieloRidez]

Here is my 88 crew cab pickup as i bought it. Still 3/4 ton with cut coils and dearched rear springs. Have it on jackstands pulling the crossmember out to change it with half ton including drop spindles springs and shocks.

[WillieloRidez]

Anyone know how to upload a jpeg picture on here

[Driveway Dreams]

While typing your post you will see a "Go Advanced" button next to the "Post Quick Reply". Click that, then you will see your reply box for typing in, a box of smiley faces on the right, and a bunch of options below. One of those options is a "Manage Attachments" button. Click that. Then you will be able to browse your files to attach the right picture. Upload them and you will be good to go. Just continue to post your reply as you did before.

By the way: Sounds like you have a fun build getting going. I look forward to the pictures. And welcome to the greatest board on earth!

[p_rubottom]

Glad to see you finally made it! Theres TONS of good info on here.

[WillieloRidez]

Thanks a lot man. Here are a couple pics

[STOCKISH]

Looks freakin sweet. Any pics of the bagged 81 in your siggy?

[WillieloRidez]

Thanks Here are some pictures of the 81 it is a project i started several years ago. I had it bagged for a daily driver then decided to body drop it now its body dropped and stock height to start the frame over again. Has a 91 gmc front clip Doesnt have body mounts in the stock height picture the cab and bed is just sitting on it. Once i get my crew cab driving again i think ill try to focus on getting the 81 a bagged roller again and sell it

[fleetside86dually]

Originally Posted by WillieloRidez

Thanks a lot man. Here are a couple pics

Wow , nice truck . Mine is flletside also , only dually

[silvereagle07]

Welcome to the board! Cool truck. The Ford in the background looks cool too.

[BGRAFX]

That is a sick crewcab! I like it with those 3/4 wheels!

[WillieloRidez]

Thanks man i just sold the wheels yesterday to fund my 1/2 ton conversion

[Driveway Dreams]

Truck looks really nice. I am excited to see a crew cab long box stay long. Should be cool!

[bharrison1]

Welcome aboard Will!!!!

[WillieloRidez]

I got the 3/4 ton crossmember out tonight. Next is to sand and paint the frame rails, section the half ton crossmember paint it and put it all back together. Here are some pictures from tonight!

[BGRAFX]

Damn you work fast! Looks good...Are you going to keep it slammed? What are you going to do with the 3/4T parts?

[WillieloRidez]

O ya its definately going to be slammed and I have the 3/4 ton front suspension on craigs list right now. Try and get some more funding

[bharrison1]

[WillieloRidez]

Ok guys a quick question i am wanting to section the crossmember before i put it in. Do i have to pull the motor out to put the crossmember back in after its sectioned?

[p_rubottom]

By sectioning you mean to take the 1 inch or so out to lower the truck right?
I would say yes you would have to pull the motor to swap if im understanding the question right.

[WillieloRidez]

Well i have the other crossmember out already and the motor is still in it but i read on a forum that you have to pull the motor. I just took the two lower motor mount bolts out and suported the motor with my cherry picker and the crossmember came right out so im not seeing why you would have to pull it out to put the new crossmember in even after i section it

[p_rubottom]

Oh I see what your saying. No you wouldn't have to pull it all the way out. But i think you do have to get new motor mounts. Maybe someone else can chime in on this??

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by WillieloRidez

Well i have the other crossmember out already and the motor is still in it but i read on a forum that you have to pull the motor. I just took the two lower motor mount bolts out and suported the motor with my cherry picker and the crossmember came right out so im not seeing why you would have to pull it out to put the new crossmember in even after i section it

You have a Cool project!

There are a few easier ways to accomplish the 1/2 ton conversion.

Actually you could have left the crossmember in.
Just swap everything from the a-arms out.
I see alot of people "dead set" on pulling the crossmember. It's not necessary.

Another option would have been to swap just the lower a-arm and install a 1/2 ton upper balljoint in your upper a-arm.

3rd option would be to use the "conversion" spindles from ECE that will work with your original balljoints and tie rod ends,... and allow you to use 1/2 ton rotors and calipers.

Either way,...
Love your truck. Keep up the good work.

[nekkidhillbilly]

badass

[Conundrum]

I don't think you need different motor mounts with a sectioned crossmember.
The only problem I know of is the steering shaft, you'll need some u-joints.

[WillieloRidez]

Thanks guys i just decided not to section this crossmember and get the truck going again. Save my money for a dropmember . I was able to get the frame all sanded down as well as the crossmember and painted black so hopefully it will be going in tonight and sitting back on the ground.