Another Z'd frame question.

[shortbed70]

Does anyone have a writeup on how to do this on a 65 model fram and still have all the factory mnts for rad fenders etc. I want to do this to my truck while I'm in the process of 5 lug swap. Pics are nice too. Does efabman have any of this on his vedeo?

[ZBS 64]

The better way to go is a porterbuilt dropmember

[L0WRIDE]

i z'd my 65 but if i had the money i would buy a drop member from porterbuilt

[mullit]

price seams to be the only issue with the drop member

[shortbed70]

How much $?

[Mkcustums]

Originally Posted by shortbed70

How much $?

Last I heard it was $1,200


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201898

"It is made to bolt into 63-87 Chevrolet Trucks, 2wd and those who are tired of their 4wd sitting too high. It uses a rack and pinion, designed to be used with tubular arms (Air Ride Tech.) but can be used with stock arms (slight modification to lower arm is needed), it allows the frame to set on the ground with a drop spindle and a 29 inch tall tire. Porterbuilt Street Rods is the manufacturer and they sell for a whopping $1200."

[WELD4DAYS]

I'm thinking of "Zing" my 77 and was wondering if you can do this with the motor still in the truck? I can't afford a dropmember so I need to go this route.Thanks

[revn67]

i dont think id try it with the motor still in it....i would imagine it would be alittle more difficult to measure and keep the frame straight and level with the motor in the way...just my 2 cents though, and i believe the 1200 for the dropmember is just for the crossmember and a few little thing...you'll still need a steering rack, all the airbag needs, i think its around like 2500 all together to get your truck rolling

[mullit]

Originally Posted by Mkcustums

Last I heard it was $1,200


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201898

"It is made to bolt into 63-87 Chevrolet Trucks, 2wd and those who are tired of their 4wd sitting too high. It uses a rack and pinion, designed to be used with tubular arms (Air Ride Tech.) but can be used with stock arms (slight modification to lower arm is needed), it allows the frame to set on the ground with a drop spindle and a 29 inch tall tire. Porterbuilt Street Rods is the manufacturer and they sell for a whopping $1200."

Try $1400 just for the member $300 for a rack, $300 for the stearing linkage, $40 for the stearing linkage support bearing plus shipping. Now throw in you air suspension parts and drop spindles. and you still have to cut the frame for tirerod notches.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by mullit

Try $1400 just for the member $300 for a rack, $300 for the stearing linkage, $40 for the stearing linkage support bearing plus shipping. Now throw in you air suspension parts and drop spindles. and you still have to cut the frame for tirerod notches.

Doing it "right" isn't always cheap. There's a very big difference between 'seat of the pants' and engineered products... and that engineering costs. While I'm not opposed to the time-tested z-method, it's not necessary given today's engineered products-- spindles, control arms, notched xmembers (or PB's Dropmember), etc.

[Slmd92DIME]

While trimming the botttom of the frame make sure you either box the frame or put box tubing in the top corner and weld it up.... just a thought

[Slmd92DIME]

Instead of doing that.... you can lower your cab mounts an inch... That will be darn close to laying rockers.... Just another thought

[Slmd92DIME]

yes it will still need a Z. The Z is what raises the front crossmember above the frame rails. the droppin of the cab mounts is what will get your rockers as low as the frame. You dont have to cut the frame under the cab.. Just lower the body mounts, cut the rivets out.. and move your holes down and inch and weld your old holes up.

[Slmd92DIME]

If you lower the cab mounts an inch and you have a 4 inch Z at the firewall, you would want to lower your front frame horns 5 inches to accomidate for your dropped cab mounts. The fender and cab need to be on the same level...

I dropped my cab mounts, its easy.

I also made a new tranny crossmember to accomidate for the Z and also to get it above the frame rails. Pictures are in my build thread

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=269019

[WELD4DAYS]

Nice job Dime.I'm trying to figure out how much of a Z I need to do to get the controls arms off the ground.I want to run 22's.I'm not sure if I want to lower the mounts or trim the bottom of the frame.If I lower the mounts,then I need to lower the bed an inch also right?Thanks for the help

[Slmd92DIME]

What is the tire height that you want with the 22s? I am sure a 4 inch Z would be fine. I also have a set of 3 inch drop spindles. Yes you wouldhave to lower the bed an inch also. Get some pics up of what your truck looks right now.

[WELD4DAYS]

I will try to post some pics tonight when I get home.I'm trying to sell my project boat so I can go full speed on my truck.I'm not sure how tall the tire will be.I don't want something to low profile.I will be using drop spindles also.

[WELD4DAYS]

Here is a couple.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ing2007088.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ing2007087.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ing2007086.jpg

[Slmd92DIME]

looks pretty solid... Nice T-HOE

Good Start

[WELD4DAYS]

Thanks man.It's pretty solid.Runs like a champ.It needs all new bushings up front.It used to be red,but it sat out in the sun for about 5 years.It has electric windows and locks,and my 2002 Silverado has manual everything.Can't wait to tear into it.

[WELD4DAYS]

Here is a couple more of my 77.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r239/TCRUSH/021.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r239/TCRUSH/020.jpg

[Slmd92DIME]

Looks good... what size drop is on your blue chevy?

[WELD4DAYS]

The 02 has a 4/6 DJM kit on it.I would like to lower the back 1 more inch.Thanks