1976 CCSB Duramax Project #trucknamedsue

[Devilman]

Originally Posted by RADustin

what cooling fan arrangement do you have?

the 2nd gen cummins cooling parts essentially bolt in the 80+ core supports. It doesn't go in as cleanly in the 73-80 supports IIRC.

I haven't got to fan/fans yet, but it'll be some sort of electric setup.
My truck is a 78 and the 2nd gen parts bolted right in same as on my 86 from what I remember.

[rennat_2006]

No the 06 is my personal truck. The swap truck is one im doing for a friend, he bought motor and trans with like 75k out of a totalled truck back in like 2010

[83GMCK2500]

How's Sue doing these days?

[RADustin]

work hasn't stopped, just the updates.

I really need to update everything. I'll be working on that.

[RADustin]

here we go- this should catch up to mid Jan. I'll make a few more updates, a few weeks progress at a time so it's more manageable.

left off assembling the frame. To match the coil springs, I sprayed a few pieces here and there gloss silver. So the frame and frame pieces are semi gloss black, 4 links and axles are gloss black, and accents silver.













started machining on the rear hubs to change the bolt pattern and hub diameter to be all Ford pattern and match the front unit bearings.

skimmed the OD, pre machined and pressed on piece of DOM, final machine DOM.









designed transfer fuel pump mount. It's 3D printed plastic and a stainless clamp.






I actually finally got my own 3D printer around xmas time. one of the first useful things I printed was these shock shaft jaws. I back filled them with resin so they are strong. Used them to revalve the rear shocks.







One of the last fabrications for the frame was a crossmember under the back of the cab. I needed extra clearance than the stocker because the transmission and tcase are so long and high up. Had to make crossmember also clear exhaust.

















powdercoated and installed-




made the gas tank sump and draw straw/return. I cleaned inside of tank from lose coating before assembly.











for the fuel sender on the primary tank side, its installed without the sock since the 3/8" feed is now a feed from the transfer pump. The 1/4" line is a return from lift pump. I also checked the checked valves and didnt like their flow, so I ripped it out and will use an external ball check.



more assembly- sway bar is dodge 2500 application and from hellwig. its adjustable on 3 positions. I'll be starting at the softest.









dropped engine in-





changed lift pump from crap CP4 to a Fleece CP3K.







installed fuel tank. Painted silver for accent. Bottom is textured and painted silver.



shortened oil dip stick tube, and changed end.





since I'm converting to all LB7 cooling parts, I had to swap out a bunch of LML ones for LB7-LMM.

this is why- reference this pic for later, stock LML cooling- notice height over alt-



The coolant neck needed a custom foot to work-







the water pump difference. LB7 on left(top), LML the other one. I swapped LB7 outlet to LML housing.



rear hitch got powder coated. Has integrated air fitting for tools and electrical(not really shown). I 3D printed a cap for the air fitting with snap on feet.



body work on passenger fender, in poly primer-





and urethane-





I'm using the cab venting system from the 2014. So I put the vents in the rear wall of the cab and will fill the ones in the doors.







I'll keep working on getting yall caught up. Lemme know if I skipped over something too quickly.

[Low Elco]

Daaaaaaang! This is gonna be too awesome. This truck stuff is cool and all, but we'll need more info on the puppy.

[Devilman]

I've said it before, I hope you're making duplicates of everything for when I drop my truck off with you 👍🏻👍🏻

[buffydores]

Just utterly amazing.

[daddyjeep]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Daaaaaaang! This is gonna be too awesome. This truck stuff is cool and all, but we'll need more info on the puppy.

I was thinking the same... lol

[rgunlock]

You take the term "truck build" to a whole different level. Everything is looking great (and beefy)!

[RADustin]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Daaaaaaang! This is gonna be too awesome. This truck stuff is cool and all, but we'll need more info on the puppy.

Thanks, my mistake for not introducing her. Her name is Penny, Golden Retriever, 10.5 months old(born Aug 30th). She was just a few months in those pics. She's been a hoot. That particular night at the shop was good. I kept 'losing' tools while she was 'sleeping'. Come to find out she was retrieving them back to her bed for safe keeping. I found them all when I was packing up to leave for the night.

Originally Posted by Devilman

I've said it before, I hope you're making duplicates of everything for when I drop my truck off with you 👍🏻👍🏻

that can definitely happen. I'd rather do a full frame though. Easier, cheaper, faster, better.

Originally Posted by buffydores

Just utterly amazing.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

I was thinking the same... lol

my mistake! I'll get some more updated pics of her, only about 45lbs. so real small. Perfect size.

Originally Posted by rgunlock

You take the term "truck build" to a whole different level. Everything is looking great (and beefy)!

Thanks bud!


I have more pictures uploaded on my laptop. I'll get them posted shortly.

[GMC Guy]

utterly amazing progress so far! I love the cab vents, had that idea years ago but never executed. My thought was that it would help the doors close easier with the windows rolled up.

[aggie91]

RADustin - its been two months, we need updates!

[Indyfab]

What ever happened to this project?

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by Indyfab

What ever happened to this project?

It's still under construction, I'm following him on instagram and have seen recent updates. I really hope he has time during this quarantine to update this thread with the latest updates.

[RADustin]

yeah let me work on some updates. Things are moving along.

[87max]

Glad you ditched cp4 better to play it safe. Looking good ��

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by RADustin

yeah let me work on some updates. Things are moving along.

That would be cool. I have only a short list of things that I marvel at. But this truck is on it.

[Hart_Rod]

Pretty incredible build,

[STOCKISH]

Wow, absolutely amazing work so far. Keep at it!

[buffydores]

We need an update amigo.

[aggie91]

5 months with no updates? Come on man we need pictures!

[Dieselwrencher]

You sir are building a piece of art! I'd like to get access or find a guy to have all the cool tools to be able to make one off parts as you have. Very nicely done!

[jadedbird]

to get the 4x4 tunnel in and effectively convert my 2wd cab to a 4x4 cab, I started by laying the weld in half in and marking around it.


then I offset the marker line with tape to make the cut line. also mapped out the front bolt in half.


cut out the rear half and cleaned the bottom of the lip. This was terrible work. I use weld thru primer on the weld in parts lip and the cab side lip to help prevent rust. I'll also seam seal everything later on.


drilled for plug welds and celco'd in the weld in half from the bottom.


welded in. I perfer to TIG the rosette welds so I can heat everything up, fill, then keep the heat on letting it all flow. Also cut front half. I didn't cut front and back out of cab at once to keep as much material in there at all times.


test fit front bolt in piece.


Then I was able to test fit the cab. It fits perfect. I'm very happy. The ride height is a little low for what it'll be final, but its close. and ofcourse the final tires will be bigger.









Where did you get the back half of the 4x4 tunnel?

I need to make my 2wd floor a 4wd so the transmission will fit.

[buffydores]

So satisfying to see your updates.