C20 to K20 Conversion "Simply Toxic"

[JustToxic]

The final product, all that's left is to grind everything smooth. The inner piece is at an angle to shed water so it can't just build. Also what you can't see is that I added some extra plate to the inside of the frame.

[JustToxic]

Been able to get out in the garage a few days in a row. Got the core support and fenders on and figured out fitment. I got a hood about two years ago from a junk yard, thought the hood was possibly tweaked a bit, but it looks like it fits pretty good. Was able to get the front axle somewhat in place as well so I can start building the 4 link system. Still have to square it up, wanted to put a set of tires on it to see where the wheels would fall in the bed and the fenders. So now is on to building a 4 Link for the front and bed mounts for the rear. Once its sitting on its own with out help of jack stands, I'll get the motor and trans mounted in and start making cross members. Was messing around with paint chips the other day in our body shop and I think I landed on a color so I got a sample of it and tested it out.

[72 tigger]

Making good progress. That color will look sharp. Thanks for posting

[Richard]

I see a lot of hard work there, looking good! Are you fabricating everything for the front four link? Was thinking about using the ORD kit or at least the axle mounts for my truck.

[JustToxic]

Richard, I have a buddy that runs a laser table, so I designed all the brackets and mounts for the 4 link. Its based off of a kit a saw on a website, I couldn't find a kit that was exactly what I wanted so that's why I'm building a one off kit. For the heim joints I bought some Ballistic Fab forged joints, they are heavy duty and rebuild-able, got the tube ends from them as well. I'm still debating about if a set of Dodge front coil springs will work up front or if I should just bite the bullet and get a set of coil over shock from FOA.

ORD makes some killer stuff, if I didn't have access to a laser table I would have bought a kit.

[JustToxic]

So I ran into a slight problem, after replacing the floor panel pieces, the high up panel didn't fit at all. Since I'm used to working on late model trucks where thats not a option, I decided to modify my hump panel and just welder in.

[JustToxic]

Ended up taking the cab and dog house back off the frame this weekend. Tried doing the frame plating on a creeper but couldn't do it laying on my side. Since the cabs off I'm going to leave it off until the front suspension is completely welded. Measured the frame in a few spots found its is just a little bigger then 3/16 thick. Found some steel for free at a buddy's house that was the right width and thickness, found enough to be able to box the entire frame like I'm wanting to. For now, I'm just boxing the front section, from the front clip to the rear cab mounts. I'll do the rest once the bed has its mounts and is off getting metal work done.

Now that the frame is boxed, I'm able to put the 4-link mounts on the frame and start making the links.

[JustToxic]

Got out in the garage this past weekend. Smoothed out the welds on the frame boxing. Then I Started hanging the mounts for the 4-link system, only hung the frame side this weekend. Still have to add the gussets between the two sides, going to try and get that done this week. Next will be the 4 link mounts on the front axle, followed by the spring and shock mount on the axle and frame. Should be a busy weekend coming up in the garage.

[JustToxic]

more /\/\

[JustToxic]

Added the axle 4-link mounts last night. Going to be adding gussets to the axle mounts and the frame mounts. once the gussets are added I can start on the coil and shock mounts.

[JustToxic]

Well, I got all the suspension bars and links ordered this week. As well as the steering components. Once everything comes in, I'll be ready to make all the 4 Link bars, track bar, and cross over steering components. Hopefully in a week or so, she'll be rolling on all 4 wheels again.

[Richard]

Brackets look good. Looking forward to seeing the axle located. Going with the shorter upper 4 link mount should cause an increase in caster as suspension compresses.

[JustToxic]

It'll have a slight caster change, the 4-link setup is similar to factory Dodge front suspension. Computer program didn't show a bunch of caster change until the suspension would have passed the bump stop area, so I'll address any issues as the come about.

Over the weekend I was able to mock up the links and get the rod end welded into place. Ground a the ends smooth on all the bars. Going to get the bar installed and cycle the suspension to check for issues. If everything looks good, I'll start on adding bracing and gussets to the link mound and then start adding the coil spring and shock mounts.

[JustToxic]

Finished the 4-Link bars last night. Cycled the suspension, didn't run into any issues. Now I can focus on building coil spring and shock mounts, reinforce the frame in some key areas and weld the gussets in the 4-link mounts. If the weather is crap this week I'll have plenty to do in the garage.

[Ol Blue K20]

It's looking good. Some nice progress.

[JustToxic]

Thanks Ol Blue

[Richard]

Nice work! Looking forward to seeing shock mounts and brackets.

[JustToxic]

Thanks Richard.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get back out to the shop. Ordered a new deck for the house and ended up building that this past weekend. I hope I can get back out there this week.

[JustToxic]

Was able to work on the old girl this weekend and a few days last week, didn't get a ton done but I was able to fab up and figure a few things out for the front spring mounts.

[JustToxic]

Once I got the lower mount figured out, I was able to see how much I needed to notch the frame for the coil spring. Added a plate to the back side of the frame st stiffin' it up and then cut and added supports for the notch. Just need to make the top spring mount and removable upper shock mount. For the front coils I'm using '06 F250 front coil +2 lift springs, and F-150 +4 shocks. I'm making the coil/shock mounts, so they can be easily converted to coil over shocks in the future.

[57taskforce]

That’s some great fab work!

[Ol Blue K20]

Looking really good

[JustToxic]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

That’s some great fab work!

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Looking really good

Thanks guys, I should have it sitting on wheels and tires by the end of the weekend, if all goes right the next few days.

[JustToxic]

It was a productive weekend on the truck. Had a buddy come over and help me knock out the upper spring mounts. Still have to add a few gussets, upper shock mounts, and smooth over some welds. But for the first time since I got the frame on jack stands it is sitting on its own springs.

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by JustToxic

It was a productive weekend on the truck. Had a buddy come over and help me knock out the upper spring mounts. Still have to add a few gussets, upper shock mounts, and smooth over some welds. But for the first time since I got the frame on jack stands it is sitting on its own springs.

It looks great what an accomplishment. You should be proud!