Cheapest way to lay in front, need help.

[The Big Green]

I'm want to lay out in the front, but what's needed? I will more than likely run a 20in wheel up front, 255/35/20. I want a cheaper way out, I'm guessing just a 3in Z, and a 3in spindle? I could use a little help, I'm new at this, but try to read up all I can. I can't really afford a dropmember, because they are nomally like a couple grand. There was a guy, on here, that cut enough off his stock front crossmember, and I think he could lay. Just wondering what would be the best way, thats fairly cheap?

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by The Big Green

I'm want to lay out in the front, but what's needed? I will more than likely run a 20in wheel up front, 255/35/20. I want a cheaper way out, I'm guessing just a 3in Z, and a 3in spindle? I could use a little help, I'm new at this, but try to read up all I can. I can't really afford a dropmember, because they are nomally like a couple grand. There was a guy, on here, that cut enough off his stock front crossmember, and I think he could lay. Just wondering what would be the best way, thats fairly cheap?

Define "cheap"... what's the budget? Also, usually less money spent on parts equates to more time/labor spent on the modification(s). What is your skill level? and how much labor would you have to outsource?

[The Big Green]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

Define "cheap"... what's the budget? Also, usually less money spent on parts equates to more time/labor spent on the modification(s). What is your skill level? and how much labor would you have to outsource?

umm, cheap? Well, the guy that can Z my frame will hopefully let me know a price tomorrow night, so I can go from there. I understood as him saying $500, but I'm not really sure, and I'll still need arms, and spindles, maybe both. I don't have the skill for any of this, nor the tools, or shop...lol. I can change a tranny under a tree, with blocks, and no jacks. I have pulled, built, and installed an engine, and drove the same day, with wrenchs...lol. I have no choice, but to pay someone with experience, to make it lay. I could probably get a dropmember in with help from a couple friends, for no labor, but just guessing on that.

Is the buy still going on the dropmembers? Is the said price for everything, or just the dropmember? I'm guessing just the member.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by The Big Green

umm, cheap? Well, the guy that can Z my frame will hopefully let me know a price tomorrow night, so I can go from there. I understood as him saying $500, but I'm not really sure, and I'll still need arms, and spindles, maybe both. I don't have the skill for any of this, nor the tools, or shop...lol. I can change a tranny under a tree, with blocks, and no jacks. I have pulled, built, and installed an engine, and drove the same day, with wrenchs...lol. I have no choice, but to pay someone with experience, to make it lay. I could probably get a dropmember in with help from a couple friends, for no labor, but just guessing on that.

Is the buy still going on the dropmembers? Is the said price for everything, or just the dropmember? I'm guessing just the member.

Does the truck currently run and drive? If it does, I am assuming you plan on driving it in and driving it out? Or would you be pulling the motor/trans so the frame can be properly accessed to "z"?

Here's a quick list of items that will need to be modified/done in order for a "Z":

-Exhaust removed (re-routed after Z).
-Drivetrain removed (driveshaft length will most likely need to be altered after "Z")
-Front sheet-metal/core support removed
-Remove brake and fuel lines (they will need to be re-worked when the "Z"is done)
-Time to set it up, measure, and then "Z" the frame.
-Start putting everything back together
-Modify steering linkage
-Modify firewall/trans tunnell
-Redo the radiator hoses
-Modify the fan shroud or go electric

There's probably a few more incidentals, but it's a bunch of work. Make sure you have a thorough list of what will be done and how much it is going to cost... this much work is easily worth $2500... plus parts! I would just hate to see you get a "good price", only to find out it costs more in the end.

Also, some of the best advice I could give: Don't be afraid to do the work in sections or phases. If you plan it all out well you can do a little here, and a little there without wasting any money by having to re-do things or purchasing parts that will not be used later.

[The Big Green]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

Does the truck currently run and drive? If it does, I am assuming you plan on driving it in and driving it out? Or would you be pulling the motor/trans so the frame can be properly accessed to "z"?

Here's a quick list of items that will need to be modified/done in order for a "Z":

-Exhaust removed (re-routed after Z).
-Drivetrain removed (driveshaft length will most likely need to be altered after "Z")
-Front sheet-metal/core support removed
-Remove brake and fuel lines (they will need to be re-worked when the "Z"is done)
-Time to set it up, measure, and then "Z" the frame.
-Start putting everything back together
-Modify steering linkage
-Modify firewall/trans tunnell
-Redo the radiator hoses
-Modify the fan shroud or go electric

There's probably a few more incidentals, but it's a bunch of work. Make sure you have a thorough list of what will be done and how much it is going to cost... this much work is easily worth $2500... plus parts! I would just hate to see you get a "good price", only to find out it costs more in the end.

Also, some of the best advice I could give: Don't be afraid to do the work in sections or phases. If you plan it all out well you can do a little here, and a little there without wasting any money by having to re-do things or purchasing parts that will not be used later.

First off, I got the truck 12 years ago, it has never sit for long periods of time. It was very driveable, untill today, stupid tranny!..lol. I am trying to get it bagged before spring(show season, plus I'm in a little hurry to bag. I'd really like it be done safe though, number 1 thing. I'll talk to him, but I may just bag, get my new tranny, and save for a drop member. I'll take my time, and think before I cut my truck.

I thought about taking an old frame, I have 2 more. I could drive the truck, and fix it the right way, with good parts, and then swap the body to the new frame. I don't know, just something I thought about. Truck won't have to sit, and you could take your time on it.

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by The Big Green

I thought about taking an old frame, I have 2 more. I could drive the truck, and fix it the right way, with good parts, and then swap the body to the new frame. I don't know, just something I thought about. Truck won't have to sit, and you could take your time on it.

Nice choice IMO.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by The Big Green

..... I may just bag, get my new tranny, and save for a drop member. I'll take my time, and think before I cut my truck.

I thought about taking an old frame, I have 2 more. I could drive the truck, and fix it the right way, with good parts, and then swap the body to the new frame. I don't know, just something I thought about. Truck won't have to sit, and you could take your time on it.

This is the smartest direction for your goals.

If you can R&R a motor or tranny, you can bag a truck easy. If you're confident in your mechanical skill-set, just install some spindles & bags if you must for right now. Then, save up for a Dropmember & install it yourself. Your labor is free & it's also simple bolt-in type deal. The only thing you would need to pay to have fabbed would be the steering rack notches & whatever rear mods you decide on (you can't really 'lay-out' w/o modifying both ends of the truck).

Start prepping one of your other frames for the purpose of laying out. You can set everything up & then swap the rest over when time allows. It's also a great opportunity to replace worn cab/core-support bushings & do a nice rattle-can detailing of the frame & stuff.

[Spray-Bomb]

To me since you dont have the tools, place, or skill to do it yourself & you are gonna have it done

I would buy a drop member from Porter Built or a Raised Crossmember from Suicide Doors

I have the skill to Z, but I plan to buy a crossmember of some sort for the front of my truck

[leftcoast66]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

This is the smartest direction for your goals.

If you can R&R a motor or tranny, you can bag a truck easy. If you're confident in your mechanical skill-set, just install some spindles & bags if you must for right now. Then, save up for a Dropmember & install it yourself. Your labor is free & it's also simple bolt-in type deal. The only thing you would need to pay to have fabbed would be the steering rack notches & whatever rear mods you decide on (you can't really 'lay-out' w/o modifying both ends of the truck).

Start prepping one of your other frames for the purpose of laying out. You can set everything up & then swap the rest over when time allows. It's also a great opportunity to replace worn cab/core-support bushings & do a nice rattle-can detailing of the frame & stuff.

I agree completely. Most definitely the best way. You'll be able to learn the way it all works as well and be able to fit everything in there, its cramped w/ the body on and bed on in some areas, so would be easier w/ a second frame as well for a first time.

[N2TRUX]

These guys have given some great advice and it seems you have considered it. Let me throw a little more food for thought out there. You want some one to cut your frame in half, let me repeat that CUT YOUR FRAME IN HALF. Do you want some one to do it cheap, or do it right?

I'll bet you want it right. Going for the lowest bid is not what I would be looking for on a job like this. Take your time and do it right....