71' (gonna be) a one of a kind custom

[71' Custom]

Ok, I got my answer, didn't have enough backlash.

So, it's time for another poll; Which diff cover to use?

B&M cover


Trans-Dapt cover


Now, the B&M cover serves an actual purpose with the bearing cap supports where as the Trans-Dapt cover will go much better with the look of the truck. What do you think?

[BossHogg69]

I think the B&M cover looks really cool and the fact that it has the bearing support is a bonus. You could always polish or add an accent color to the edges of the fins to really make it pop. Maybe paint the cover black and do the edges of the fins in the same blue that your chassis is? Just an idea...

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by BossHogg69

I think the B&M cover looks really cool and the fact that it has the bearing support is a bonus. You could always polish or add an accent color to the edges of the fins to really make it pop. Maybe paint the cover black and do the edges of the fins in the same blue that your chassis is? Just an idea...

That is actually the plan, powdercoated in black wrinkle (just like the axle housing) and have the ends of the fins blue. I plan to do this with the diff cover, trans pan, oil pan, valve covers, breather, and a few other parts as well. Ting is I like the B&M cover better too, but the trans dapt cover looks more like the other parts.

[knomadd]

I like the fact that the B&M cover has a fill hole too. Wish they all decided to do that, not just a drain hole.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by knomadd

I like the fact that the B&M cover has a fill hole too. Wish they all decided to do that, not just a drain hole.

I do like the fill hole too, however, I don't like how high it is. When you fill via the case, you know exactly when it is full. If I were to use the B&M cover that top hole would probably just serve as an access for the wiring to go through.

[71' Custom]

A little bit of news; After I buy the last remaining part for my rear suspension, the new engine/drivetrain build begins. I have changed my mind on the whole thing. Instead of the zz383 block supercharged setup. In line with trying to stay away from the s#!t that has been over done to death, I will not be doing a 383 stroker nor will I be doing the WAY over done LS swap. Nothing against either of those, just see it done a lot. So my engine will be the less popular 365 stroker roller block, Edelbrock Rollin' Thunder camshaft, AFR 180cc heads, Edelbrock Performer Air Gap intake, and the Holly Terminator EFI throttle body. This setup should make for one mean motor.

[71' Custom]

Oh, and trying to also keep in line with doing everything myself, I will be building this motor from the ground up! However, I will NOT be building a transmission. I am just going to buy a B&M 4L80E with a TCI controller and will also be adding the paddle shifter to the column as well.

In other news, I started crushing the crush sleeve on the pinion last night. Completely exploded the guts out of one of my ratchets and smashed the hell out of one of my fingers. So that's going great! Back at it tonight!

[BigDaddyV]

Very cool, That engine will be nice, haven't seen any of our trucks with one. Looking fwd to the build.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyV

Very cool, That engine will be nice, haven't seen any of our trucks with one. Looking fwd to the build.

Thanks, hope to be starting the engine build by the end of September or early October. There will be lost of pics!

[BigDaddyV]

Woot!

[71' Custom]

The gears are all set up! All that is left is to figure out is if I want to run the wires through the case itself or the cover. Kinda leaning toward the cover, but we will see tonight.

[71' Custom]

Here's how i got to spend my Sunday morning, woo hoo!

[Hardesty454]

Looking good buddy

[71' Custom]

I just noticed, I put the e-brakes upside down. I have to laugh to keep from crying.

[SHANE 73Z]

Just checked through all of your progress. Love what you are doing.

I have also installed the full Hotchkis kit. I am jealous as they have introduced the Fox shocks after I did my install.

I only got to drive mine long enough to blow the engine, so I hope to be motoring again soon. I have a build thread if you feel like lookin at pics.

Some advice on the rear cover. If you intend to run the Hotchkis rear track bar setup, make sure it will clear. I am running an 8.5" ten bolt and I had to remove the support bolts (B&M style cover) and plug the holes with button head cap screws.

Take care,
Shane

[SHANE 73Z]

Originally Posted by 71' Custom

I just noticed, I put the e-brakes upside down. I have to laugh to keep from crying.

Is that a D154 kit?

I ran my cables to the top just like yours. I believe there are also pics in my build to compare.

Shane

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by SHANE 73Z

Just checked through all of your progress. Love what you are doing.

I have also installed the full Hotchkis kit. I am jealous as they have introduced the Fox shocks after I did my install.

I only got to drive mine long enough to blow the engine, so I hope to be motoring again soon. I have a build thread if you feel like lookin at pics.

Some advice on the rear cover. If you intend to run the Hotchkis rear track bar setup, make sure it will clear. I am running an 8.5" ten bolt and I had to remove the support bolts (B&M style cover) and plug the holes with button head cap screws.

Take care,
Shane

Thanks Shane, I just now got the chance to look through your build. That is a really amazing build, you and I seem to think a lot alike. That is just horrible about your engine man. I can't wait to see your new engine build. So what made you decide not to use the ram intake?

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by SHANE 73Z

Is that a D154 kit?

I ran my cables to the top just like yours. I believe there are also pics in my build to compare.

Shane

I am sure it would be ok, but the perfectionist in me is screaming FIX IT!!!!
So I have torn it back down tonight, and will have it put back together tomorrow night.

[71' Custom]

A huge thanks to Adam for recommending http://www.brakeperformance.com to me!



That is a smokin' price!

[Xeen]

Either differential cover will work but I'm in the ease of use camp on this one and the drain and fill plugs are a must have.
No matter which differential cover you go with you will need to have a "bent trac bar" to clear the cover because both of those stick out further than a stock cover.
CPP makes a bent trac bar that will work perfectly.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Either differential cover will work but I'm in the ease of use camp on this one and the drain and fill plugs are a must have.
No matter which differential cover you go with you will need to have a "bent trac bar" to clear the cover because both of those stick out further than a stock cover.
CPP makes a bent trac bar that will work perfectly.

Oh, I will be using the Hotchkis setup. The factory bar will not be going anywhere near this truck, lol. But, much thanks to Shane, I now know that B&M cover will not work properly with that setup so I now know that I will be going with the other one.

[71' Custom]

Now that is what I am talking about.
I know it won't stay looking like that but it is good foe the first few pictures!

[SHANE 73Z]

Lookin good!

I like the black coated rotors. It sucks to have to paint the hub portion.

Im hoping to run 18s next time around and the black rotors would look better behind an open wheel. Ill have to save that site.

Keep it up,
Shane

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by 71' Custom

Attachment 1289814
Now that is what I am talking about.
I know it won't stay looking like that but it is good foe the first few pictures!

That looks awesome! Too bad they didn't offer the black coated ones when I ordered the rotors for my '69 - that's what I get for taking too long to build my junk... Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing your updates!

[71' Custom]

Thanks Adam, I am still waiting to see a build thread for your '69. How is the truck coming along?