Snip snip

[XXL]

I got one side back together...

[XXL]

Second pic shows the new outer bed wall skin in place and the studs that replace the fender bolts.

Third is a quick shot of the fender back on. Note the obvious wheel offset difference on the rear wheels.

#4 is just a side view of the same thing. The black rust inhibitor I sprayed on makes the fender line a little deceptive since it's sprayed on the first 2" or so of the fender too (to knock out some 37 year old surface rust). From this view, the bed side looks pretty much stock.

However, on the last pic, you can see how much wider it is now. Note the gap between the fender and the rolled pan. Those used to abut each other. Ultimately, I'll extend the rolled pan with a nice rounded shape to fill that gap and soften what is currently a hard edge.

I'm going to try to get the other side skinned tomorrow and get that fender back on as well. I've got to get this thing back together for an upcoming move.

[XXL]

Side 2 is now back together. Welder wire kept jamming up, and now it looks completely dead... may have to replace the cable that carries the wire to the tip), so I didn't get all the studs welded on the second side. For now, I've got 4 bolts in it, which will be fine for rolling around.

[jay-dawg]

dat looks slick! How are you gonna do the front bed panel?

[ed455]

That's so simple it's brilliant! I've been wanting to widen my stepside fenders but dreading the work of cutting and widening them. They make fiberglass fenders that are 3" wider but they're pricey and I hate 'glass body parts. I thought about mini-tubbing to the frame but then I have to buy pricey custom offset wheels. Dude, I'm inspired!

[bagged69c10]

Looks nice. However you might want to be careful mounting the bags on the side of the trailing arm. I had mine almost centered on the trailing arms and they twisted. Maybe mine were just crap I dunno.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by bagged69c10

Looks nice. However you might want to be careful mounting the bags on the side of the trailing arm. I had mine almost centered on the trailing arms and they twisted.

Yeah, I'm already experiencing this. I had originally contemplated a basic-ish cantilever setup, and now that I've seen this twisting issue, I'm back to considering it again. In either case, I'll at least have to cut down the mounting brackets as the bag folds up before I get the full drop I'm after (about 1.5" more).

[camaro__thunder]

*COUGH* update.... *COUGH* *COUGH*

[ICUDOGG]

Got any finished pics of the watts link?

Nice job man!

Later
C

[XXL]

Originally Posted by camaro__thunder

*COUGH* update.... *COUGH* *COUGH*

I'm stuck in the middle of honey-dos. We just relocated to Color-adder, and so new house, lawn, hanging pictures, moving furniture BACK AND FORTH, and so on. New Lincoln MIG should be here in next few days... and then I'll get back to work on the truck.

[Shane]

Wow ... you moved ... again??? New job I assume?

Beautiful country out that way ... enjoy and good luck with the new place.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by Shane

Wow ... you moved ... again??? New job I assume?

Beautiful country out that way ... enjoy and good luck with the new place.

It's tough staying ahead of the law.

This move is the last one. Not like the last move that was the last one... this one is really the last one. Really. (I'll let you know when the next move comes along ).

Thanks!

[camaro__thunder]

Make your way to TX ! lol

[XXL]

Originally Posted by camaro__thunder

Make your way to TX ! lol

That's where I started.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by camaro__thunder

Make your way to TX ! lol

We ran him out years ago. All this moving nonsense is starting to worry people of this big state . . .... (notice he keeps moving a little closer each time ).

[XXL]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

All this moving nonsense is starting to worry people of this big state . . .... (notice he keeps moving a little closer each time ).

All trend indicators suggest you're safe. Based on data analysis, my next stop should be somewhere near Lincoln, Montana, where some believe I will begin writing my manifesto.

[JameslovesJammie]

Dude!

I'm from Montana!

Don't make fun of Uncle Ted!

[Tony@AirRideTech]

if you are only wanting a 1:1 ratio..... why did you move them forward on the trailing arm. For a 1:1... you could have just gone with a sleeve style airpsirng on the axle?

[XXL]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

if you are only wanting a 1:1 ratio..... why did you move them forward on the trailing arm. For a 1:1... you could have just gone with a sleeve style airpsirng on the axle?

Moving them forward significantly increases total lift. We're dealing with a triangle between front trailing arm mounts, spring, and frame. The further forward I put the ~ 7" of bag lift, the more lift occurs at the axle.

Here's a clear description of the geometry.

[camaro__thunder]

[jlaird]

Tony, did you read that link XXL posted? Whats the deal over there? Are the issues with the control arms resolved? Has anybody here ordered the arms lately with a good experience?

[PBFAB.COM]

I have been a dealer for Air Ride Tech. for 3 years... been extremely happy with everything. The quality, support, and service has been exceptional. Ordered multiple sets of Strong Arms, got shorted on upper ball joints ONCE, it was quickly resolved. Things don't always go perfect, as we all know.

Sounds like there have been a few issues for sure... but it looks like the same name is attached to all the complaints. Hopefully the issue has been resolved.


As for me... 100% satisfied.

[Shane]

I got a post floating around here about how $hitty I was treated by the ART guys at the NSRA Nationals in Louisville a few years back.

Apparently my hair wasn't grey enough and I wasn't wearing enough gold chains.

As I said in my other post, their arrogance cost them a sale and my money came home with me that day.

[7deuce]

I have the ART lowers and I got nothing out of them. (lowering wise). And also I have to agree with SHANE, When I went to got guys in Indy this yr. I wanted to talk to them about a set of uppers and they blew me right off. The guy didnt even check in the trailer he started helping another guy out and then after 3 or 4 min. of standing there he asked me if I really wanted them. NO SALE FOR ART. I only reason I stood there that long is there was some hot ass hoe working right there. BOOOOOOO on air ride tech

[PBFAB.COM]

That's definitely too bad for them that some of their "potential customers" felt like they were not important enough to them.

I have been treated similar from other companies that will never have my business because the way they made me feel. One (or two) arrogant salesperson(s) can definitely do some major damage .