Meet Project Red, White, and Blue

[no moa]

Well the frontend is mostly together, just need to get the tierods and stuff put on once i get the steering box on.

I got to say, the pass side went on great. The upper BJ (made in USA) didn't fit real good, but once i got it bolted in place it was ok. It uses a 3/4 nut )tiny) The lower bushing arm i don't think is right, the nuts don't thread in all the way, i went by the book 3 times, and i'm still not sure i did it right. So i tightened it up so it won't fall off.

The drivers side was a PITA!!!!! The upper ball joint (made in taiwan) lower rubber boot holder wouldn't even fit in the hole. I bought all these parts 3 months ago, so there was no going back. I widened the upper a-arm hole a little, got it set in place and wound the s!@t out of the bolts. It uses a 7/8 nut (big) Its in there now. I am sure i'll have to replace it in 500 miles, but i need to get this thing on the ground and back to my garage to put the motor in it.

The lower DS bushing i can tighten both sides up till they bottom out. (WTH) They are all center to the best of my ability.

So at this point, I'm not sure if the bushing/shaft alignment are right, the ball joints are crap (thanks napa for 2 different ball joints with the same part number WTH) The springs went in nice, got the spindles in place. I snugged it all up tight, so it won't fall apart moving it. No torquing though.

The rear leafs have new bushings, and are set in place and mounted to the crap rearend. I'm going to get new grade 8 bolts and find some new U-bolts this week, and that will take care of the rear leafs.

More pics later.

[RCbowtie69]

Looking good,you've come along nice on your frame.Keep up the hard work & the pictures of your progress coming,keep on truckin'

[RenoKeene]

Wow, I had to take a break and drink a beer after just reading this....looks like you handle the aggravation end of it pretty good. I had the same kinda deal with NAPA motor mounts, one regular and one metric, What?
I got a box here for ya, the SPID is in the baggie. I'm going to post up this parts score so check it out and let me know if you need anything before I put it in the for sale section.
Are you keeping notes of the things you have to go back and deal with later that you have temped in now? Do you know what I'm trying to say..I'm wore out myself from cleaning the shop.
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[no moa]

Lol, I have a note pad to keep track of what I'm doing. I'll post more pics in the am, I was cranking this afternoon.

I sent you an email to your work and your other email about the parts, did you get it?
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[no moa]

Rolling, finally.

You can see the difference in the lower a-arm nuts from drivers to pass. I'm waiting for my mechanic to look at it and tell me its normal, or i f'ed it up bad. lol

[no moa]

I didn't like the rims, so.........

Sorry for the crappy pics.

[VA72C10]

congrats on getting it rolling. On parts you bought a while ago and find out they're wrong I'll simply buy a new one of the same part to get the correct part and receipt then return the wrong one later when I'm in the area again

[no moa]

Thanks. I just widened the hole for the upper a little and it fit.
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[no moa]

Here is my motor i'm going to use. Looks like i'll need an intake and carb, this one is pretty corrodid from sitting. But it only has 45k (we think, the speedo is broke in the blazer) and should run really good in the truck.

I'm assuming i'll need to go to a short water pump for all the BB brackett and stuff i have?

[RenoKeene]

Your probably right about the water pump. Do you have all the PS stuff...remote reservoir and all? I have some knowlege about that when you get that far. Are you running A/C? I know a little about that too.
I like the wheel covers!

[no moa]

Yes I have 2-3 sets of BB power steering set ups, and I will have the a/c there but probably won't run it at first, as i don't use it much up here.
I also like the wheel hubcaps, probably my favorite.
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[RenoKeene]

Did you get the other box with the ventshades? Someone named Allen signed for it. I hope you know who that is. Made anymore progress?

[no moa]

Yes sir I did thank you. I just got it today (been out yesterday and today) no progress,I don't have the $ to get brake lines and brakes, so I'm saving up for those.
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[RenoKeene]

Good deal. I'm trying to figure out how this carpet cover is supposed to fit over my gas tank. What the hell did these people send me anyway....

[RCbowtie69]

Just check up on your build & you're making some headway.Keep the pictures coming & keep on truckin'

[no moa]

Its come to a screaming halt right now, no $, need a few wrecker parts, and lots of bills i need to pay off, so i cleaned the garage yesturday, and tucked it in the back till i can continue. I have some little stuff i can do, but it will be a wicked slow build.

[no moa]

I went and got this today, Pretty happy to find a good plaid blue and white seat.

[VA72C10]

Nice! Looks to be in GREAT condition!

[no moa]

Bed is back. He did a good job, i need to finish up the edges, and grind the welds smooth on the back sides, but unless your a true truck guy, you won't know they were replaced when i'm done.

Once i get some $ i'm going to have the bed sides sodablasted, and i'm going to sandblast the bottom of the bed floor and replace a couple crossmembers (used i hope, damn $150 for a new crossmember)
Thanks to Brad and Randy for the bed parts.

[RenoKeene]

Wow! Your metal man IS good.

[no moa]

He is very good. I wouldnt use anyone else! He called me every name in the book, i guess it wasn't an easy fix. lol. 8 hours total.

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by no moa

I went and got this today, Pretty happy to find a good plaid blue and white seat.

Dude, that is a nice Highlander seat! You have no idea how rare those are in one piece. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think that they are being reproed!

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Thats a nice find on that highlanderseat cover..

[no moa]

Thanks I was lucky to find it
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[RCbowtie69]

Looking good on the bed & nice find on the seat,every little bit is progress.Keep on Truckin'