PB bagged 69 stepside-because Leon asked...

[Jimbabwe]

Leon (502MS),
Here are the bed related pics. Raised the entire bed 1 1/2" so the bottom of the step is even with the cab, instead of hanging lower. Not sure if now lowering the rear to the same ride height with less air in the bag will be a worse ride out back. I also think even though the step is now flush, the body line is higher. So maybe not raising the bed, or only a 3/4" instead of 1 1/2" might be better. No clearance is gained by raising the entire bed higher, since lowering the truck back down to the ride height is the same, you will only have pushed the frame closer to the ground, meaning it will be more inclined to scrape, and also having less air in the bag to get it lower may be to poor a ride and too bouncy--also allowing it to hit the ground easier.
The wheels are 18x8 4.5"bs, and 20x10 5.25"bs witha 1.25" adapter because my next wheels will have 4"bs and I won't have to narrow the rear a second time. Tires are 245/45/18 and 295/40/20. Rear narrowed to 54" outside to outside.

[Jimbabwe]

Without bed:

[Jimbabwe]

A little something I designed and printed up to show props to the maligned stepsides!

[Jimbabwe]

It's not aired out on the ground because the tank was out having something welded, so it's on jack stands with a jack under the diff sort of approximating ride height. And because we were trying to see what kind of space there was on the rear passenger side for the battery.
The bedsides could still be cut up about an inch--where the center bolt is--and be at the top of the fender. I believe that's what RustSpot did on his, I haven't heard back from him yet. We'll have to drop it on the ground to see if the outer edge of the tire hits. I can always ditch those spacer/adapters if it does.

[65Pickup]

Sweet step glad to see more of them getting attention. Will that sticker be available for us to buy? Great build.

[Jimbabwe]

Originally Posted by 65Pickup

Sweet step glad to see more of them getting attention. Will that sticker be available for us to buy? Great build.

Thanks, I appreciate that. Steppers look great slammed on the ground! I've got to make a build--even though I'm 80% through it, I've got plenty of pictures.

Yeah, I had the idea one day and wanted one for my back window, but you can't just print one...or a dozen, so I've got plenty of STEP stickers. I was going to slap them on ebay, but if anyone wants one (or two, or...) PM me. Stepsides kick butt. Don't be shy about showing your support.

[Bennett68C10]

Looks awesome, how much did it cost you to narrow your rear and who did you have do it. Did you start with the early narrow rear or the later wider rear.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Jimbabwe]

Thank you, Sir!
The narrowing was $275--it would have been cheaper, but we gave him the full rear, un-emptied, because he also wanted the axles.
New axles from Moser were $350. And seals and various tidbits were another few bucks. CJM Chassis on Staten Island did it. Chris, the owner, builds race car chassis, some of which can be seen doing their thing at Englishtown (since you're in NJ)
I wish I could tell you which rear it was. It was an untouched '69 truck, but I could swear my measurements didn't measure the old rear but the later one. Since I don't have a build thread, but have my stuff spread around like I-don't-know-what, and the numbers aren't fresh in my mind anymore, all I can tell you is the rear was narrowed 8 1/2", having the outside mounting point on the drums 54", which is the measurement RustSpot gave me from the S10 rear he has in his truck.

[jwalk]

Cool step side!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Jimbabwe]

Originally Posted by jwalk

Cool step side!
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks!

[fastcam1]

Nice!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Jimbabwe]

It's getting there, Thanks!

[Rochlow]

Awesome!!! Where did you get the tank.. Fits perfectly..

[Jimbabwe]

Thank you! The tank was part of the kit from ridetech that came with the switches, wiring and dual compressors. It's the 5 gallon. We flipped it and shortened the brackets so it didn't hang down as low, and also cut slight recesses in the top and bottom of the frame rails so it's easier to get in and out. You can see the drain port on the top of the tank...doh! That's why it's out again--welding a new one on the bottom where it belongs.

[Rochlow]

Are you going to trim were the original panhard mounted to the axle? Mine hit the bridge bars.

[Jimbabwe]

It did hit? I was wondering about whether or not we should. I needed to cut a little notch on the driver's side lower bag mount because it hit the notch cap.

[Rochlow]

Mine might be a little different as I have the mild rear drop member, but when aired out it hit the bar.

[72BlckButy]

Killer...

[Jimbabwe]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Killer...

Thanks!

[502ms]

WOW!!

What an awesome, super bit of information! Thank you so much! I have been out for the last few days, so I missed this post! I thank you for sharing such detailed information and pictures. I would love to know how your ride is before I pull the trigger...I guess I will be fine, as what I am trying to accomplish is making room for big meats and still lay it out. The way my frame is in the rear, I can air completely out and not scrape anything...it is mostly the front end that is laying on the ground

[Jimbabwe]

Originally Posted by 502ms

WOW!!

What an awesome, super bit of information! Thank you so much! I have been out for the last few days, so I missed this post! I thank you for sharing such detailed information and pictures. I would love to know how your ride is before I pull the trigger...I guess I will be fine, as what I am trying to accomplish is making room for big meats and still lay it out. The way my frame is in the rear, I can air completely out and not scrape anything...it is mostly the front end that is laying on the ground

Thanks!
You may just need the narrowing of your rear and that's it. I can tell you that I think I'm going to be a little less than an inch off the ground unless I lose those adapter/spacers (and adjust the BS on my next wheels accordingly) or think about a slightly narrower tire, or lower profile. The tire hits the cut bedside, which is just below that center bolt holding the fender on, but there's still an 1 1/4" of space to be had but cutting up right to the top of the inside of the fender. I went with what RustSpot had done, but his 22's with a 295/30 tire are a hair smaller in overall diameter than my combo, so that little bit extra helps get all the way down.
I can't wait to drive this thing, and I'll give a full report!

[cflvulcan]

Awesome job!

[Jimbabwe]

Originally Posted by cflvulcan

Awesome job!

Thank you! Likewise on yours!

[Mad Rods]

Originally Posted by Jimbabwe

A little something I designed and printed up to show props to the maligned stepsides!

I like that!... I think I'm gonna need one
Posted via Mobile Device

[Jimbabwe]

Originally Posted by Mad Rods

I like that!... I think I'm gonna need one
Posted via Mobile Device

I wanna see more pictures of that truck, Mad Rods!