Need advice, ideas & opinions for new '71 SWB project

[derotoreut]

I know this is pretty broad, but I want to go in a different direction then I'm used to with this '71 SWB project. This will be new to me and I want to take my time and do this right. I'll need the help of the knowledgeable members of this board.

First of all… I'm wondering if I should start this on a build thread? I've never created one before. I'm going to be looking for help along the way. Maybe I do both… Build thread and specific questions.

My plans for the build are:

• Complete frame off restoration
• LS(X) engine (transmission unknown)
• Lowered to maybe 4.5"/6" drop with 20" wheels
• IFS Crossmember with coil overs and rack & pinion
• Rear 4-link with coil overs and 9" rear end
• Shaved firewall
• Relocated fuel tank

I've never done a complete frame off, so this will be new. Also, I've never lowered a truck. I've always gone the other way, but I want to on this one. That will be a new experience. Pretty much everything in that list will be new to me, but I'm up for the challenge. I'm not in a hurry and willing to take my time.

So there you kinda have it. I look forward to hearing from you guys on this and adding your input. Any experience you can add to this would be appreciated. Fire away.

[2002yanks]

First off, nice truck. Yes i would start a build thread. It allows you to keep a visual of were you came from(along with others getting to see the progress). Your plans for it sound great. I would give nate a call at porterbuilt. He can hook you up with the coil over setups you want. I run the extreme(bagged) versions and i love them. Another member(boyd welding) can supply the gas tank(efi or carb version depending on your needs). I also have one of these, again awesome product. 4.5/6 is a nice amount of drop on these(provides a nice stance).

How about some more pics of it(interior, engine).

[derotoreut]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely give Nate a call. I actually got a quote from PB, but I don't understand all of it. I need some further explanation on it.

I'm interested in getting rack & pinion steering, so I'm wondering if it's best to just go with drop member. That way I get everything set up at all at once. Then I just bolt (or weld) the drop member on. The other thing I'm wondering is about options for ball joints, brakes, etc. Plus how far it sets the wheels inward.

[2002yanks]

You could get a mild front dropmember and its complete bolt in(extreme needs notches for the rack- mild doesnt). Seeing you just want a mild drop it would be perfect for you. he can build the arms in standard or narrowed widths to fit any wheel. you can also get the drop spindles to fit whatever year you want(depends if you want 5 or 6 lug) then just get ball joints to match. Brakes are up to you if you want a big brake kit or just stock disk setup. He also has the mild notch rear 4 link kit to match.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by 2002yanks

You could get a mild front dropmember and its complete bolt in(extreme needs notches for the rack- mild doesnt). Seeing you just want a mild drop it would be perfect for you. he can build the arms in standard or narrowed widths to fit any wheel. you can also get the drop spindles to fit whatever year you want(depends if you want 5 or 6 lug) then just get ball joints to match. Brakes are up to you if you want a big brake kit or just stock disk setup. He also has the mild notch rear 4 link kit to match.

How do you know what width to have the arms built to? I think I've read that guys have the narrow track width for bigger wheels. Is that right? Also would I have to modify inner wheel wells? I want to stick with 5-lug wheels, but I thought I read that there are multiple options for ball joints (various years). As far as brakes are concerned, I think I want a big brake kit. I want to have front/rear discs and try without booster. Something that will fit with 20" Coys, or similar wheels. Thanks for the help.

[cdowns]

just make sure you have the available funds to complete the job
you have a nice usable truck now to take it off the road for v4-5years while you spend the 25,00-30,000 dollars to do it might make you lose interest

[2002yanks]

The lower you go(and the bigger the tire) you will need the narrowed version. It pulls the wheels in to get clearance on the fender when turning. You have 5 lug now so just order drop spindles for that year, ball joints will match that year(i think its 67-70 are the same and 71-72 are different). Inner fenders you should be fine with stock(will depend on how tall a tire you want). If you want more clearance you could look into a set of slosh tubz(again i have these and they are an awesome product). But then you get into needing hood hinges(porterbuilt) and relocating the battery. But it helps clean up under the hood. Just depends how far you want to go with it. Looking at your other two trucks i know this one will turn out awesome no matter what you do to it.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by cdowns

just make sure you have the available funds to complete the job
you have a nice usable truck now to take it off the road for v4-5years while you spend the 25,00-30,000 dollars to do it might make you lose interest

I am not worried about the budget part of it. Not that I'm rich, but I have a wonderful wife who is understanding and willing to let me play with these trucks. I have two other ones to play with in the meantime, so I'm not worried about taking this off the road. Although in the spring I will probably plan to sell my 69 C20 to help fund this build.