Project "cheapskate 65"

[nhtc33d]

Well, I have been lurking in the background and asking questions and finally got the courage to start cutting! I Z'd the frame 4" and will lower the body mounts if needed so I can lay the rockers. I bought(all used) a disc brake kit ,2.5" drop spindles, Strong arms LCA and slam 7 bags for the front. The next step is to figure out how big of a step notch that will be needed.

[Slmd92DIME]

Looks really good buddy... are you planning on plating the inside of that frame too?> Nice use of the flat strap that is the same way that I did mine..

[joe231]

looks sweet!!!

[jlaird]

Looks really good so far. Where the heck did you find a used set of lower strongarms?

[nhtc33d]

Originally Posted by Slmd92DIME

Looks really good buddy... are you planning on plating the inside of that frame too?> Nice use of the flat strap that is the same way that I did mine..

Thanks, I did plate the inside of the frame just like the outside. I mounted it flush to the inner part of the frame instead of the mounting it to the outer part. I felt there was more surface area to weld to. As to the front..... I kinda copied off your design!... Hope it wasn't patented!!!! Thanks for all your help

[nhtc33d]

Originally Posted by jlaird

Looks really good so far. Where the heck did you find a used set of lower strongarms?

Thanks for the compliments. After seeing your project thread I have big shoes to fill! I found all the front end parts on Craigslist. The parts are all new but he had them sitting on the truck outside for 6 months so they have some surface rust on them.

[bedsled71]

looks awesome! ill be watching this thread.

[72BlckButy]

looks like it's coming along great.... I'll be signing up for this thread as well.

Good luck with the build!

[BK]

lookin good man. i z-ed my frame on my 65 Panel 4" as well.

[nhtc33d]

Well, I got a little more done to my frame. I ended up building a step notch from 3x4x3/16" tubing instead of buying a KP notch. I moved the rear frame rails out to get rid of the offset. I ordered the airbags, lower plates and the bushings for the trailing arms. I am doing a simple 2 link but am unsure if I will do a wishbone, watts or panhard. I was going to move the stock trailing arms to the outside of the frame but they were pretty rough so I bought some 2x3x1/4" tubing and I am going to build new ones. Thanks to all that have taken the time to answer any of my questions in the past! Its been a big help!! Thanks again, Mark

[joe231]

sweet!

[spr85gmc]

looks sweet i wish i could do that to my truck but im to scared

[nhtc33d]

Originally Posted by spr85gmc

looks sweet i wish i could do that to my truck but im to scared

I was the same way! I lurked on this site for months doing research and asking questions. I found that everyone here was/is really good about answering questions (no matter how dumb I thought the question was!).
If you do it take your time and don't rush. I spent 4 hours today measuring, leveling and re-measuring everything before welding it up to reassure myself that it was right(I hope it is!!)

[joe231]

speaking of questions.... i have a couple
what issues are there to deal with Z'ing the frame?
any mods to the steering column?
I am really thinking about doing it to my '64.
there are sooo many nice Z'ed trucks on this forum

[bedsled71]

one thing about a 2 link. if you mount the bags on the links, mount them back atleast 1/3 of the links and mount the shocks as far back on the links as possible. since the pinion angle changes so much with a 2 link, set it at ride height and drive it at/or just about that height or you could have driveline vibrations.. and make sure you keep an eye on the front shaft into the tranny because it will move in and out of the trans a couple inches through all the way down and all the way up movement.
the best set up for that would be a watts link or a track bar. the track bar goes link to link at a diagonal, which makes a triangle that doesnt allow any lateral movement of the bars.

[bedsled71]

oh yeah, frame is looking good. hope to see more soon!

[jlaird]

nice. the 3x4 tubing is a nice match for the frame.

[GRIMSS]

Looks good. Those notches look massive, but I like that they match the frame.

[nhtc33d]

Originally Posted by joe231

speaking of questions.... i have a couple
what issues are there to deal with Z'ing the frame?
any mods to the steering column?
I am really thinking about doing it to my '64.
there are sooo many nice Z'ed trucks on this forum

I didn't have any problems Z'ing the frame except getting the courage to make the cut ! As one wise member told me " measure and level LOTS, make the cut and don't look back"!! I think the tranny tunnel needs to be raised and have seen some people need to notch the rear of there cab for drive shaft clearance. I have a 2 pc so I don't know if I will need to notch(I don't think so but we will see!) As for the steering column I haven't got to that part yet but I don't think There should be any issues.

[nhtc33d]

Originally Posted by bedsled71

one thing about a 2 link. if you mount the bags on the links, mount them back atleast 1/3 of the links and mount the shocks as far back on the links as possible. since the pinion angle changes so much with a 2 link, set it at ride height and drive it at/or just about that height or you could have driveline vibrations.. and make sure you keep an eye on the front shaft into the tranny because it will move in and out of the trans a couple inches through all the way down and all the way up movement.
the best set up for that would be a watts link or a track bar. the track bar goes link to link at a diagonal, which makes a triangle that doesnt allow any lateral movement of the bars.

Thanks for the complements and advice. I really like the way your truck is looking! I plan on mounting my shocks on the rear end so I think/hope that will work. I have a 2 pc drive shaft is this better or worse or same for pinion angle issues? Why don't you suggest a wishbone? I really like the way they look but am more concerned with function over looks. Thanks again

[nhtc33d]

Originally Posted by jlaird

nice. the 3x4 tubing is a nice match for the frame.

thanks, I thought that was a good match also.

[nhtc33d]

Originally Posted by GRIMSS

Looks good. Those notches look massive, but I like that they match the frame.

Thanks for the complement. The notch worked out to be only 9.5" tall(inside)to lay frame. ( I hope I measured right!)
So I think the picture makes it look bigger than it really is. A photographer I am not

[bedsled71]

i will try and get you a picture of the track bar.

[bedsled71]

i went ahead and took them right now because if i didnt then i wouldnt get around to it.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looking good.....