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#1 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Ok,My Plan...
I`ve decided to part out my`91 Suburban to donate to my`72 K2500.I plan to take the 4" Tuff Country EZ-rides(front & rear) and mount them on the GMC and swap the 4L80E/NP241 in place of the TH350/NP205.The GMC has 3.54:1 gears and I think this will make it a somewhat decent driver.The Dana60 is a posi and the Suburban has 12.50/35 MTRs for until I can get tires for the slots or finned wheels I have on it now.
There`s a few things to take off the Sub,then scrap it.I`m needing to consolidate and realize I can`t build umpteen million trucks like I did back in my college days (never went to college,but did used to whip through some truck builds). ![]() What do ya think?Is my head on straight? The GMC: ![]() ![]() ![]() The Suburban: ![]() The Suburban has a blown motor,stand-alone computer,and the front grille,bumper,hood,and l/f fender damaged from accident.I have another motor,bumper brackets,and 4-light core support/grille towards fixing it.Oh,and the l/r quarter panel is crunched and both 1/4s are starting to rust (It doesn`t look as good as the picture).I`ve really liked the Suburban.But,I can find another for not much money not needing all that work.It`s not alot,but,I have alot of other stuff to put my time into.It has sat for nearly two years.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 05-05-2008 at 05:02 AM. |
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#2 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Sounds like a solid plan. I have too many projects going as well, so I will be cutting back. I am installing a 4L80E shortly, as well.
BTW, if my C/K conversion is done, and you still have that wrecker, I am coming for it. ![]() |
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#3 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
I`d say there`s a good chance.It`s not what everyone wants.If I had a more stable situation I`d keep it.It`s not so much about the money (well,somewhat),mostly I just don`t want it sitting around.And I may need to move at some point.I may not have a place for it at my next place.I`d hate to have to unload it quickly.
I thought you said you were cutting back. ![]() The guy I got it from has a Caddy 500 that I wanted to slip in there.He has the conversion mounts and it`s got a performance intake.That`s all I know,maybe a hotter cam.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 05-05-2008 at 07:48 AM. |
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#4 |
KEEP ON TRUCKIN'
![]() Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sterling, Va.
Posts: 5,731
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Sounds like a good plan to me. I'm thinking about putting the 4" tuff country lift on my 4X4. Is it a simple job?
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JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 ![]() http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER" ![]() |
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#5 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Yeah,once you get the old stuff off.My`91 and`72 Highlander fought me on the rear I-bolts.I didn`t have torches at my house and used a cutting wheel on my mini-grinder.These springs will be longer,so better yet on the ride/flex.The truck rides nice now.I don`t expect alot of change there.It`s my more refined truck and I want to travel and tow with it.It`s got the 3 tanks.When I get on the body I plan to work-in sme fuel doors.If it works out that I tear into the body before I get to the body on my short K/30 project I`ll swap cabs so this one will have the cab lights and the shortbed won`t.I really want a low-profile slide-in for this.That has always been the plan.This was to be the replacement for my ochre & white CustomCamper/20 2wd.I may put the saddle interior in it I gathered for the CheyenneSuper I sold last summer.The blue looks great.But that saddle interior with the woodgrain trim,camper,and a color in the Sandtone/Cinnamon spectrum "wood" be sweet.I`d get my buddy to do a woodgrain paint accent on the camper.Who knows.I don`t decide colors until it`s time to buy the paint.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 12,201
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
I say leave the GMC stock.... it's a nice survivor....
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The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" |
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#7 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
I know,we`ll see.It can all be changed back.I want to raise it up to a more healthy stance.I figure 4" because I have`80s stock wheels I bought new and powdercoated white.I want to have a set of 285/75s or 255/85s to run on it for a stocker look,when I want.It`s not a real high-optioned truck.But,I do have reservations about getting away from how it`s listed on the SPID.I dunno,it`s got aftermarket tanks,cargo hooks,5th wheel mount...
I`d buy bolt-on springs,but I already have the ones on my Suburban.I doubt I could get what the suspension,tires,and transmission (as well as 6 rustfree doors) are worth out of the `Burb.I`m down to just this 3/4t and money matters alot these days.I can run it alot easier with the hiway gearing from the rears,taller tires,and o/d.It seems practicle at this point,all things considered.Some day I`ll hunt up another high optioned original.$2,500 might as well be $25,000 to me right now.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#8 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Quote:
![]() The wrecker's not a project (at least as far as my wife is concerned). Caddy 500: Watch the rockers, they're the Achilles heel of the Caddy Big Blocks. |
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#9 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,804
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
The ride should be nicer with the longer springs. Do you just move the spring hangers? If so which ones do you move and how much? This is something I wouldnt mind doing to my K20.
Im also curious about the Caddy 500. I have two of em now. Can you mate the Caddy and its turbo 400 up to the trans case? Take lots of pics, I want to follow what you are doing on this build. |
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#10 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Quote:
Rear springs: Tim mentioned a shackle flip in another thread, you install the brackets reversed and it allows for a longer spring, with the proper shackle angle. Caddy (BOP) Th400 has a much longer output shaft. Either install the proper shaft or cut the caddy shaft to length of your adapter. I installed a shaft from a NP203'd Th400 as I went with a 203/205 doubler in mine. The adapters bolt onto the tail of the TH400 with no problems. Caddy trans is also a stronger trans, internally. Could also run a Chevy case with a BOP adapter, which I will be doing with the 4L80E (to keep this on topic and not a highjack!) |
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#11 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,804
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Hmmm, hopefully special k doesnt mind me stealing his thread a little grendel. This probably wont ever go down this way but if I wanted to do this what will I need to change up?
I have a Caddy 500, turbo 400 with the short tailshaft (had it built that way by TCI for another project) and a Gear Vendors OD. Would it be possible to put a set up like this in my 71 K20? |
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#12 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Quote:
Last edited by FormerMember; 05-05-2008 at 06:39 PM. |
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#13 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Steal away.I like mo`info.I don`t have a hard time starting as many threads as are hijcked threads.
![]() Grendel,what and where did you get the stuff for moving the mounting points?You say reverse the brackets,are you refering to the new flip brackets swapped side for side?I`ve only heard bits and pieces and hadn`t started looking into it,yet.But,I`m ready to get going.I wish I had decided to go this route last winter so I could be driving it now.
__________________
"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#14 |
Well, Whoop-dee-do!
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others
Posts: 2,302
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
If I understand correctly, you plan on running the OD with 3.54 gears? In a heavy truck with 33" tires, that will be a workout- even for the Caddy motor. Unless you plan on using OD only with the truck bed empty & no trailer at 70+ MPH. 4.10's & OD would be good. IMO, 3.54 gears, 500 Caddy, TH400 & 33" tires would be a great combo. Good for cruising at 80, yet will still rip the tires off with ease
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'68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD ![]() '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD ![]() '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car ![]() |
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#15 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Quote:
I bought the shackle-flip from him as well. and you're dead on, for the rear, I used the driver's side on the passenger side and vice versa. |
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#16 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
That`s what I was wondering about.I had asked in another thread how converting to the later springs would effect the height.The replies I got led me to believe it wouldn`t be affected.I only want 4" of lift.I guess I should just use the rears and look for other front springs.Or,just do a shackle-flip.Doesn`t sound like I`d save money over getting a bolt-on lift.A better ride is nice,but my motivation is using what I have and low budget.Figure,I`ll have a rolling Suburban minus transmission to sell rather than a pile of scrap.
Jeff,I`m not using the 500 in this truck.That was brought over the wrecker talk.It would be an awesome application in that wrecker and I had hoped for it to find it`s way in there.Sorry for the confusion. I know plenty of people that tow with 3.42 & o/d vehicles and claim that is a fine combo.So,mine will have more grunt than that.It`s just a notch below 3.73s with o/d and that`s a common factory combo.In fact,until recently,that was the lowest gearing offered in 1ton Duramax trucks.I know they have alot of bottom end,but I think I`ll be fine.I figure whenever I rebuild the 350 I`ll build a 383.Guys are swapping-in 3.73s to these trucks and running o/d all the time.This is my recreational truck that I plan to go alot of places in despite crazy rip-off fuel prices and I feel this will make that more sensible.I don`t need museum pieces sitting around.The most I`ll haul is a low-profile camper,most likely.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 05-06-2008 at 02:31 PM. |
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#17 | |
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Quote:
One of the things to consider, longer lift springs are about half of the actual lift. We used a 4" lift 56" long spring in the rear of the Blazer project and a 4" shackle flip to get 6" of lift. Same went for the front. A 4" lift 52" long spring in the front with the 4" brackets netted 6" total lift. |
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#18 |
Registered User
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Location: Deale Md
Posts: 4,663
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Hey Tim I've got a extra pair of 52" springs if you want to do like Grendel did on the front springs.
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James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change! Last edited by duallyjams; 05-07-2008 at 02:26 AM. |
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#19 |
Well, Whoop-dee-do!
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others
Posts: 2,302
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Oops my bad- Caddy no goin here. I know there are plenty of 3.42 OD small block trucks out there- I didn't have you pegged as a guy that would like it. While it will work fine, I doubt the stock 350 will be fuel friendly lugging along @ 2000 RPM/ 70 MPH. But like you said, stronger motor coming later
![]() What gears did the Sub have? I did the 52" (5 leaf)/ 56" (8 leaf) swap on the rear of my '72. It lifted the truck about 3 inches, but my old 5 leaves were pretty flattened. I'm running '60? IH 1 ton front springs on the front (originally 6 leafs, 2 removed) that are 2" longer than stock. It rides far better than the OE setup. I'm a use what ya got kinda guy too ![]()
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'68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD ![]() '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD ![]() '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car ![]() |
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#20 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
The Suburban has 4.10s and I have always gone for the growlers in my rear...axles.
![]() But,I`m looking at this a little different with fuel at $1.00 a quart. The springs are 56"ers and my fuzzy head is confused.Does the mount relocation yield 1/2 the lift or add lift?I know on the rear the frame is stright behind the axle and drops at the front.So,,it would seem to raise it up a bit,but not much because it`s only one end.The same on the front,right?Let me ask this...how much lift will I get useing these longer 4" lift springs on my`72?What could I do to get 4" out of these springs?I guess I could scrap the 4" with tall/skinny/stock rubber and end up with a bit more than 4",if that`s the case.How much $ would I be getting into with these new perches?I`m being lazy and cheap ![]() Jim,thanks for the offer,I`ll let you know oce I know what the hay I`m doing.It would be neat to do a righteous lift on the cheap.Or,at least less than what I usually spend.My Suburban has the RSXs and they were nearly $400 alone.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#21 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Quote:
In the front, it's the stock springs themselves. a 52" long spring tends to have more arch. They say they will yield 4" of lift on their own. Last edited by FormerMember; 05-07-2008 at 02:38 PM. |
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#22 |
Well, Whoop-dee-do!
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others
Posts: 2,302
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Here's a "zero cost" cheat I done for a little more lift on the rear. Hanger in hand is OE '72, the one I used is off an early '80s C30 single wheel (where the springs came from also).
__________________
'68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD ![]() '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD ![]() '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car ![]() |
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#23 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,862
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
OoooKayee,I see.Thanks!
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#24 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,051
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Re: Ok,My Plan...
Could also use the short bracket and flip it around. No lift added beyond the shackle height and allows longer springs.
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