Cheapest way to lay in front, need help.

[The Big Green]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

Does the truck currently run and drive? If it does, I am assuming you plan on driving it in and driving it out? Or would you be pulling the motor/trans so the frame can be properly accessed to "z"?

Here's a quick list of items that will need to be modified/done in order for a "Z":

-Exhaust removed (re-routed after Z).
-Drivetrain removed (driveshaft length will most likely need to be altered after "Z")
-Front sheet-metal/core support removed
-Remove brake and fuel lines (they will need to be re-worked when the "Z"is done)
-Time to set it up, measure, and then "Z" the frame.
-Start putting everything back together
-Modify steering linkage
-Modify firewall/trans tunnell
-Redo the radiator hoses
-Modify the fan shroud or go electric

There's probably a few more incidentals, but it's a bunch of work. Make sure you have a thorough list of what will be done and how much it is going to cost... this much work is easily worth $2500... plus parts! I would just hate to see you get a "good price", only to find out it costs more in the end.

Also, some of the best advice I could give: Don't be afraid to do the work in sections or phases. If you plan it all out well you can do a little here, and a little there without wasting any money by having to re-do things or purchasing parts that will not be used later.

First off, I got the truck 12 years ago, it has never sit for long periods of time. It was very driveable, untill today, stupid tranny!..lol. I am trying to get it bagged before spring(show season, plus I'm in a little hurry to bag. I'd really like it be done safe though, number 1 thing. I'll talk to him, but I may just bag, get my new tranny, and save for a drop member. I'll take my time, and think before I cut my truck.

I thought about taking an old frame, I have 2 more. I could drive the truck, and fix it the right way, with good parts, and then swap the body to the new frame. I don't know, just something I thought about. Truck won't have to sit, and you could take your time on it.

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by The Big Green

I thought about taking an old frame, I have 2 more. I could drive the truck, and fix it the right way, with good parts, and then swap the body to the new frame. I don't know, just something I thought about. Truck won't have to sit, and you could take your time on it.

Nice choice IMO.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by The Big Green

..... I may just bag, get my new tranny, and save for a drop member. I'll take my time, and think before I cut my truck.

I thought about taking an old frame, I have 2 more. I could drive the truck, and fix it the right way, with good parts, and then swap the body to the new frame. I don't know, just something I thought about. Truck won't have to sit, and you could take your time on it.

This is the smartest direction for your goals.

If you can R&R a motor or tranny, you can bag a truck easy. If you're confident in your mechanical skill-set, just install some spindles & bags if you must for right now. Then, save up for a Dropmember & install it yourself. Your labor is free & it's also simple bolt-in type deal. The only thing you would need to pay to have fabbed would be the steering rack notches & whatever rear mods you decide on (you can't really 'lay-out' w/o modifying both ends of the truck).

Start prepping one of your other frames for the purpose of laying out. You can set everything up & then swap the rest over when time allows. It's also a great opportunity to replace worn cab/core-support bushings & do a nice rattle-can detailing of the frame & stuff.

[leftcoast66]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

This is the smartest direction for your goals.

If you can R&R a motor or tranny, you can bag a truck easy. If you're confident in your mechanical skill-set, just install some spindles & bags if you must for right now. Then, save up for a Dropmember & install it yourself. Your labor is free & it's also simple bolt-in type deal. The only thing you would need to pay to have fabbed would be the steering rack notches & whatever rear mods you decide on (you can't really 'lay-out' w/o modifying both ends of the truck).

Start prepping one of your other frames for the purpose of laying out. You can set everything up & then swap the rest over when time allows. It's also a great opportunity to replace worn cab/core-support bushings & do a nice rattle-can detailing of the frame & stuff.

I agree completely. Most definitely the best way. You'll be able to learn the way it all works as well and be able to fit everything in there, its cramped w/ the body on and bed on in some areas, so would be easier w/ a second frame as well for a first time.