The '52 6104 Build

[whateverpratt]

Well crap. There are some serious fitment issues with this 5.3. If I relocate the steering and notch the top web of the frame, it will fit, but I'm entertaining other options.

Option 1 is to stick with the original plan and use the 5.3. This means relocating the steering box/column and notching the frame so my shorty hugger headers will clear the rails. I would probably use a later box ('60-gmt400) and bolt it to the outside of the frame forward of the front axle.

Option 2 is to pick up a 250 or 292. I think this option is definitely the simplest route I shouldn't have to notch the frame, and I should be able to keep the original steering. I won't have to set up the gas tank for a fuel pump to run the 5.3 or any of the wiring or computer (though that won't really be a big deal).

[Lextech]

My Vote -- Leave the 5.3 in it and then get the steering sorted out.

Jeff

[whateverpratt]

I worked on taking apart the springs and removing the rest of the bushings today, and I got to use my homebuilt press for the first time. One of the bushings was worn all the way through. The plan is to get the springs powdercoated at my buddy's shop, and replace all the bushings, pins, and bolts with new ones.

[Nut Case]

Consider a Mustang I I with a rack & pinion, it's pricey but you keep the LS, and get IFS in the mix. Just my .02 cent opinion.

Keep on keepin on

Nut Case

[whateverpratt]

I would if I was building more of a hotrod, but the plan is to keep this a worktruck and make it 4wd as well (but keeping it looking factory).

[whateverpratt]

Took the cab ,frame and springs to the sandblaster today. Won't get it all back till next week since it's the 4th. Suspension bushings should be in next week, and my buddy should be able to have the springs powdercoated next week as well, so we might actually start getting to see some reassembly soon.

[dug224]

Good progress! dug

[II_Slow]

Damn that steering box vs. exhaust conflict wasn't even close!
I suppose it all depends on how, and how much, you intend to drive it. If you're going to drive it a lot I would do what ever I had to to get the late model V8 and transmission. If you are just going drive it occasionally then the I6 is plenty appropriate.

[whateverpratt]

RockAuto FTW! I ordered some suspension parts from them on Wednesday morning and figured I wouldn't get them till next week, but they came in today. They look pretty good, too. The only thing they didn't have was the bushing(s) that press into the rear shackle, and the only other thing is the rear spring bushings are only 2" wide instead of 2.5" wide (1 ton vs the 1.5 and 2 ton). It should work fine if I just press it in and get it centered. I'm not planning on hauling 5 tons in the bed of this truck all the time, so it ought to be fine. The front shackles look better than the originals. They have the square punched out for the center bolt to hole the shackles together, but the pins are extra long with a threaded portion to use a nut to hold everything together which I think is a better design.

[Katrina/10]

I didn't know Rock Auto had those shackle kits, glad you posted that.

[whateverpratt]

Turns out they sell patch panels as well. I think I might order my floors from them.

[whateverpratt]

Picked up a 292 for the truck today. I'll probably run this till I get together a 12 valve to swap.

[whateverpratt]

That 292 ended up having a cracked block.

Which means I needed another engine.

Which lead to me finding a little farm truck for a donor.

Which will end up being pretty awesome.

Also got the frame and cab back from the sandblasters yesterday. Frame is done. Cab is blasted and primed so it doesn't rust while I work on the repairs.

[whateverpratt]

Got the power plant out of the donor. And yes, I started taking apart the donor and got a little carried away.

[mongocanfly]

Hmmmm....a turbo smoker...gonna be awsome...

[whateverpratt]

Finally got around to putting the front springs back together, all new bushings bolts and they are freshly powder coated. Now it's off to work on the front axle

[whateverpratt]

It's about time for an update.

The rear srpings are installed. I don't think I'll need spring rates at 7,000lbs per side, so I only installed three out of the 11 in the main pack as well as all of the overloads.

The front axle build is finally coming along. Spring perches have been welded on. It was a pain to try and get them lined up correctly to sit square on the housing as well as angled to match the front spring taper.

The dana 60 went under the knife so I could harvest the inner c's.

I dropped the housing off at the machine shop a couple of Fridays ago, and was able to pick it up today (every other Friday off comes in pretty handy).

They bored out the inner c's and turned the housing. The fit was pretty snug, but 15 minutes with a 4lb sledge helped to coax those puppies onto the housing. Kingpin to kingpin is around 48-49" wide. The stock width was 53", so my finished axle should have a wms-wms of about 64-65".

The next step is to set the caster and weld on the c's. A local shop is getting some u bolts for me, and I'll be making the spring plates.

[whateverpratt]

An interesting comparison of dana 60 tube wall thickness vs the h072 (the 60 is the thicker one).

[northern 49]

I like where this is going. I will be following along.

[whateverpratt]

I've been working on positioning the 12 valve. The dodge radiator will fit just fine provided I fab up a new core support and inner fenders. It looks like I'm not going to be using the intercooler because of the width (it looks like the front wheels will be close to hitting the intercooler plumbing); however, the original steering should bolt up just fine, and I won't have to do too much to the firewall.

[mongocanfly]

Nice progress..

[mongocanfly]

Nice progress..

[whateverpratt]

It's been a long while since I posted an update. I'm changing jobs and moving across the country, so the project is receiving lots of attention because I don't want to haul it to the new residence in parts.

In the interest of expediting the project, the cummins has been scratched for this project and slated for another vehicle as well as the nv4500. The '52 is now going to be receiving a 235 and the original 4 speed all in the interest of having less fabrication work. The 1 ton bed has been acquired, and the Mar-K is sending miscellaneous bed parts to complete it.

Right now I'm searching for wheels. This shouldn't be that hard, but I cannot find any 8 lug 16" steel stamped factory looking gm truck rims in SETX. I might have a line on some in Houston, but the guy is taking forever to get pictures to me.

I'll be cleaning up and installing the 235 and 4 speed in the next week or so, then I'll be fabbing the crossmember for the transfer case.

I had all of the body panels blasted, and they are at the body shop right now getting patched and painted.

[whateverpratt]

I got the axles back from powder coating and used some ratchet straps to serve as temporary ubolts and plates, so that I could bolt some wheels to it and move it around.

[II_Slow]

Wow - ratchet straps for u-bolts! Sometimes you just have to make something work to keep things moving things along. Good to get them mobile though. Was hoping you would have stayed with the Cummins abut an old straight six like that is pretty cool too. Getting more scarce all the time. Good luck with the relocation and new job.