1986 Short bed 2WD

[bluex]

Good choice on the CPP kit. I'll be watching for the install details in here.

[MalibuSSwagon]

Yes I've been planning this for quite some time. Did alot of research and settled on the CPP kit as it's the complete conversion. Other kits would be over 2k for the conversion after getting $$$ coilovers and all this BS. I was just wanting a simple static coil drop and CPP was within budget. However, apparently the 2 piece driveshaft will not jive with the trailing arm crossmember, so I'm taking the TKO600 I bought from a neighbor for a screaming deal and putting it in the truck. Getting annoyed with the worn out SM465 anyways, time to jettison that boat anchor.

Also, scored some parts last week. Manual trans tilt column with intermittent wiper switch for $20! Came out of an 87 K5, it was a weird truck tho, was ordered with the Silverado package but no AC, power nothing, no cruise either but I gotta rebuild the column anyways so I'll add a cruise stalk I have. Also a few other odds and ends, a dashpad to re-wrap and some trim. I got one 90-91 power mirror, hoping to get a set this weekend plus the harness so I can add the power mirrors, locks and windows. Then the truck will just need AC. I've been spoiled by my Custom Cruiser and 9C1 with their full power options and ice cold AC, I want all that in the truck!

[LT7A]

Nice work on all of the changes on this rig. Completely different from when you started. And now you are going to have a killer drivetrain. Will be really fun to drive. BTW, I say drivetrain, meaning all of the components from engine to axle. Some people use it to mean driveshaft, which is just one of the components. But with the transmission you've got going in, you'll have made that thing into a muscle car in wolf's clothing.

[MalibuSSwagon]

So scored these this weekend. Door shells are junk but I made a deal with the salvage yard owner for the complete doors so I'd have all the little pieces I need.


Only downer is some joker pulled the lock and window switches and clipped the harness. Also destroyed the passenger panel for some reason....



Well whatever still a deal. I'll just cut my panels to fit the switches. Pretty happy about this, got bored with the dumbo ear mirrors. Plus scored some new dash speakers from the same blazer, and the yard was having a customer appreciation day so got junkyard burgers and free t shirts outta the deal.

[MalibuSSwagon]

The CPP trailing arm kit arrived this morning! However was missing the panhard bracket for the rear axle and the bumpstops. Also I wanted black powdercoat but it was chipped anyways so I'll just scuff and shoot the pieces in black before I install it all.

[bluex]

Any updates on your suspension install? Here are a few on mine if you haven't seen it yet.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=723539

[MalibuSSwagon]

Paul,

I got a buyer for my rear leaf springs so I'm pulling them out this weekend. Giving me the motivation to start the install. Currently trying to decide which rear springs to get. So I'll be updating soon with any luck.

[bluex]

Did you ever get the suspension on?

[MalibuSSwagon]

Hey Paul,

Yes I did. I got stalled on setting up the pinion angle properly, e brake cables and a few other small things. Then other projects happened. But I did find a 72 C10 5 lug rear on craigslist so I'm going to pick that up this weekend and that should kick this project back into gear! Pretty excited about that, it's even 3.73 like I wanted.

[bluex]

Cool I used the same axle on mine. What trouble are you having with the ebrake cables? I swapped mine to 84+ style which you should already have...

[MalibuSSwagon]

My problem was that I had to remove the e-brake bracket off the frame to clear the trailing arm. If you have pictures of your solution I would appreciate it.

[bluex]

Well mine had a compleltely different setup than yours from the factory so I swapped to your style cables. I just moved the bracket up from where it was located on a factory install until it cleared the arms. That made the cables a little tight so the Dr side I left outside of the "guide" or the large hole and the pass side is not secured to the axle anywhere except right at the trailing arm to keep it away from the bag.

[bluex]

Just checking in to see if you got your suspension finised up...

[MalibuSSwagon]

Gonna get on it soon. My garage has been filled to the brim this winter for toy storage. No room to work. I did end up picking up that 72 C10 12 bolt. It's clean just gotta go thru it and decide if I want disc brakes or not.

[MalibuSSwagon]

Drove it around town yesterday, runs good. Still have to bring the front down a bit, have 1 ton coils and need to order new shocks. Wheels are Aero 59 15x9.5 surplus NASCAR wheels with 295/50/15's. Still not sure if i love them, mostly because you can't get good sticky street rubber in wide 15" sizes.

My initial impressions of the CPP trailing arm conversion are mixed. I was extremely frustrated by the vague install instructions, coupled with my lack of experience in that sort of custom work. Once sorted, however the truck is a joy to drive. Very smooth ride and handling seems good so far. Haven't had a chance to push it yet. The 1972 12 bolt, naturally needs a once over. Some howling gear noise so far. I seem to be getting noise from the TKo as well but this might be normal?

So far its great to have my little hot rod back. In the 20 miles I was ripping it around town yesterday, everyone's jaw dropped. And of course the usual questions at the gas pump. My friend helped me out by rebuilding the exhaust using OE stainless stuff from late model trucks, sounds far more rowdy than a stock 5.3L is.

[cable666guy]

Lookin' good !! Glad to see you're still after it, gives me some motivation !!

[bluex]

While it is a chore to install the trailing arm setup rides an handles so much better than leaf springs. I was pretty peeved at mine by the time I got it installed but it was so worth it...

[MalibuSSwagon]

Originally Posted by bluex

While it is a chore to install the trailing arm setup rides an handles so much better than leaf springs. I was pretty peeved at mine by the time I got it installed but it was so worth it...

Same. Man I was mad at it. Hated it. Wishing I had stuck with leaf springs and bought some bolt on kit for that. It's a big relief to actually drive the truck and find it's worth it. The ride is great. Now I gotta do the front as the sloppy original springs are quite obvious now. Have 1ton coils to cut down and install, new shocks, new bushings and will likely do the caster mod as well. Gotta change out the oil pan as the early LS truck pan will be dangerously close to the road at that point.