Anyone ever have a hard time converting a nice stock truck into their build?

[r8rs4lf]

That's where I'm at right now. I have a very nice, running, stopping stock truck, but my intention before I found a truck was to build it the way I wanted.

Before I found my truck my intent was to add a higher cu motor, maybe even a big block with a competent transmission to handle the hp along with a built up shortened rear end. I was also going to add 20's or 22's with a static drop. You know, the usual here is SoCal.

I found a great stock truck (Highlander edition) that most people would think I would be an idiot for changing things. The 350/350 in it has been rebuilt about 10K miles ago (receipts) and purrs like a cat. Absolutely no issues with the drivetrain. Factory AC works, but for some reason the heater hoses were cut. Probably a leaking heater core. I already have those parts to fix that sitting in the garage. The 12 bolt rear end also received attention around the same time. No leaks and like I said, it runs great! The only thing I needed to change was the leaking fuel pump and remove an add a leaf in the rear. I also fixed the "high" setting on the fan assembly by moving one wire on the fuse panel.

I will be changing out all of the front end suspension parts as they look like they are a bit worn, rubber cracking. Not sure if they have ever been changed, but it will make me feel good to know everything up front was replaced and solid.

This is where I need to make a decision. Do I add drop spindles/spring and in the rear, drop leaf springs? This would be the time to do that. I've seen quite a few trucks online that are dropped with stock wheels and they don't look bad. I had also planned on going with Intros on my truck. Another dilemma.

Do I replace the 350/350 combo it has and maybe have to deal with problems with another set up? BTW, I will not be going with an LS motor. If I do change them out, what to do with them? Sure I can sell them, but it's painful to think about removing such a great running drive train for no real reason besides wanting a gas guzzling high hp motor that can leave tire tracks for half a block.

Part of me thinks I should just find another truck and go ahead with my plans. Maybe try to find a truck with no motor/trans and go from there. Problem there is will I have any other issues with anything else that I don't have currently. It would also deplete the funds for upgrading.

Monday I will be ordering the front end parts, I need to make a decision on whether I want a drop or leave as is.

[Sicklajoie]

You can do what you want, it's your truck.
But if that were mine, I'd leave that creampuff alone (except ditching the whitewalls).

[raggedjim]

I have never started with a nice truck. If I had that truck I think I'd have a hard time changing it. I'm drawn to original trucks, they're hard to find. Anyone can buy a restomod truck.

[CG]

There are quite a few trucks on the board that are running the same wheel tire combo that you have but are lowered and they look really good. I transferred all my photos to an external hard drive so none readily available to post.

But hey its your truck do with it as you wish.

[dagnabbitt]

I think you should go ahead with your suspension plans, a nice drop suits these trucks really well and you need some new parts anyway. Done properly, a drop is reversible, although I haven't ever met anyone who ever regrets lowering their truck (properly). I'd leave the 350 in there, but I would be tempted to swap in a 700R4... and a posi, if you don't have that already.

Great problem to have, that is a really nice truck.

[KQQL IT]

Do it. Id pass on the LS though.
Its way easier with a nice truck than starting with a dumpster fire of prior mistakes and disasters

[3drburb]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

I think you should go ahead with your suspension plans, a nice drop suits these trucks really well and you need some new parts anyway. Done properly, a drop is reversible, although I haven't ever met anyone who ever regrets lowering their truck (properly). I'd leave the 350 in there, but I would be tempted to swap in a 700R4... and a posi, if you don't have that already.

Great problem to have, that is a really nice truck.

X2 on this!

I think it's always a good thing if you can find the best start for a project, unless some prefer to build more than a quicker finish.

That is a very nice truck from the pictures and it is now yours with your money, build what you want and what makes you happy.

Congrats!

[3drburb]

Originally Posted by kqql it

do it. Id pass on the ls though.
Its way easier with a nice truck than starting with a dumpster fire of prior mistakes and disasters

Absolutely!!!!

[SHANE 73Z]

I agree with most of the sentiment, thus far.

Is the plan you have hatched, as far as you are intending to go?

It's not obvious to me how you feel about the trucks appearance, beyond your planned upgrades. If you think you will be happy at those mods & like the appearance, it's a great plan.

If you really are heading for a performance goal, 1/4 mile times, handling competency, etc. You may want to consider a different starting point. Balancing those goals against potential appearance changes may leave you wanting to preserve your current truck & letting a new owner enjoy it.

If you care about improving the handling or overall performance, I feel starting with a coil spring truck might be easier. Much better basic bolt-on upgrades, until you get to full replacement options.

I have always started with the best sheetmetal I could. But all of my hotrods have been mutts. I like minimal trimwork & mild custom visual changes. Starting with a truck that has the condition/appearance of yours would have changed my plan substantially.

It's an interesting question you present, also not one all of us encounter. I think weighing the different types of modification against each other is where my thoughts go. A little discussion & thought on the goals should help narrow your plan.

Hope this helps

[Palf70Step]

Probably the hardest thing or change in my truck was changing from the manual 3 speed to an T350 automatic. I would not have seen my friend EdB fo that. However, I wanted to keep driving the truck and enjoy it after neuropathy got to my left foot and leg. Other than that I am trying to stay close to what Ed and I talked about doing to it before he died.

[Luke87gt]

My truck is a low option converted shortbed (originally long bed), so I have no problem making changes/modifications.

But if it were an all original shortbed in good shape, I probably wouldn’t do anything I’m planning on my current truck

[cj847]

I have this same debate with myself every time I replace a functional part on my truck.

[PbFut]

Relative to current engine and trans. Unless you have current or planned use issues for the SB, the effort and cost seems like a poor ROI. BB torque is intoxicating at a cost operationally and unless needed for towing its real power can only be used for seconds at a time on the street.

[raggedjim]

Drops on otherwise stock trucks look great...

Take a tip from Rene (c/10 King), paint the wheels body color, put wider whites, and rule the world.

[best view]

I’d trade it for a k20 with cab lights problem solved

[weq92f]

.

I agree with getting it down lower and keeping the existing spirit of the truck. Maybe you could start with spindles/springs up front and flip the rear axle over top of the springs. 350/350 is a keeper right away too methinks. OD is really good. 3.08 or taller rear gear is good.

Post more pics!!!

EDIT: The image here was generated with chatGPT as follows:
1) Uploaded the image of OP truck and the first image from raggedjim's post.
2) Typed the following in the text box and hit the Return key: "alter the first image so that it reflects the same ride height as the second image."

-Kevin

[KQQL IT]

Couch surf sunday

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Couch surf sunday

.

I see what you did!

Seriously though. I'd rather spend that 4k-6k (Intro wheels) on tubular, coil over suspension front and rear. But, but...that'd be my build.

-Kevin

[CAMAROBOY68SS]

I had this issue with my 68 Camaro, my rule of thumb was that if I make a change, I can undo it in a weekend and have it back stock. So I have never done any new drilling or anything on the car. I kept the original motor in it, just hopped it up where it still looks stock but has alot more pep in it.

[zicc1835]

your truck is a beauty .... have your way with her....Im on # 4 build the latest multi year build with parts purchased including motor 350 stock and rebuilt 700r4 trans front suspension rebuilt static drop 4 wheel disc conversion etc for short money long ago .....Im getting the LS fever ....I was going to look for another truck but instead when I finish # 4 I'll do a swap in my most recent purchase ......long story short ONLY YOU WILL DECIDE and I betcha you'll like it and it will be one of a kind ....good luck ...build thread so we can follow

[Shark_13]

That truck would look great 4" lower.
Everything else the same.

[Steeveedee]

It's your truck, do with it as you please. Personally, I'd never.

[r8rs4lf]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Drops on otherwise stock trucks look great...

Take a tip from Rene (c/10 King), paint the wheels body color, put wider whites, and rule the world.

That guys always gets some of the baddest trucks! Have you seen his new black one?

That's another thing I'm throwing around, drop it, add wider WW's and drive it for a while to see how I feel about it.

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

I agree with getting it down lower and keeping the existing spirit of the truck. Maybe you could start with spindles/springs up front and flip the rear axle over top of the springs. 350/350 is a keeper right away too methinks. OD is really good. 3.08 or taller rear gear is good.

Post more pics!!!

EDIT: The image here was generated with chatGPT as follows:
1) Uploaded the image of OP truck and the first image from raggedjim's post.
2) Typed the following in the text box and hit the Return key: "alter the first image so that it reflects the same ride height as the second image."

-Kevin

I believe an axle flip would require a notch and that is something I don't want to do. If I drop it I'm looking to do a 3/5 with spindles and a 1" spring in front with 5" drop leafs in the rear OR a 4" in the rear, see how that turns out and if I need another inch, just do shackles.

I absolutely want OD. That is something I will eventually look in to. I think I have 3.08 right now because on the freeway the motor doesn't really scream at 70MPH.

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Couch surf sunday

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

I see what you did!

Seriously though. I'd rather spend that 4k-6k (Intro wheels) on tubular, coil over suspension front and rear. But, but...that'd be my build.

-Kevin

I had Intros on my Silverado SS back in the day so I'm hooked! Not really interested in a tubular front end as I doubt I will use it for it's intended use.

Can a leaf spring rear end be changed over to trailing arms and springs? I was a bit thrown off when I saw the current rear suspension. From what I understand a leaf spring rear suspension was an option as well as the 12 bolt I have.

Originally Posted by CAMAROBOY68SS

I had this issue with my 68 Camaro, my rule of thumb was that if I make a change, I can undo it in a weekend and have it back stock. So I have never done any new drilling or anything on the car. I kept the original motor in it, just hopped it up where it still looks stock but has alot more pep in it.

I thought about doing a few bolt ons for the motor like a cam, headers, heads, and maybe even FI.

Thanks everyone, it's good to hear other peoples opinions.

[r8rs4lf]

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

I agree with getting it down lower and keeping the existing spirit of the truck. Maybe you could start with spindles/springs up front and flip the rear axle over top of the springs. 350/350 is a keeper right away too methinks. OD is really good. 3.08 or taller rear gear is good.

Post more pics!!!

EDIT: The image here was generated with chatGPT as follows:
1) Uploaded the image of OP truck and the first image from raggedjim's post.
2) Typed the following in the text box and hit the Return key: "alter the first image so that it reflects the same ride height as the second image."

-Kevin

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Couch surf sunday

Can either of you solidify my decision by adding the Intros I want on my truck with the drop?

These are the two I'm looking to go with.

https://introwheels.com/en/products/...0-80-exposed-5

https://introwheels.com/en/products/...attern=5xblank

Thanks!

[Jim Boy]

Very nice. My style. Lower??? Hate to have to look up at SUVs the rest of my life. Stock is beautiful. Try to get a good nights sleep without pills. Have a good one eh!