1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

[daveshilling]

Since FlatOut is in SoCal, and I'm just 6 hours north, I got my part super fast and tossed it in yesterday.. HUGE difference in space, and whaddya know, the rear suspension actually has travel now!! I used to think my spring rate was way too high...

Waaay more room with this setup, not to mention the ease of adjustability(which wasn't needed but was appreciated!)

[daveshilling]

More photos where you can see how lowering the center point and mounting below instead of above the link attachment point really added a good amount of clearance.

Clearly, Don has seen this issue numerous times over the years! The kit also keeps a nice geometry that allows these rods to stay roughly parallel with half shafts, which I understand to be necessary for this suspension to function well.

I think I could still find a DIY solution, but it wouldn't look this sexy.

Also check out how perfect the Mustang tank is for providing access to the centerpoint! It looks like I planned it that way all along.

[dsraven]

that looks good. prolly less tire wear now too as they would likley toe in and out, with the old set up, as your suspension moved. well, maybe not if it couldn't move, lol.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by dsraven

that looks good. prolly less tire wear now too as they would likley toe in and out, with the old set up, as your suspension moved. well, maybe not if it couldn't move, lol.

That's a good point, I didn't even consider that defect.. granted they weren't even properly aligned in the first place, but I had more than one issue at hand.

Next up for the rear is seeing if I need to roll/trim the fender lip to clear these 225 BFG's....right now there is enough camber on each wheel to prevent rubbing, but if I correct that, I miiiiiight be in trouble!

[dsraven]

Personally I like a finger space between but that's just me. You could space the fender away from the box if need be.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Personally I like a finger space between but that's just me. You could space the fender away from the box if need be.

I do as well, but not enough to buy new tires or make custom fender extensions Since camber "solves" the problem and its not a commuter, it feels pretty optional...I'll likely add some more clearance in the lip, get the tires in a little closer, and just drive

[daveshilling]

Drivers side door is looking pretty complete!

This looks like just a regular old boring door... but I have spent HOURS to get to this point.

• Fixed the door bottom and cracked hinge bolt area
• new door seals
• new window felts
• new vent window rubber
• rebuilt the regulators by soaking in Evaporust, greasing everything, and replacing the 3 plastic pulleys
• Wrestled the window in
• Wrestled the interior door trim in that was bent to hell and back
• Added door handles...these should have been included, not optional!
• Replaced the mirror with an original white round mirror...had to drill out the screws

[Kevin_C]

looking good. I had considered buying that flip kit back when I bought my flat out kit. I think the price has gone up $100 since. Guess I shouldn't have waited

I just installed some repo exterior door handles and arm rest. I was surprised that the aftermarket interior trim panel did not come with the holes for the arm rest drilled.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by Kevin_C

looking good. I had considered buying that flip kit back when I bought my flat out kit. I think the price has gone up $100 since. Guess I shouldn't have waited

What's up build brother!

I drilled new holes and raised the brackets on the rear kit, and I'm also at the very bottom of these coilovers, so you might not need it.

The FlatOut kits sit too high in the rear for my tastes, which is why I adjusted the brackets and narrowed the frame channel. I know you are hoping for yours to come down with some bed wood, but just have someone stand in it and see if you like the height...better to address it now!

[daveshilling]

The last bit of regular progress has been fueled by one mission: Go on a lil cruise with my Grandpa while he's still around (which isn't much longer).

Grandpa got me started tinkering on things when I was little, so it's only fitting.

Mission Accomplished.

[Rickysnickers]

Very nice!!!

[Kevin_C]

Thats awsome!

[G&R's57GMC]

Happy New Year and congrats on mission accomplished !

[57tailgater]

Awesome!!!

[Tempest67]

Well done, That is great.

congratulations

[daveshilling]

Thanks, yall. I'm glad I got to have this moment with him.

I'll probably start tinkering on it again soon enough, it still needs plenty of work... a whole interior, a flip up bed, some wiring clean up, and who knows what else, but that stuff alone will keep me pretty busy

[G&R's57GMC]

Time for an update ?

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Time for an update ?

It SHOULD be, but I haven't touched the truck in a lil bit.

If I do any tinkering right now, its going to be on your 56 big block!

[57tailgater]

Don't know if you're still looking, but these are still available and the price is dropping and open to offers.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...uards.1303192/

[G&R's57GMC]

Well its been quite awhile since you last post .
What's going on in your life ?

I Wish a Merry Christmas

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

Well its been quite awhile since you last post .
What's going on in your life ?

I Wish a Merry Christmas

Thanks, Glen. It has been awhile! Life is lifing, and it's just not time quite yet, but I haven't forgotten about her!

I think I need to start working on a 6 liter for Lucky sometime this year, and change up the rear gearing... The initial test drives showed me that a 4.8 with 2.xx gears in the back are not nearly as thrilling as the 5.7L and 3.70 gears that I have parked right next to it. I mean which one would you pick for a cruise around town??

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by daveshilling

Thanks, Glen. It has been awhile! Life is lifing, and it's just not time quite yet, but I haven't forgotten about her!

I think I need to start working on a 6 liter for Lucky sometime this year, and change up the rear gearing... The initial test drives showed me that a 4.8 with 2.xx gears in the back are not nearly as thrilling as the 5.7L and 3.70 gears that I have parked right next to it. I mean which one would you pick for a cruise around town??

You are coming to the same conclusion I did. 5.3 was nice, but 6.0 was better. But 6.0 on boost was WAY better. I don’t even notice my 3.08 gears anymore. Maybe all that 4.8 needs is forced induction? Hope to see more progress on Lucky soon!

Note: Even a healthy 6.0 will kill a 4l60e, even rebuilt. Ask me how I know.

[dsraven]

personally I like a 3.73 ratio. 3.42 as a 2nd.
check a gear ratio site. you need to know your tire size outside diameter, your trans gear ratios and then it will give you engine rpm's at your vehicle speed etc. some sites show rpm's for each gear. it depends on what you wanna do with the truck and also your budget. smoke shows, towing, fist away at the lights, just something a little more sporty?

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

You are coming to the same conclusion I did. 5.3 was nice, but 6.0 was better. But 6.0 on boost was WAY better. I don’t even notice my 3.08 gears anymore. Maybe all that 4.8 needs is forced induction? Hope to see more progress on Lucky soon!

Note: Even a healthy 6.0 will kill a 4l60e, even rebuilt. Ask me how I know.

Yeah I have it built into 4l65e spec right now minus a cryo treated part, so its a little more stout, but I don't plan on mashing the pedal from a gentle cruise so fingers crossed.

4.8 on boost would get me to that power level for sure, but that's a whole slew of parts... a 6 liter is just logistically easier I think, and a closer finish line increases my chances of actually doing it lol

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by dsraven

personally I like a 3.73 ratio. 3.42 as a 2nd.
check a gear ratio site. you need to know your tire size outside diameter, your trans gear ratios and then it will give you engine rpm's at your vehicle speed etc. some sites show rpm's for each gear. it depends on what you wanna do with the truck and also your budget. smoke shows, towing, fist away at the lights, just something a little more sporty?

My GMC has a Ford 9" 3.70 out back on 15 in BFG Whitewalls, and with a stock LS1 its plenty fast around town for me! Not the most economical on gas, but eh.