My neglected 72

[higgys72]

If I end up having to move the towers in more I’ll have to switch to hydro boost to get more clearance in board. There’s worst things than hydroboost, but the vacuum booster has done just fine with this engine and I figure why tax the power steering system even more. On the passenger side I was only able to get the clearance by removing the factory heater box. I’ll be running vintage air that has a flush mount on the firewall

[higgys72]

Originally Posted by JT_Trucks87

Awesome truck! The truck is going to be great when its done! My dad bought me a 1972 K20 as my first truck when I was 14. Sadly we did not keep it and moved onto other various projects. Its the one vehicle that I have had over the years that I wish I would have kept! Good for you for keeping the truck around through all that BS, making it your own is the best decision a guy can make.

I have a few cars I really regret getting rid of. My 71 k20 is on the top of that list. When I was in high school I almost traded my 72 for a samurai, because gas was $5 a gallon in California, but my dad blew the motor up in it before I met up with the guy. Never thought blowing a motor up would a saving grace. I think my dad felt bad and traded me a good running 79 Camaro for the truck. I drove the Camaro until I joined the navy and decided I wanted to build the truck and not deal with smog stuff so I traded him back. I spent what was a small fortune for me and decided I would never get it back out of the truck and made my decision then I’ll keep this truck for ever.

[higgys72]

Side by side comparison of the 40s next to the 37s on my 4runner

[higgys72]

Turns out when some one decides to paint their truck camouflage they also get great ideas on attaching bumpers and hitches. Tons of extra holes and cracks on the back of the frame. Some one even used a torch to drill the holes for the trailer hitch. There was also some issues using bolts in general it looks like numerous bumpers were just welded on.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by higgys72

After a long Saturday I got the shock hoops cut and tacked in and the shocks mounted. I’ll be working on the tie in today. I haven’t ordered my tires yet so I’m going to barrow my buddies spare and get the suspension cycled.

Nice to see the progress. Will be chopping up and bending the ORD hoops quite a bit to make them fit with the oem A/C box myself. Bummer you are so far away. Think the Deavers I have on my truck now that were used for mock up would be perfect for your truck. Will be removing and swapping them out for the custom ones I had Deaver make for me.

[higgys72]

Been a while since I posted an update. I’ve been getting a a lot of work done on the truck lately.

Borrowed a pair of 40s from a friend to check clearances. My main concern was tire to shock and tire to fire wall under full compression. Not really concerned with fender clearance at this point because I’m planning on trimming them a lot anyway. Everything cleared but I think I will be running about an inch more backspacing when I order wheels to give me a little more clearance at full bump and turn.

[higgys72]

With the suspension set in place I was ready to get it ready to send off the frame to get welded. I can weld decent but for something as important as the front suspension I decided it’s best to leave it in the hands of a professional. Early this year I traded a pretty beat up 81 Camaro to the owner of a local fabrication shop for some welding work on this truck. I brought it to him a few days ago to cash in on the trade.

[higgys72]

Been a few weeks since I’ve worked on the 72, I picked up a few side jobs and started a bathroom remodel, while the truck was getting welded. Now it’s done and back at the shop. Hopefully I’ll finish up these other jobs this weekend and get back to work on the truck.

[Richard]

Looking good! Plan to have all my structural finish welding done by a professional myself. Been waiting on a couple of small parts so I can move forward. Did you get the shocks and springs through ORD? Curious what spring rate was decided on. At this time I have 250lb over 250lb for an initial 125lb spring rate. IDK, the rate seems to light even with my aluminum block.

[higgys72]

I got the transfer case heaved up on to the work bench. Began disassembling so I can get it off to the machine shop. I already have the 203 range box I’ll be using torn down. I’m going to have the machine shop drill the face of the 203 so it can be mounted to the nv4500. I am also having them bore out the input shaft bearing hole on the case so I can run the stronger 32 spline input. I’ll be installing ORD modified shift rails and triple stick shifter.