Started my first frame off - 72 SWB LS1, 6-spd manual

[trkfrk]

I didn't realize the rubber on the wing Windows was supposed to be tucked in. Good thing for silicon spray! I didn't have to pull the wing Windows back out.

[trkfrk]

Pic 2

[Bennett68C10]

Awesome job on the wing windows Mark! Truck looks amazing!

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

Awesome job on the wing windows Mark! Truck looks amazing!

Thanks Keith! I am looking forward to the updates on your new build.

Originally Posted by elbine69

I just went through and read the entire thread, love the attention to detail! Awesome build!

Thank you for taking the time to read through it. That's what's so cool about this forum, that we are able to document our builds

Originally Posted by Lowbuck Hotrod

Just checked out your whole build. Awesome truck! I love the color of the pc on the frame. Do you know the exact color of it? Getting ready to take mine in.

Thank You. The PC on my frame is "hammered black". It looks more gray than black lol. See pic, I can get you a part number if you want it.

[elbine69]

I just went through and read the entire thread, love the attention to detail! Awesome build!

[Lowbuck Hotrod]

Just checked out your whole build. Awesome truck! I love the color of the pc on the frame. Do you know the exact color of it? Getting ready to take mine in.

[trkfrk]

This weekend me and a few friends spent the weekend at the "Mesquite Motor Mania" car show. We had a blast trucking together with our families and friends.

[trkfrk]

Another pic.

[Bennett68C10]

Such a beautiful truck

[Ed F]

I just found your build thread tonight and spent a while hitting the highlights. Iam an old school guy and usually don't like the way trucks are getting modified these days. I don't like the slammed look and/or large diameter wheels at all. I have to say, I really like what you have done and how you've accomplished it. Your attention to detail is outstanding. The stance is perfect. Very very nice truck. I restore mahogany boats and have been a woodworker all my life. I don't know what your experience with wood is but expect your cherry wood to continue to darken when exposed to sunlight. A good marine varnish with UV inhibitors will slow the process. Enjoy your beautiful truck!

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

Such a beautiful truck

Thank You Keith..

Originally Posted by Ed F

I just found your build thread tonight and spent a while hitting the highlights. Iam an old school guy and usually don't like the way trucks are getting modified these days. I don't like the slammed look and/or large diameter wheels at all. I have to say, I really like what you have done and how you've accomplished it. Your attention to detail is outstanding. The stance is perfect. Very very nice truck. I restore mahogany boats and have been a woodworker all my life. I don't know what your experience with wood is but expect your cherry wood to continue to darken when exposed to sunlight. A good marine varnish with UV inhibitors will slow the process. Enjoy your beautiful truck!

What an Awesome compliment! I have been very fortunate to have help from this forum, and help from good friends with my build! Especially, the unfamiliar areas, such as the wood floor etc. I respect you guys that work with wood and are good at it, since there's no room for error (unlike metal)!

[trkfrk]

Had to drive the truck to work today since we're in the upper 60's and put it on the truck scale. Weighed 3,720 lbs (no one in the seat) with a full tank of fuel and a 12 pack.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

Had to drive the truck to work today since we're in the upper 60's and put it on the truck scale. Weighed 3,720 lbs (no one in the seat) with a full tank of fuel and a 12 pack.

Your truck looks great Mark! I know how cool it is to drive them to work, I try to drive mine as often as I can.

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Your truck looks great Mark! I know how cool it is to drive them to work, I try to drive mine as often as I can.

Thanks Mike. This weekend were hitting the mid 70's. Perfect cruising weather for a 3 day weekend

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

Look at that Red shine, love it!

Thanks Keith.

After many hours of research, I have ordered my new rear end gears with posi traction. Now I will be able to use 5th & 6th gear on the freeway.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

After many hours of research, I have ordered my new rear end gears with posi traction. Now I will be able to use 5th & 6th gear on the freeway.

Congrats on the new gears Mark. I want to add a posi to mine but after my first go around with a gear swap, not too sure I want to tackle it.
I bet your truck will come out of the hole good with the 4:56.

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Congrats on the new gears Mark. I want to add a posi to mine but after my first go around with a gear swap, not too sure I want to tackle it.
I bet your truck will come out of the hole good with the 4:56.

Thanks Mike. It was A/C or gears right now. I decided to go with the gears for now, and hopefully A/C before summer. The chart on the left is my current set up with 3:73. The chart on the right is the 4:56 gears. Right now I have to use a ton of clutch to come out of the hole, and it doesn't pull like it should. so as you can as see by the chart with my current setup 3:73 @ 2000 RPM in 6th gear I had to do 106 MPH, and with the new gearing @ 2000 RPM in 6th gear I will be doing 79 MPH on top end. What I have read and feel while driving these LS motors, they like to run between 2100-2400 RPM.

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Congrats on the new gears Mark. I want to add a posi to mine but after my first go around with a gear swap, not too sure I want to tackle it.
I bet your truck will come out of the hole good with the 4:56.

Mike you're right, I really wanted the satisfaction of being able to rebuild my rear end myself. After I tore it down and started the assembly process, I realized I wasn't skilled enough for such a large task. So, for less than $300, I had Dan's Driveline here in Las Vegas do the assembly for me, & I'm definitely glad I did.

I just finished My test drive a couple hours ago

[Bennett68C10]

Look at that Red shine, love it!

[trkfrk]

Dropped the rear end today. I figured it will be easier to rebuild it on the bench rather than climbing under the truck a 100 times lol.

[68GMCCustom]

The 4.56 gears look like a great choice. Heck looks like even 4.88's could work well.

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

The 4.56 gears look like a great choice. Heck looks like even 4.88's could work well.

Kurt,

I think so too. I know I'm going to shift more, but I am going to have more usable gears. 4:88's would be fun though..

[trkfrk]

Pic

[trkfrk]

Pic 2

[Bennett68C10]

Nice choice on the 4.56 gears! How does that bad boy launch now?

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

Nice choice on the 4.56 gears! How does that bad boy launch now?

Thanks Keith.. So much fun to drive now. It feels like I added 200HP, no joke.

Originally Posted by slowcpe

Love this truck. Gives me inspiration on mine.

Sorry if I missed it but what size rear tire are you running? I assumed I would go 4.11s in my t56 and never dreamed I would need 4.56s. Guess I need to do some research.

Thanks Ryan.. I'm running 295/45/20 in the rear which equals 30.45" diameter. Yes, definitely research it, because I also thought going from 3:73 to 4:11s would do the trick. A frend of mine that's big into the Rock crawling turned me onto the site that helped me figure out what I wanted. It takes the guesswork out of the equation, grimmjeeper.com. Make sure you know which T56 you have, wide ratio or close ratio. You're really going to enjoy your T56.