Matt's 56 3600 4X4 Build

[mvitale27]

front end...

[BOXER957]

Glad to see you're back at it. I'm waiting to see what you come up with for steering. I'm doing the same build but with a 59 cab...didn't look right on a lowered hotrod frame with 4 headlights but looks totally bada$$ as a lifted 4x4....now just need to find a 55 to put on my Camaro clipped,spring flipped hotrod frame....Looking Great so far, keep up the good work.

[mvitale27]

Thanks. Steering is one of the next things I'll be working on. I want to use the CPP power steering kit that uses the original mounting locating, but I'll need to figure out a good setup for drag link etc. I removed the original steering arm from my knuckle knowing it wouldn't work. I have seen some alternative steering arm options around. I need to do some more research.

[BOXER957]

I have the cpp kit and haven't been able to figure it out...we need a steering arm that has a vertical mounting hole landing in front of the axle. The one on the axle we're using lands horizontal behind the axle leaving about 6-8" for a draglink that even if I could find one short enough the 2 angles would bind on turning. I hope you have better luck than me. If I find out something that works I'll let you know.

[mvitale27]

looking back i think i mounted my engine too far forward. the harmonic balancer is almost hitting the front factory crossmember. would have to modify the crossmember to run any belts. thinking my best option is to relocate my engine and trans custom crossmembers about 3-5 inches towards the rear. thoughts?

[mvitale27]

another question I have for you guys is the best way to repair the "eyebrow" where the windshield meets the roof? Replace the whole roof or piece it together with patches?

[joedoh]

thats a big girl!

[Purcell69]

That is coming along nicely!

-Joe

[6BT 56]

I have used both systems in my build . Used a stock position non power box to a Dana 44 with a raised arm on it . Was a bear to stear but did work ok. I now have a dodge box , same as gm mounted up front . I followed Orri g's thread . He did this 20 years ago. I must admit tho I'm not happy with it . The box is up front , push pull. The springs are pinned on the rear and shackles on the front. This is opposite of how gm designed it on the k series trucks . It leads to a up and down movement in the front when you steer it. When I jam the gas on mine it really makes for a lot of correction in the steering to counteract the rise of the front end on acceleration. I'm taking mine appart to move the shackles to the rear and put solid mounts on the front springs up front . Just as the gm truck that used this box . Any questions ask away . Don't want to tie up too much of your thread here .

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by 6BT 56

I have used both systems in my build . Used a stock position non power box to a Dana 44 with a raised arm on it . Was a bear to stear but did work ok. I now have a dodge box , same as gm mounted up front . I followed Orri g's thread . He did this 20 years ago. I must admit tho I'm not happy with it . The box is up front , push pull. The springs are pinned on the rear and shackles on the front. This is opposite of how gm designed it on the k series trucks . It leads to a up and down movement in the front when you steer it. When I jam the gas on mine it really makes for a lot of correction in the steering to counteract the rise of the front end on acceleration. I'm taking mine appart to move the shackles to the rear and put solid mounts on the front springs up front . Just as the gm truck that used this box . Any questions ask away . Don't want to tie up too much of your thread here .

thanks for your input. i appreciate it. Im going to try the p/s assisted box in the stock location and see if I can get a custom steering arm made.

[6BT 56]

I don't think that's a bad plan. Steering box in the rear , springs hard mounted in the rear. Mine being opposites is I think where most of my trouble is from. getting a steering arm made is a good idea. I used a raised arm for a gm truck. The arm from there to pitman are was very short. I think your on the rite track making a arm.

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by 6BT 56

I don't think that's a bad plan. Steering box in the rear , springs hard mounted in the rear. Mine being opposites is I think where most of my trouble is from. getting a steering arm made is a good idea. I used a raised arm for a gm truck. The arm from there to pitman are was very short. I think your on the rite track making a arm.

Thankks alot! Im glad I feel like Im on the right track!! LOL

[mvitale27]

The dreaded rust repair has finally begun...



We might make our own toeboard/firewall nice and smooth. But we have alot to do. Total lower hinge pockets, inner and outer cowl bottoms, steps, Lower B pillars, Inner and outer cab corners, inner roof panel patch and inner to outer roof filler panel replacement. Plus door bottoms. I have good upper hinges. Trying to rebuilding lowers before Tuesday, then were moving the cab to my buddys fab shop.

[mvitale27]

Set of lower door hinge pillar patches came in today. Glad they cane with the oval shaped cage nuts

[Purcell69]

Nice find on the new cab! It looks to be in pretty good shape.

-Joe