My time... Nothing New. But it's my Build.

[SCOTI]

Mount air tanks, compressors, & relays where you can access them for service (leaks, electronic issues, etc...). The easier you can access them for service, the better.

I tucked & routed all my compressor wiring on a certain path to keep it clean, out of the way & somewhat tucked/hidden. In hindsight, I should have tested the ability to be able to access each area of potential failure easily. Once the truck was assembled w/the bed on top of the rails, it was a clean install. I drove it for years/miles w/no issues. Then.... I had an issue. What a PITA. I needed to verify a compressor was ok & functionality on a relay. In order to do so, I needed to drop them down enough that I could access for testing. My 10# of sh!t in a 5# bucket original install required creative routing/plumbing of the wire in/out of the comps & to the relays (in a close but different area). Super easy to access w/the bed off; not so much w/it on. Touching/getting hands on the wiring from underneath was easy, accessing things enough to diagnose the issue was not.

Upon opening that can 'o worms, I changed things slightly for easier service. While not tucked as 'pretty' as before, it's still out of sight but much easier for any service which was a good thing because I've already had to pull things apart again (failed relay- thought it was just a crap 6yr old Dorman relay. Replaced. Failed again within a week. Investigated, & now replacing the relay again & a pressure switch for one of the compressors).

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by JUN1269

Is a sway bar needed if you're using a Watts link?

1st: They do two different things. Watts keeps the rear end centered side to side throughout suspension travel. Sway bar helps control the reaction of change (steering input/road surface) from side to side.

2nd: Sway bars are not always necessary on vehicles that have excessive front end weight vs the rear. A sway bar on a vehicle like a truck can cause the ass end to kick out unexpectedly. They can also help control twist on a drag set-up. Choosing what is needed depends on weights & the intended use.

To get started, don't worry about one OR pick a set-up that can be adjusted.

[JUN1269]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Mount air tanks, compressors, & relays where you can access them for service (leaks, electronic issues, etc...). The easier you can access them for service, the better.

I hear ya! Pretty sure I can get to the compressor, tanks and etc with the bed on...The brackets holding everything is a different story. However, I have to keep reminding myself as I'm putting this thing together: "can I access this or that when the bed and cab is on..." Appreciate the advise.

[JUN1269]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

1st: To get started, don't worry about one OR pick a set-up that can be adjusted.

Thanks!!! I already had in my possession a watts link to go with my GM 12 bolt rear but later decided on going with a Ford 9 inch instead. Decided to fab up and weld some brackets to use with the Ford diff.

[JUN1269]

Just test fitting. Coming back apart.

[JUN1269]

Spend more time putting this together and then taking it back apart. The life of customizing...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by JUN1269

Spend more time putting this together and then taking it back apart. The life of customizing...

Truth!

[JUN1269]

I'm back!!! LOL. For the friends and family who keeps asking me to update my build...OK! I've done a lot of little things and over the course of the next few days, I'll attempt to post photos up to the point where I'm currently at.

Took it back apart to paint the frame...

[SCOTI]

Awesome.... An update(s). Good to see you're still @ it.

[88Stanger]

started from the beginning... damn nice job!! Glad to see you back in it!! I completely know the feeling.... i like to say i took a mental readjustment break to reset my mind on the build and now back at it. So keep the updates coming...

[JUN1269]

Originally Posted by 88Stanger

started from the beginning... damn nice job!! Glad to see you back in it!! I completely know the feeling.... i like to say i took a mental readjustment break to reset my mind on the build and now back at it. So keep the updates coming...

This has been my therapy...LOL. Been at it steady. A little here, a little there. The only problem, I wished I had a plan prior to starting. Would have done a lot of things differently but it keeps me busy...just need to update the thread accordingly.

[JUN1269]

Used this stuff (KBS) to paint the frame. Thought about power coating it but it's a work truck.

[JUN1269]

Not looking to make a ton of power but "supposedly" this 4L65E will support my needs. Builder said, he's never had one break when used within its rated HP. Hmmmm.... Never? I guess we'll see.This one is rated at 700HP.

[JUN1269]

Briefly thought about going with a 4L80E. It's not off the table yet but we'll see what this 4L65E will do.

[JUN1269]

Truly happy with this radiator. It's a Northern 204124 - Race Pro Double Pass GM Radiator, Top Thread Inlet 19" x 31". A buddy of mine had one of those ultraexpensive ones. It started leaking so he tried this one. It cools better and was $800 less. If fact, those Derale fans you see there (which are awesome) cost more than that radiator.

Disclosure: I've started the motor and at an idle it won't exceed 182°. Let's see what it'll do when it hit the streets.

[JUN1269]

Must say, that KBS paint looks awesome....don't zoom in too much. 😜

[JUN1269]

One day it will break down...who wants to push this beast on a trailer. Nothing massive but this little winch will assist.

[JUN1269]

Hmmmm, the winch is pretty handy. Loading it up on the trailer for short trip to a shop who can weld much better than me. Time to finish the exhaust.

[JUN1269]

Exhaust is done...

[JUN1269]

A buddy of mine (let's call him Kevin) said I won't get any oil pressure reading at the turbo feed line, on the turbo. Looks like pressure to me Kevin....I mean, "let's call him Kevin".

[JUN1269]

Inexpensive little setup I made to bring the truck to ride height with a wireless remote. Can raise and lower with my cell phone as well...needs a little adjustments but overall it works.

[JUN1269]

I ran out of room on the frame to mount things and I didn't want a in tank fuel pump. Came up with this location. It's not ideal but it works. Duel inlets or a Y because I'm running two fuel tanks. One for e85 and the other 91 octane.

The fuel pump is a MagnaFuel ProTuner 750 series that supposedly supports 2000 HP. I'm about 1500 shy of that but you never have too much fuel pump.

[JUN1269]

On the fence with FiTech....thinking about switching to Holley. We'll see. Nonetheless, here's a comparison of the old handheld vs the new.

[JUN1269]

Gotta love it...snowing in the desert.

[JUN1269]

Just got these Cowl Mounted Heavy Duty Hood Hinges in. Top notch but ordered back in December, I forgot I ordered them.