Sparky's 1978 Silverado Build "Addiction"

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice work getting the pieces primed and painted!

[Gus350]

What kind of paint did you use? I just read both of your projects from start to finish lol now I need a nap lol. Great work on both jayson is killing the paint on the other truck

[Dads79GMC]

Summit DTM Epoxy, I believe, covered with.....1.5 quarts of Rustoleum Satin Black mixed 8:1:1 (hardener and reducer). Driver! Lol

[Dads79GMC]

Should I replace this upper control arm stud? The rest of the upper control arm bolts are good. Thanks Mike

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Should I replace this upper control arm stud? The rest of the upper control arm bolts are good. Thanks Mike

I would, probably ok but why chance it brother

[Dads79GMC]

I'm 50/50 on it. My luck is that it wouldn't come out!!!!

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

I'm 50/50 on it. My luck is that it wouldn't come out!!!!

Mine came out fairly easy, kind of like a wheel stud, I just put a sacrificial nut on the end of the stud and pounded it out (and penetrating oil)......this is for the stud that is pressed in the cross member btw, is that what you're asking about?

[Dads79GMC]

Yes, there are two studs on both sides that attach the upper control arm to the crossmember / frame. Should press in like a wheel stud.

[aggie91]

I'd replace it. Looking at the threaded portion, it appears in the picture that it has been stretched, and the corrosion has reduced its diameter in the unthreaded portion.

Better to do it now while you have it apart!

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by aggie91

I'd replace it. Looking at the threaded portion, it appears in the picture that it has been stretched, and the corrosion has reduced its diameter in the unthreaded portion.

Better to do it now while you have it apart!

Great points! I’ve got four studs in the way! Thanks for the input. Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Small update!

[aggie91]

Nice!

I see a two link and an airbag bracket too...

[Dads79GMC]

................Observant!

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Small update!

That's a nice wheel/tire combo. I think I'll be going with something similar, classic look FTW!

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by moregrip

That's a nice wheel/tire combo. I think I'll be going with something similar, classic look FTW!

Thanks Chief!!!

[Dads79GMC]

So, got a lot done late this afternoon and this evening!!! I want to get the LS/Trans on this thing before the end of the week....lots of parts on the way!! Extensive kit front and back.

Pictures:
1. Drilling the holes for the upper air bag bracket....pain. At least the x-member wasn't on the frame and easy access!
2. Getting ready to install x-member.
3. X-Member attached and upper control arms mounted.
4. Got bored with the front and went to the rear end for a while. Test fitting panhard bar bracket. Will weld in place when I'm satisfied. I'm putting it in front of the rear end because I haven't decided if I'll put a rear tank in????? Or a narrow 6x15 spair tucked up tight, not sure that'll work???
5. Panhard test fitting. The panhard bar will attached to the frame with a welded in bracket.

1 of 2

Mike

[Dads79GMC]

2 of 2

I have not set the pinion angle, so I won't weld-in the perches to the axle tube until that is done. Haven't decided if I'm gonna remove the original spring perches????? I probably will. YA!

Pictures:
1. Up front done for the night.
2. Perches, or whatever they are called (engine stands??), are ready for install tomorrow.
3. And, a load of parts for the suspension ready for install as well.

Thanks Mike

[Jaysonb]

Looks excellent Mike! Nice work!

[Dads79GMC]

Thanks Jayson

[aggie91]

Looking Good!

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Looking Good!

Thanks Karl

[Dads79GMC]

Bottom line up front: I love the Western Chassis drop spindles. When I had the tire mounted and balanced, I told them to put sticky weights inside rather than the normal ones on the edge. My last set of spindles would just take them off at the tie rod connector with an 8" rallys. Now I need to take them back and have the wheels rebalanced with the normal weights...blah! I also manually tested the front air system...will have to remove the bump-stops....blah again!

Pictures:
1. Thought I'd have room between the bump-stop and the bag, not when deflated! off come the bump-stops.
2. Lots of room between rim and tie rod connector
3. Ready for the LS tomorrow!
4. Front shot.
5. Installed an old caliper to get a feel for the spacing.

I slammed the bags and there seemed to be plenty of room at the lower control arm for turning in both directions? We'll see when the LS is in??

Thanks Mike

[Dads79GMC]

Spent the evening taking apart the front end to remove the bump stops on the lower control arms and installing the calipers and brake hoses. I will be installing a new bump stops that work better with the air bags.

Pictures:
1. Woke up and remembered that I had this tool!!! It's a time saver.
2. Installed brake caliper.
3. Wrapped up for the night.

Thanks Mike

[BIGglaSS]

Lookin' good. I'm taking notes...

[MrFinland]

Nice work Mike!