Finally "Silvers" build thread!! ('78 swb 2wd silverado)

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

12bolt truck axle is NOT the same as a 12bolt car. The pinion on the 12bolt truck is smaller. The 10 bolt is the same strength and it has a bigger/stronger pinion. It is not worth the effort to find a 12bolt, save your money and time and just upgrade the 10bolt. If you don't plan to drag race it every day with slicks on it you will be fine.

I agree. You can also upgrade the 10-bolt in your truck with the 30-spline posi carrier out of an 88-up truck making it nearly as strong as the car 12-bolt.

An 88-up truck rear axle swap may be the way to go for you as long as you can handle the minor extra width with your wheel offset. It brings the rear wheels out closer to alignment with the front. Glock35ipsc did the swap on Fred and it really helped the looks.

[nlped]

^^^I did it before Bob on my now gone "87 GMC (nicknamed...wait for it...Bob ). While doing the swap, I installed new bearings, seals and an Eaton posi-unit too. It was a pretty simple swap...just cut the spring perches and shock mounts off and relocate accordingly. And it does make the track width in the rear just a fudge wider, but I doubt it would affect your set-up.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by nlped

^^^I did it before Bob on my now gone "87 GMC (nicknamed...wait for it...Bob ). While doing the swap, I installed new bearings, seals and an Eaton posi-unit too. It was a pretty simple swap...just cut the spring perches and shock mounts off and relocate accordingly. And it does make the track width in the rear just a fudge wider, but I doubt it would affect your set-up.

Someone told me that the Z71's got a clutch type posi carrier instead of the gov-lock posi carrier the regular trucks got. Don't know if this is true or not but it would mean you could find a used clutch type posi rear end to do the swap with.

[Captkaos]

None of them ones I have seen past 1980 were clutch type from truck I knew were factory.

[nbpro]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

Someone told me that the Z71's got a clutch type posi carrier instead of the gov-lock posi carrier the regular trucks got. Don't know if this is true or not but it would mean you could find a used clutch type posi rear end to do the swap with.

z71 gm package consist of
Tires and shocks mostly. Driving lights in the lower front valaince, G80 locking rear diff (aka Timex locker),
The tires were a slightly more aggresive tread All Terrain, and the shocks were over priced Bilstien. and a Skid plate package

The interior trim was either LS or LT, (badge on "B" pillar") LS being cloth seats, base radio( several options to this) dash cluster had fewer gauges. 4x4 actuation was dependant on trim level, push button selection, on both trim levels LS and LT, LT having the "autoride" option offering selectable automatic full time 4x4, VS 2hi .4hi amd 4lo

LT was leather, full gauge package, Uplevel stereo package, better HVAC controls. most likely to have power windows and locks, XM option, OnStar,

The Work truck (WT) 4x4 were vinyl seats, usually no carpet but a rubber mat, inner door panels were plastic, no power windows, 4x4 as floor mounted stick.

There are caveats and exceptions to any and all of this, Dealers make changes to the trucks at the dealership which really confuses things.

[menace121978]

got my fenders turned out nice...

[draggin86]

looks good brotha! one more step closer!

[nbpro]

those look good. is it just the insides, or are both sides painted?

[3r!c84]

Originally Posted by draggin86

looks good brotha! one more step closer!

baby steps, baby steps

[nlped]

There just trimmed out on the inside, right? The outside will be painted on the truck as a whole...correct?

Here, nor there... They look KILLER!!!

[menace121978]

Originally Posted by nlped

There just trimmed out on the inside, right? The outside will be painted on the truck as a whole...correct?

Here, nor there... They look KILLER!!!

and you are correct thanks guys!!

[Stitch]

I like the undercoating inside the fender skin. They look great man. It's coming along alot faster than my crewcab lmao
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[N2TRUX]

Those look great. Now you need cover panels cut to hide all the holes...

[baclay9]

How did you paint the under coating inside the fender like that?
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[bigblock73]

Dennis, fenders turned out great! I hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by baclay9

How did you paint the under coating inside the fender like that?
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Undercoating comes in an aersol can, stick the nozzle in there, and apply a nice even coat. Wipe off any overspray before it dries. Did my hood and fenders like this a while back.

[54Caddy]

dennis another question on the calipers have you tries mounting the 15 wheels you have with the wilwood calipes. I will be running stock steelies on my truck and want to make sure they will clear.

[STOCKISH]

Looking good my friend. Looking good!

[scotts62]

Very nice!

[palposity]

Agreed! They look great!

[twoodson]

Good job Dennis you son of a gun, send me that $$$$ tree for a little while and let me catch up.. lol Great job and keep up the good work.

[menace121978]

thanks for all the words guys!!! i put on the doghouse seals and threw a couple bolts in the drivers side fender i can see a couple light spots (in the pics) where i need to apply more undercoating and i need to chop 1 full coil off on the 1" bell techs to make her sit right. but other than that she looks good! almost like a truck again.

[nbpro]

well get wonk on it j/o looking good man

[RD71]

This is my first post (I'm new here, so hello...). I just had to say, I've been reading this entire thread from the start- what an amazing project! Your attention to detail is astonishing.

Keep up the good work, waiting to witness the finished product...

[JohnC]

Heck yeah man! Looks good!