JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JA50N · 12-22-2019, 07:38 AM

I'm going to start a build thread since I got some pretty key components for my build yesterday, but first let's go back....

I picked this truck up in early May from a buddy on the Eastern Shore.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

It's a 1986 GMC Sierra Classic 4x4 SB. It has a few rust issues as most do in this part of the mid-atlantic but I can deal with that. It also has had a 350 dropped in to replace the tire 305 which has less than 20K on it. Bonus.

The day I brought it home:

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

I started doing some stuff to the interior to make it more livable.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

LED dash lights

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Now that the interior was livable and I could set my cell phone on the dash without losing it inside it, lol, I moved to piddling around with he exterior.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

I added some 2" bolt on wheel spacers to make this happen:

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

So after that, I just drove it around when I wanted to and didn't do much to it. I pondered where I wanted to go with it and finally after some lucrative OT at work this happened:

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

4.56 open diff 3/4 ton 14 bolt and dana 60 front to match. So now 35's are on the way and I am trying to decide on 3 or 4 inch lift to go with it. I don't want it to be super high. This thing will be used off road so it needs to not rub even when flexed and tires stuffed.

So I think my path is clear now, lol.

Stay tuned as I refurbish these axles, get my tires and wheels in, and pick out the lift. Any pointers for those that have been down this path is greatly appreciated!

dmack91 · 12-22-2019, 01:24 PM

Nice truck and upgrades. You will need at least 4" of lift for 35's. I have a 4" with lt315\75r16 tires, which are around 34.5" , and while I have no rubbing issues, if it was flexing off road much, I'm sure there would be sheet metal carnage. The lower back corner of the front fender openings would be the first to go unless you do some fender trimming. You can see in the pic how much room there is. Wheel offset will also affect the clearance. Mine have no offset and I don't rub at all, but if you offset them out,you will probably rub.

Keep us posted.

**Palf70Step** · 12-22-2019, 02:34 PM

You have made good progress on it. Looks good.

Matt Man · 12-22-2019, 02:51 PM

My 81 k10 has a 4" lift with 35's and with my 8" wide wheels I can flex a decent amount before it rubs.

JA50N · 12-22-2019, 06:44 PM

Well I plan on running a 8" wide wheel with a 4" back spacing and pushing the front axle forward 1" so hopefully that will allow clearance when stuffed of the 315/75 R16's. I will also be properly setting up the bump stops once the lift is on and I check clearances. If not, I'm not afraid of a sawz all.

This truck isn't going to look nice ever. It's going to be purpose built and if a little bit of sheet metal gets in the way, that's not going to stop it. lol.

jhama78 · 12-23-2019, 09:59 AM

Subscribed to see my old truck become awesome.

JA50N · 12-26-2019, 06:33 PM

Update on the progress up to today. Have been painting the front axle and doing some research on where to get a Bilstein steering stabilizer. Seems like a pain int he butt to find. The compressed length of the leaky stock one is 14.75" and the extended length is 23.00" according to my rough measurements. Bilstein's website lists a model for a later model F-350 that is 14.96 compressed and 23.03" extended. I'm not sure it that will work and the bushings can take up that .25" difference. Offroad Designs has a Bilstein stabilizer listed on their website so I am going to give them a call tomorrow to see which one it is.

I also started disassembly of the 14 bolt. I got the Ubolts cut and off the axle and was able to disconnect the mangled hard lines. The axle is out of a 78 so I am assuming it has SAE fittings and since my truck is an '86 it should have metric correct? Any help here would be appreciated.

I have my tires now but I think I am going to wait on the wheels for a bit.

Any way, here's a few pics. As usual constructive feedback is welcome.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Crappy leaking pinion seal is out and new one is in on the 60.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Brake calipers and pads should go on tomorrow as well as painting the short side axle tube and C-hub. Still waiting on the new diff cover to come in and once that is installed then I can paint the center chunk.

Jake Wade · 12-30-2019, 08:52 PM

Man, gonna be a nice build. Ultra strong front and rear you got there.

STOCKISH · 12-31-2019, 12:08 PM

Killer truck!

JA50N · 01-02-2020, 07:01 PM

Since everybody loves pics, some updates. Some parts rolled in today. Should have the tires and wheels mounted and balanced this weekend.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

JA50N · 01-05-2020, 03:57 PM

So good news and bad news. Good news first. The front axle is ready to go under the truck.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Bad news, got the hubs and drums off the 14 bolt and looks like the brakes are junk. All the parts aren't even there.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Does anybody have a lead on a source for 1984+ backing plates for a 14 bolt that are the 11" brakes? I can't seem to find them anywhere. I can find the 13" brake backing plates but I'm not sure if I want to switch to those.

JA50N · 06-03-2020, 07:47 PM

Massive update. See pics below. the front should be going under the truck this weekend.

Decided to go disc on the 14 bolt. Here it is ready to weld shock tabs on and then go under the truck.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Wheels and tires mounted up.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Custom made Alcon front springs with the pin moved 1" forward.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Other suspension goodies, new shackles front and rear, all new mounting hard ware, etc.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Shocks are on the way and hopefully will have them by the weekend. Stay tuned for more.

Katrina/10 · 06-04-2020, 08:24 AM

I bought a set of those Milestar Patagonias from Amazon, I like them.

JA50N · 06-06-2020, 05:50 PM

Getting closer. No going back now.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

wixthedog · 06-07-2020, 04:25 AM

It sure is coming along, great progress and updates!

blazer2007 · 06-07-2020, 09:06 AM

what brand of wheel spacers did you use

JA50N · 06-07-2020, 10:26 AM

Bulletproof Off Road Adaptors (Bora).

JA50N · 06-13-2020, 07:10 AM

Incremental update:

Axle and shocks are in. Brake lines, driveshaft U bolts and crossover steering are in route. Going to Napa today to order a 2wd steering box.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

JA50N · 06-13-2020, 04:33 PM

2wd steering box installed. Awaiting arrival of ORD crossover steering kit.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

JA50N · 06-17-2020, 09:07 PM

Small update. Brake lines are in and hooked up and I took a couple motivational pics.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

JJH Jimmy · 06-17-2020, 10:28 PM

Sweet truck! I love your build. Be careful with those harbor freight jack stands. There Is a recent recall on some of them for failing!

JA50N · 06-18-2020, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJH Jimmy

Sweet truck! I love your build. Be careful with those harbor freight jack stands. There Is a recent recall on some of them for failing!

Thanks. Only the big ones are harbor freight and they aren't the ones on the recall. The other little ones are craftsman.

Hopefully I will get the rest of the steering tomorrow for a weekend install.

Jeepwm69 · 06-19-2020, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JA50N

I started doing some stuff to the interior to make it more livable.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

LED dash lights

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Now that the interior was livable and I could set my cell phone on the dash without losing it inside it, lol, I moved to piddling around with he exterior.

Have specifics on the dash pad (or is it a cover?), LED's, and gauge overlay that you used? That looks great!

JA50N · 06-19-2020, 04:39 PM

Dash pad came from this guy:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=736613

The bezel is from LMC truck as are all the other trim pieces.

The LED lights I just searched for on Amazon.

JA50N · 06-20-2020, 03:30 PM

Saturday update. Having to dodge rain but I have made some good progress.

Rear axle out.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

These things, yeah F*** them, lol. Pain in the ass.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

One side shackle flip done before the hard rain came and shut me down.

Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

12-22-2019, 07:38 AM	#1
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story I'm going to start a build thread since I got some pretty key components for my build yesterday, but first let's go back.... I picked this truck up in early May from a buddy on the Eastern Shore. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr It's a 1986 GMC Sierra Classic 4x4 SB. It has a few rust issues as most do in this part of the mid-atlantic but I can deal with that. It also has had a 350 dropped in to replace the tire 305 which has less than 20K on it. Bonus. The day I brought it home: Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr I started doing some stuff to the interior to make it more livable. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr LED dash lights Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Now that the interior was livable and I could set my cell phone on the dash without losing it inside it, lol, I moved to piddling around with he exterior. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr I added some 2" bolt on wheel spacers to make this happen: Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr So after that, I just drove it around when I wanted to and didn't do much to it. I pondered where I wanted to go with it and finally after some lucrative OT at work this happened: Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr 4.56 open diff 3/4 ton 14 bolt and dana 60 front to match. So now 35's are on the way and I am trying to decide on 3 or 4 inch lift to go with it. I don't want it to be super high. This thing will be used off road so it needs to not rub even when flexed and tires stuffed. So I think my path is clear now, lol. Stay tuned as I refurbish these axles, get my tires and wheels in, and pick out the lift. Any pointers for those that have been down this path is greatly appreciated!

12-22-2019, 01:24 PM	#2
dmack91 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Redmond, OR Posts: 761	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Nice truck and upgrades. You will need at least 4" of lift for 35's. I have a 4" with lt315\75r16 tires, which are around 34.5" , and while I have no rubbing issues, if it was flexing off road much, I'm sure there would be sheet metal carnage. The lower back corner of the front fender openings would be the first to go unless you do some fender trimming. You can see in the pic how much room there is. Wheel offset will also affect the clearance. Mine have no offset and I don't rub at all, but if you offset them out,you will probably rub. Keep us posted. Attached Images __________________ 68 Chev C20- son has it now 83 K20 - bought from son 70 C20 - in progress Last edited by dmack91; 12-22-2019 at 01:30 PM.

12-22-2019, 02:34 PM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,110	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story You have made good progress on it. Looks good. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-22-2019, 02:51 PM	#4
Matt Man Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Buhl, Idaho Posts: 1,438	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story My 81 k10 has a 4" lift with 35's and with my 8" wide wheels I can flex a decent amount before it rubs. __________________ 86 c30 crew cab dually 454/400 4/6 drop SOLD 1-8-11 1981 chevy K10 short Bed Scottsdale SOLD 10-26-2020 67 GMC Stepside Straight six/3 on the tree "The Peach" 2020 Silverado Double Cab LT Z71 5.3 8 speed Daily Driver K10 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=671934 The Peach build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=733903

12-22-2019, 06:44 PM	#5
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Well I plan on running a 8" wide wheel with a 4" back spacing and pushing the front axle forward 1" so hopefully that will allow clearance when stuffed of the 315/75 R16's. I will also be properly setting up the bump stops once the lift is on and I check clearances. If not, I'm not afraid of a sawz all. This truck isn't going to look nice ever. It's going to be purpose built and if a little bit of sheet metal gets in the way, that's not going to stop it. lol.

12-23-2019, 09:59 AM	#6
jhama78 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eastern Shore VA Posts: 366	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Subscribed to see my old truck become awesome. __________________ -j-rod '06 3500 LWB CC 4wd, 8.1 Allison

12-26-2019, 06:33 PM	#7
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Update on the progress up to today. Have been painting the front axle and doing some research on where to get a Bilstein steering stabilizer. Seems like a pain int he butt to find. The compressed length of the leaky stock one is 14.75" and the extended length is 23.00" according to my rough measurements. Bilstein's website lists a model for a later model F-350 that is 14.96 compressed and 23.03" extended. I'm not sure it that will work and the bushings can take up that .25" difference. Offroad Designs has a Bilstein stabilizer listed on their website so I am going to give them a call tomorrow to see which one it is. I also started disassembly of the 14 bolt. I got the Ubolts cut and off the axle and was able to disconnect the mangled hard lines. The axle is out of a 78 so I am assuming it has SAE fittings and since my truck is an '86 it should have metric correct? Any help here would be appreciated. I have my tires now but I think I am going to wait on the wheels for a bit. Any way, here's a few pics. As usual constructive feedback is welcome. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Crappy leaking pinion seal is out and new one is in on the 60. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Brake calipers and pads should go on tomorrow as well as painting the short side axle tube and C-hub. Still waiting on the new diff cover to come in and once that is installed then I can paint the center chunk.

12-30-2019, 08:52 PM	#8
Jake Wade Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 711	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Man, gonna be a nice build. Ultra strong front and rear you got there.

12-31-2019, 12:08 PM	#9
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Killer truck! __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

01-02-2020, 07:01 PM	#10
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Since everybody loves pics, some updates. Some parts rolled in today. Should have the tires and wheels mounted and balanced this weekend. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

01-05-2020, 03:57 PM	#11
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story So good news and bad news. Good news first. The front axle is ready to go under the truck. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Bad news, got the hubs and drums off the 14 bolt and looks like the brakes are junk. All the parts aren't even there. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Does anybody have a lead on a source for 1984+ backing plates for a 14 bolt that are the 11" brakes? I can't seem to find them anywhere. I can find the 13" brake backing plates but I'm not sure if I want to switch to those.

06-03-2020, 07:47 PM	#12
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Massive update. See pics below. the front should be going under the truck this weekend. Decided to go disc on the 14 bolt. Here it is ready to weld shock tabs on and then go under the truck. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Wheels and tires mounted up. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Custom made Alcon front springs with the pin moved 1" forward. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Other suspension goodies, new shackles front and rear, all new mounting hard ware, etc. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Shocks are on the way and hopefully will have them by the weekend. Stay tuned for more.

06-04-2020, 08:24 AM	#13
Katrina/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 1,746	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story I bought a set of those Milestar Patagonias from Amazon, I like them. __________________ Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100

06-06-2020, 05:50 PM	#14
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Getting closer. No going back now. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

06-07-2020, 04:25 AM	#15
wixthedog Registered User Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Magnolia, TX Posts: 225	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story It sure is coming along, great progress and updates! __________________ Mike 1976 C10 RCLB - 350 - SM465 4 Spd - 4.5"/6" Drop Obligatory Build Thread HERE! 1979 C20 RCLB - 350 - TH350 Auto



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06-07-2020, 09:06 AM	#16
blazer2007 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vernon b.c. Posts: 3,022	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story what brand of wheel spacers did you use

06-07-2020, 10:26 AM	#17
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Bulletproof Off Road Adaptors (Bora).

06-13-2020, 07:10 AM	#18
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Incremental update: Axle and shocks are in. Brake lines, driveshaft U bolts and crossover steering are in route. Going to Napa today to order a 2wd steering box. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

06-13-2020, 04:33 PM	#19
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story 2wd steering box installed. Awaiting arrival of ORD crossover steering kit. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

06-17-2020, 09:07 PM	#20
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Small update. Brake lines are in and hooked up and I took a couple motivational pics. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

06-17-2020, 10:28 PM	#21
JJH Jimmy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Schoolcraft, Michigan Posts: 928	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Sweet truck! I love your build. Be careful with those harbor freight jack stands. There Is a recent recall on some of them for failing! __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 4x4 LS Swap 1985 Chevy K20 1994 GMC Yukon 2021 GMC 2500HD Duramax AT4 My "It's a Jimmy Thing" Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=583528 Budget Build 1985 K20 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801565

06-19-2020, 04:39 PM	#24
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Dash pad came from this guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=736613 The bezel is from LMC truck as are all the other trim pieces. The LED lights I just searched for on Amazon.

06-20-2020, 03:30 PM	#25
JA50N Registered User Join Date: May 2019 Location: Suffolk, Va Posts: 33	Re: JA50N's 86 GMC: A rust wars story Saturday update. Having to dodge rain but I have made some good progress. Rear axle out. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr These things, yeah F*** them, lol. Pain in the ass. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr One side shackle flip done before the hard rain came and shut me down. Untitled by JASON MCKIMMEY, on Flickr

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