'85 Build up

[aort]

I bought this truck for $1200 with quite a few spare parts. It came with two extra TH-350's, Tires, and misc stuff that I sold and ended up paying about $350 for the truck. Here is a pic of how it started.





Couple tear down pics





Getting the frame all cleaned up and added disc brakes to the rear





Got the engine (New 383), New 700R4 trans, NP205 transfer case put in





Got the cab back on and started some body work

[aort]

Got some primer sprayed





Got some paint on the the cab and a new bed thats in a little better shape





Started putting the interior together



A couple of the engine bay with the fenders and hood installed





Here is a couple of how it sits now with the doors and windows installed





Thats where I am now. I just need some more money for wheels and tires, and to finish the interior. I have all the stuff to get the bed painted I just need to find the time to do it. If you have any questions just ask, I'll be happy to answer.

[N2TRUX]

Welcome to the forum aort. WOW! That's some awesome progress you have going there. It sounds like you got a smoking deal to start with and the end result will be fantastic. I'm no 4wd expert but that looks like a 14 bolt FF in the rear. What ya got up front, a dana 44 or ?

[aort]

Yeah, you got the rear end right. Its a dana 44 up front too. I know not the strongest, but I only plan on running 33's so it should be alright for a while.

[aort]

Only one person? Come on guys, What do you think? Any questions?

[SanitysBane]

Looking great. I wish my truck was that close to being done.

[84 400]

Sweet truck man you started with a rat rod looking truck and are almost ending up with a great looking truck. NIce clean look to it so far. nice build up. Don't see to many 80's build ups here yet so this is really cool. nice to seee a 4x4 being done right too. Why not run those wagon wheels for right now with those agressive tires? is that blue the original color or just one you liked? any futer plans for it such as daily driving show or offroad ? Did you use rust bullet on the frame? why did you replace the motor? that should be a good bit of questions for ya Ya did a great buld so far and go out and enjoy that thing looks like yall really put some time in it!! great build up

[Billy81]

Nice truck are you going to put a lift on it?

[aort]

Thanks guys. I sold those old tires and wheels because they were bias ply and were starting to wear uneaven. The blue is just called medium blue. I just liked it better than any of the stock colors. When it is finished I plan on driving it every day. The frame was in pretty good shape so it was cleaned up, primed, undercoated, painted. I replaced the motor because the old one had some weird noises to it. When I took it apart I found the bearings were showing some brass and one of the connecting rods was bent so I just decided to build the 383. The truck has about a 2" lift on it now. I am only planning on running 33's so thats about all I need. Thanks for the comments guys, Keep the questions coming.

[Crank]

I'd at least run some 35's. Thats my opinion tho. As long as you dont romp it too terrible, they wont get into the metal any. That truck has got all the right stuff if you ask me.. Nice motor, tranny body looks awesome. GREAT LOOKIN 4X4
Brandon

[hiway]

If you haven't alread, add bracing to the steering box. Big tires seem to like to crack the frame where it bolts on. Good project!

[Rebeltilldeath3]

Originally Posted by Crank

I'd at least run some 35's. Thats my opinion tho. As long as you dont romp it too terrible, they wont get into the metal any. That truck has got all the right stuff if you ask me.. Nice motor, tranny body looks awesome. GREAT LOOKIN 4X4
Brandon

I second that.

I was running 33"s in my Blazer stock, no lift, and they never rubbed.

[magnethead]

Yea get some 35" MTR's and a steering box brace. Those autometer's in the dash? Did you use the factory aluminum front cover or make your own? And is that an oil temp or trans temp that you slipped in next to the lights?

One front stabilizer or two? May think about a second if the wheel starts getting out of your hands. Where did you get the 2" cowl, I can't seem to find any cowls except 3" for the 73-87 bodies, I don't ever see any 2's.

Specs on the motor? I see the MSD box, a 6?

[Jaccoman]

Nice Job.

[aort]

The dash is stuffed with Autometer Sport comp gauges. Speedo, Tach, Oil pressure, water temp, volts, fuel, and the one by the light switch is trans temp. It is just the stock plastic cover ground out to accept the new gauges. Here is a close up:



I have thought about 35's but i'm unsure. I probably will not be able to afford MTR's but I wish I could. I am running rancho dual stabilizers up front.

As for the hood, Its a 3 1/2" from www.advantagefiberglass.net They have pretty good deals on most things.

The motor is a 383 (3.030" bore x 3.75" stroke)
Eagle Crank
Scat bushed rods
Hyperutectic pistons (9.5:1)
64 cc ported and polished 2.02, 1.90 heads
Comp cams Xtreme 4x4 cam ( Can't remember numbers off the top of my head)
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
Edelbrock 600 cfm carb
MSD 6-AL ignition

[magnethead]

That's a 3.5" monstor? Wow, maybe a 3" won't be so bad then when I go fiberglass....

sounds like a good motor. Should be more than enough power.

[84 400]

yeah thought it looked around 3 inch cowl..... looks great man and if you can go 35's do it but we all are on a budget. those gauges look great by the way !!!!

[aort]

I'll look into the 35's. I'd probably get 35x12.50'x16's. Thanks for the comments.

[MylilBowTie]

What part of IN are you in?

[aort]

North Eastern...About 20 miles north of Muncie.

[aort]

I have gotten some work done over the past few weeks, but haven't had time to post. I have the bed almost ready to get the first coat of primer on. Here is a pic of that



On my floor, I installed heat shield, Sound deadener(basically tar paper) and then carpet. Here is a pic of the heat shield



Pic of the carpet



Door panels painted and just hanging on the doors



I installed a Sony head unit in place of the stock radio. I just cut out a square to get the basket in and it seems pretty solid.



My seat was recovered and I got that installed



While I was in there I also installed a Hurst Pro Matic 2 ratchet shifter



Thats all the progess I have for now. I do have more pics of each thing though if anyone wants to see more. On the audio, I bought some new 3.5" for the front and I am planning on some 6x9's and a 10" sub. A new steering wheel and the interior is done. I'll have the bed painted by the time I get some money for wheels and tires, So it will be ready to drive in about a month. I can't wait to take it out. I'll keep the progess pics coming.

[boatpuller]

man...you don't let dust settle on you when its project time..looks good.

[aort]

Well, I don't know if I would say that. I have had this truck for about 3 years. The first post covered about 2 3/4 of them. Its been a long time, I'm ready to drive it. Thanks for the comment

[84 400]

ahh thanks i was starting to feel like a slacker.... looks great. the shifter ;looks sweet and so does the seat. Were did you find that style covering or is it custem. i relize it is not a seat cover but it is the actual fabric with the hog rings and all with i am guessing new foam. i am looking to do somthing simmilar with my bench seat.

[watahyahknow]

going to be a great lookng truck when its done , im liking it keep up the good work