First time frame Z

[wraprail]

Zed, Z'ed , Zing, whatever you call it. It all means the same thing to me and a giant leap into the unknown as my fab skills are not that great but I figured what the hell!
After reading countless threads and searching and reading I found a very limited amount of good usable info. Mostly vauge second hand no real facts and figures SO I just winged it on my own.
The following are some pics, let me know what you guys think and if you see any issues I may not see coming.
Its a 85 C10, was a longbed that I shortened several months ago. I stepped (Z'ed) it 2.5 inches, and made my cut at a 20 degree angle. This I figured would add almost 1 INCH to the wheelbase (centering the front wheel) and then cut the front at the same angle only reversed of course.
Does that sound right?
Comments please.......

[wraprail]

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[wraprail]

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[tinydb84]

Your prep work is great. I think most people cut the front horns off with a straight cut and remove an inch (or whatever amount you moved forward). I'm not sure but you might run into clearance issues.

[wraprail]

Thanks for the response,
I thought about that ( removing material ) but seemed easier to just cut the same angle and make one cut instead of two. I have not tried fitting the core support/rad yet. Hope it fits!
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[lolife99]

I think you have done excellent.
I will be following your progress.

[andrewmp6]

Looks real good for your first time.

[oldman3]

I've never done a "Z", but yours looks great. I agree with tiny, check fitment before going any further, best of luck...Jim

[wraprail]

Thanks guys, without some feedback sometimes I don't know if good or bad.
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[andrewmp6]

If you ever want a laugh or be scared search any mini truck forum for a hack post.But like said check that everything fits like you want before you get too far to turn back if needed.Once your happy with everything its time to finish all the welds and make it look nice.Or if you really wanna go nuts you can fill in all the extra holes in the frame you don't need.

[502ms]

that looks very good. I have pics of my Z in my build thread (might help)

[maxxxy]

From all the Z's i've seen, yours looks spot on. Worst case scenario if it causes fitment issues of the core support/radiator assembly, you just make a vertical cut on the top portion of each side and cap it.

Good work!

[wraprail]

Thanks. Thats what I was thinking. Lower rad hose has me a little worried. Maybe move the outlet in the rad up a few inches. We will see soon.....
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[bagged74]

Looks good. I did mine the same except at the front I cut it straight and removed an inch
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[bodydropped68]

looking good keep it up

[wraprail]

Time I updated this thread as i'm driving the truck now.
If I was to do this Z again I would do it exactly the same. I planned this out, spent alot of time starring out in space thinking it through and I hit on the perfect frame Z. If there was a book on how to Z a squarebody frame it would be written about mine.
The 20 degree cut moves the wheel center in fender, the 20 degree back cut on the front frame allows the factory (2 each side) bumper bracket holes to be retained and the brackets line up perfectly. Radiator core support drops in with only slight trimming around steering box and stock 19 inch radiator fits with stock mounts and lower hose. I could have moved the motor back that 1 inch but I left it in "stock" location. I did this to keep the shifter location as far forward on my T56 as possible. I use an electric fan anyways so no issue. I am using the extra tall stock truck air cleaner and it does just hit the hood. I used a 4X4 hi hump for my 6 speed clearance so I do not know if this is needed with an auto.
Biggest surprise was the steering. Every frame Z I have seen has used 3 u joints and routed around the upper control arm for clearance. My Z is 2.5 inches and all I did was slightly raise the lower firewall column mount and lower the upper mount about 3/4 inch. I like the steering wheel low anyways. Lower the better. It may not be low enough for some of you guys ( only lays the saddle tanks on the ground with stock lower arms and 2600 bags) but with all the things going on with a frame Z and all the things that can go wrong I think I found A setup that is as close to perfect as you can get.
Now for a ****pile of pictures.
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[wraprail]

Bumper bracket and lower rad. hose over frame


Clearance from frame cut/drop to radiator. Like 2 inches


Steering box trimming on core support also radiator clearance


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[wraprail]

Steering shaft over upper control arm in factory (almost) location



Driver side frame. Note relocated shocks



Pass side.


Firewall clearance. Had to lose the factory A/C (so far)


Water pump electric fan clearance. ( its a big dam fan)

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[wraprail]

Ok here is the pass front wheel after 20 degree 2.5 Z. As you can see, centered with loads of firewall clearance. Thats a 245/40zr20 in a 20x8.5


And here ya go. This is aired out i think.


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[wraprail]

One last one showing my T56 shifter location. Won't work with a bench seat but with my buckets (97 cadillac eldorado) for me it's ideal. Not sure which I like more, the 6 speed or the Heated leather seats.

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[jjzepplin]

Very nice. Might try this myself now. How many cores does your radiator have?

[oldman3]

Glad you are happy with it, I like that you posted back with how it worked out, nice job...Jim

[wraprail]

Thanks guys. This is the first frame cutting and welding project I have done and while it was alot of work it was not really that hard. Since i'm really a one man band planning was key. Removing the cab and reinstalling it (and the bed as well) with one person was a challenge but doable. Also I am unemployed and have been for a few years which allowed me to work only on this one project 7 days a week otherwise it would have taken me over a year I bet to do what I did in 3 months.
Anyway, It's a three (3) row radiator/..

[maxxxy]

You did a great job, and it'll be an easy thread for first timers to follow along and get the just of the Zing process.

[maxxxy]

question. In post #17 in the last picture, what are those rubber lines that run across the frame?
Are those power steering?

Also do you happen to have any pictures prior to the Z?