Slick is getting a full TCI suspension!

[68Stepbed]

As the title states, my 68(I call Slick) is getting the full TCI suspension treatment. I don't have much to post right now, but I'll add photos and comments as updates are available. I'm hoping to have it all installed and running in a couple months and start hitting the autocrosses hard by summer.

The front will be receiving 13" 6 piston Wilwoods, but the rear is getting a different rear disc setup. I didn't want to spend the big bucks for rear brakes until I upgrade to the Currie rear later down the road. So, for the rear, I opted for CaptainFab's D52 bracket setup.




I also plan to install a Lokar shifter, so I got a new Ididit column. It also has a shorter shaft to have a better steering shaft angle.



I started removing parts getting the bed ready for removal. I plan to do the rear first. In the meantime, the bed will be getting some touchups and I'm having wheel tubs put in, just in case I go 11" wheels and 315 rubber in the future.




Most of the parts arrived today!! Others will be here tomorrow.



All unpacked and checked off. It's like a jigsaw puzzle right now.



More progress pics to come.......stay tuned.

[PGSigns]

Looks like a fun puzzle to have to build.
Jimmy

[smbrouss70]

I'm watching, can't wait to see how it all works out for you!

[reaper71]

How much is this kit going to drop it (if any)

Mark.

[Pro Performance]

Nice!

[Advanced Design]

Fun times, I am in!

[Smittee]

Looks good! I bolted up the front suspension for from TCI back in August and it all went pretty smoothly. I had to spread the lower control arms to get them in place tough. I hope the same for you. I am betting it will though, it's pretty bullet proof. Drops the front pretty easily.
Didn't go with the rear though; went with RideTech. For me it just seemed to fit better AND it IS an Indiana company! Keeping some business in our state.
No results as to how much better the performance is because I am doing a "frame up" restomod. Can't wait to feel the difference though. Good luck with your install.

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by reaper71

How much is this kit going to drop it (if any)

Mark.

My truck was currently at 4.5/6.75. I saw somewhere that TCI advertises about 5/7, so it may not be a highly notable difference. i guess i'll find out in a few weeks.

Originally Posted by Smittee

Looks good! I bolted up the front suspension for from TCI back in August and it all went pretty smoothly. I had to spread the lower control arms to get them in place tough. I hope the same for you. I am betting it will though, it's pretty bullet proof. Drops the front pretty easily.
Didn't go with the rear though; went with RideTech. For me it just seemed to fit better AND it IS an Indiana company! Keeping some business in our state.
No results as to how much better the performance is because I am doing a "frame up" restomod. Can't wait to feel the difference though. Good luck with your install.

Good to know!

[68Stepbed]

I made some progress last night, but I'll have to get photos loaded to photobucket. The bed is removed, along with all of the rear suspension, except the trailing arms(gotta get a 1 1/8" socket), and the fuel tank and fuel pump removed.

I'll get photos up later.

[reaper71]

Just so you know, you can upload pics right from your computer to this site. rather than using photobucket (kind of a pain)

Mark.

[68Stepbed]

I know, but I took the pics from my phone, so I have to download them to a pc. Also, between home and work, I use 3 different computers, so Photobucket stores them in one place accessible by any computer.

[67seaten]

cant wait to see this come together , haven't seen one of these step ups finished

[68Stepbed]

Some photos to show. Bed is off. Rear suspension removed. i spent quite a bit of time yesterday removing rivets. Those little buggers don't want to give up without a fight!!!! I may need to upgrade my air compressor, though. It only goes to about 130 psi, so the chisel may not be working at optimal levels. Anyway, I may have to borrow a plasma cutter to cut out for the C-notches.




Pile O' parts!




Rear brake rotors arrived from www.rockauto.com.

[68Stepbed]

WHEW!!!! All rivets FINALLY removed! For the rear section anyway. I also finally put all the used parts in a plastic bin and scrap metal in another and cleaned up a bit to have a somewhat clean workspace.

C-notches cut out, but wrestling with the lower section of the plates to get them lined up.


Front trailing arm mounts are loosely bolted in, along with the trailing arm links.


Since I was at a standstill with the C-notches, I decided to go ahead and move forward with the rearend. Fluid drained, rear drum assemblies removed, new CaptainFab rear disc brackets installed, torque arm plate temporarily installed. I may go ahead and clean and paint the rearend and torque arm bracket and finish it up. I see no reason for any of this to come back off.

[sangell]

Awesome set up.

I sent you a PM with dimensions of my seat mount frame.

Also what lug nuts are you running with the US Mags? Spline drive "tuner" style or 3/4" hex? Thanks

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by sangell

Awesome set up.

I sent you a PM with dimensions of my seat mount frame.

Also what lug nuts are you running with the US Mags? Spline drive "tuner" style or 3/4" hex? Thanks

I got the dimensions. Thank you! They'll be a big help.

Just 3/4" hex acorn style for now.

[sangell]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I got the dimensions. Thank you! They'll be a big help.

Just 3/4" hex acorn style for now.

If you need more I can post pictures showing more detail.

Thanks, I've seen some info saying they require the small "tuner" style. I got the small 3/4" hex with the bulge at the tapper. We are having the wheels powder coated black and I don't want to scratch up the lug holes.

[68Stepbed]

I got the rear parts painted in a gray hammered finish.




Thanks to the help of a friend, I made a lot of progress Thursday night. We got the C-notched and all brackets installed. After he left, I put in the rearend and hooked everything up. I still have adjustments to make, and I still have to tighten everything down, but at least it's all in!!






At this point, I couldn't stand it. I had to throw the wheels on and get it back on the ground!!

[68Stepbed]

OK, progress was very slow the past couple weeks. i never got much time to work on the truck long enough to make noticeable gains. It was mostly preparing to pull the engine.



I got the engine pulled on Wednesday during my lunch break. It sure was dirty!!




That evening, I got the inner fenders removed, then tore out all the old suspension.





She naked, now!!




I also went ahead and started test fitting the new cradle/crossmember.

[reaper71]

Looking good!
Some progress is better than No progress!

Mark

[68Stepbed]

More progress this week! Front suspension is pretty much installed. I still have some adjustments to make for the sway bar, and none of the brake lines, etc are hooked up. Also, the rack isn't really centered up. All that will come at the alignment shop.

Either way, she's back on all four feet!!! I can start fine tuning some stuff, tightening stuff down, and start getting other stuff done.

[oldman3]

Looks great, nice job...Jim

[Smittee]

That DOES look great. Makes me want mine to be all painted up and going back together! Going to be awhile though.
I originally bought mine with the GM calipers up front and now I want them to be Wilwood. Pretty sure I can use the D52 Caliper as a direct bolt up for the bracket that came from TCI.
Bonus-those calipers will look very close to the D154 kit from Wilwood I will be putting on the rear!
Really like your paint on the cab as well.

[Bobby Pootz]

Following along this awesome build! What are the size of the rear wheels and tires? They look beefy! Great work!

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Looks great, nice job...Jim

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Smittee

That DOES look great. Makes me want mine to be all painted up and going back together! Going to be awhile though.
I originally bought mine with the GM calipers up front and now I want them to be Wilwood. Pretty sure I can use the D52 Caliper as a direct bolt up for the bracket that came from TCI.
Bonus-those calipers will look very close to the D154 kit from Wilwood I will be putting on the rear!
Really like your paint on the cab as well.

Yes, the Wilwood D52 caliper will work on the front, but keep in mind the Wilwood D52 has nowhere near the clamping force of that GM big bore caliper.

Originally Posted by Bobby Pootz

Following along this awesome build! What are the size of the rear wheels and tires? They look beefy! Great work!

Currently, the wheels/tires are 18x9.5 with 285/40/18 on all four corners. I'm hoping within a a year or two, I'll be able to upgrade to some forged 18x11s with 315 rubber!