New Shop Truck Project

[71'tahoe]

Hey Guys,
I'm starting a new thread for an old project I started many moons ago. It began life as a 58' GMC. It now has a 55-57 nose and a smooth 57' hood. I know some guys like the 4 heads lights and others prefer 2 head lights. I'm not restoring this truck so I'm going to use what I have. Years ago I started a thread on this board about the truck. At that time it was just a body and no chassis/frame. I started building a 2x4 boxed tubing chassis and it laid all the way down to the rockers. That was back in my early days of fabricating and I actually "z" the front rails too much and couldn't get enough lift out of the mustang II front suspension I added to the 2x4 rails I built. I got busy with life and the truck just sat in the back of my shop while I built my businesses. The thread is still up I believe but photo bucket has blocked the photos. I don't know how to post current photos to this thread so if someone could point me in the right direction-I'd appreciate it.
So this brings me to the present. I bought a 57' big back window cab and stock frame to use on this project. I will only be using the frame as the cab had a tree branch fall on it and tweaked the A pillar, roof skin, and floor pan. I will some day rebuild the cab and use on a future build. So for now I will be working with a stock frame.

My plans are fluid and may change a little as I go but here are the bullet points.

Rear suspension will consist of Ford ranger shackles and spring hangers coupled with S-10 leaf springs with helper bags.

Front suspension will use a modified front dropped axle with a couple stock springs removed to achieve a proper ride height. I will use a CPP steering box conversion for the power steering. I know I could/should use something different but maybe I should call this project ''Left Overs" because I'm using up a lot of left over parts to build this truck. So I know I will be ordering some parts but the majority is second hand used parts.

Drive line will consist of a 350 engine with a few upgrades and backed up with a 700R4- both of which are left over from a friends square body build where he is using a No Limit chassis and an LT engine and a BMW transmission to build an auto cross missile. The rear axle will be either an S-10 rear axle (more than likely) or an 8.8 out of an explore. I do have a Sterling 9.75" with 13" factory disc brakes out of a newer ford truck that I am seriously wanting to swap in it. I also bought a returned Eaton locker for a 9.75". I like the idea of that axle due to the size being the same as a Dana 60. This truck will be used as a work truck and will have a trailer behind it more than not so I like the idea of strong parts. Yes I know people say 700r4's are weak but again my plans are fluid. I do have a 2003 6.0l with a 4l80e I may install at some point.

Interior will consist of an Ididt tilt column I bought years ago for this truck, An early OBS front seat, and a stock style radio and a rubber mat.

Paint will follow along the lines of a blue body with a white roof, grille, and bumpers. I don't anticipate any slick body or paint work. I will probably do some sort of blue sealer like PPG DP50 and possibly use an off white rattle can on the roof, bumpers, and grille. Again this is just a project I want to put together and enjoy and use as an actual work/shop truck.

Wheels and tires are up in the air. I do love some torq-thrusts and wheel size will be no bigger than an 18". I'd like to have a 10'' wide back wheel and I'm aware that I'll have to tub the bed. I want it as low as I can with a static suspension for now.

I'll post photos of the beginning as soon as I figure that out.