68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

I had a 68 C10'about 15 years ago and loved it. So I had been looking for another one until I found this project. Now I've had this truck for around 5 years and have done very little actual work in that time frame. Bought it as a roller with some decent body work done on the cab and a blasted and painted frame. Completely new fleet side bed. I've collected some parts last few years but not done much else up until a couple months ago.

Figured I would document some of the progress to maybe help others in the future.

I bought a Strange built/fabricated 9" complete with upgraded axles and locker. Had the axles drilled for 5 on 4.75" bolt pattern. The brakes I am using are 2015 Gen 2 CTS-V or ZL1 discs and calipers. Bought a nice kit that bolts the rear calipers to the 9" and also uses the factory ebrake assembly. Takes some modifications to the backing plates but overall very nice kit from LSX Concepts. We added some back bracing as I plan to make about 1000whp on this combo and don't want to tweak the axles tubes.

After mocking it up, I had the housing black powder coated. Also shown is the Porterbuilt rear suspension stuff. It's been so long I don't remember what stage it is called. Nice stuff and had all the suspension parts wrinkle black powder coated also.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

9" is now fully assembled with new discs with internal parking brake drums, Ctsv calipers. Since the 9" was technically custom built I was able to spec the diameter of the hub so that the rotor fit nicely to the axle. Aluminum center section but I swear this thing weighs 220+ pounds 🤦*♂️

Rear done, moving on to the front brakes.

The Porterbuilt front kit with tubular arms. Stock crossmember. I bought the CPP 2.5" drop spindles, CPP aluminum hubs, also drilled for 5 on 4.75". Looking at the caliper brackets on the cast CPP drop spindles it became clear that there was not going to be any easy way to mount these calipers. I had hoped to machine an adapter bracket. Instead I ended up having to chop off the caliper brackets, machine new brackets and tig weld in the correct location. It took more mental problem solving than anything. Turned out great. I machined the face of the brackets after TIG welding to take any warpage out from welding.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Had to open up the ID of the front CTSV rotors to slip over the CPP aluminum hubs if anyone tries to do a similar setup. You could alternatively lathe down the hub OD. I had my CNC mill available so I opened up the rotor hats.

Looks pretty massive bolted up, I'm happy with the finished product. Ideally will powder coat the spindles again now that I had to chop them up. Maybe later.

Opening up the bed to fit aftermarket +4" inner tubs. Seem to be decent quality for the price point.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Tubs in place looking good. Trying to figure out which roll pan to buy now.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

WOW! Impressive so far! A friend of mine runs a Strange rearend in his open desert racing truck, they can take a beating.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Smoothed cowl, trying to decide on drip rails. Shave or keep...

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Nice project! I personally wouldn't do the drip rails....

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Thanks. Don't like the look? Or from the mess it causes trying to melt the layers back together lol.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Yes, yes and yes, :D. Just a personal preference. Unless you are going crazy with body mods, I prefer the original look. Just my $.02.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

What he said! ^^^X2^^^

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

great project, cant wait to see this build... you cant beat turbos... also your old 68 step side LS swap lives on, my friend is the owner of it.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Shave the drip rails. Looks much cleaner and you have the skills to do it. Also, you are not putting wipers on the truck with the smooth cowl.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Nice work so far. Looking forward to seeing more progress pics!

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

It's 2020, where did this end up? Hopefully the thread died, but the truck is in the road.

Re: 68 C10 project 2020. TT LSA/6L90/9"/Bagged/Big brakes
 

Badass build, was it ever finished?