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-   -   97 sierra ext cab build (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=571931)

lucky_7 03-22-2013 03:46 PM

97 sierra ext cab build
 
Well this will be my first attempt at building a nice truck. I bought this truck last year with 115k. I runs great and needs minor aesthetic fixes. I will be lowering it and repainting or refinishing the paint. There are a few dings here and there and one large crumpled lower rear fender, blow out I'm guessing. I'd like to add picture but not sure why the forum won't let me.
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Restrorob 03-24-2013 09:08 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5964038)
I'd like to add picture but not sure why the forum won't let me.


Hey lucky..... Welcome,

I'd like to see your build..... The most common issue with pic upload is they are too large, Resize your pics or upload to the forum gallery http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/ then link them to your thread......

lucky_7 03-24-2013 10:21 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Thanks Rob, I figured it all out just now. Here are a couple pics.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...bs/image80.jpg


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...bs/image79.jpg

likaroc13 03-25-2013 11:41 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
looks like a pretty good one to start with...are you switching to the earlier style steel wheels?

lucky_7 03-26-2013 12:09 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Ya, I bought 6 of them, for 150, with rings and caps. I think it will make the truck stand out where I'm from cause everybody here has 20's. Gotta be different. I did think about buying some nicer ones for cruses and shows.
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likaroc13 03-26-2013 12:39 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5971359)
Ya, I bought 6 of them, for 150, with rings and caps. I think it will make the truck stand out where I'm from cause everybody here has 20's. Gotta be different. I did think about buying some nicer ones for cruses and shows.
Posted via Mobile Device

Cool...I know what you mean about being different...I had lime green Caprice/Impala steelies with Moon hubcaps & ribbed trim rings on my old '93. I always thought those alloys pictured on your truck were a decent looking wheel as well.

lucky_7 03-26-2013 05:58 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Cool, got any tips on paint, I used a krylon but it seems to chip easy.... I blasted, used acetone, and primer sealer, but it looks like to paints is easy to chip?
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made2drag 03-26-2013 06:26 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
welcome to the board....how low are you gonna go?

lucky_7 03-26-2013 06:28 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
I'm thinking 4-6 drop, as long as the front will clear...
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likaroc13 03-26-2013 06:39 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5972714)
Cool, got any tips on paint, I used a krylon but it seems to chip easy.... I blasted, used acetone, and primer sealer, but it looks like to paints is easy to chip?
Posted via Mobile Device

not really sure...I just picked the color & had mine sprayed by a professional painter

Tom 03-27-2013 12:33 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5972804)
I'm thinking 4-6 drop, as long as the front will clear...
Posted via Mobile Device

Clear what? 4" front drop is just getting started.

Restrorob 03-27-2013 07:11 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom (Post 5973641)
4" front drop is just getting started.


Just getting started ?

I'm run'n 4-6 and only have about 2" between K and road, Yeah..... It's hit a few times.....

lucky_7 03-27-2013 09:04 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Tom, I would like to go lower but the roads around here are in constant construction or they just suck, and its probably out of my budget.

Rob, I'm probably gonna run 255/70's in the back and 235/70's in the front. So im a little worried the front wont clear, I'll have to do a little measuring before I start.

lucky_7 03-27-2013 09:05 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by likaroc13 (Post 5972834)
not really sure...I just picked the color & had mine sprayed by a professional painter

How expensive was it?

likaroc13 03-27-2013 01:07 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5973984)
Tom, I would like to go lower but the roads around here are in constant construction or they just suck, and its probably out of my budget.

Rob, I'm probably gonna run 255/70's in the back and 235/70's in the front. So im a little worried the front wont clear, I'll have to do a little measuring before I start.

you're biggest issue might be the wheels...I ran 235/75's on my 5" front drop for a little while. It was close when I ran the alloys, so I trimmed the fender lips just to be safe. However, when I switched to the 15x7 painted steelies, I ran a 225/70 up front with no issues. I even had the springs trimmed to bring the front down just a bit more.

look here for pics with the stock alloys:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lika...0C-1500?page=6

the first 4-5 pages show it with the steelies:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lika...0C-1500?page=1

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5973986)
How expensive was it?

I honestly don't remember since it was so long ago. I had some body work & 2-tone primer shot onto the truck as well, but I can't remember if I had that done with the wheels all at once. Seems like I had the wheels done shortly afterward though. Paint supplies were probably less than $100, & I don't think he charged too much to shoot them. I gave away all receipts when I sold the truck back in '07, or I could probably give you an exact #.

lucky_7 03-27-2013 01:29 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Ya that's what I thought on the front drop, I'm hoping I can get by, or I'll roll the fenders myself, that way I won't have to worry about it. I don't drive to crazy, more of a cruiser...

And I was thinking about powder coat on the wheels, but I wonder if it will last with the ring scratching every time I touch them. Do u think red in the wheels would be better?
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likaroc13 03-27-2013 01:57 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5974457)
Ya that's what I thought on the front drop, I'm hoping I can get by, or I'll roll the fenders myself, that way I won't have to worry about it. I don't drive to crazy, more of a cruiser...

And I was thinking about powder coat on the wheels, but I wonder if it will last with the ring scratching every time I touch them. Do u think red in the wheels would be better?
Posted via Mobile Device

I'm not sure about the powder coat, since I've never had anything done. I'm sure there are tons of others on the forum who could answer that question though. As for colors, I would just have someone do some Photoshop pics for you with various colors you like. That's what I did with mine. Or just search for pics of trucks with similar wheels. Whether you keep your truck's current paint scheme or do something different will also be a determining factor as to what looks best.

Tom 03-27-2013 11:44 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob (Post 5973848)
Just getting started ?

I'm run'n 4-6 and only have about 2" between K and road, Yeah..... It's hit a few times.....

On your 97? I have way more clearence then that between my k member and the road. Now the plastic dam under the front bumper, thats about 1-2" and hits now and then, but never the subframe or control arms. My old 79 that was 5" in front, that was a different story.

likaroc13 03-28-2013 04:33 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
I think the OP was referring more to the front wheel/tire & fender clearance, but we'll let him clear that up. I had a 5/8 drop on my '93, & the only thing I did was raise the "Y" (crossover) exhaust pipe. I did drag the front air dam on occasion, but I was always very cautious with my driving. Gotta be careful on speed bumps as well. I don't think the OP will have too many issues at 4/6 though. He already mentioned he's a cruiser, so that'll help as well. Just have to be a little more aware while driving.

lucky_7 03-30-2013 10:53 AM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by likaroc13 (Post 5976007)
I think the OP was referring more to the front wheel/tire & fender clearance, but we'll let him clear that up. I had a 5/8 drop on my '93, & the only thing I did was raise the "Y" (crossover) exhaust pipe. I did drag the front air dam on occasion, but I was always very cautious with my driving. Gotta be careful on speed bumps as well. I don't think the OP will have too many issues at 4/6 though. He already mentioned he's a cruiser, so that'll help as well. Just have to be a little more aware while driving.

Yes I am more worried about tire/fender clearance, I drive responsibly as my youth taught me a great deal about safe driving......(I was once a horrible driver). I can however still get a different size tire for the front if needed, (suggestions?) As for under the truck, it looks like there's nothing hanging low enough to drag at 4/6, I will measure again before the surgery...

I'm going to stick with black wheels right now, as they seem to go with most colors. And the powder coat might be a little expensive, the local shop charges 65 a wheel but they do not use a acid wash, so I'm going to try an epoxy spray paint. My friend informed me it was much more durable than other paints.

On the exhaust I'm thinking 2 flow masters dumped before the diff, I think they sound the best when the sound has a chance to "bounce" a little underneath the bed. I also might get some headers. Not sure yet...any clearance issues there?

So more on the drop, what it the best way to cut out the mini notch, I have access to a torch, multiple saws, grinders, drills, and welder. I will only have 2 1/2 days to work on it when I do it so a lot of prep is good for me. On the front, spindles should keep the camber straight, right?
Posted via Mobile Device

Restrorob 03-30-2013 06:03 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom (Post 5975717)
On your 97? I have way more clearence then that between my k member and the road. Now the plastic dam under the front bumper, thats about 1-2" and hits now and then, but never the subframe or control arms.


Yeah Tom, My 97...... But, It just dawned on me I'm running 2" spindles with 2" springs and 215/65-15 tires up front with a extra 100+ lbs of BIG block fury !!! :lol:

The air dam was removed when the drop was installed, It was smashed when the truck was lowered off the jack......

Restrorob 03-30-2013 06:17 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5980330)
On the exhaust I'm thinking 2 flow masters dumped before the diff, I think they sound the best when the sound has a chance to "bounce" a little underneath the bed. I also might get some headers. Not sure yet...any clearance issues there?

On the mufflers, Be prepared to install some kind of exit pipes..... Exhaust drone gets old pretty quick especially on 1/2 hr or longer trips.

I'm run'n Hooker Comp long tubes and bottom the K without the headers hitting so you shouldn't have any issues there.

Does your truck have duels on it now ?



Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5980330)
what it the best way to cut out the mini notch, I have access to a torch, multiple saws, grinders, drills, and welder. I will only have 2 1/2 days to work on it when I do it so a lot of prep is good for me. On the front, spindles should keep the camber straight, right?


On the notch, I prefer a grinder with chop/cut-off blades. They make a nicer cleaner cut and less chance of burning your truck down with a torch.....

Spindles shouldn't throw your alignment out much to worry about, but adding springs will require re-alignment.

likaroc13 03-30-2013 06:20 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5980330)
Yes I am more worried about tire/fender clearance, I drive responsibly as my youth taught me a great deal about safe driving......(I was once a horrible driver). I can however still get a different size tire for the front if needed, (suggestions?) As for under the truck, it looks like there's nothing hanging low enough to drag at 4/6, I will measure again before the surgery...

I'm going to stick with black wheels right now, as they seem to go with most colors. And the powder coat might be a little expensive, the local shop charges 65 a wheel but they do not use a acid wash, so I'm going to try an epoxy spray paint. My friend informed me it was much more durable than other paints.

On the exhaust I'm thinking 2 flow masters dumped before the diff, I think they sound the best when the sound has a chance to "bounce" a little underneath the bed. I also might get some headers. Not sure yet...any clearance issues there?

So more on the drop, what it the best way to cut out the mini notch, I have access to a torch, multiple saws, grinders, drills, and welder. I will only have 2 1/2 days to work on it when I do it so a lot of prep is good for me. On the front, spindles should keep the camber straight, right?
Posted via Mobile Device

Sounds good on the paint. What's the width on those wheels? As for exhaust, that should be fine if you don't mind any droning that occurs. I ran Gibson stainless shorty headers on my old truck. I'll let the experts chime in about cutting for the notch, as I had that professionally done as well.

lucky_7 03-30-2013 07:14 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob (Post 5981021)
On the mufflers, Be prepared to install some kind of exit pipes..... Exhaust drone gets old pretty quick especially on 1/2 hr or longer trips.

I'm run'n Hooker Comp long tubes and bottom the K without the headers hitting so you shouldn't have any issues there.

Does your truck have duels on it now ?

On the notch, I prefer a grinder with chop/cut-off blades. They make a nicer cleaner cut and less chance of burning your truck down with a torch.....

Spindles shouldn't throw your alignment out much to worry about, but adding springs will require re-alignment.

Stock exhaust right now, this truck is all original....and thanks for the advice on the notch...

Quote:

Originally Posted by likaroc13 (Post 5981034)
Sounds good on the paint. What's the width on those wheels? As for exhaust, that should be fine if you don't mind any droning that occurs. I ran Gibson stainless shorty headers on my old truck. I'll let the experts chime in about cutting for the notch, as I had that professionally done as well.

8'' steel wheels.

DRONING?

Restrorob 03-30-2013 08:45 PM

Re: 97 sierra ext cab build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky_7 (Post 5981130)
Stock exhaust right now,
DRONING?

Google;
Quote:

Exhaust drone is primarily the result of sound waves traveling through the air and vibration that is transferred through a vehicle's frame, body and components...
Running duels on these trucks with the fuel tank inside the frame on the left side they have to be ran something like what's on my truck;

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...temDiagram.jpg

If you looked under the side of my truck you would see the mufflers mounted on their side to clear the driveshaft and floorboard like the lower drawing......


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