86 K10 LWB - Frankie

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by made2drag

the radio install looks killer!

Thank you.

[silverbear]

Here is a preview of a new mod to this project. My overflow jug was brittle and falling apart so I started digging around the scrap bin to see if I could find some usable stuff. A section of 4" stainless tubing, a couple of weld on caps (I had to buy those), some pipe fittings and a bit sheet metal for the brackets. This is only tacked together enough so that I could make the brackets. I plan polish it up when I am done.

[silverbear]

I got my tank back from the welder. A little sanding and polishing...here we go.



Not as good as I want it but good enough for now.

[Greenlee]

Nice work! That is a fancy overflow jug.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by Greenlee

Nice work! That is a fancy overflow jug.

Thanks Greenlee. I wanted something unique and durable. I've got about $40 in parts. A buddy did me a favor on the welding and I have a few hours in fabrication and polishing. I think it was worth the time and money invested. Of course it looks out of place in my dirty engine bay .

[silverbear]

Forgot to upload the picture in that last post.

[LT7A]

That's a thing of beauty! Would be the nicest component on my entire truck. Cool to see your progress.

[whitels1]

Great work, can't wait to see more!

[silverbear]

After having to use 4 wheel drive a few times to get down my road after the hurricane rolled through my area, I discovered that my pinon seal in the front axle was leaking along with the drivers side axle shaft seal. Since I was planning on upgrading to the 8 lug rotors, I figured it was a good time to get started. Well just like most everything that was on this truck when I purchased it...the axle parts are in very rough shape. Seal and bearing surfaces worn and rust pitted. I also discovered that my truck was not loaded with 3.73 gears like the seller had told me. I had 3.08 gears. Rather than spending a small fortune to replace everything I went hunting for a decent replacement with the correct gear to match my 14bolt rear. Here are some of the before pictures.

[silverbear]

Found a good replacement axle with the correct gears. It just need some cleaning and some new seals and bearings. Here are some glamour shots of the new axle.

[bgood70]

Looks great!

[silverbear]

There comes a time when you just have to take that leap. In order to keep progress moving forward, I had to sell a few old things in order to buy some new things. Since I am upgrading, the 6 lug Rally wheels will not work anymore. I hate to see them go because I really like those but they have a good home now and will continue their life on sweet 58 Chevy pickup.

Frankie sitting on Jack stands.


Out with the old parts

[silverbear]

Getting things ready to install the new parts.


New front springs installed.



Front axle coming together.

[68Timber]

Nice progress! Those wheels look good on a square.

[silverbear]

While I had the axle on jack stands, I wanted to mount a wheel on the spindle to check clearances and to get a idea of what it was going to look like. Well, I guess the paint on the hub was put on too thick because the rim got stuck on the hub. Since the axle was just sitting on the jack stands, I could not use any force to get the rim off...so I had to mount the axle back under the truck. I was not fully prepared to do so but I did it anyway.



I think this set up will work just fine



I did get the tire back off so I can install the brake caliper and shocks. More to come.

[silverbear]

It has taken me several weekends and all the spare evening I have had over the past month and a half. Frankie now a new front axle. I did not leave any stone un-turned in this process. I did not want to have to go back and replace parts a few months from now. This process was time consuming and hit the bank account pretty hard. But I am happy with the results so far and am looking forward to tearing the rear end apart and get the 14bolt installed. I still have a punch list for the front end that is about 30 items long but the tires are on the ground and now just the rear is on jack stands.

[silverbear]

With the help from a friend, I got the rear axle installed and the truck is now sitting on tires again. As with every project the "to do" list is kind of long but the major stuff is done.

[Greenlee]

Looks good. Did the wheels come off a newer Chevy?

[silverbear]

Thanks GREENLEE. To be honest , I have no idea what generation those rims are. I needed some 8 lug rims and a buddy of mine sold me these for $20. I got the center caps off of Ebay. I cut out the centers of the front caps to allow for the hubs. I am shopping for some trim rings.

[silverbear]

I got my punch list completed this past weekend and took Frankie out for a drive. Only put about 25 or 30 miles on it but that was good for now. I have to get the front end aligned so I will keep to the back roads until after Thanksgiving.

[Greenlee]

Frankie has come a long way! Looks good with the new axles and wheels.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by Greenlee

Frankie has come a long way! Looks good with the new axles and wheels.

Thanks!

[MalibuSSwagon]

Nice work! Interesting on that van axle, how was the fit? Track width and all

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by MalibuSSwagon

Nice work! Interesting on that van axle, how was the fit? Track width and all

Thanks. The van axle is wider than what was in the truck originally but now the front and rear tires are in line with each other. I did have to relocate the spring perches and the shock mounts. Considering the deal I got on the axle, it was worth a bit of work to get it set up. Having a posi-rear now is also well worth the time invested.

[silverbear]

Well, after all the work I put into this, plans have changed and now I have decided to it was time to part ways with Frankie. He is listed for sale both on this site and on Facebook messenger. He still needs a little work to get this project finished up but I haven't been able to work on him in a long time and I don't want him to sit and waste away.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...74#post8589974
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8485484058998/