Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Frame is looking great...Jim

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Hey Hotrod, making good progress. What you may want to try is using some adjustable set-up bolts in place of the Shockwaves for now. By doing this you can set the lower control arm horizontal with the ground for your final ride height. AD is right on the money for normal rake rear to front. I have found that if you build close to final ride height you can find and correct some of the issues that come with a lower riding truck. I would agree, someone did a good job on the clip install. Keep up the good work.
Rob

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

You've been busy Hotrod! Looks good. Rob offers good advice above. I use large diameter all thread rod with nuts and large washers. Makes it easy to adjust ride height.

Check the ride height with the lower control arms level to ground before you buy the drop spindles. You may not need them.

Keep at it! Good work.
Doug

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Thanks for the input guys. Rob, great idea. Doug, I think you are right. My front shocks will mount a bit higher than before effectively lowering the front ride height (I think?) I will wait and see on the drop spindles but really dont think I will need them. Jim, thanks for the compliment. I am really enjoying myself so far.

Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

scored a 99 Explorer rear with 373 posi and disc brakes for $150
Started installing the Horton Welder Series parallel 4 link
Mocked up the front suspension. Lesson learned here. Spend the $75 per shock for the stud mount top. Much time and aggravation went into trying too make the Shockwaves work as they are.
Frame is now totally boxed with 3/16 plate. Just need to flip her and weld the bottom up.
Rear view. Ordered a step notch kit and tubular frame center section from Horton. Will finally arrive tomorrow. I thought I could get away with a "C" notch but it was not enough.
Only answer I have been able to find for getting the Ford 4.5 bolt pattern up front and keeping my stock G body spindle is redriling 4.75 rotors. My friend at the local Speed shop is going to let me use his mill to do so. I bought new rotors so I hope to only do this once.
More to come....
Cheers!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

You have been busy Rick! Nice score on the rear end. Frame is looking good!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Sweet looking, keep up the great work...Jim

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Parts came this afternoon. Was able to get 1 side completed and other side tacked in before wife started chirping. Hope to finish other side and install tubular center section tomorrow!

Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

The notches look good. Paul Horton's product?

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Yes. I used his 4 link kit, panhard bar, shock xmember, and tubular center section is next. Real nice pieces imo. Since this is my first true build I asked "Reaper" about his 4 link and he recommended Hortons stuff. Great advice!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Finished up the step notches and panhard bar.
Mocking up for frame center section.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Coming together nicely...Jim

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Thanks Jim! This tubular center section/trans mount is going to take a little time. I think I've finally got an understanding on how to install it now. It too is a Horton part. Whats nice is the fact that he will answer the phone and give you help when needed. Thats a rare commodity now days!

Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Man, I really like watching a chassis come together. Looking really good Rick!

Was looking at Horton's web site and the center section so will enjoy seeing how this one comes together. Paul has some great ideas and sounds like good customer service. Are the tube ends notched to fit over the tube it joins to?

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Hi Doug. Yes, all notching is done by Horton. The builder just needs to cut to fit within the frame rails. I hope to be able to get back to it this afternoon and maybe have a pic of it to post tonight. One other thing worth mentioning when using Hortons stuff. The prices you see online/in catalog are in Canadian $ and if you are in the States you save 15% from those prices listed.

Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

I tried to take some pictures of the progress of the Horton tubular center section assembly. Seems I should stick to my day job but i think you will get the idea.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

More pics with the final 2 pics showing its final stance/ ride height with a 2 degree rake.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Looks good Rick. Center section is nice!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Nice job, looks good...Jim

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Nice work keep pics coming

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Hi Rick, I was wondering if you have any updates? Hope all is well. Doug

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

If for some reason you are going to have to run spacers up front for your wheel clearance you can go from chevy to ford that way. Just a thought.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Sorry for the disappearing act guys. I am back onto the truck now that work has slowed for the season. I changed out the rear shock Xmember for a round one and now have the shocks set on all 4 corners. Starting to prep the frame and 4 bar/panhard for paint. Just ordered the pro brake flare kit from Eastwood and 3/16 Stainless to run brake lines. Also ordered some air lines and fittings to be able to temporarily control shocks.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Welcome back Rick. Wondered where you went. You are getting more done than I am!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Nice to see you back...Jim