53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[mongocanfly]

Ahhhhhn.....10-4

[mongocanfly]

I think it looks better centered..

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

I think it looks better centered..

I agree, it does look better centered; just a minor adjustment. Still a long way to go, but currently trying to check ride height, tire clearance, start fabbing/ machining mounts, e.t.c, e.t.c........ Once I'm happy with the body fit, I'll start shoving the LS in. All this is my favorite part anyway.
FYI - rear fenders and running boards are currently glass; I'm on the hunt for OE steel. More later -

Dan

[mongocanfly]

I like your frame jig idea...I've already built a jig for mine about 2 yrs ago...then the IH build took over..
My AD will be a little different than most but I'm always thinking of what I want to do and how to go about it...so seeing yours up on the frame jig gives me even a few more ideas...

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

I like your frame jig idea...I've already built a jig for mine about 2 yrs ago...then the IH build took over..
My AD will be a little different than most but I'm always thinking of what I want to do and how to go about it...so seeing yours up on the frame jig gives me even a few more ideas...

It's definitely made things easier, and I think total materials were less than $200.

Dan

[big_dan]

So I was able to get a little shop time in today. Whipped up rear cab mounts (I don't like the shackle design, so I build a rigid bracket to use with a poly bushing) and started turning some bushings for the front mounts also. Plan is to get the cab mounts complete, then line up the hood and front clip, then I'll start playing with the LS. I've got a few more rear suspension items to finish up also.

More later -

Dan

[mongocanfly]

Nice mounts....I did basically the same....got rid of the shackles....

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Nice mounts....I did basically the same....got rid of the shackles....

I didn't see the need in them, especially in a "performance" oriented project. Started mockup of the rear sway "torsion" bar, working on fabbing mounting brackets currently.

More later -

Dan

[joedoh]

clean work!

[big_dan]

Whittled up some brackets for the rear sway bar. Still need to tack brackets to the tubes, then I'll check range of motion then weld them in. Moving along -

Dan

[big_dan]

A little more rear suspension work. Sway bar is tacked in, went ahead and cycled through its full range of motion; no issues. Started panhard bar mockup; my goal is level and square at ride height so one bracket will need a little modification - turning one out of some 1-3/4" DOM now. But, progress, and all going well. More later-

Dan

[joedoh]

looks really good, iits a shame no one will see it but you will know its done right!

[big_dan]

Been playing around with the panhard bar for a day or two now. Ideal setup is level at ride height and perpendicular to the frame centerline, so that's where we set it. The Scott's bracket was about 6", but due to the step notches it had to be 2" longer to sit level. So, I trimmed the gussets off of the original and turned down the welds, saving the last 3-1/2" or so. Then a quick bore and turn of some 2" DOM and tigged them up. I got a little carried away and fluted it as well. . . . . but after fishing the end, it fit perfect. I still have to add gussets, but I'm good with it so far. More later -

Dan

[reaper71]

Nice work Dan!


Mark

[youngrodder]

Great detail Dan

[big_dan]

Thanks, fellas. Just taking my time and enjoying the process.

More later -

Dan

[big_dan]

Finished mockup of the panhard and sway bar so the rear suspension is complete, minus finish welding, but I'll pull the housing for that. I do plan to add a few gussets here and there as well. Now for the front sway bar . . . .

Dan

[big_dan]

Continuing along a little progress here and there. Stripped down the axle and finished all the housing welding, then pulled the front clip and started test fitting the front sway bar. Still miles to go, but I'm ready to get started on the 5.3 mockup . . .

Dan

[reaper71]

Looks really nice Dan.


Mark

[mongocanfly]

Looks good Dan

[Scott2]

Very nice!

[big_dan]

Thanks for the interest, fellas. Currently getting the rear finished up.

More later-

Dan

[big_dan]

Trying to focus on getting the rear finished up with an extra day off this week. Starting my braces / gussets for the shock crossmember (a little added support) and added fish plates to the step notches.

More later -

Dan

[youngrodder]

Looks great

Marc

[mongocanfly]

Real nice..!!