i have removed the front clip- motor and trans and all front suspension so far.
im sort of lost as the next logical step. my friends and i disagree.
they think remove the cab and bed and prep the frame for paint and the new susp.
i think i should prep the front of the frame for paint then install the susp and mock the motr and trans up then remove the motor trans and cab and bed and prep all frame. tis way when the frame is painted the motor trans can go back in and the roller chassis would be done then on to the cab. any thoughts?
these are the mods at hand

TCI MII front susp
8.8 rear
under bed fuel tank

 

Once you pull the cab and everything, you're pretty much comitted for the full-monty. The way you are wanting to do it, at least you'll be able to enjoy it some, then make the decision of when to complete it.

Funny how it only takes a few hours to pull a cab off, but several years to put it back on.

 

this was a learning exp for me. i thought wed pull things off and put things right back on. thanks for good friends i might end up wiyth a nicwe ride cause they are forcing me to do it right the first time.

 

I would leave the cab on for a while longer. You said you have to mock the engine and transmission in. I would think it's better to have the cab on when you do it so you know if you are going to run into any interference between the motor/trans and the cab. The cab comes off easy enough but once you have the frame painted it's going to cause more work if you have to grind and weld on it. I would have to have the frame all pretty and then find out you have a problem when you try to set the cab down.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I agree with bob for that exact reason, you'll start reassembly only to find out the motor sits too far back and now you have to cut out and notch the firewall or something along those lines.

Also if you're putting on a new suspension, you might want to (before final welding on the suspension is done) put the front clip back on to be sure your wheels are centered in the wheel wells too. Having the cab still on with the mount points for the front clip in place will help do that too.

Scott

 

new update.
the truck is now down to bare frame.
had to cut rear suso off. the shakles mounts were shot.
will be wire wheeling the front frame to tack the new susp on then wire wheel back frame to mount new rear susp.
then cleaning the whole frame for paint.


what rear spring kits are available? any complete spring and hanger from donors?

 

If you are using por15 or chassis magic go ahead and paint. It is so much easier to work on if it's clean. Can always add a coat or touch up later.
Also make a list of the clearance and things to check when the cab is on. Sucks to pull it off and then remember what you forgot to check.

 

Wow... 9 year old thread back to life....