I know how much I enjoy looking at all of your pictures in this forum so I had better return the favor.

I am basically in the beginning of my build. I have had this truck for almost 10 years, drove 01-04 and disassembled since 04 with little progress other then cleaning. I stepped back to see where I can begin and have heard that ride height is a great starting point.

These pictures show where I think I would like the rear to sit, one inch separation between top of wheel and bottom of fender. I did not take out a level, can't find mine, but because I am using the same lowest setting on my jack stands. Either the frame is lower than the rear or my concrete is sloped because my eyes ***** do not see a level bed.

I did this mockup to see if I would need to cut the frame for ride flex. In the past I have been opposed to cutting the frame but looking at the below I think it will be a must. I am going to use the K-Nowledge with pics here to help me cross that road.

First thoughts of things that I need to figure out when considering ride height:

1. What suspension will I use (leaf, 4-link with coils or bags)? Money plays a large factor in these decisions.

2. What angle should the entire truck sit without loads (gas and tank, bed with wood, possible cargo, wind force to push front up, forward OF center of gravity weights (e.g cab, engine/tranny)) during this mockup? I am thinking I will take a best guess and when it is all there I will adjust (easier performed with 4 link I hear).

Anyway, this is my start and thought I should share. I look forward to your comments.

Thanks,
Stephen

 

That is a nice stance,I even like the color and wheel tire combo,there is something about it that looksright.
I have leafs in the rear and a huge step notch that I will fix pretty soon.
It was cheap and I put alot of weight on the bed and it wont bottom out.
Its a bouncy ride with no weight and is even worse with no bed.
Good luck and thank you for your service.
I love Texas for giving birth to Pantera(the band),the Vaughan brothers and zz top.

 

I, too, love TX for the same musical contributions, college football rivalry BOOMER!!!
and exporting my wife to Oklahoma. SOONER!!!
my truck got to about the same condition just before I met my wife; the rest is herstory.
I too need to contribute pics to the community. Don't think I even put pics of the '54 that followed me home recently. anyhoo.
what year is that bed? angled tops but with the shorty steps/running board? I'm guessing early 57-6?
I hope I don't start anything with this comment, but that fender extending past the bottom of the step/board would nag me.
and fwiw, I think I would go with a 4 link and a watts link to keep the swagger in check.
JML

 

The bed is from a mid sixties. I think it is from a 67 but not certain. Tons better than the one I had and I think it they changes very little until 72 at least for the stepsides. I plan to remove the stubbies.

 

Looks like a great start. I prefer the somewhat "lower than stock" stance, not only for looks but for driveability. I also couldn't help but notice the grille on the floor in the background...don't bend it! I have to say that I am partial to the 54 grille . You've got a great lookin' truck. I'm using the Big 10 chassis from NoLimit so my ride height is pretty much pre-determined. Have fun with it.

 

AGREED ON THE 54 GRILLE!
JML

 

I like it! Now buy a 4-Link and weld her up. I'm in the middle of my No Limit 4-Link install. It's a great looking kit, but the instructions were drawn by an 8 year old I think. Thankfully there are lots of picks and threads of the install on this forum. I'm into the lowered, but not dragging look. Makes them look more aggressive, and my trucks work days are over.

And BadAss Beaver... You got the Big 10 chassis. You can color me jealous.

Edit: Oh, and like was said. Take care of that grill. Treat it like gold, they are damn hard to come by...

 

You are correct about the frame not being level on the bottom from front to back. It drops a little in the front and kicks up a little in the back.

There is a picture at this link:

http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Re...Material.html#

As far as stance, that's subjective. It's owner's preference and pocketbook that dictates that decision.