So I have been working on this since July now. I think I finally have gotten far enough to start a thread on it. This is going to be my daily driver. Cummins 4bt with compound turbo set up, "beefed up" mustang II front suspension, Phoenix transmission diesel specific built 700R4 OD tranny, dodge steelies, and fully boxed frame.

So here it goes.......

removing the I-Beam suspension

 

Boxing the frame, fabbing up the mustang II...........

 

Installing mustang II and some of the upgrades........

Beefed up speedway motors lower control arms; added gussets and larger ball joints.....

 

welding the MII in..............

 

finishing up the front suspension. I didn't like the extended length tie rods so I put some heim joints and billet tie rod sleeves on. 700lbs springs with QA1 coil overs.

 

And on to getting the motor mounts fabbed and the cummins in the chassis. And yes, you are seeing that right; the engine is set waaaay back and I cut the firewall. I will have to modify the windshield wiper mechanism a little, do a street rod gas pedal set-up, and some custom carpet.

 

So this is where I am at. Engine is set in the chassis and the cab is in place. I will post pics of the rear frame work next weekend.

 

Subscribed. That's awesome!

 

I have a question of my own ignorance, why did you set the engine so far back? I think I am aware that the newer trucks are similar, but is there a reason?

The transmission bell is out in the engine bay on my slick.


John

 

Couple of reasons; The first being that the mustang II was never designed for something with this kind of front end weight. That motor weighs 750 lbs, then add two turbos at about 75lbs for both, then add a big inner cooler and a big radiator and it adds up quick. That is also why I tried to address the weak points of the suspension. Second, the further back you set a motor toward the cg of the vehicle, the better it will handle and ride. Third, I wanted ample space for those turbos, inner cooler, and radiator. And fourth, just to say I did it; I cherish a challenge and I am not a "bolt in" kinda guy. I love fabricating stuff, half the time for unnecessary reasons.

 

That is a clean build. As a bonus you have no worries about making that tall engine and the crossmember or steering get along.

 

Nice fabwork!!!

How much space are you going to have in between fan and rad? Looks like ALOT!!!

 

Sweet build! subscribed

 

Wow! You sir are a clean welder and superb fabricator
Subscribed.r

 

Man! This makes me want to learn how to weld so bad! I'm glad I found that weld tutorial in the older truck thread