Removed the wood from the bed because I thought it looked ok and I could just sand it and re-finish to clean it up. Now that it's out the wood doesn't look as good as it did when it was in. May have to replace it, but anyway...



...now that the frame is exposed I see the things I thought I would get to later, will need to be done first - new list of things to do.

The gas fill hose on the gas tank was squeezed between the bed and frame rail and it has cracks in it - need to replace the hose. Should the frame be notched to clear the hose? Any tips on this?



Cross member is cut to clear the diff - is that ok?



Is it possible that the axle moved forward about 1/2"? Looks like a mark behind it. Isn't here a pin that fits in the perch to hold the axle in place? Is there a good lace to measure from to check the location?



Need to c-notch for axle clearance - more questions on this later

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I am by no means an expert, but I would cut a notch for the fuel filler and reinforce the cut with a gusset, like a piece of pipe section (shape of a "C"). Not worth taking a chance on a fuel leak.

Same reinforcing piece for the crossmember above the rear diffy. Just think of the homemade "C" notches you see regularly.

On the rear spring, the centering bolt head fits into a corresponding hole in the axle pearch. It isn't uncommon for the bolt to break. I would measure from the front or rear spring eye to the center bolt on both springs and see if they are the same.

 

Is there an acceptable amount that the axle can be off or does it need to be exactly the same on both sides?

Gonna get it all cleaned up so I can get a clean dimension.

I think I may end up removing the cross member an re-installing it in reverse so the shock mounts are in front of the cross member. Any reason why the shock mount have to be behind? I will post a pic...

 

The Xmember is slightly angled, is that factory or did the PO move it? Also the shocks lean back pretty far so I thought reversing the Xmember would move the mounts in front and clear the diff so that can be fixed too.
Also, I see the fuel line going over the Xmember and it looks like its been rubbing there. I will move that and mount it to the frame.

 

If the axle isn't set the same on the spring packs, the truck would want to crab down the road (rear end not tracking in the same line as the front). Many alignment shops can do a four wheel alignment if you can't tell for sure. Not sure on your crossmember issue.

 

Anyone have rear Xmember pictures? Like to see both stock and modified.

 

Will this one help? Stock w/gm rear end

 

Yes, thanks but it looks like your 55 has a different cross member than my 56. Is that stock?

 

I believe so.... Looking at yours again, it looks like it was moved forward and reversed so the tank would fit.

the 56 uses the stud type shocks instead of the eyelet style like mine.

My crossmember is 6 1/2" back from the center of the rear axle.

 

Anyone have a picture of 56?

 

 

Thanks. It makes no sense why the PO changed it. There was plenty of room for the tank. Looks like a fabbed part not the original stock one.

Dropping the tank tomorrow and cutting out the xmember. I will turn it around or possibly replace it. The original one is riveted in so I may have to replace it.

 

Update: finally finished. Well... except for the bed (which is what originally started this) -

I replaced the Xmember and shock mounts, new gas tank and fuel lines. Also added electric fuel pump and filter. Of course with the new pump I had to wire in a relay, add the oil pressure switch and inertia switch (got one out of a Crown Vic).

I notched/boxed the frame got it all cleaned up and painted. Also replaced rear brake hose and the brake lines to the front of the truck while I was at it.

Not sure how I will finish the bed yet but I hope to drive in the next couple of days! It's been a while...

 

Looks Good !! Congratulations on getting it done

 

Is that a piece of radiator hose that you used for the gas filler? Hopefully not, as rad hose won't hold up to gasoline....

Looks really clean back there now!