The forum wouldn't let me include any comments in this last batch of photos. So here is a shot of the underside of the cab prior to cutting a hole for the 4WD/4SPD shifters. The donor vehicle is a 2WD/Auto. Also, fun fact...this truck is actually a 1984 with some 1985 parts mixed in. We purchased some motor mounts for a 1984 I6 that did not work. We then purchased some '85 motor mounts and the worked perfectly. So for anybody that maybe runs in to this problem, don't hesitate to try the '85-'96.

The donor truck still has the driveshaft, trans, engine, etc all attached. I'm sure we'll end up using a lot of it. For the rest, it's going to be posted on the forum for sale. If you see anything you need/want, shoot me a PM and you'll get first preference.

I was surprised to see how great the frame was. Actually, the entire thing looks really good. No real rust issues. Even the body mount bushings are in great shape.

 

Same issue as above; wouldn't let me attach the comments to the pictures directly. So here we have a test-fit of the body. And a couple of corner shots. I purchase a 12-piece Prothane bushing kit. I believe this was purchased through LMC but I really can't remember. I was happy with the quality and fitment.

As this truck stands right now, it has a 4" lift from Pro-Comp. I know that some people hate Pro-Comp, but this seems to be good quality, and I have a buddy who works for the company. He was able to get me a very, very generous discount on the parts. And instead of going the shackle, blocks, or add-a-leaf route we opted for all new leaf packs in the rear.

Once the body work is complete, I'll re-finish the wheels and throw some new tires on. Currently we have 31" on there, but we'll be upgrading to 33". Lift or not, the current tires are pretty much death traps...they have very little tread and will absolutely not pass inspection (the penny test).

 

Nice job. I have my "project" posted over in the 80-86 Bullnose area where most of the guys working on that year truck hang out.



Got to ask why did you stay with the 300 six was the v8 trash?
I see a few different ways you could have gone with the build.
The way you did it or take the 4x4 stuff and move it over to the 4x2 trucks frame.

If the v8 ran all you would need is to find a flywheel and that stick tray should bolt up to the v8 motor if it is a small block.
Then it would have been just swap the front & rear axles when the lift was added and a trany & pedal swap and would be on the road.
Dave ----

 

Thanks for the reply. In response to your questions, I think for one the V-8 was questionable. The previous owner stated that he believed it ran, but it had been sitting for years and he wasn't sure. From research and other owners, it appears that the I-6 is actually highly desirable and more durable than the V-8 counterparts (I believe for these years there were at least two V-8s available).

If you take a look at the underside of the truck the cross-members appear slightly different as well. And I really wanted the 4WD and the manual transmission. I'm partial to manual transmissions. Without doing too much research I'm not entirely sure that the transmission and transfer-case would mount up to the V-8 engine. And then you have to look at the driveshafts. I'm not even sure where to begin with that.

I see what you mean, but it could have potentially caused this cascade of unintended problems along the way. I knew that the cab and bed would mount up perfectly, so it just made sense to go that route.

 

Looking good