I'm not 100% sure on powertrain just yet. I was thinking about finding a big block to put in for now. Maybe something more modern later on.

 

I hear ya! Just wanted to mention, I went to a car show in Meriden,CT this weekend. I walked up behind a low-riding bumpside with big stickies in the back and the paint had some nice greenish brown patina. Walking around to the front and the guy had a turbo 300 I6 under the hood. He had pictures of the front end coming off the ground in a photo album on the fender. I had lots of questions but the owner was nowhere to be found.

 

Cut off and cleaned up factory brackets on the axle. Getting it mocked up at about ride hight (totally guessing) and made a cardboard template for the axle truss that will have triangulated upper links going to it.

 

 

Yeah so....... what'd you say you do for a living again?

Geezz. Feeling kinda inadequate. Certainty my rear end does.

 

Pretty sure he's a weldporn actor.

 

You guys are funny! I work at kinkos

 

Well can you make a copy of what you're doing for my truck, please.

 

Not the dimple dies! Man looks like you have access to a good set, someone ought to come up with a rental program for those. I would love to do some on my truck but they are expensive for good ones and for someone like me would only be used a few times. Awesome job.

 

Given the CV IFS, you'll likely be investing in or fabbing a rear sump pan for whatever engine you choose. Such investments often make one a bit more reluctant to change later on. What were you thinking about for later on? Coyote?

 

Yes dimple dies are a little pricey. I'm lucky enough to have a little experience on a lathe machine and access to a machine shop. Over the years as needed I've made about four different size dies out of scrap line shaft material.



I'm pretty happy with the fit of the truss. Can't help but think I'm having a hard time going from building off road rigs all these years to a street truck. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. Oh well.

 

I'm no pro, but it looks right to me.

 

It's all wrong, you should give it to me and start over!

 

You guys are funny thanks for posting comments! It's keeping me motivated to get a little further each day I can.

So one of the weakness's I know the 8.8 can have is breaking the axle tube spot welds. The best way I know how to fix this is to weld the axle tube to the differential. Weld mild steel to cast? I know right. But with the right process it can be done with solid core (hard wire) mig welding.

First get it clean. I like using a wire wheel to really get in there.

Pre heat before welding. Cast iron and mild steel have different cooling properties. That's why the weld usually cracks out because one is cooling off faster than the other.

After pre heating with a torch. I usually shoot for 225-250* then you can weld the axle tube. I do one side at a time.

Post cooling. This is important. I use old blankets or shirts and tape them over the weld surface as soon as I finish welding. This helps slow down the cooling process.

And that's about it. I've done this to several axles with great success.








I also got my upper cross member installed and got rid of the ugly stay I had holding the notch square.

 

Very nice welds, and your fab work is awe inspiring!