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Just posting a few pics and updates, as I make changes to Effay, a truck that has been in my family for over 50 years. It was originally hot rodded back in the early 1970's, with the addition of a 429, C6 and steering column swap. It had the classic slot mags and tuck and roll interior. My dad gave it a hugger orange paint job and it was the hottest thing in town. In the early 80's, It was completely taken down and given a bare frame makeover, when a Chevelle front suspension was added, as well as a hanging brake pedal assembly and rear lowering job. That plumb purple paint is something my dad allowed me to pick. Why I picked it, I will never know. It is a thorn in my side at this point. The truck was given all new chrome, glass and a fresh set of tires and wheels. I have many a fond memory of cruising it in High School. Fast forward, it has been sitting in storage for nearly 30 years......It's time for some changes, and to put this thing back on the road!
Here it is, the day we drug it out of storage, literally.
First thing on the list, is to ditch the leaf sprung rear end and install 4-link. The truck already had a 9" rear end, but the width was too wide, it had tall gears with an open differential and drum brakes. I was looking at a chunk of change to upgrade the big ford rear end, so I decided to opt for a 2001 Ford explorer instead. I know, that seems like backwards thinking, but it penciled out in my head. Plus, the explorer 8.8's have 31 spline axles. The one I picked up has 4.10 limited slip and disc brakes. All in, I am not expecting to push the limits on the 429ci big block, so realistically 450hp would be pushing it. I think the 8.8 is up to the task.
The rear end was wider than my liking, so I decided to narrow the driver side (which is longer) and even things up a bit. I used a stock passenger side axle, which kept costs down once again.
This is what I planned on removing, which brought the overall width down to 56.6" flange to flange.
Being that this is going to be a semi budget minded build, no jigs were used. I just went at it with a close eye on measuring, and the use of some C-channel for alignment.
With new bearings and seals in the 8.8 that's waiting in the wings, it was off to the next step. Tear off the bed, and start making way for new suspension!
Reinstalled the bed, just to double check that my centerlines and initial measurements will still work out. Oh, did I mention that this will be an air ride setup. I'm planning on sitting it fairly low, perhaps not to the running boards low, but close! I am hoping to do this with a fairly good size tire. If my measurements are right, I should be able to run a 315/35/20 (28.68 tall X 12.4 wide) or possibly even a 325/35/20 (28.96 tall X 12.8 wide). Fingers crossed!
Everything seems to check out, so onward with the 4-link. Originally, I tried to work a triangulated setup into my plans, and even had it all tacked in. With lots of contemplating, I realized that a paralell 4-link was just going to package itself into my truck better. I ordered up a Ridetech universal kit, along with their airbags and adjustable Fox shocks. Here it is, tie trapped into place, where I plan to install it. My ride height will be fairly low, so I am placing the forward links as far down on the frame rails as possible. This will keep them slightly angled up at ride height, and about level at full inflation. The step notch is there for reference. That will come later.
With the paralell bars placed. I started planning for a panhard bar. I will be cycylling of lot of travel, so I want to keep the side to side movement to a minimum. I set the suspension at 1/2 cycle and fabbed mounts to keep the bar level at half cycle. I also tried to keep the bar as long as possible and in centerline with the rear end. This shoould give me a pretty good geomotery that will work well for my intentions.
On to more planning. I am going to use a stock 1969 Mustang fuel tank, mounted on the top of the rails. This will keep it tucked up nicely. My setup will have to have a raised bed, so there will be plenty of room. You can also see where the bags will eventually be placed.
Skip ahead a bit, and the step notches and some of the frame boxing is in place. I kind of get focused on burning bead and controlling my heat, so no real pictures of this part.
Suspension cycling and checking for clearances. Everything looks good!
This is about where the rear of the truck will sit, when it is all aired out. I am seeing about 3/16" of side to side movement, which is great. So far, so good.
Back to the fuel tank. I built a tapered mount. My setup will have a raised bed, so I saw the opertunity to mount the tank above the frame rails, keeping it tucked up nicely out of sight. My plan is to use a modified Mustang fill neck, and route it directly out the back of the truck. To fill it, the tailgate will have to be opened, exposing the gas cap. With the tailgate closed, everything will appear stock, with the exception of the bed being shallower.
Next on the list is shock mounts. Very basic and straight forward setup. Nothing fancy or trick. I mounted them inline with the paralell bars, and tied the uppers into the step notches. This should leave a lot of room for a big ole tire, plus do a fairly good job at dampening the suspension
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