Build Thread - 1-ton Chevy Swap

[silveranger93]

Good luck with the build. It was nice meeting you Saturday. BTW this is Josh.

 

[ZMan]

Cool build so far. I don't know if you've noticed, but there are plenty of other builds in this forum that aren't Rangers, so I don't know if you really needed that "disclaimer" in your original post..

 

[Ranger44]

This should be interesting. Keep it going!

 

[351ranger]

I posted a few pics of my sas on my 2 wheel drive gmc and no one was interested. Maybe you can appreciate it. Here are a few pics.

 

[JohnnyU]

Cut the rivets and removed the old shackle hangers:

Bolted up the shackle flip kit from ORD, shackles and springs (for some reason, I still have multiple exhaust hangers from various different setups that I'd had on there over the years...)

Bolted the axle up, installed the GLO differential cover, and replaced the stock u-joint with the conversion joint (NAPA P/N 447). Also started routing brake lines and breather lines:

I need to remove the stock proportioning valve, gut it and reinstall, as well as install the aftermarket adjustable proportioning valve. I'm going to make some shock hoops for the rear, mounting them up almost flush with the bottom of the bed to provide the longest shock with the most travel I can squeeze in there. Otherwise, that should pretty much tie up the rear end. I'm hoping to finish things up this weekend.

 

[danger88ranger]

Looks really good, i like seeing some other builds on here besides just RBV's

 

[koda6966]

Looks like its gonna be big, how much lift are you going for?

 

[JohnnyU]

Looks like its gonna be big, how much lift are you going for?

I've got two 4"x4"x.25" x 6' long I beams and a 4"x3"x.25" x6' long Angle Iron in the truck which are causing the truck to sit about 1-2" lower than it will be. They are for a pair of frame stands that I haven't gotten around to building yet.

My best guesstimate will be about 6-7" over stock, plus the 3" body lift. It will end up being taller than I want, so I'll probably take the body lift off some time down the road.

 

[koda6966]

I've got two 4"x4"x.25" x 6' long I beams and a 4"x3"x.25" x6' long Angle Iron in the truck which are causing the truck to sit about 1-2" lower than it will be. They are for a pair of frame stands that I haven't gotten around to building yet.

My best guesstimate will be about 6-7" over stock, plus the 3" body lift. It will end up being taller than I want, so I'll probably take the body lift off some time down the road.

Damn, sounds high.

 

[Maverick]

Not to take away from the thread or anything but every time I see an undercarriage like that I'm just glad I dont live where they salt the roads. You gonna do anything to try and slow down the rust?

 

[JohnnyU]

Damn, sounds high.

Eh, it won't be as high as it sounds. I'm a HUGE proponent of low lift heights and low COG's.

Not to take away from the thread or anything but every time I see an undercarriage like that I'm just glad I dont live where they salt the roads. You gonna do anything to try and slow down the rust?

At the current juncture, no. I might wire wheel the frame and spray it with some rustoleum or POR15, but I'm primarily concerned with getting the suspension built and installed under the truck.

 

[lepp1892]

thats the same thing i just got done with your old axle... im just too lazy to make a build thread...

 

[ZMan]

are you still going to plow with it?

 

[JohnnyU]

Well, progress has been slow lately. I've been working long hours and it's just been hectic in every other aspect of my life. At any rate, here's a quick update:

Here's how the truck sits on rims/tires:

Got all new brake lines routed from the Master Cylinder to the proportioning valve and back to the rear axle. Also removed the stock proportioning valve and ABS module. I just need to pull the dash and remove the brake warning light. (yes, those are air horns....)

Also got the electric fan mounted, just need to wire it up.

I welded up the brackets from Ballistic, and added an additional brace between the link mounts to provide some additional support.

Now onto the front axle.....
These are the hi-steer arm/springless kingpin caps from PartsMike

 

[dabomb5756]

What proportioning valve you use?
I am ordering one soon. Either a cheapo on ebay, or the summit brand for 38 bucks.

And also, if you havent ordered your bushings yet, i am getting mine from here:
http://www.diy4x.com/suspension.htm

The fabricators set type 2.
I called. The bolt is 9/16th, the tube is 2in OD, and the complete width with bushings is 3 inches.

I think its a great deal for 13 bucks.