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strikk

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I started to tinker with the front suspension. The front of the truck is sitting at full droop and I started to measure and check fitment for front shocks and mounting points.

I did a loose measurement for front shocks, purchased a few Dana 60 specific tabs that weld on against the knuckle and axle tube. For upper mounts im using OBS 90’s Ford front shock towers that are common and inexpensive.

Im thinking I want frame plates for the front rails, it’ll be a cleaner presentation and allow for more positioning options
 

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strikk

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Hey guys, still tweaking the front suspension, decided to use a set of WFO frame plates to clean up the look but also allow for more mounting options for the upper shock brackets.
 

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strikk

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Measured up the rear suspension and picked up 2x Bilstein 33-185576 shocks. I had switched my axle over to a 2005 GM AAM 11.5" FF 14bolt off of a duramax, no modifications to the axle side shock mount were necessary, they lined up perfectly with the OEM frame side mounts.

Series: 5125 Series
Collapsed Length (IN): 20.75"
Extended Length (IN): 34.9"
Lower Mount Type: Eye 5/8in
Upper Mount Type: Eye 5/8in

These shocks are a standard 5/8" eyelet mounting option, in order to get that to mount up the frame side I used a pair of TBar shock adapters purchased from ORD that pushed into the 5/8" eyelet: https://www.offroaddesign.com/tuff-country-shock-adapters-for-rear-of-88-98-chevy-pair.html

This gets me a step further toward finishing up the exhaust work as I don't want to hit the shock body on the rear passenger side.
 

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strikk

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Alright so here goes my first big welding project. I’ve always done sheet metal work, still not used to the thicker stuff.

WFO frame plates are burned in on both sides. I used a pair of OBS 90’s Ford f250 shock towers, got them squared up and welded them in at a 25.5” full droop extended length. I didn’t want to cut up the shock tower so the fender liners took one for the team.

The shock I was using for mock up is a bit short. I’ll report back with the final front shock measurement.

What I’ve been left with is plenty of room for a sway bar, trac bar(pan hard), brake line tabs, etc.
 

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strikk

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Alright, here goes the first update for 2023. With the help of a good friend we rolled the beast out of the barn. We cobbled together some coolant hose and grabbed the garden hose, fired her up and ran water through it for the first time under my ownership. I wanted to make sure the coolant passages were clean before hoping up a brand new radiator.

She sounded nice :)
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strikk

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I've been going back and forth between an OEM bed and a flatbed. Found a long bed locally for $200 and decided to go for it. It needs work, but nothing I can't handle.

It needs new bed supports and the hammer and dolly in a few areas but those are things I am willing to do for an otherwise solid bed.

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pgutier1

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I've been collecting parts, trucks, and tools for some time now and can finally my SAS is in progress.

I sourced a 3/4 ton frame in excellent shape and with my luck the kid didn't want to pull the 350, harness, ECU, 4l80e, or tcase. A few weeks later my friend's father pulled the motor out of his k1500 for his jeep project and was about to junk the rest of the truck. I stepped in and got it along with the title for free(!!)

My goal will be a registered '97 k1500 sitting on top of a '97 k2500 frame running 8 lug Dana 60 balljoint front end and 14 Bolt rear end. Time will tell if the motor is in good shape after I tear it down, if not then I will be open to swaps or what ever deal can comes my way.

Feedback is always welcome. I'm learning as I go and honestly I think the only thing I have going for me is my patience. I'm not very skilled in body work or being a mechanic but I'm not afraid to read!

The goods
Cab: '97 K1500 Extended Cab
Chassis: '97 K2500 Extended Cab Long Bed
Motor: sbc 350, Supposedly 140k miles and in running condition
Front Axle: Ford '97.5-98 Dana 60HD: BOM# 610741-5, 4.10 Gears
Rear Axle: SF 14 Bolt, 4.10 Gears
Front Brackets: Offroad Designs 36.5" Width SAS Kit for 47" Springs
Rear Brackets: Offroad Designs Shackle Flip
Steering: ???
Front Leafs: ??


Cab is currently in the yard, I have the full front clip as well for it in the barn already. I've been picking pieces off of it over the past few weeks labeling and organizing everything as I go
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The fame the day I picked it up. It is in excellent shape for being in New England it's entire life. It is missing a few crossmembers in the rear that the kid had snagged for his other projects. I was thinking of putting in the 42 Gal suburban tank since why the hell not?
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Frame making it's way home
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Axle making it's way back to the barn. According to the BOM numbers it is a '97.5-'98 Ford 'Dana 60HD'. It is a balljoint dana 60 that I choose to go with because during the 96+ model year they had better front caliper options. I need to get the passenger side knuckle shipped out to be machined for crossover steering. Any recommendations for steering?
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Damn, this is awesome. I plan on doing the same, getting a 2500 GMT400 Suburban and moving the body over from my GMT 400 1500. My goal is to build a raging overland rig with a Dana 60 up front and rear end from a 2000-2006 2500 HD.
 

pgutier1

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Fresh paint on the ORD brackets. Por15 always looks so nice. Still need to top coat it.

Mocked up the leaf springs. Superlift 2.5” lift springs. 47”. Im using the WFO Concept U Bolt flip and plates kit ‘1794’

***** getting real!

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Nice work!
 
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