Are there chevy guys here on the wire?

If so I have questions!

I bought a 98 GMC 1500 2wd. I also bought complete chevy d44 and 12 bolt out of a 82 blazer. Axles came with a two inch lift. I am going to pick up a divorced NP205 after I get the axles in. I shopped around pirate but not much info could be found.

I guess if there is a chevy crowd around here my questions would be HOW? If you got pics of any of these GMs with a leaf spring swap lets see them. I think all I really need to figure out is what to cut out and the steering crap.

The d44 does have flat tops.

Post em up..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

This is the only pic I could find that was close. Its a 89 GM truck. Most people out there start with a 4x4 chevy and then they use ford axles to match their t-case. This guy also is setting up hyd steering which doesn't help me.

I found I will need to inboard the hanger on the rear of the front springs!

I have the front all cleaned up and painted. Im working on crossover steering now and getting the rear cleaned up. I also am going to clean all the hardware and springs to make them look newish. I also have a truss for the front axle that im going to clean up good. Im going to try and make it all look stock like it belongs in this truck.

Turns out that these axles are out of a 76 Blazer/half ton truck. It also turns out that the gear ratio is 3.07:1. No big deal though, if it isn't enough gear I can change it later.

I took front axle apart friday to inspect for wear. It looks amazing inside. I also took my pass side knuckle in to the machine shop to have it drilled, tapped and machined. Im going with crossover steering. I also ordered the hadware kit and the crossover arm, I ordered the special arm!

I will try and post some pics later. I get all my parts on Monday and then I can start cutting out IFS stuff.

I feel like Im talking to myself.....

My flat top machined, drilled and tapped. Thank you Todd at Desert Fab!

I got the axle back together. Wheels on and leaf springs on. I think this weekend I am going to start installing, not sure yet though cause I have some drag racing to do on Sunday.

Other than that all I have got dine is washing my jeep.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The above post is due to what I found tonight. I was going to spend a big part of my night making some brackets, welding stuff in place and getting everything together so I could cut out the IFS. I found something though that I don't know what to do with.....

Im not sure if you can see in that picture, all I had was my phone to snap pics with. Here are more.

Drivers side frame rail:


Pass Side frame rail:


And another of both just cause......

Both sides of my frame are twisted....note the washer/spacers on the drivers side body mount. A normal 2wd frame is out side to outside 34 1/2 inches. This one is around 37 inches. The reason this matters is because this is where I need to mount my front spring hangers. I want my truck to track straight.

Any ideas? Anyone?

I cross posted my frame issue on pirate4x4, thought I might actually get some replies there. Feel like Im talking to a wall here.

beer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Some pics of my new cross over arm!




Axle is ready!


Playing with Jeep..first love!

I bought this raised arm to help clear the springs and help the drag link angle. That was Todd's idea.

didn't even know you had a post, build a badass crossmember for the front. Piece of cake + you can build it to give you a better approach angle which you need on a chebby.

Maybe...as of righ tnow I am thinking of just chopping off the front section of frame and building my own to include a winch mount and bumper. Who knows what I will have decided on by tonight.

Having once started a SAS looking back it aint like building a completly new frame would be that big of a PITA, specially on a truck were the back you could flatbed. just body mounts would be a pain but worst comes to worst you know the toastmaster.....

I've already made frame portions...my jeep has a custom frame. It supports the body really good. Holds the gas tank, will be tied to the roll cage soon. Frames are easy to make. What Toaster won't say is that when he can't get a metal fab job done he comes to me to get it taken care of!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

And I have decided to straighten up the frame on my own. Im going to get it close to straight and then build mounts that will come out level and then I will attach my axle to the mounts......and so on. Let me get more done and I will maybe get pics if it looks okay.....

Yeah, more pics!! Hack off the bad and build some new. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I took a brake this past week to do some other things with life. I will get back on the ball this week and I will post up more pics as some progress is made!

very impressive project you've got going here!
thanks for posting.

btw- nice rock crawling pics! you make that jeep walk!

I am now having title issues with my ex over the truck. Project is on hold for now. I just want to build my truck already!


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Is this dead?! Long time no see mr. tayj!