1988 V30 Build (on a Craigslist budget)

[C&D Crew Cab]

It hasn't even been 24 hours since I got my Rockwells and I'm already smarter. I've learned some things that you guys might find helpful:
Point 1 - An understanding/supportive wife is a blessing.
Point 2 - Rockwells are stink'n heavy.
Point 3 - Rockwell wheels/tires are stink'n heavy (each!)
Point 4 - Don't use a motorcycle strap to lift a Rockwell axle (refer to point 2). No pics, just take my word on this one.........
Point 5 - The sheetrock in the garage is no match for the input pinion on a Rockwell (refer to points 1 and 2).
Point 6 - When the pinion seal goes out on your truck just before you get home and you don't notice it because its 1:30am, its amazing how big the puddle on the street is in the morning.
Point 7 - 90 weight smelled bad 30 years ago - still does (refer to point 1).
Wow, just think how smart I'll be in a week.

 

[54inches]

Damn, I wish I hadn't found this thread! :

 

[y5mgisi]

Looks like you have a nice work space for them. Good job!

 

[79BRUISER]

I aspire to have a set of rocks one day. Carry on the good work.

 

[C&D Crew Cab]

I departed from my Craigslist ways and actually went to the wrecking yard for some goodies this weekend. Since I'm not going to run 54s (Read leverage) and since my truck is still going to be the same truck after the Rockwell install, I'm planning to use the traditional GM truck calipers. I haven't really dimensioned it out yet, but it looks like in the rear I could actually use the truck rotors as well. In the front I have to clear the hubs so I'll have to use a larger rotor in order to have anything left to fasten to.

Like I mentioned earlier, the Rockwells have become their own project. I'm enjoying them as much as the overall project truck project.

 

[dfl701]

I departed from my Craigslist ways and actually went to the wrecking yard for some goodies this weekend. Since I'm not going to run 54s (Read leverage) and since my truck is still going to be the same truck after the Rockwell install, I'm planning to use the traditional GM truck calipers. I haven't really dimensioned it out yet, but it looks like in the rear I could actually use the truck rotors as well. In the front I have to clear the hubs so I'll have to use a larger rotor in order to have anything left to fasten to.

Like I mentioned earlier, the Rockwells have become their own project. I'm enjoying them as much as the overall project truck project.

so to make sure i read that right, your goingto make your own rocks disc conversion using GM parts?

 

[C&D Crew Cab]

so to make sure i read that right, your goingto make your own rocks disc conversion using GM parts?

I'm going to use as many GM parts as I can. I'll have to order a different rotor for the front but thanks to the help on this site I've got a source and a P/N already. I guess having 2 machinists in the family may make things easier but from what we've thumb nail sketched with crude measurements and imagination, most of this is going to be off the shelf (wrecking yard)(cheap) parts that most of us are already running.

Now, before you guys line up to bust my chops, remember, my truck will essentially be the same as original, and I'm only trying to stop 35 or 36s. The combined additional weight of the Rockwells is equal to about one more buddy and an extra cooler in the truck. Wait until you see what I'm going to do before you un-subscribe. I think its going to be cool.

To make a long story short, after looking into the whole HP60 route and so on, I figured out that a clever/resourceful guy could just as easily be running Rocks. The more I looked into it the more it became a mission. I'm determined to show how inexpensively Rockwells can be installed. In order to do that you have to run as many readily available, non-exotic parts as possible. Don't get me wrong, if someone has to pay $1200 for a 46 piston caliper with cool engraving to feel good, more power to 'em. Me, I want to beat the system and its become a crusade to do these Rocks as inexpensively as possible. I think there are a lot of guys out there like my son and I that don't have a budget for a mega dollar conversion. This build is going to be geared toward guys like my son and I.

For those of you who are interested I'll be putting it all together on the mockup truck with pics first.

 

[moneypit_K5]

so to make sure i read that right, your goingto make your own rocks disc conversion using GM parts?

And to make sure I read this right, your going to run toploaders under a 4" lifted crewcab that never sees dirt?

Thats just badass. Although you may want to reconsider your 4" lift for differential clearance in the front.

I love the fact that people are build CC's instead of parting them out. Ive never loved a truck more than my crewcab!
Heres mine... And let me know if you need any extra CC specific parts, Or even an extra hand with something. I get up there alot, and I have a shop full of parts.

When I bought it:

 

[dfl701]

I'm going to use as many GM parts as I can. I'll have to order a different rotor for the front but thanks to the help on this site I've got a source and a P/N already. I guess having 2 machinists in the family may make things easier but from what we've thumb nail sketched with crude measurements and imagination, most of this is going to be off the shelf (wrecking yard)(cheap) parts that most of us are already running.

Now, before you guys line up to bust my chops, remember, my truck will essentially be the same as original, and I'm only trying to stop 35 or 36s. The combined additional weight of the Rockwells is equal to about one more buddy and an extra cooler in the truck. Wait until you see what I'm going to do before you un-subscribe. I think its going to be cool.

To make a long story short, after looking into the whole HP60 route and so on, I figured out that a clever/resourceful guy could just as easily be running Rocks. The more I looked into it the more it became a mission. I'm determined to show how inexpensively Rockwells can be installed. In order to do that you have to run as many readily available, non-exotic parts as possible. Don't get me wrong, if someone has to pay $1200 for a 46 piston caliper with cool engraving to feel good, more power to 'em. Me, I want to beat the system and its become a crusade to do these Rocks as inexpensively as possible. I think there are a lot of guys out there like my son and I that don't have a budget for a mega dollar conversion. This build is going to be geared toward guys like my son and I.

For those of you who are interested I'll be putting it all together on the mockup truck with pics first.

that is awesome! i hope you beat the system! its nice to see your trying and i bet you inspire alot of other people! and dont worry im not unsubscribing lol

 

[C&D Crew Cab]

And to make sure I read this right, your going to run toploaders under a 4" lifted crewcab that never sees dirt?

Thats just badass. Although you may want to reconsider your 4" lift for differential clearance in the front.

I love the fact that people are build CC's instead of parting them out. Ive never loved a truck more than my crewcab!
Heres mine... And let me know if you need any extra CC specific parts, Or even an extra hand with something. I get up there alot, and I have a shop full of parts.

When I bought it:

Man, that is a GOOD look'n truck! I think CCs look bitch'n lifted on meats. Speaking of lift, since I went to the Rockwell idea, its going to be an 8 inch lift based on what others have said they needed for clearance. At the beginning of this thread I was originally going with a HP60 with 4" lift on 35s. I should have clarified that, my bad. I want as little lift as it will take to give adequate clearance for my minimal off road use. It will all get finalized on the mockup where everything is easy to see.

Vancouver, we're almost neighbors. Once I've got the project in full swing come on up and check it out.

 

[82355]

Now, before you guys line up to bust my chops, remember, my truck will essentially be the same as original, and I'm only trying to stop 35 or 36s.

That's a lot of gear for such a short tire.

Martin

 

[dfl701]

I would consider stepping up to like a 37 or 38s since your going to have more lift. 82355 is right that's alot of gearing LOL

 

[y5mgisi]

That really is a small tire for 6.72 gears. With 36's at 55 you would be doing about 3500 rpm! And 35mph would be about 2200rpm. Not to mention 70mph would be about 4400 rpm. But if you dont plan on much highway driving its no big deal. But thats best case. With the 35's you have that will most likely measure something like 34 and im pretty sure you have a th400 which will add a certain amount of slippage then we are talkin 2700rpm@40mph, 3700rpm@55, and 4700rpm@70mph!!!

 

[muddermilitia]

I wouldnt run anything smaller than a 39 with Rockwells. Looks like a cool build, just curious what did you pay for each of those divorced 205s? I know a guy who is picking one up tomarrow for $50 and I might buy it off him to convert my 2wd crewcab into a 4x4

 

[C&D Crew Cab]

That really is a small tire for 6.72 gears. With 36's at 55 you would be doing about 3500 rpm! And 35mph would be about 2200rpm. Not to mention 70mph would be about 4400 rpm. But if you dont plan on much highway driving its no big deal. But thats best case. With the 35's you have that will most likely measure something like 34 and im pretty sure you have a th400 which will add a certain amount of slippage then we are talkin 2700rpm@40mph, 3700rpm@55, and 4700rpm@70mph!!!

You guys are all "Spot on" correct with regard to gearing/RPM issues with 35s. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet, but my son is mocking up a very simple overdrive that would give me 2400 RPM at 75 with 37s (didn't calc for 35s). Again, the overdrive is in keeping with the Craigslist spirit of building something any clever/resourceful guy can afford. More on that later.

Thanks for the feedback, and I totally agree that 6.72 gearing with the equivalent of skate board wheels would render the rig valueless on the street. To tell you the truth, my Craigslist 35s came when I was still in my HP60 mentality. I kinda wish I were going to something more along the lines of 36 0r 37s. We'll see.

I just started my days off so I have a list of Rockwell things to do. I'll keep you posted.

 

[C&D Crew Cab]

I wouldnt run anything smaller than a 39 with Rockwells. Looks like a cool build, just curious what did you pay for each of those divorced 205s? I know a guy who is picking one up tomarrow for $50 and I might buy it off him to convert my 2wd crewcab into a 4x4

50 bucks!? Wow, I look like a moron. I paid $220 total for a pair of 70s Highboy units from a guy off Craigslist and thought I was getting a fair deal. DOH!

Back to your 2wd CC, I think divorced T/cases are so cool for just that reason. If you have the chassis length, you can mount the divorced t/case anywhere you want, still retain your factory 2wd transmission which means if you have a computer controlled trans you aren't buying expensive adapters to marry the set up together (Craigslist mentality). Plus, you have a choice of driver side or passenger side drop (Ford, Dodge) depending on what axle you come up with.

When I was searching on Craigslist for a Crew Cab, there were a lot of nice 2wd rigs out there for more reasonable prices. It actually seemed like the 2wd rigs were nicer, more virgin, than the 4wd trucks. I'm surprised more guys don't do exactly what you're talking about.

Post lots of pics.

 

[muddermilitia]

50 bucks!? Wow, I look like a moron. I paid $220 total for a pair of 70s Highboy units from a guy off Craigslist and thought I was getting a fair deal. DOH!

Back to your 2wd CC, I think divorced T/cases are so cool for just that reason. If you have the chassis length, you can mount the divorced t/case anywhere you want, still retain your factory 2wd transmission which means if you have a computer controlled trans you aren't buying expensive adapters to marry the set up together (Craigslist mentality). Plus, you have a choice of driver side or passenger side drop (Ford, Dodge) depending on what axle you come up with.

When I was searching on Craigslist for a Crew Cab, there were a lot of nice 2wd rigs out there for more reasonable prices. It actually seemed like the 2wd rigs were nicer, more virgin, than the 4wd trucks. I'm surprised more guys don't do exactly what you're talking about.

Post lots of pics.

Will do. I paid 2k for mine. 48k miles on it. I really have no use for 4x4 in the tow rig but I would be doing it more for the cool factor plus I already have an 8-lug front 10-bolt and some 4" front lift springs left over from the trail rig so Im already part way there.

 

[howdiy]

I wouldnt run anything smaller than a 39 with Rockwells. Looks like a cool build, just curious what did you pay for each of those divorced 205s? I know a guy who is picking one up tomarrow for $50 and I might buy it off him to convert my 2wd crewcab into a 4x4

I'm going to pay 300 for one , and thats a decent deal

Chevy drop though

 

[C&D Crew Cab]

Will do. I paid 2k for mine. 48k miles on it. I really have no use for 4x4 in the tow rig but I would be doing it more for the cool factor plus I already have an 8-lug front 10-bolt and some 4" front lift springs left over from the trail rig so Im already part way there.

$2000 for a Crew Cab with 48,000 miles - - - Dude thats a score! Good job.

And about that Cool Factor, I'm there with you. Lets be honest, I was never going to brake my D60/FF14 in the first place so there is no justifiable reason to do it other than it had to be done. Don't get me wrong, this won't be a cruise night truck, but its not going up the hammers either. I'll just have bitch'n wood truck!

Come to think of it - - - I did brake my 14 Bolt. Actually I was lucky to get home. I thought the pinion seal had gone out. It did go out actually - - - right after the internals grenaded. Oh well.

 

[C&D Crew Cab]

First day back on the project. I've got some preliminary measurements of my truck set up. Right now, with the weight on the truck, I've got 4 3/4 inches from the top of the axle tube to the cross member, 5 1/4 inches from the tube to the oil pan. The top of the Rockwell is 10 inches long, in other words, the top extends 5 inches fore and aft of the axle center line, so you're having to clear a large area up there. Also as it sits, its 1 3/8 inch off the bump stop.

From the top of the Rockwell axle tube to the top of the diff is 9 inches. So in a nut shell, if I had 5 more inches of lift, as it sits right now I would just be bottomed out. So I think the plan is to go with 8". I'm hoping to get that by using 4" lift 56" springs in front and 4" lift springs with a shackle flip in back. That should give me 8". I can fudge a little more with a zero rate 1" block as well.

I'll probably start digging into the Rocks themselves tomorrow.

Its all good!