80's short box, "S.E.R.E." Box permanently attached to the cab.

[cybrfire]

cybrfire submitted a new Build:

80's short box, "S.E.R.E." Box permanently attached to the cab.

4" rectangular tubing meets the ban saw for the first cuts.

Some layout work,

Starting to make some bends.

Some pieces ready for welding.

View attachment 230281

Read more about this build here...

 

[cybrfire]

First comparison to the factory piece.

Templates for the layout.

One end capped.

6" tubing arrived.

first cuts into the 6" tubing.

 

[cybrfire]

Center piece of frame rail.

One complete rail.

Detail of the 4" to 6" transition.

Factory rail compared to full new rail.

Lots of welding to do!

 

[cybrfire]

Saturday i'll be picking up a 1992 6BT. Possibly some of the extras to go with it such as adapter, starter and what not.

Gona take a look at a getrag manual trans. Hearing mixed reviews on this trans. Anybody have any input?

 

[kennyw]

Avoid it behind the 6bt! 6 spd nv5600 would be ideal, nv4500 with upgraded main shaft and reverse nut would be next on the list.

 

[kennyw]

But this is a short bed, why are you using this motor?

 

[y5mgisi]

Subscribed!

 

[Smokinthehippies]

Avoid it behind the 6bt! 6 spd nv5600 would be ideal, nv4500 with upgraded main shaft and reverse nut would be next on the list.

This.

The ****rag can work. And will fur a long time. Up until it bails on you. The 5600 I had in my 02 was great

 

[79rustyk10]

This level of awesomeness is mighty rare.

 

[cybrfire]

But this is a short bed, why are you using this motor?

For this build, I want dead simple, reliable, decent power, and some amount of mileage.

I like the idea of a 12V 6BT's simplicity. One wire and some fuel and it should be running. No computers or anything like that. With the manual trans, maybe in some situations, I wouldn't even need the one wire.

Reliability, I see some people getting 500,000 miles out of these things. That pretty much blows any gas motor away. I rarely here of any problems with them. I'm always hearing from guys that have them, what a good engine they are. I hear the same about some of the LS engines but then we're back to more complicated electronics.

Decent power, I'm not looking to tow. After all its a short box. Maybe I could have went with a 4BT or a 5.3l but I just feel the weight of the rig I'm planning, the 6BT with a few moddest modifications will put me where I want to be yet still having some of my final requirement. Some amount of mileage.

Only downside to it is the weight, but I think I'd rather deal with that. Besides an 1100lbs. engine must really plant the front tires somethin' fierce.

 

[cybrfire]

I have an NV4500 but its from a Chevy and I'm not sure its one that can be converted with the Dodge input shaft and bell housing.

It would still need the upgraded output shaft.

 

[treborjm87]

Sub'd

 

[folkenheath]

I really like the frame interlock Kert, nice job. You are leaving it the same width the whole length? That frame will be a nice solid foundation for this truck. Do you have the body yet?

And it looks like this build so far is going faster than the truck will be when it's done! (Just kidding with a jab at a 6BT in a shortbed.)

What do you plan to do with the suspension?

 

[dirtroadoutlaw]

I'd try and source a trans already made to mate up to the Cummins and sell the one you have or save it for another project.

Stellar build by the way. Having already discussed where you're going with it, I know the general idea but can't wait to see it unfold!

 

[FAB454]

Do you know what the weight difference is (just with the one rail) oe v. square?

 

[76zimmer]

here we go Squidnipples!

 

[82355]

I was hoping you would start your own thread on this.

I am no so sure the NV5600 is that great.

Martin

 

[Smokinthehippies]

All of the manuals that came behind the cummins all had their weak points. I'd say the nv5600 and g56 were definitely better than the get rag and nv4500 in that application. But they all ha ether weak points. I think what eer you can get that will bolts up and work the easiest will end up being the best trans to use.

 

[max 02]

I know this is going to get very cool!!

 

[cybrfire]

I really like the frame interlock Kert, nice job. You are leaving it the same width the whole length? That frame will be a nice solid foundation for this truck. Do you have the body yet?

And it looks like this build so far is going faster than the truck will be when it's done! (Just kidding with a jab at a 6BT in a shortbed.)

What do you plan to do with the suspension?

I have a cab with our prototype cage kit in it. Front clip, fenders, hood, doors and all that jazz. Box.... I have a box. Whether its usable or not is another discussion.

I had planned on narrowing the front however, circumstances unfolded today and now I'm leaving it straight. Which makes some things better and or easier, some.... Meh, no real difference. Only complicates one thing. Core support bolts end up half in and half out of the tube approx. Still not to big of a deal. I have a Bridgeport.

Staying with keeping things uber simple and reliable I will stick with leaf springs.

Do you know what the weight difference is (just with the one rail) oe v. square?

I'll try and weigh one today/tonight.