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'89 R3500 Crew Cab 2wd to 4wd conversion & beyond

Started out with 2wd TBI350 with SM465 to current 4wd with 454, 700r4, NP241
It turns out the 454 fan clutch is the same one I was using on the C10 before I went to the Windstar fans. I was price checking the part numbers on Amazon, and it said I had ordered that fan clutch last year. I can at least start with that one and see if I need to try the other.
 
:waytogo::waytogo:

i so want to do 40" rubber under this truck with the 8" bds lift and 3" body lift . the end goal is old school look and tear up the streets .

this pic is 6" lift and 3" body with 38" tires .

big truck 01.jpg
 
The first tires I had on this truck were used Nitto Trail Grapplers. They have been my favorite so far and I want to get them again. It was just a choice of 40" vs 37".

:waytogo::waytogo:

i so want to do 40" rubber under this truck with the 8" bds lift and 3" body lift . the end goal is old school look and tear up the streets .

this pic is 6" lift and 3" body with 38" tires .

View attachment 348277
Ever since I was finishing up the 4wd conversion and realizing how tall this truck is, I've been wanting to cap it off with 40" tires. I figure I'm only getting older and not much skinnier, I better do it now while I can still climb into a tall truck.

I was surprised how the price on 40s has come down, at least for some brands. I remember when @B_to_C bought 40s about 13 years ago they cost around $2500. Now they can be had for a little over $400/tire.
 
@mrk5 I'm late to the game and can't quickly find if you are using a standard or reverse rotation fan but, for the record, GM did spec a severe duty clutch specific to trucks with 4.56 gears. I doubt Hayden, etc will show something this specific.

The truck is long gone so no VIN or RPO's but TARussell had an '83 K30 crew cab dually with a 454 / 4spd and 4.56 gears. At some point he had to replace the clutch and a friend at a local Chevy dealer told him about the special application clutch.
 
But where’s number 5?
I'm too much of a skinflint to buy a new spare; I'm sure I'll find some dude with a skanky old 40 I can pick up cheap. I did just occur to me this weekend I wasn't going to have a fullsize spare for those.

@mrk5 I'm late to the game and can't quickly find if you are using a standard or reverse rotation fan but, for the record, GM did spec a severe duty clutch specific to trucks with 4.56 gears. I doubt Hayden, etc will show something this specific.

The truck is long gone so no VIN or RPO's but TARussell had an '83 K30 crew cab dually with a 454 / 4spd and 4.56 gears. At some point he had to replace the clutch and a friend at a local Chevy dealer told him about the special application clutch.
Mine is standard rotation. It still has the v-belts. The one I have is a severe duty, so I hope it will work. After you mention it tho, I feel like I have seen listings that mention gear ratios. I checked the 2 I was looking at but they don't say.
 
Looks bitchin. So sawzall or deathwheel? The leading edge of the rear opening looks close.
 
You better get to trimming
Looks bitchin. So sawzall or deathwheel? The leading edge of the rear opening looks close.
I've run B_to_C's 40's previously and they only rub on the front of the rear fender. But I don't think I really articulated the suspension. Might have to see if I can talk the wife into driving it up the RTI ramp.

Please, please, pretty please! If you trim the fenders take a moment to make them look nice. Don’t just walk up and lop off an awkward triangle.
I was looking at the rear fenders trying to figure out if I could just trim them back to that stainless steel guard plate thingy. I'd rather not have to trim anything. Technically the rear of the back fenders are cut but that was to remove the pieces barely hanging on due to rust.

Ultimately I would like to pull the front fenders and finish out that trimming better too. I'm thinking about adding a piece of 1/8" thick flat strap between the skin and inner layer and welding up the cut area. The front fenders are too floppy.

There's a K5 I see around here from time to time that did the ugly fender cutting. They are cut like a trapezoid. Like this only upside down: \___/ Looks horrible.
 

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