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

[mrk5]

The biggest pain in the ass we accomplished was replacing the bushings in the rear springs. Here's the reason we were replacing them:



That was the worst bushing. These are 4" ProComp springs I bought from a member here already lightly used when I first put the crew cab together. They have about 9 years and lots of trails. The springs themselves are still holding up well.

We also swapped out the 6" shackle for a 4" shackle. Much happier with how this looks.



Welded the upper section of the rear bumper on. It will look a lot better with angle cuts on the ends, recovery points, and LED pods.



Welded up a few more pieces and then pulled the bed so I can weld the underside stuff and get it painted. Plus a few more things need to be finished up.



And we had time to drive the youngest son's Skylark around a little bit....

 

[mrk5]

My to-do list. The top section stuff needs to happen before paint.

 

[Truckman4life]

You've got a lot to get done in a few weeks.

 

[mrk5]

You've got a lot to get done in a few weeks.

No, no, you're supposed to be saying, "I don't think you'll have any problem getting that list done."

 

[Babaganoosh]

Looking really good, this looks much better then I envisioned.










How many else zoomed in to see if the shackles were not rectangle?

 

[mrk5]

Looking really good, this looks much better then I envisioned.










How many else zoomed in to see if the shackles were not rectangle?

Haha, I totally missed an opportunity!

 

[ashman]

And we had time to drive the youngest son's Skylark around a little bit....

View attachment 382098

At least we know for sure it wasn't a Pontiac Tempest...

 

[centexk5]

One of my favorite parts of that movie.

 

[ktmoutfront]

I had a 63 Tempest. 325 aluminum small block. 2 barrel was switched to a Q-Jet. Finding the intake was tough. Livened that thing right up. Those skinny bias ply on 14" rims would light right up with the twitch of the throttle pedal.

 

[mrk5]

Another episode of trying to scrounge as much steel on-hand as possible. I cut a piece too short by about an inch. I was thinking about trying to scab over it with something larger and then I found some drop pieces of round stock that fit inside perfectly. So I was able to use that to make my piece the correct length.



I drilled holes in the square tube so I could plug weld the inside piece to the outside piece.



This goes in a spot that will rarely be seen.

 

[imiceman44]

Another episode of trying to scrounge as much steel on-hand as possible. I cut a piece too short by about an inch. I was thinking about trying to scab over it with something larger and then I found some drop pieces of round stock that fit inside perfectly. So I was able to use that to make my piece the correct length.

View attachment 382203

I drilled holes in the square tube so I could plug weld the inside piece to the outside piece.

View attachment 382204

This goes in a spot that will rarely be seen.

And now it's sleeved so stronger

 

[mrk5]

And now it's sleeved so stronger

I can't remember now which side I put it on. Should have done passenger side since I seem to hit that side more.

 

[Big Ray]

At least we know for sure it wasn't a Pontiac Tempest...

That's when I fell in love with Marisa Tomei!

 

[mrk5]

People might be happy to know I'm recycling former square shackles...



Into square shock tabs.



@ktmoutfront Did you notice we now have a horizontal bandsaw with functioning cutting fluid system? You probably don't remember commenting on the lack of one on the old saw when you came up to help me install air bumps.

 

[ktmoutfront]

It's about time. I felt sorry for the blades on the old one.

You should run the blade feed guide closer to the material, to keep deflection down.

 

[mrk5]

It's about time. I felt sorry for the blades on the old one.

You should run the blade feed guide closer to the material, to keep deflection down.

It's funny you said that. After I posted the picture I literally thought "damn I didn't move the blade guide over for that cut."

 

[mrk5]

I like the new fluid because it's water base so it's easy clean up. Does make a bit of a mess around the machine. When you're cutting square tube you need to have a drain pan under the end of the tube so you don't end up with a puddle on the floor.

 

[ktmoutfront]

I keep a mop and bucket in the shop. I use a water based fluid also.

 

[mrk5]

I was thinking we need a mop and bucket with a little water in it nearby. It will cut up to 12" which I think we have utilized once already to cut some 12" wide 3/4" thick plate. Cuts real well with that fluid.

 

[warrpath4x4]

I was thinking we need a mop and bucket with a little water in it nearby. It will cut up to 12" which I think we have utilized once already to cut some 12" wide 3/4" thick plate. Cuts real well with that fluid.

send me your address I have one I will send you, I was just gonna throw it away cause I don't use it.