My new build...the "me too" short Crew Cab ~UPDATE~ not selling it

[odin]

Youre building a short crew?
Me too
Im starting with an 89 GMC 3500 2wd 3+3

Its gonna be a SLOW process (funds and time) but Ive got a pretty good start, so here goes.

The plans for my new truck are.

-3 link front with coilovers (hopefully)
-dual triangulated 4 link rear with coils
-shorten the wheelbase to about 135"
-6.0L LQ4 TH400 NP203/205 Dana 60 H072

Im using as much stuff from my crashed shortbed to use on this build to save money.
As always your advice is appreciated.

Here is me bringing it home from Albany (a strange place to find a mostly rust free chevy)
My tow rig is also an 89 GMC 3500 2wd, different nose though

 

[odin]

Started tearing it down.
Removed the fuel tanks Dana 70 and all brackets from the rear section of the frame

 

[odin]

Had to change the output shaft on my TH400 to mate with the NP203.
So while I had it apart I am doing a complete rebuild and changing to a lower planetary gear set I scored off Pirate.
Its a Kilgore which lower 1st and 2nd gear from 2.48 / 1.48, to 3.1 / 1.57.

 

[odin]

Case all cleaned up and waiting on a rebuild kit.

 

[odin]

After running a TPI 350 in my shortbed for years Ive decided to go a different route and use an LS engine for the new truck.
I scored an 01 LQ4 6.0L complete for $800.

Started removing all the accessories to replace the water pump and clean everything up

 

[odin]

I bought a used Stazworks doubler plate and intermediate shaft for my 203/205

Cleaned it up and replaced the seal.

 

[odin]

Got my 203 ready for the doubler and added a washer under the detent spring...
A trick I learned here on CK5.

I used some shinitsu grease from work, Im a Honda mechanic, to hold the needle bearings in place. Worked like a charm.

 

[BoondocK5]

Those TH400 pics look awfully familiar.

 

[odin]

Built yours at home too?

 

[BoondocK5]

Am still building up the gear train. Headed out right now...

 

[ryoken]

good deal Vinnie.. awesome to see you resurrecting parts from the other rig and doing a new project....

 

[sweetk30]

if you read my project STUBBY build here you can see a real easy way to make it 135" wheel base with springs in the rear.

and were did you get the washer trick for the 203 ? fyi i added it to the other end .

 

[y5mgisi]

Looking good so far man! Sounds like you got a good plan!

 

[scotto0609]

[/quote]
I hate you!.................................................................. Come on dude I need parts!! Good luck!

 

[jt512]

Hey Vinny, good to see you back
That should be a sweet rig with the build plans you've got going, can't wait to see the progress.
What size treads are you planning, and what kind of mileage is on the LS?

 

[odin]

Thanks for all the support guys.

Im gonna run the 40 inch Nittos that were on my shortbed.
The 6.0 has 85K on it.
I started cleaning up the wiring and did a compression and leakdown test to be sure.

 

[jt512]

Very cool !!
I never got to see the short bed with the Nittos, it had the SSR's when I saw it.
85k should be nothing for the 6.0, we have two 2500's and 02 and an 03 , they have 260k and 325k on them , engines have never been apart and honestly they still run darn good and are stone reliable.

How do you like those Nitto's ? I have been considering them for the K5, now that I am finally starting to make progress again

 

[odin]

Here is a pic with the Nittos.
They werent on long...but they worked pretty well in mud and were awesome on the road.

 

[Stomis]

Lightin fires under peoples arzes

 

[odin]

Yeah you did...
If not for you, dont think I would have started a build thread.