Okay so I got really bored and would like a 4x4 again so I decided I would make one out of the parts I have. So I had made a trailer out of the frame, but a little metal can fix that. Just need to find a front axle.

 

please just go buy a beater for $500. I don't know if a first time custom frame built from scratch lying around is safe for people on the road, or worth the time for that matter

 

I would have if I could find the elusive $500 beaters, It will mostly likely only be for offroad as I got my Dodge running. I know buying a frame would have been cheaper and taken less time, but wheres the fun in that and I get to learn new things and sharpen my welding skills.

Got my axle

 

this is pretty epic,from starting to end.....great determination indeed.
cant wait to see what you come up with next.

its like junkyard wars.....i love it!

 

Thanks, we'll see how it turns out.

Got the thing rolling today, more or less.

 

well its lookin good so far, hope it works out for you. You cant ever get enough practice welding either. What kind of welder are you using on the frame?

 

I'm using a Lincoln 180, I like it and has plenty of power for the stuff I'm doing, also still using flux core so penetration is good on the welds.

 

Sounds like a popular welder. I have a Miller 211 with solid wire and 25/75 mix shielding gas. If you're in-doors I think you'll like the gas and solid wire better. I'll agree with the flux outside though.

 

So I decided it would cost to much to piece it together, so I picked up a 1980 4x4. Ill just resale the axle. I really like the pickup I have never seen the color scheme on this one, I'm wondering if its stock.

 

looks nice....i like it!
hows she drive and run?

 

Sweet new truck. Im diggin the paint job. Any plans for this one?

 

Nice score on the truck. I was digging the custom frame build but this one is cool too..

 

It runs and drives kinda, I just trailered it home, it needs some work on the clutch system though. Also the charging systems isn't working.

I'm probably going to keep it stockish, kinda want to try and do propane and turbo this time around.

Yeah I really wanted to try building it from the ground up, but this will just be alot cheaper in the long run.

Here it is before cleaning.




Started cleaning up the engine bay.


This will be for the onboard air.

 

I have a brand new alterntor that i'll be gettin rid of when the om617 goes in, if thats the problem. Maybe I can help out. Only bad thing is im not sure when the om617 will be ready

 

I don't think I have anything to say that hasn't already been said. All I know is that I'm loving your build and can't go another second without subscribing. It's awesome!

 

So I did a compression test on the engine, not the best in the world but it will do for now, numbers were 175, 130, 155, 167. Also fixed the clutch problem. That being the PO had a weird short slave cylinder so it took pumping of the clutch to get it so it would shift, it was pretty ghetto with pipe fittings and all. Just replaced with stock and its good to go.

As far as the charging system, I haven't had time to look into it much. Though It has a brand new alternator installed on it so I would assume that the non-charging situation would be caused by the voltage regulator. We shall see, although I might just switch it out for a chevy one wire.

So the truck has a newer G series transmission so I will need to change out the drive shaft for a shorter one. Might as well change out the companion flange on the differential for a newer one at that time. Does anyone know what to torque the nut to on the flange? I read somewhere to torque it to 87ft/lbs.


Made some cheap block off plates.

 

So I found some sweet speed holes in the bed.


Built a quick bracket to mount a CS130 up and away from the water, added bonus of not having to deal with the external regulator and gaining a lot more amperage

.

 

not doing another diesel swap?

 

Not in the foreseeable future, I do have my eye on the Cummins 3.3 though.