I'd really like to, thanks for the invite. I'll have to see. That Friday and week leading up to is busy for me. I'll let you know. Thanks again

 

10-4. My buddy is putting both of our rigs on his trailer and I'm pretty sure he wants to go just for Saturday like we did last time. Not sure if you've been to Gore but it's not too far from Baltimore. 2:15-2:30 maybe?

 

I've never been to Gore, Its only open to wheel a few times a year?

 

Yeah, I think 5-6 times maybe.

 

Truck has a great stance. Nice work!

 

I'm not sure if you need or interested, but I think I have a few grills laying around that are in decent shape...if you need.

 

Thanks!

RBX- thanks man. I definitely need one. Do you have any that aren't chrome? Condition doesn't matter. I'm going to spray bomb it black.

 

I hate the chrome, so no mine are either factory grey/black or I've sprayed them black!
I'll look tonight when I get home.
BTW, if it is chrome, you can sand/scuff them and spray metal etch on it. Works really well.

 

Ok so these have chrome eyelids. But it's complete minus 1 tab. I used it for a while till I got an 86 grill.


Let me know and we can meet up

 

Sweet! Will do.

So a front driveshaft question for whoever is listening. My front drive shaft is way to short now. Can I just take it to a drive shaft shop and get it lengthened? My concern is if I get it lengthened enough to reach will it be too long when the suspension compresses and bottom out the slip joint? Also, how much spline length should I still have in the slip joint at full droop to retain strength and not twist the splines?

Edit: I should add that since my truck is an '85, it has the longer, double cardan solid axle front driveshaft. I also have front and rear shafts from an '86 IFS truck sitting in the garage.

 

Locally a1 driveshaft in locast point is decent. But they will tell you it's cheaper to build a new one due to metric tube they don't carry. I need to get longer shafts myself.
The double Cardon is typical on the front shaft.
As for spline engagement I am not sure; but I know they sell longer slip yokes.
There are other companies in our area that do driveshafts. Maybe call MidAtlantic 4x4 in glen Burnie. Ask who they use.
Let me know what you find.

 

Did some flexing to measure for the drive shaft. I think my stocker will work if I just get it lengthened. Apparently the 83-85 front drive shafts have a higher angle double cardan than the other years. My flange to flange measurements are:

31.25" full droop
29" resting
27.75" full compression

3.5" of slip travel needed.

 

I'm not an expert but I think throttle and axle angle will change those numbers a bit since you have a leaf sprung front.

 

Ha! Judging by your rig and build thread I'd say you're more of an expert than I am. Your runner is sick nasty.

 

I appreciate the kind words, but I'm quite green when it comes to this stuff.

 

Got all the new metal painted and went and picked up my free parts. IFS width rear axle, gear drive T-case and W56.

 

Truck is looking great! How did you score those free parts?!

 

Thanks man. A friend picked up a whole '86 truck for me for the price of "get it the hell out of my yard."

I was mostly after the IFS steering box for the high steer conversion and the transfer case to replace my chain drive one that came behind the a340f automatic. I won't be using the 5 speed.

 

Haha awesome. Well can't wait for more updates!

 

Got an old radio shack CB and firestick antenna hooked up this evening