2003 Silverado Z71 solid axle build

mccustomize

Explorer
sorry for the retro question,


what was the year range for the Dodge D44 front that can use GM unit bearings?

94-01 and there are a few differences in those years, If you are going to do it I would look for a 2000-2001 axle because the dual piston calipers are specific to the knuckles
 

mccustomize

Explorer
Finally got the thing mocked up and drooped all the way out, gotta notch some more for the drag link, set the panhard at ride height and figure out where the heck to mount my front bumps!
25688223537_9cb8c84558_c.jpg
 

chilliwak

Expedition Leader
WOW:Wow1:thats going to be some huge suspension travel there Mr Mccustomize. Nice work. Cheers, Chilli..:)
 

mccustomize

Explorer
Since I was already in this deep I decided to raise the core support mounts and get rid of the body lift pucks at the very front
42585291525_26facf37dd_c.jpg

43442085112_167d51bb66_c.jpg

Then I guess things spiraled out of control, it's not fun squeezing in to do sub-par welds, and when I'm this deep already, well....
43442085482_9c9cb0ba7c_c.jpg

28603156727_519941a56d_c.jpg

While the motor was out I decided to clean it up really good and it will need a new oil pan gasket and rear main while it's out
42585342955_e6f8c516f5_c.jpg

The main reason for pulling the motor was to design and install a new, stronger, but more compact upper link mount along with getting a little bit more link separation out of the frame side of things since the tummy tuck
28603200567_9c33b14a26_c.jpg

43490007711_b7a01e83e6_c.jpg

out with the old... in with the new
41682019170_b72829168b_c.jpg
 

mccustomize

Explorer
Needed a little more clearance for the upper link, so that will get relieved soon
41682019020_c015a23491_c.jpg

and the Shirleys sent my sons some cool gear, they can't wait to go to KOH soon, and Baja
42773497884_93663612b6_b.jpg

relocated the vacuum pump
42773498554_ceba475e22_c.jpg

I hit every bracket in sight with dimples
41682340760_e5a9d8a26f_c.jpg

but I finally got everything mocked up and fitting, even made it all fit at full bump/full articulation/full droop, crazy how tight everything gets
41682341190_ee49080173_c.jpg

then in all my haste I discovered I had mis positioned one of the shock towers, which really sucked, but I guess doing it right is more important than doing it one time, err maybe not
42792650194_cf90ae13b7_c.jpg

back on and in the correct place, but the cross bar now had to be fixed as well...
42624735565_526b33d205_c.jpg

all finished up..
41683278350_1957c94d2e_c.jpg

I got the filler plate for the upper link all welded in and ground smooth tonight so I'll snap some pictures tomorrow.
Friday night the cab will probably separate from the body this weekend as well, you know, since I'm already in this deep and I will be able to set the drivetrain in and completely paint the frame, do most of my plumbing, exhaust, etc... with the cab off which will be really nice
 

mccustomize

Explorer
Wow, totally forgot to update my thread, lots of good progress has happened
Got the cylinder mounted, still not sure this is the final setup for the steering, we shall see
42585347345_43389947c4_c.jpg

Notched the frame for the upper link
29971146257_73e6e5ab91_c.jpg

29970981697_650127aab3_c.jpg

Got a minimalist rear bumper done up and welded in
31034511048_25ce99047d_c.jpg

Got the fuel tank mounted
44907479131_2883010fbb_c.jpg

got my old sway bar arms straightened out
43995294845_33d35f0b33_c.jpg

31034373838_ed10decff1_c.jpg
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,527
Messages
2,875,534
Members
224,922
Latest member
Randy Towles
Top