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And any and all input is valuable, so thank you for your insights.

I always love a good debate, so feel free to expand on your point of view. The beauty of building custom rigs from the ground up is that I get to try out new things and test theories. Theories are great, but untested, they amount to squat. There is another aspect of building; that of splitting...

I recently built a 1985 Toyota truck using OME leafs and it too was a flatbed work truck. We used the regular leafs in front (plus 1.5" lift) and the medium springs in the rear (also plus 1.5"). We also installed a IFS rear axle for added width and the larger tubes. The flatbed I built was...

I agree.

That's a good question. Back when everyone was doing two shackles per leaf spring on the rear suspension, I was not sold. I figured it was pointless for the reason you mentioned. But, I have come to see it as a good problem to have. If the travel is limited, the un-sprung weight of an axle...

Thank you guys. It's turning out nicely. Very subtle, yet extremely capable.

We still need to make some adjustments to the steering and ride height, but there it is. You'll see more pics of it as we do the remaining work, but it's a short list. Enjoy!

And then a quick pressure wash before test driving.

More rear axle pics.

The rear springs needed retainers to keep them located when the truck is in the air. I doubt it will be a problem too much on the trail as only one wheel is hanging at a time. If it gets jumped...that's a different story. If you look hard, you can see the lower spring retainer. I made it from...

And again...problems with photosuckit...

I have a lot of fun doing all the finishing work. It's very relaxing. Bending brake lines, routing hoses, etc is an art form in itself. The rear axle needed new hard lines since most of the axle brackets were changed and the old lines no longer fit. This pic shows all the plumbing going to...

We're nearing the end of the job. The truck runs and drives now, but I still don't know if I am going to be handling the bumpers and sliders, etc. The customer can't wait to get his hands on it and I can't wait for him to hit the rocks with it. Anyway, here are some pics. The stock dogbones...

Old...it's a 2005! That's old? I get what you mean. It's just funny. A/C only works on max or the fan only blows on high? If the former, then maybe it needs a re-charge. If the latter, it is probably the fan / blower resistor. Grease for u-joints is pretty flexible. I use black lube, some use...

I think the reason most people hate the Dodge transmissions is because they are getting their info third hand. A friend of some guy I knew in high school had one once... I have a 2003 Dodge Cummins 4x4. It's got a bit of HP and my transmission is in great shape. I also don't thrash on the...

I know how you feel. I have had three deals fall apart on me. One of them was a '65 Mini Cooper S for $12K. I had the cash and everything and the guy stopped returning my calls. I have learned to be not so eager. It makes the seller uneasy.

Nice job Stan!

Thank you. The paint comes out of rattle cans, but is very durable. I start with a black primer from SEM (about $25 per can) and then finish it with Dupli-Color engine enamel in low gloss black. The black primer because if it gets scratched, I don't want to see another color. Engine paint...

I'm beginning to like these short responses. The lower control arms are another interference point with the shocks. When twisted up, the shocks would hit the frame and the links. It should ride nice.

That's it for now. Hopefully I get the diff parts tomorrow. If I do, the truck should be sitting on four wheels by Friday, needing only driveshafts and exhaust to drive. Which is good news, because my year has become booked all of a sudden. Two Land Cruiser LS swaps, a IFS clip on a D100 Dodge...