2003 Silverado Z71 solid axle build

[mccustomize]

Got the truss finished up

Now on to the fuel tank, the depth is a little different, about 1 1/4" but I'll let the pictures do the talking.

In short
drill the old ring off the tank
cut the opening to 3.5"
cut the inner baffle that interferes with the pump
pull the stainless legs off the fuel pump assembly
cut them down, they will press back into the pump

I have a friend CNC cutting me two 1/4" rings, one will weld to the tank and have studs welded to it, the other will clamp the pump assembly into the tank by bolting the two halves together.

 

['05TJLWBRUBY]

Love it Man, great job that stance will be perfect. Nice work!

Best of Luck,

Mike

 

[mccustomize]

I switched back to straight rod ends for the tie rod, so I modified the "deep" diff cover to clear the tie rod, I would say a standard D60 cover gives up nearly an inch of room you have to mess with.

That's a lot of steering angle! I am going to drill and tap the inner C for a bolt to adjust the steering stop, I would rather save my axleshafts at that angle, but nice to know if I can ever afford RCVs that I will put them to full use!

Welded up the lower link/trans crossmember, just need to drill a couple holes in the bottom plate to access the trans mount

Also gave all the link mounts a weld washer from RuffStuff

 

[mccustomize]

Just a quick catch-up here, I got the WFO pitman arm in and moved the steering box forward, it's going to be tight to say the least.

With that said I also sold the Goodyear's and ordered some Trail Grapplers

I also ordered my NWF EcoBox to put in front of the 241 for double low

 

[chilliwak]

That is some really:Wow1: nice fabrication work you have done McCustom! I cant wait to see your suspension in the truck and finished up. Your last build was incredible. I am sure this one will be even better. Cheers, Chilli..

 

[krazytoy]

Nice work Man!

 

[mccustomize]

Alright, finally made some progress

EcoBox came in, I need to get that all mocked up and measure for a shifter/driveshafts and see if my crossmember will clear.

Also got my frame plates made yesterday, I need to drill a couple holes in them and get them burned on.

 

[cyclic]

Well I couldn't resist, I got all my links made and tacked in, so I had to set it down and roll it out at full bump.

Ride height should be about 5 inches higher from where it sits here.

Might be enough room to squeeze a 1500 crew cab in there without messing with wheel base.

Stuff is still looking GREAT!

 

[mccustomize]

Might be enough room to squeeze a 1500 crew cab in there without messing with wheel base.

Stuff is still looking GREAT!

Naaaa while performance does come first, I still keep form in mind, it would look extremely goofy with the tires at the back of the cab, don't worry, a GMT800 2500 suburban is coming eventually to tow this thing around.

 

[mccustomize]

I got the towers tacked in place, when I say it's tight, boy do I mean it, but this is about as low as you can go on 14" C/Os without leaning the c/o in a lot more, I ended up getting them at 10 degrees laid in, and 9 degrees back, so I think it should work well and not let it go past 90 at full droop.

One thing I have run into is the pitman runs right into the frame, not sure how much steering lost to that side so I need to fit up the draglink and cycle it.

On another note, anybody know where to get an assortment of rubber plugs to plug holes and cap lines?

 

[chilliwak]

Wow:Wow1:thats some solid looking fabrication you got there Mr custom. Me like. Cheers, Chilli..

 

[BadDog]

On another note, anybody know where to get an assortment of rubber plugs to plug holes and cap lines?

Various options at Amazon, and of course others like McMaster etc.
One
Two
Three

 

[mccustomize]

Various options at Amazon, and of course others like McMaster etc.
One
Two
Three

Thanks! I really need to get an amazon prime account so I can stop using my wife's.

 

[mccustomize]

Well had a bit of downtime, the holidays, started a new job, flew to Chicago for 10 days, family stuff, so I got back on it this weekend, time for steering and track bar....

Had to get the garage cleaned up and organized first...

Drew up the track bar frame side tabs...

A little time with the band saw, press brake and belt grinder....

Still need weld washers but close to ready to tack in...

Then I was able to cycle the steering and happy to say everything clears, I will limit the steering just a tick to keep it out of the bump stop cans and the fenders still need some more trimming but it's close, the links are also at the shortest position right now in case I need to push it out just a bit...

So much steering!!!

Also, please be safe guys, I didn't used to wear safety gear near as much as I do now, I was under the truck running the 4.5" grinder when it exited stage left and clocked me in the face, this could have been much worse....

 

[noJeepshere]

Yup, personal safety gear is always a good idea.

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