Jack's 2007 Chevy Build
- Thread starter locrwln
- Start date
locrwln
Expedition Leader
So far, no issues, but that was a very short test and at low speeds.
Looks great. +200 pounds seems like no concern, fantastic upgrade.
Agreed. Still would have like it to be less, but oh well. Thank you.
.
Jack
Hackopotomus
Observer
Just got through reading this whole thread. What a nice truck! I just made the decision to build my 2008 2500 Dmax crew cab truck into an overlander and this is very inspiring.
I ran H2 rims on my last truck, an '02 2500 and really like the look. Do you still have your H2 rims and would you want to sell them? I'm in Smith Valley so not too far from you.
I ran H2 rims on my last truck, an '02 2500 and really like the look. Do you still have your H2 rims and would you want to sell them? I'm in Smith Valley so not too far from you.
locrwln
Expedition Leader
Thank you. I think they are great trucks for our uses.
I do and I do, I only have four though. Hit me with a PM and we can work out the details.
Safe travels.
Jack
Hackopotomus
Observer
PM sent.
locrwln
Expedition Leader
It's time for the next round of changes to the truck. In anticipation of installing a flatbed, it was time to pull the bed and of course all of the wires that were attached to the bed.
As you can see, the rear of the frame was stripped of the factory coating to make it ready for the next part...
That is a frame cut from a truck at the junk yard and most of the rivets have been removed to give me just the frame rails.
The purpose of the frame rails is to extend the rear of the frame to accommodate the 8 foot long flatbed that is on order.
I will be adding fish plates to ensure that the frame integrity is maintained. Hope to get the extensions welded on tomorrow.
I can't thank my wife enough for helping me get everything cleaned, prepped, and ready for install.
Jack
As you can see, the rear of the frame was stripped of the factory coating to make it ready for the next part...
That is a frame cut from a truck at the junk yard and most of the rivets have been removed to give me just the frame rails.
The purpose of the frame rails is to extend the rear of the frame to accommodate the 8 foot long flatbed that is on order.
I will be adding fish plates to ensure that the frame integrity is maintained. Hope to get the extensions welded on tomorrow.
I can't thank my wife enough for helping me get everything cleaned, prepped, and ready for install.
Jack
locrwln
Expedition Leader
I go the extensions welded on today. The worst part was getting the factory waxy GM coating off of the frame to be able to do anything with them. Ended up adding 17.5" to the rear of the stock frame. Ran out of time to get it painted up and the next two days are going to be a little rough on the weather front, so I won't get it painted up just yet.
Getting everything lined up.
Welded and cleaned up for fish plates.
Plates welded on.
I have a little more cleaning up to do, the wind was blowing and it buggered up my welding.
Hitch will go on after painting and truck will be ready for the bed when it gets here.
Jack
Getting everything lined up.
Welded and cleaned up for fish plates.
Plates welded on.
I have a little more cleaning up to do, the wind was blowing and it buggered up my welding.
Hitch will go on after painting and truck will be ready for the bed when it gets here.
Jack
1stDeuce
Explorer
I keep thinking about making my truck a longbox... I'll be curious to see what yours looks like with the current wheelbase and a longer bed. Your fishplates are pretty serious... I'd have just let it be with butt welds, but you know the frame will never break off this way...
Keep up the good work!!
Keep up the good work!!
locrwln
Expedition Leader
I keep thinking about making my truck a longbox... I'll be curious to see what yours looks like with the current wheelbase and a longer bed. Your fishplates are pretty serious... I'd have just let it be with butt welds, but you know the frame will never break off this way...
Keep up the good work!!
Thank you. I struggled with the idea for a long time, but I think I am going to be happy with it. I will get a side on view once it's painted and the hitch is installed. Still have some time before the bed gets here. I wanted to make sure, I know that vertical welds on fishplates aren't the preferred way, but there just isn't any room behind the springhanger to add much more. I also added a 1/4" strap to the top just to make sure.
I think you might have mine confused, as I've owned this one since 2010 and it was bone stock when I bought it.
Thank you,
Jack
locrwln
Expedition Leader
Thank you and so do we. We talked and looked at everything out there as a possible vehicle that could/would be better, but nothing tickled our fancy like this truck does. We absolutely love this truck and the SAS has been great so far. Haven't really taken it out for a real offroad adventure yet, but the little I have done, it's been a big improvement.
Nice work Jack!
Thank you. The truck and camper are looking great. Can't wait to check them both out.
Jack
Bojak
Adventurer
I notice you are running the steel ford wheels. Did you chance your rear axle as well? If not, the wheel fits a chevy 8 lug pattern? I ask because i really want a steel wheel for my truck. I really like the look of the ones you are running.
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
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locrwln
Expedition Leader
I used Fred Goeske adapters on the rear (1.5") to increase the track width to match the front axle and to convert from the 8x6.5 bolt pattern to the 8x170mm of the Ford pattern. I looked all over for a decent aftermarket steel rim. These were the only ones I could find for cheap that allowed me to use my current tires. I wasn't too sure when I initially put them on (and neither was my wife), but they have really grown on me (and her).
I am going to be moving up to an 18" rim/tire for the ability to get a true 35" tire that has a decent load rating (285/75R18).
I found eight matching Ford forged aluminum rims in the 18"x8" size that I am going to use.
I had six of them sandblasted and they will be painted the same as the steel rims I have now. You can see the difference between the factory finish and the freshly sandblasted wheel.
Jack