Going LT Possibly!!!

[USAFMike]

Ok well I've been doing some kicking around between SAS and LT. Well I've decided on going LT because I just don't have the time to buildup a set of axles and everything like that for the SAS. So this is what I'm figuring:

TC Gen 2 Caddy Kit
TC Heim Steering
TC Caddy Idler Arm
TC Caddy Steering
TC Weld On Truss
TC Lower Uniball Upgrade
Custom Shock Hoop Setup w/ Engine Cage
King 10" Coilovers
King 10" Smoothies or Tripple Bypasses

Thats just the front. For the rear
TC/Deaver 62" Rear w/ 12" Shackles and F67 springs
Can't decide between 12" Shocks on a underbed setup for 14" travel or 16" shocks through bed(if I can muster the strength to cut up my bed) for 18" travel.

Should provide me with a nice setup. I'll still be running the same 35x13.5 Claws but on some different offset rims(possibly 2.5" BS 15x8s). I don't really want a super LT kit but I want something that will soak up some high speed fun runs and still allow me to hit the trails and be capable.


*EDIT*
Post edited after talking with Matt Helton about my setup.

*EDIT 2/3*
I'll probably strap the front at 12" and run the rear @ 14" strapped. It'll still keep my shocks under the bed. I decided to go all out and do it right the first time. I'll be buying the small steering parts first, then the bumpers, and then finnaly the rest of the suspension. I can't wait to start.

Thanks for pointing out that the Gen 3 doesn't allow 4wd. I need my 4wd.

[4holmric]

Might want to ditch the body lift before the mounts come through the floor from desert running, also did the trailmaster involve cutting the cross member?

[Tanto]

Body lifts + high speed running = bad things. Go for the low and wide!

[BRUUUP]

Shackles well have to be TC, ESB is no more. :(

[USAFMike]

Since when did ESB go under? I talked to them a few weeks ago on the phone.....

Yes I'm going to ditch the BL. I just have to make sure I can clear 35s.

[BRUUUP]

Really? last I heard he wasnt doing fab work anymore. Maybe its just on the lt kits.

[miguelitro]

there seem to be all sorts of rumors about esb going around...I heard he is working on a sweet link setup for solid axle rock crawlers:D not really though

[BRUUUP]

Mike would never waste his time on something that useless :D

[Tweeter]

Pretty sure he's developing a new kit under the ESB name but I don't think they're "coming back" quite yet.

[USAFMike]

Blitzkreig makes stuff for Solid Axle 73-87 Chevys. I know because I was going that route with my last truck.

Anway, I've updated my first post with the now setup. I'm still talking with Matt Helton to figure out a rear setup that will keep up with the front.

Also, what gearing? I'm thinking 4.88s w/ 35s and the Auto.

[BRUUUP]

Matt is a great guy to get info from, plus hes way chill. You have done your homework its nice to see that. Already Droped Matt H. ESB and BMS :xrocker: = Great work and top notch shop. I take it you have looked at his Blazer?

[USAFMike]

Yes. I've actually turned him on to a few names in axles that he didn't know about as an alternative to a 3/4 or 1 ton.

Anyway, I've done alot of homework on this. And since I'm not going hardcore with this truck(just nice DD, Trail, funrun) I'm looking for more of a bolt on with little welding. Thats why I'm going with TC instead of ESB or JD. I'd love to go JD as I know a few people running them but I don't want to do any welding(not that I can't but only have a Mig, that is way to small, and an ARC).


Also, no one said anything about my gearing choice? Good/Bad?

The other thing is this. I'm getting ready to order wheels and I'm debating between 3.75BS and 2.00BS 15x8s.

[BRUUUP]

I'm sure most well say 456 and the crawler guys well say higher.

Sounds like it will do the job just dont over drive the susp.

[Tweeter]

After 4:56's the shit gets sketchy and more prone to breaking. I think 4.88's would be overkill IMO. Damn, an Indiana guy talking to Nate, Matt, and ESB...not too shabby...I know Half Baked Taco is running a JD kit I'm sure he'll chime in

[BRUUUP]

JD kit as in Just Dont Kit?

[USAFMike]

Well I looked at the JD kit for a while. Haven't contacted them yet though.

Oh yeah an Indiana guy is talking with ESB, Giant, Camburg, Link, Blitz, etc etc etc. I moving out that way after the USAF. I know quite a few people from the big name shops out there.

[USAFMike]

Also, I'm hoping the Gen 2 Caddy kit will fit 35s with Glassworks Ivan Stewart glass.

[BRUUUP]

I really like JD Fab but I belive it is all in house installs.

[BRUUUP]

You call always trim the glass for clearance. Plus cut glass always looks good if done right, my old 94 F-150 looked tits like that.

[pagerenvelope]

Really? last I heard he wasnt doing fab work anymore. Maybe its just on the lt kits.

well from what i have seen and heard mike is getting back into fabbing just not esb looks like the new shop will be called vendetta motorsports, vendetta (http://vendettamotorsports.com/) but that is just what i have seen and read so it is no way for sure but mikes name is on the website with tyler fain and a couple others

[BRUUUP]

Oh yeah shit I forgot he mentioned it on Dezertrangers a while back. I liked the Ehco Sick Boys name. If any had seen his site way back in the day.

[Half Baked Taco]

Yeah, best of luck to Mike and the boys. No doubt his fab and theories are on top of the game....but, his business skills was lacking. I don't want to get into it that much....but, it looks like he has a great team surrounding him this time around. So, I'm sure that shop will take off.

USAF Mike - I saw that thread with Helton answering all the questions. He must have been bored at home or on a long break during work LOL Don't forget about DMZ Fab and ALLIED Fab!

[USAFMike]

Yea I wasn't really sure why Helton was talking. He usually only posts when there is something important to say but it was nice to see him help out a newb.

I took some pics of the truck before it got too dark.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0001.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0002.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0003.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0005.jpg

Here is some of the snow we had. Its around 8" total with drifts upto 20" deep
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0004.jpg

[USAFMike]

Also, what do ya'll think? 10" C/O & 10" Smoothie or go with 8s up front?

The rear I'm hoping can still be left all under the bed. The truck has a great quality fiberglass bed and I don't really want to cut it all up.

Anyone have any pics of trucks with LT leafs and shocks under bed?

[AllJumpStyle]

http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/7/2/14/f_miniDSCN116m_8f5360c.jpg

[USAFMike]

that is badass. What size shocks you running in the back? How much travel you getting with tose deavers? got any more pics?

[USAFMike]

yea I said the hell with it today. Look at the edit in the first post and you'll know what I mean.

[USAFMike]

Well just purchased some 4.56 gears and I'm debating about how to lock up my rear end. I'm debating between a full spool, a detroit, or tryin to find a LSD to put back there.

The front is going to have an LSD.

[AllJumpStyle]

The shocks are 10's strapped at 16" of travel. I'll get some more pics later if you're interested. My host shut down so I need to upload them again.

Btw, you do know that the TC gen3 kit eliminates 4wd, right?

[Factor]

Haha coors light. =p

[BRUUUP]

Matt post something important? when did calling someone a dumbass fall under that?

I completly forgot what I was going to say. The snow made me think of how bad I want to move to Big Bear.

[USAFMike]

O no. I totally missed the part of the Gen 3 not allowing 4wd. Well shit. Scratch that idea then. :(

Yes I would like some more pics of your rear setup AllJumpStyle

[USAFMike]

Thanks for pointing that out. I'm kinda bummed because that kit provided the correct amount of lift for my 35s but after doing some looking on TLT I'll just clearence everything for the Gen 2 Kit.

Thanks for all the help guys.

[AllJumpStyle]

The rear setup is actually blownyota's, but I helped him build/design it. I'll put up some more pictures tonight.

[USAFMike]

Well I've talked to a few people in the desert community and I'm wondering if ESB is still making their kits. If they are I may look into getting their 18" kit w/ their steering and new spindle.

[BRUUUP]

http://vendettamotorsports.com/ = ESB Mike and a few others.

[USAFMike]

Oooo ok so that is the new name. Gotcha. Thanks. I'll send an e-mail.

Also, anyone think a 327 is a good motivator? I got a spare that came out of a 69 Vette. Its just a bare block but its free so.

[BRUUUP]

To much motor for that suspension. So what if you can get movin quick if you have to slow down when the fun starts. Just build up the 22r, add a turbo and bam. Matt runs a 22r or re cant remeber and hes the 1450 king.

put the in a golf cart now that would be fun.

[USAFMike]

Ok let me ask ya'll this. With me moving out to AZ in a few years(after I get out of Air Force or if I can request somewhere close, Cali maybe) would it be wise for me to just dump the 4wd now? I know some of you say you wish you had it and others say no.

[USAFMike]

To much motor for that suspension. So what if you can get movin quick if you have to slow down when the fun starts. Just build up the 22r, add a turbo and bam. Matt runs a 22r or re cant remeber and hes the 1450 king.

put the in a golf cart now that would be fun.


Heres my logic behind the 327 though. I would just dump the 4wd, put either a Diamond 9" with 6-lug axles or build up a Diamond Toy axle, and put a TH400 in it. I would then go with the Gen 3 Caddy or Vendetta 18" Travel kit and 3-link the rear(possibly depending on funds cause I still gota DD this for a while).

[BRUUUP]

I think 4wd is kool but not my thing, so I say dump it. If you want to do all that work to this truck I would make it run perfect and paint it. Leave it be and bank all the money you can tell you are out in this are cali or az. Go for a ride in a 4wd lt and a 2wd lt, some what equal trucks. Then make you choice and have 2, 3, 4x the money you have now and built right from the start.

Or use the money you have to collect the parts you know you well be needing for sure.

I see no need for a V8 in a small truck, would it be fun yes. You still have to smog it out hear and that would be hard to do.

[USAFMike]

I thought alot of the guys that drove their trucks on the street just got their rigs titled in AZ so no smog?

Oh well. I got some long and hard thinking to do. I'm talking to Matt Helton about a few things and we will see what he says. Should have my mind completely made up in a few days.

[BRUUUP]

Tell him you want to pee in his butt, he'll get it.

[USAFMike]

thats creepy but its Matt so you never know.

[USAFMike]

Well looks like the truck is getting a 351HO w/ a C6 behind it. I'm debating whether or not to keep it 4wd. I most likely will and I'll just cancel my order on the 4.56s so I can buy the adapter for the C6 to Toyota T-Case.

I'm looking into picking up a Fiberwerx Dash, some Autometer gauges, a switch panel from 12VoltGuy, a new fuel pump, and a 20gal fuel cell here in the next few days.

[BRUUUP]

no need for the dash untill you are ready to cage it.