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Post by rookieagain on Apr 25, 2016 22:09:34 GMT -5
Ok guys...so it's been about 7 years now. But I think I'm coming back. I've got a truck I bought to sell and da*n near can't give it away so I'm gonna smash it. Here's the deal, never ran a truck never built a truck. Mod rules, idk how to post a link but prolly be sullivan county in.
So I've read through the thread and can't find alot of info on how/what all to do differently then a car. It's an 89 dodge ram 2wd. I know the basics but is there any advice yall could give a guy? Without beating a dead horse...
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Post by rookieagain on Apr 25, 2016 22:11:26 GMT -5
Oh..and used to run metric gms in limited weld/mod class...so different platform as well...
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 25, 2016 23:21:38 GMT -5
Jack up the front and remove the rubber bump stops to let the suspension extend to its max and weld as much as possible or if you have the resources change the front to a Dana 4wd leaf front end and move the steering gearbox to inside the frame. Weld every body panel on the dog house and everything you can get to on the core support. Find a good stout bumper for the front and weld the tailgate solid either lowered or in the stock position and add 4 bolts to the farthest back 4 bed bolts to help pull the frame up when it starts to bend. Other than that build a hell of a cage in it and let her eat. Also change to carburated instead of EFI.
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Post by rookieagain on Apr 26, 2016 19:12:03 GMT -5
Ok planned to do most of that. I'm allowed 4 extra body bolts...you think all in the bed? Between humps and bumper? Was told these belly at firewall, don't think I should put one there or use down bar? I don't have to funds to straight axe the front so it'll be a arms welded with straps I was thinking...how is everyone doing the halo, I get it goes in the bed but do I have to go to frame or does that not count towards my 4 down bars?
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 26, 2016 22:20:32 GMT -5
Your best bet would be to run your down bars in front of your inner door skin cuz of how thin the metal is plus your cab mounts are in the way of running them down in the corners. Bed bolts shouldn't count towards body bolts, they should be a separate subject from body bolts. Halo, best bet is run two bars don thru the back window, to the back bar, straight up and down and two bars in the front, to your dash bar, straight up and down in line with the back bars then two bars to connect the front and back pipes and another bar on the front and back to basically create another 4 point cage on your roof then two bars angled down to the bed to help box in your gas tank.
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 26, 2016 22:24:23 GMT -5
The bellying out part I'm not familiar with however, I just am going off of what I'm doing to my buddy's truck since he has an '81 D150. I'll see if I can post some pics soon of what we've done to his to help you get the gist of some strong points
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Post by rookieagain on Apr 27, 2016 9:18:38 GMT -5
10-4. I appreciate it man
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Post by demotruck22 on Apr 27, 2016 20:26:40 GMT -5
Junk the stock rear bumper and weld a stout piece of angle across the frame. Weld patches tailgate to angle. It will help bed from peeling up. Use the largest round washers to secure bed. Square ones will go right pierce thru the sheet metal. Weld box to cab if you can, bolt box and cab together too.
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 27, 2016 21:54:22 GMT -5
Agreed I failed to mention to weld the cab and bed together. Would've posted pics tonight but I didn't get off work until late so it will be tomorrow when I post pics
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 28, 2016 10:53:33 GMT -5
Down bars to frame
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 28, 2016 10:56:47 GMT -5
Down bars off of cage
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 28, 2016 11:01:08 GMT -5
Front halo bars rear halo bars
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Post by rookieagain on Apr 28, 2016 17:54:10 GMT -5
Ok that makes more sense...are yall cutting body mounts and running through the channel?
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Post by rookieagain on Apr 28, 2016 17:59:54 GMT -5
Use the largest round washers to secure bed. Square ones will go right pierce thru the sheet metal. Never would have thought of that...that's good chit there
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Post by tofer97 on Apr 28, 2016 22:15:35 GMT -5
Ok that makes more sense...are yall cutting body mounts and running through the channel? nope I leave all my body mounts stock I don't have a 2 post lift to take body's off with. I ran my '73 Ford twice last year with stock body mounts and had no problems
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