SFBD question

The stock frame on my SFBD project is 4" tall. I want a 2 1/2" body drop. I was planing on using 2x3 3/16" square tubing to replace the frame rails. My problem is the body mounts are currently flush with the top of the frame, and if I make the new ones flush, that will essentially give me a 1" body drop. Is there any problem with having the body mounts lower than the top of the frame? I may be able to get 1/2" depending on the bushings that I use, but that still puts me short an inch. I am trying to avoid doing a traditional BD on it also, since I am 6'5"  240lb and this truck is a tiny regular cab. I have considered the option of running two pieces of 2x3 on it's side, one 3/16" and one 1/8" the different thickness to keep the weight down, since this is a 100hp truck. I appreciate the help! Here is a pic of the frame:
 

That looks like a Datsun.   I ran into this same issue when I did the 521. The owner is 6'4" and wanted a bodydrop. I went traditional with it, because doing a little of both was going to push the budget too far. But since you are doing it yourself, that is the route I would go. Drop the body mounts a 1/2" down below the top of a 2x3 rail and get your 1 1/2" drop from that, and go an inch traditional. You will really limit yourself on room for exhaust I think if you go all stock floor, and probably end up with really hot floors.

Hot floors? The truck will have no heater so they may be a good thing I don't know what it would do to my fat mat though. I may get the body mounts as low as I can, see if will lay at least pinch then go from there.

What Seth said is probably going to be your best bet. If you are careful with seat selection you probably won't even notice the difference. I have a Mazda in the shop now that is done in a similar manner as described. 2" from a stock floor and 1 3/4 traditional on top of that. The truck is cut into the rocker about an inch from being doored but the customer didn't want a traditional cut that deep so we went with the combo. Good luck with it, the world needs more Dutsuns!

Kaoss, have you thought about running the exhaust beside the frame on the outside of the rail?  I want to SFBD mine eventually, but haven't really decided everything yet.   Where are you getting 2-1/2" from, it's only 1-1/2" to the pinch when mine is layed out.

I want it to lay flat rocker, and 2 1/2" should do that.I forgot to measure that distance on this truck before I took it apart, so I nabbed those measurements off my parts truck. It may have to lay pinch for a while.   I don't see a way to run the exhaust on the outside of the rail. Beebani, i PMed you about the steering shaft also.

Edited: 1/19/2009 4:47:44 PM by beebani

---------------------------------------------Originally posted by KAOSSI want it to lay flat rocker, and 2 1/2" should do that.I forgot to measure that distance on this truck before I took it apart, so I nabbed those measurements off my parts truck. It may have to lay pinch for a while. I don't see a way to run the exhaust on the outside of the rail. Beebani, i PMed you about the steering shaft also.---------------------------------------------got it, replied.

on here. You are on ratsun also

I just picked up a 1969 Datsun 521. What are some good forms to look at for info?

--------------------------------------------- Originally posted by 515CUSTOMS I just picked up a 1969 Datsun 521. What are some good forms to look at for info? --------------------------------------------- Here's a link to the '71 I built. It's Toyota clipped though so it won't really help with bagging the front. http://www.twistedminis.com/SMF/index.php?topic=122.0