75 Dually Project - 22s and stylin

Got a little bit done tonight. Today I picked up my new U-Bolts at our local suspension shop. So I pulled out the plasma machine and cut out the bottom plates. Here is a pic of it mocked up. I will tear it all apart and grind everything smooth and toss some paint on it.

You mentioned @ the start of the thread that you didn't intend on 'laying it out'. If that's still the plan (6/8 or so drop w/clearance), I wonder if a big Z is necessary?

The reason I ask is because on my 89 square, I notched the x-member 1.5", swapped to 3" drop spindles, & cut 1 coil from the OE bbc coils. With ~29.75" tall tire height, the frame @ my front cab mount is about 5" off the ground. Even w/my mild set-up using bags, I would be 2" from planting the OE height rails if the bags were air'd out.

The Z would definitely aid w/suspension travel clearance if that's part of the goal.

Thanks so much for your suggestions! I think you have a smart plan on your ride.

As I have progressed with this build I would have to say that I want to get as low as possible but not lay frame. Don't get me wrong, I think it looks really cool!! However I think with the right set of components and a lot of forethought I can get this ride low and not have to make so many compromises. That is why I really like this forum. The guys here are super helpful and are willing to share their knowledge.

I got to looking at the plate that I made to attach the U-bolts, and 1/4" plate looked way to thin. So I was out looking at the old parts I had taken off the original rear end, I found my rear sway bar, and attached to it was the cast U-bolt mounting plates! Perfect, it was like when your mom told you to clean your room and you found that 5 bucks you lost.

So I pulled off the 1/4" plates and installed the cast units. Major difference!

I also started tonight to cut the lower mounting towers that the bottom air bag plate mounts to. These are the parts that will be welded to the rear end. I will post pics when I get those completed.

So the plasma cutter and welder got a work out tonight. I finished up the bottom bag mounts on the rear end. In the pics below the lower mount is not in it's final spot, I just placed it there to see it mocked up.

Next on the list is to get the shock mounts mocked up, and then to figure out the emergency brake cables and where they should route.

Once I get done with the gas tank mounting I am going to tear apart the bed and start to build a frame work of 1"x1" tubing to support the floor. Oh boy my list just seems to get longer each time I check something off!

Worked on the fuel tank frame tonight. A fairly easy job, but somewhat time consuming. I still have to fab up a hold down for the tank, but that should not be that hard.

My next job is going to be finishing up on the lower air bag mounts and getting them welded in place. Then I will get on either the shock mounts, or the fuel line plumbing.

Just food for thought, I Z'd mine 2.5" at the firewall and ran 3" spindles. With that done I proceeded to take 3" off the frame below the cab (body drop) I know you are not going that far but this is what worked for me. By only Z'ing it 2.5" I did not have to make any custom steering shaft's from the column to the steering box. The stock stuff bolted right back in place, it was still a P.I.T.A. but it was so worth it. Love the sub. gas tank idea I was gonna do that but I figured out how to use my stock tank....so it works for me. Good luck, hope this might be of a little help.

Thanks so much for your help! What brand of spindle did you use? I went back through your build tonight and was wondering when you did your Z'ing did you have to modify the transmission hump?

I have been looking for a father and son project for my 13 year old to start working on. Last weekend I was looking through Craigslist and came across a guy selling a 61 Chevy truck. It turned out to be a short bed, fleet side, big rear window, 3/4 ton. So I went to look at it. It was in pieces strewn all across his property, and we had kick a lot of spiders out of their homes to get to everything. In the end we got it up on the trailer and I drug it home. Oh yeah I got it all for $350! The guy just wanted it off his property...

This should be a cool project. Yes it will be slammed! I will lay frame on this truck. I have a friend trading me some parts for a decent front clip. Got to get the dually done first before we have room in the shop to start on this ride.

I don't know, I might not ever let the boy near it once we get it done... Just kidding...

OK it is cold in West Texas! I have been inside for the past couple of days and needed to get out and work on the dually. So I fired up the space heater and layered up. I got the bottom air bag mounts welded up. I also bent (yes with a tubing bender) the rear brake lines and got them installed. Used the old lines and had to tweak them around all the new suspension mounting items. I also relocated the tabs that hold the lines on the rear end housing.

A couple more items on the list ticked off...