Project: B3000 Rat rod FRONT END FINALLY FRIGGIN DONE

Goddamn it, I just realized this is the third front suspension setup I'm trying... Hopefully third time's the charm.

Just for shits and giggles, here is a list of the cost of the project so far.

302- $150
F100 Suspension- $75
Leaf spring brackers, pins, bushings, ect - $40
Misc, cutting wheels, welding rods, ect - $25
Smokes- $10
Chevy front axle- free
3 speed toploader- free
B3000 frame- free
B3000 cab- free
Toyota leaf springs - free
'55 F100 steering - free

Total- $300

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Check out my new toy. We finally figured out that... Thing? I got in the big truckload of scrap off the CL was a Toyota Landcruiser transfer case- not a toploader, though it looks almost exactly like one.

HOWEVER-

Took the 3.0 to a local junkyard today, hoping to get a few bucks for it... Ended up walking out with a 3 speed toploader transmission, sans bellhousing. I'm going to rebuild it, the input shaft is caught, NOT locked up, but caught, on rust or a wasp's nest or something. Plus, it looks like some water got in there and there is some corrosion on some of the gears. Nothing too terrible but still worthy of a rebuild. Apparently the asking price for this tranny was $125, and I was trying to sell the 3.0 for $100, so I guess it worked out well for me. Good price or not, I'm happy, the 3.0 is out of my garage and I have something I can use. I'm happy with a 3 speed, it's from a 60's F150... Can anyone say tire melter? :-p

Ok, here is the suspension very loosely mocked up. Ignore everything except the ride height, it's give or take 1/2" correct.

EDIT: After looking at the pic it's kind of hard to tell, it's about 3" from ground to frame with about 6" of room for the axle to flex before it hits the frame.

awesome job on the progress. truck is coming along great.

One bracket down frameside, then my drill bit broke. Damn. The spring hanger will be welded on, with two bolts. The bracket itself is made of 1/2" steel and the bolts are 3/8" grade 8.



There's a good shot to estimate the ride height. With wheels and tires I'm hoping it'll be just as tall as the bottle.



The whole shebang as it sits now. Hopefully soon we'll be done with the boring front suspension stuff.

Good looking progress. I think your current front setup is the best to date. Front mount looks like it will be very solid when completed. Are you planning on some more reinforcement to the rear shackle mount for the leaf springs?

wow.. lookin good and nice progress..

i like this setup A LOT better! ! ! lookin good bro man

-Josh

this lookin to turn out pretty neat.








-justin

[SIZE="7"][FONT="Arial Black"]BEHOLD![/FONT][/SIZE]


At long last... The front suspension is DONE![SIZE="2"]ish.[/SIZE]








[SIZE="5"][FONT="Arial Black"]BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE![/FONT][/SIZE]



Yes... YES... The steering is also done!

I have a small laundry list of things to do tomorrow, but other than that, it's ALL done. FINALLY. I'm on freaking cloud nine, seriously.
Tomorrow:
-Find and add outer shackle to passanger side rear
-Drill holes for the bolts, right now it's all on the welds (new $20 bit broke >:( )
-Check and tighten all bolts
-Beering