SMKYTXN'S 2011 DCFBFTMFW Solid Axle Swap

True

It's better than hookers and blow, right?

 

Definitely

 

I say tub the fire wall. Just when you think you have it all beaten and trimmed where you want it. That sir is when you slice nearly a grand worth of rubber into a tire swing for the kiddos.

 

agree with the tubbing idea. those are some big and expensive meats!

 

I mocked up the fill piece for the shock hoop brace. I may or may not cut Trail Toys into it.



Next up was clearancing the passenger side inner fenders.

First off the batter tray had to go.







Slicing and dicing




And yeah, I started on the passenger side firewall tub.

 

Rolling by Friday?

 

Today's progress:

Filled in the passenger side firewall tub. I'll finish it off after I get someone inside on fire watch.


Dropped the shock tower brace infill plate in.



Started on the flanges for the crossmember.

 

Dibs on shotgun!

What gauge steel are you using for the body fill?

 

When you weld up your flanges be sure to put a .040-.050” spacers on the bolts or some shim stock between the two flanges on each side. It will make removal and install much easier in the future.

 

Whatever gauge the roof of a mid 80's Chevy single cab pickup is.

 

Wrapped up the driver side tub.

 

uh I don't think you can weld cardboard I don't much about welding but I know that

 

@SMKYTXN welds in his sleep. V

 

Should clean that floor....

 

Welp, the 3 link is pretty much done. I'm to the point now that the axle needs to come out for final welding.

I made up the flanges for the engine cross member so that's now removable.



Here's the 60 in all her glory. Time to weld up all those brackets.


This is the first time I've really gotten a good look at the panhard mount I dreamed up. Not too shabby!


I pulled the shock hoops and cross member out for final welding. There was no way I was going to be able to weld this thing up under the hood.


The 60 is about 90% welded as of today. I still need to pull the ram and weld in the stiffeners for the ram mount, but she's close.


While I was at the shop I took a second to think about the new power steering pump. Looks like I'll be calling Howe tomorrow. I knew the pulley didn't line up, but what I didn't realize is that they sent out a 5 rib pulley when I need a 6. Great!


The shock hoops and engine cross member are fully welded now. I'll be adding some diagonals to the hoops, but that'll come a bit later.

 

Where are you going to put the patches?

 

Are you fully caged in the cab?

 

It will be when done.

 

Happy late bday brother