Since the weather has been crap, I've been travelling to visit out of area friends, as well as prepping the 98 for sale (which sold on 1/31). In that time I was able to blast the axles, and then started tearing them down. Soon they will get coated and re-assembled.
So since I've been silent for two months.....
Holidays happened. Work. The usual.
I actually had someone pointed my direction and worked with him for about 1.5 months while prepping the truck for sale, and figuring out financials, travel dates, etc. So long story short, I pulled a few items...
Been a hot minute, had quite a few things happen since the last update!
Pulled the axles. This is the only easy way to move a 14FF.
Got the frame setup and acid etched.
Then spent many hours coating it.
I then spent a bunch of time doing some other things - had my great uncle pass...
I've had... quite a lot happen in the last month, so forgive me for not existing online.
On the way back from my last trip (end of October) the truck started making a ticking sound, like an exhaust leak. But, I was focused on the 88 at the time (frame was pulled apart for coating). I basically...
No no no, the front is too wide when it's 8 lug, it's not about finding a width matching axle.
The dana 44 axle itself stays the same 6-lug to 8-lug, but everything spindle/rotor/bearing/hub out sits differently and moves the wheels farther outboard in 8 lug form. I have my 6-lug stuff still...
The mad scientist :lol:
And just because it's cool, GM part number, date stamp and stamped VIN in the frame.
Now you are up to date :) Next step is pulling the springs and axles and coating the frame, then blasting and cleaning the axles, and re-assembly will start.
I also made a couple junkyard trips... Found a factory 3-piece slider window in good shape.
And picked up the new rear axle - 14SF from a 95 K2500, 6 Lug, 3.73s (will be re-geared) and a G80.
I've had a few people ask why I'm going from 8-lug back to 6-lug... Well, the primary reason is...
Since the forums aren't the easiest to update, I have been more regular and active on a couple Facebook GMT400 groups, and even more active on Instagram @88gmctruck... But, here is the update. I've been busy. :)
Got the front clip blown off.
Then got everything disconnected from the cab and...
Pressure washed it off and pulled it into the garage.... It's begun.
Started with pulling the bed, and will continue on stripping it down from there.
Setup some bins for fasteners, will help in the process
So, since many people keep asking WHAT the plan is with it.... here is a basic...
Long overdue update. Summer was brutally busty for me.
Got the Trans and T-Case back shortly after the last update, slapped it in and got on with life.
After it was together, finally got around to adding a video splitter and side view cameras to the truck. I also upgraded the side backup...
It's fairly clean, but not clean like my dually is. The interior is in ok shape but the carpets stained up (although not torn/trashed like my 98 parts suburban was, this is just dirty). It's slowly getting better the more i tinker with it. It was a $1,600 partially running with slipping reverse...
Well it has been more than a minute since I've checked in on here...
A slight style change - installed factory "4x4" stickers on it again. I like the style of them and their OEMness. Just something different.
Few misc camping shots. Some of these should totally be in a GM recreation brochure...
It's been awhile!
Been collecting my parts, coming up with my plan.... etc etc. I put off starting anything this winter... it was just too cold in my garage without heat and too wet outside to do much.
Now things are turning around and I started with a bit of motivation.
I robbed the wheels...
Not been much going on with this thing for awhile now.
I did remove the Z71 Guard.
Then spent 8 hours or so fully detailing it inside and a out....
And parked it in my GMT400 playground. The 88 is looking a bit sad... some updates are in it's thread though, it shouldn't be sad too much longer!