The wifes runner

So I looked at different options for the shocks I ended up settling on the common /\ setup. So here is the cross member I came up with for the shocks.

And here it is tacked into place. Its approx 1/4" from the body with where the shocks mount to the 2x2 offset to the highest point I could make them. I also made it so it hits the frame on the bottom edge.

And the shocks are upside down so I can mount them to the axle as far out as possible without the body hitting the spring plate.

So next I wanted to finish up the brake lines. I started by cutting off the stock hardline to softline mount off the tank mount. I simply took the mount I removed and cut it down and remounted it to the tank mount. Since I tossed the lspv all I had to do was rebend the hardline around and down to the new mount--easy peasy...

For those who wish to continue using there e-brake you need to tweek the mounts a little. Even if you don't rotate the housing typically the springs are thicker which causes the cables to rub the springs. So just bend both these mounts upward and you should have plenty of room.

So next is bump stop mounts on the spring plates...

So with everything tacked into place I puled it all apart and welded everything up. Got the rear housing all painted up....

So I figured I would have to rework the bumper mounts a tad but due to the location of he rear shackle mount and the rear body mount---I would have to do a little more....

So Since the bumper mounts would be shorter at he frame I made these inserts that go inside the frame to help give the frame some support. Once done I capped the end of he frame (at that point the inserts were stuck inside the frame). This gives the bumper 3 mounting locations per side(outside frame,bottom frame and rear of frame).

As you can see the mount is much shorter and I added some vertical material to the bumper mount. When I test fitted it I was happy with how much stronger it felt to how it was prior..

I painted the back side and will finish painting it once its on he rig.

So I had questioned what CV was on the rear driveshaft. From what I found researching its an 84/85 front CV.

I got the springs and rear axle under the rig along with the fuel tank back in..

Rear is now sitting on the springs....

Time to dig out more boxes of parts. Its getting all new parts..

So once the axles are assembled with brakes and adjusted I got the shocks and brake lines all installed...

So jumped back to the front of the runner. It had a nasty oil leak and I knew the front cover was cracked. Pulled the pan and cover and the chain/metal backed guides are in great shape.

I am very picky (shocker huh,lol) when it comes to assembly of anything. I always have all parts cleaned and ready along with all nuts/bolts. Makes everything smooth going back together...

I forgot who had mentioned this brand of exhaust gaskets but they are supposed to be the best.

I originally planned on swapping the 3 bolt flange on the header for a ball socket. I changed my mind since I am really hoping after the rig is done I can work on convincing the wife the runner will do much better (power/economy) with a 4.3 vortec....

So I got the motor assembled along with the new radiator. Got the header back in and all the small stuff also. Once the top was done I got all the trans cooler lines installed also. So most the front is done.....

WHEW!!
I got tired just reading that, very nice work & excellent job chronicling the build!

Thanks--you should go thru the build of my new rig :redneck:

Couldn't believe how plugged the t-case cooler was. Took some time in the parts washer at work to get it like new again....

So since the cooler originally goes right where the shackle mount now sits I had to look at other options. I looked at bringing it away from the frame and mounting it in the same spot--but there was not enough room before it hit the trans cooler lines.

Well I came up with this mount and brought it back a bit. Its kinda close to the drive shaft but not 100% certain until I get a new shaft made and flex it out..

Back to the rear axle. When I got the E-brake cables in place I found no matter how much the mounts got tweaked the spring height got in the way of the cables..