Pre-Build thread...

[freebird01]

Ok well those of you that know me and have seen my truck know about the extensive cab rust I'm dealing with.

So saturday I drove to southern West Virginia and picked up a cab from MUDKICKR...

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i plan on fixing the issues with the new cab and having it in primer before putting it on my truck..

So the reason for this post is there is a bunch of work I plan on doing while I have the body off.

replace the clutch
R&R all the fuel lines and modify for heated lines for WMO future
fix the rear tank and modify fillers for fast fill
get the fuel sending units works on both tanks
new shocks
possible 60 swap (depends on budget...already have axle just needs r&r)
2" body lift to help with maintenance
replace return lines with the kit i got from mel at the ralley
clean up engine compartment wiring
possibly replace injectors (budget permitting)
intercooler (budget permitting)
might redo my coolant filter setup to help with compartment cleanup.
new fan clutch or possibly an E-fan setup
3g alt swap

I am going to building a flatbed for it and putting on some under body tool boxes so i am planning on moving my batteries into one of the boxes. I may look into on board air as well.

what things should i be looking to do?
re-seal the oil cooler?

i thought about pulling the heads and new head gaskets and studs but the cost there is definitely prohibitive at the moment

 

[Diesel_brad]

DO NOT just prime the cab. PAINT IT and be done. If not, any and all body work will have to be redone. Primer does not seal out the moisture it actually draws it in.

I would also suggest putting POR 15 on the whole underside and cab floor. Also inside the bottom 12" of the doors, inside the bottom 12" of the fenders and COMPLETE rad support, while you have it apart. Then the truck will out last you for $75 worth of material and a couple hours time

 

[freebird01]

yea i did plan on POR'ing it before putting it together. what kills me is not having the space indoors to paint it. and im running out of days rather quickly that are warm enough to paint outside. i have enough mechanical work to do to warrant holding off on the body work for awhile.

most of the mechanical work will be done before the bodywork is started

 

[Diesel_brad]

yea i did plan on POR'ing it before putting it together. what kills me is not having the space indoors to paint it. and im running out of days rather quickly that are warm enough to paint outside. i have enough mechanical work to do to warrant holding off on the body work for awhile.

most of the mechanical work will be done before the bodywork is started

Just get cold weather reducer. I painted my 83 on a 60 deg day in december

 

[freebird01]

oh...i will probably try and replace my oil pan while I'm there too. it doesn't leak but its got some decent rust so im sure its not far from it.

 

[Diesel_brad]

You plan on doing a Bull nose conversion?

 

[freebird01]

id like to but it depends on the price of the front end i find. my bricknose is clean other then some repairable rust in the rad support.

i still need to decide what I'm doing for doors. id like to find a set from an F350 with the bigger mirrors, but i may just go with a set that tjsea offered me awhile back.

I'm keeping my tan brick nose interior. that should be fun since it is a 4/92 cab. I was already looking to add my firewall plate to it but it seems the 92+ cabs have an extra support already welded inside and out on the cab for the clutch master... i may still hack up one of mine to help beef it up. i got to get the pedal assy out of mine and see what its gonna take and where things will line up before i do that.

**yes i am a cheap ******* lol**

 

[G.W BUFFALO]

Stick with the brick, i repeat stick with the brick!!!!

 

[Diesel_brad]

id like to but it depends on the price of the front end i find. my bricknose is clean other then some repairable rust in the rad support.

i still need to decide what I'm doing for doors. id like to find a set from an F350 with the bigger mirrors, but i may just go with a set that tjsea offered me awhile back.

I'm keeping my tan brick nose interior. that should be fun since it is a 4/92 cab. I was already looking to add my firewall plate to it but it seems the 92+ cabs have an extra support already welded inside and out on the cab for the clutch master... i may still hack up one of mine to help beef it up. i got to get the pedal assy out of mine and see what its gonna take and where things will line up before i do that.

**yes i am a cheap ******* lol**

I have a VERY good set of used fenders and NEW(ford) set of fenders w paint on them(but newer mounted) if you are interested. but i dont have any diesel rad supports or hoods

 

[Diesel_brad]

And why is there a CHEVY towing the trailer?!?!?

 

[freebird01]

ill let you know when i get to that point.

but besides body stuff.... any ideas for drivetrain maintenance i should be looking at while i have the body apart?

 

[freebird01]

And why is there a CHEVY towing the trailer?!?!?

haha...it was borrowed. It belongs to my mom. the 86 f150 i got isnt on the road yet and the 'burb gets good fuel mileage. plus the leather interior makes for a nicer ride when your behind the wheel for close to 20 hrs. (made a side trip to western PA for a set of samurai axles.

 

[sle2115]

If you can swing it, while the body is off is the time to do the studs and hg's...everything is right there in the open! lol I got a set of heads sitting in my building to go on mine when I get the time, but everytime I look over the fender rails, I think "this is gonna hurt!" Of course mine being so tall and having a body lift just makes my stomach cringe at this point! lol

 

[subway]

nice i am considering pulling my cab and bed to to clear up the rust on my frame and the stuff starting under my cab body before it gets to far. looking forward to seeing your progress, i have the same problem of not having a nice shop to pull into.

 

[riotwarrior]

Hey just a thought...but with the cab getting nice n prepped, now is the time to install a firewall reinforcement kit. I know this guy here on this site,he sells em I can get you hooked up if you like.

All jokes aside, sounds like you have it covered real well. HG and studs, would be nice, since it's frame up, thorough check of all brake/fuel lines along frame of course...

Do the 60 swap I don't see that as a big issue for you. since you have it. Easiest to do now then wait and do later.