No issues with leaving driveshaft in. Just t-case neutral and keep it in the slow lane...and in a 60 towing a 60...start slowing a mile in advance, lol.
Done for the day, long day. All the wood in place, holes drilled, and 90 percent of bolts in(ran out toward the end).
Frame hinges well. Need stronger struts (I have stronger ones in the garage somewhere).
Front frame section complete. The truck box will stay on that, and if needing access...
Hinged frame for the wood bed almost complete. Used spare 60 hood hinges and latch with gas struts. Should be finished tomorrow and ready for the wood to be bolted in.
Finished painting the bed and set back into place. Will mount the boards this weekend after getting more road time. Easier to check things out with the suspension without the boards in the way.
Can't wait to get the cab painted (within a coupe weeks). She's gonna look killer with white and...
Was able to get most the bed painted. Will turn it over the next day or so and finish parts of the top. Exhaust stack was also cleared with a few coats of clear satin high heat exhaust paint.
Worked exhaust stack today. Welded it all up, and made the mounts to the bed.
Going to be raining the next couple days. Come Friday we'll flip the bed over for final welding and paint.
Bed will be black with cedar boards, and I'm just high temp clearing the exhaust stack for contrast.
Finished lower headache rack and made grab handle and step for the bed.
Planned out new routing of exhaust to stack. Notched the bed frame some to allow exhaust to pass through with enough room.
Made some flush retracting tie downs for the edges.
Always liked the octagon or hexagon exhaust stacks. Problem was they are expensive and to big diameter wise. Finally decided to give it a go and make my own. Turned out well. Very happy with it.
Other side stake holders made. Was able to get half the headache rack lower panels made. Made to resemble the military trailer bed used to have on it, liked the look.
Also got some side shots.