1980 Longbed Pickup Build - Epically Slow Style (3 Viewers)

[Sam Stewart]

I'm fine. I posted some pictures on fb. The guys car was trashed. Tundra hitch and bumper are pretty messed up.

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[Sam Stewart]

Well I didn't take any pics when I was up there but Mike sent me a couple so here ya go. At least you can see the orientation of the box. We decided it was best to keep the steering linkage as close to parallel as possible. So I didn't move the box all the way forward.

And here's where Mike had to fix my steering shaft by welding it back together. I thought you had to cut it and weld a piece in but apparently there is enough overlap that all you have to do is extend it and tack it.

Oh well, live and learn I guess. Next time I'm up that way I'll try to get some more pics of the hi steer and suspension setup. Now I just need to figure out some shocks...

 

[jynx]

Now I just need to figure out some shocks...

I think you know a few folks that can help you out there

 

[Sam Stewart]

I think you know a few folks that can help you out there

Yep. It will either be some Ironman or OME or Bilsteins. I've already had a couple of people offer some used ones. I need to get some good measurements of full compression and extension so I can figure out what I need. I am probably going to need some bump stops and I might need some limiting straps. The brake lines I installed are stupid long though. I might not need them.

 

[Sam Stewart]

Well it looks like Ironman is out. It seems that they don't make shocks long enough. I plan on going up next week to get some measurements. I need to weld my hi lift mount and install my LEDs too.

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[jynx]

Hmmm... that is interesting. I say some FOX reservoir 2.0s would do nicely

 

[Sam Stewart]

Hmmm... that is interesting. I say some FOX reservoir 2.0s would do nicely

Psh. If I was desert racing maybe. The speeds I will be going (turtle-ish) will not require anything that fancy.

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[jynx]

Yeah, just BSin with ya. For your purposes a good set of ProComps or some Doestch would work. I put some Doestch's on Erin's old WJ with a Budget boost and was pretty happy. Might check them out. They are pretty $$ friendly as well.

 

[Sam Stewart]

Yeah, just BSin with ya. For your purposes a good set of ProComps or some Doestch would work. I put some Doestch's on Erin's old WJ with a Budget boost and was pretty happy. Might check them out. They are pretty $$ friendly as well.

Will do.

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[Sam Stewart]

At the risk of starting a huge debate (I'd really rather not please)... Does anyone have experience with the TG and Marlin dual adapters? The difference is about 70-80 bucks. Not a huge amount of money but I am trying to be frugal where I can. Keep in mind this truck only gets driven (wheeled) about 2-3 times a year. I will be making a purchase soon.

 

[Sam Stewart]

Shopping List/To Do List:

Suspension:
[STRIKE] Build rear bumper/spring hanger[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Creeper mounts for rear[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]shackles (rear) [/STRIKE]DONE
[STRIKE]front spring hanger (rear) [/STRIKE]DONE
[STRIKE]IFS box mount[/STRIKE]DONE
[STRIKE]IFS box (have one but it leaks badly)[/STRIKE]Have one, just need to install
[STRIKE]Banana shackles (front, Bud Built) ORDERED[/STRIKE]
Shocks (Ironman, will source from ACC )
[STRIKE]Hi steer kit (TBD, Marlin probably)[/STRIKE] TG from Low Range

Trans/doubler:
Adapter (TBD, Marlin if possible)
Trans rebuild kit (Input bearing has some play, might as well take care of it while its out) ORDERED
Drive shafts

[STRIKE]Dec 1st - Recon, measure for rear, mock up springs for rear, etc [/STRIKE]Done
[STRIKE]Dec 5th - Start working on rear bumper/spring hanger[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]Dec 19th - Mount front hanger, install springs (front and rear)[/STRIKE]
Dec 29th - (If parts are here) Mount springs, Hi Lift mount, Mirrors, etc
[STRIKE]Jan 2nd - Mount spring hangers and install springs (rear), mount front springs, measure for shocks, measure for IFS box install [/STRIKE]
Jan 16th - Mount [STRIKE]front and[/STRIKE] rear springs, [STRIKE]measure for shocks, measure for IFS box/hi steer, install longer brake lines, install LED lights[/STRIKE]
Jan 26th - Mount front springs, install high steer [STRIKE]and IFS box, sleeve shackles on rear, install hi lift mount, install LEDs[/STRIKE]
Jan 29th - Finish items not completed from 1/26, Rear shackles, IFS box, Hi lift, LEDS
Feb 9th - Measure for shocks, install LEDS, install hi lift
[STRIKE]Feb 13th -[/STRIKE] Out of town
[STRIKE]Feb 27th - [/STRIKE] Out of town
Mar 9th -
Mar 13th -
Mar 23rd -
Mar 27th -
Apr 10th -
Apr 24th -
May 8th - FINISH

Tentative Deadline is April 20th, 2013

Updated again.

I need some shocks. I've been looking around and for my usage I think I'm probably just going to go with some el cheapos. As I have stated before many times, this truck is not a DD and it only gets driven about 2-3 times a year. So I don't need anything too fancy (jynx...) I've already ordered my trans rebuild kit and hope to be sending it out sometime in the next few weeks for a rebuild. Once all that is done and the duals are assembled, I just need to put everything in and figure out some driveshafts... THEN it's 'n time!

 

[jynx]

Sam, I have no experience with any of the T-case adapters and won't even touch the aforementioned debate. I will say I haven't heard anyone that had a problem with the TG adapter itself. They only go together one way and basically the adapter is just a machined piece of metal with holes drilled in strategic places to hold everything together and hold a bearing. I am not a fan of their twin stick, but that is strictly because I think the levers are butt ugly, no functional reason.

They both look to go together the same, you have weld the shift fork with the little piece of metal, both come with studs for assembly, blah, blah, blah.

I say go for what fits your budget. Someone else may be able give you some real world advice but that is what I got.

Also, where are you getting the $70 difference, marlins cast adapter shows $429 and the TG adapter is $399. MC's billet adapter is $499 but I don't think you are looking to go all blingy.

 

[Sam Stewart]

Marlins is 429 no matter where you buy it from. You can by the TG one cheaper from any of their vendors. I was looking at total price shipped. Difference was 70 bucks.

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[jynx]

Holy crap!! I did not know that. I was just looking at each web-site. If that is the case I vote TG unless someone has had one explode under their rig.

 

[Sam Stewart]

I haven't ever heard a bad thing about them. I just wanted to hear any real world experience if anyone has any. If its worth the extra $$ I'll buy the one from Marlin. If not I'll by the TG and spend that extra $$ on something else.

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[Sam Stewart]

EPIC UPDATE (PICS TOO!)

Ok. Maybe not that epic but I did finally get the pictures I keep saying I'm going to get. So far at this point the hi steer, spring swap, and IFS box are all done. I still have to button on some minor stuff but it's got brakes, steering and suspension on it.

Rear spring hanger:

Rear shackle:

Stance:

My new to me OME shocks from the front of an 80 series:

BudBuilt shackles:

Passenger side steering arm, extended brake line, and OME shock:

Why, yes, we did powder coat the steering arms midnight blue for no reason:

Yep, pitman arm too:

IFS steering box mount location:

Looking pretty tall up front there:

 

[jynx]

Looking good man. Especially since it looks like it got pulled outside, under it's own power. I am very interested in how the rear leafs work out. I like the idea of keeping it all Toyota. They are Taco leafs right?

So what is next on the list? lights, hi-lift, t-case?

I have to get the 80 ready for GSMTR, so I guess it is time to make that list that you and I keep talking about

 

[Sam Stewart]

I did drive it out under its own power. It was actually outside when I got there so I had to drive it in with no brakes or power steering. That was pretty fun. Yes they are Taco springs from an 05+. The front is a good bit taller so I may have to add a leaf in the rear.

Next on the list is getting the W56 rebuilt and getting the dual case adapter. I have the lights and already started on mounting them. Just have to finish up the mounting holes and wire them in. I already have the hi lift and mount as well. Just gotta put it in. So the list is as follows:

Rebuild W56 (already have rebuild kit)
Get dual adapter and put cases together
Drive shafts
Rear shocks
Hardware (sleeve shackles, swap out bolts, etc)

Make a deadline for the 80. Set some milestones. You'll get it done.

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[Tapage]

now you're seen the light at the end of the tunnel ..

 

[Sam Stewart]

now you're seen the light at the end of the tunnel ..

Yes! Feels good to be making some progress!