Builds Stevo's '95 4BTRunner (2 Viewers)

[StevoJonesFJ60]

One thing for sure to check when getting a new axle is the lug spacing. Turns out Chevy/GMC went to a 8x180 spacing in 2011. This means that the axle flanges are different too from older model trucks. There isn't much information on this so I will continue to post any other changes I find.
In the meantime, I needed to swap it back to an 8x170 pattern. Easiest way is adapters, but tacking on 4" to an already wider axle was a no-go.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to run a 14 bolt in the first place, other than the 3rd pinion bearing, was the fact that they are super easy to work on and can be chopped down to run "two short shafts". This would shorten the axle down 6", allow me to bring a single spare, and allow me to run adapters, to keep the same axle width.

I got to make good use of the metal chop saw I picked up. Hands down one of the best purchases I have made. It chops through steel like butter, no heat buildup and clean edge ready to weld up. Made quick work of that axle tube.

Clamped back up and ready to weld.

Welded up!

Since I had an extra "long shaft" I decided to make a trail spare. Probably wouldn't last under some significant abuse but I imagine it would at least allow me to limp off a trail.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Like everyone else, I love snagging some deals at auctions. I found some tig cups up for sale managed to snag 546 tig cups for the grand total of $50.

Those got put to use on the remainder of the manifold install. First day on site it was pouring rain so had to move operations to inside.

But the next day was beautiful so the install was moved outside.

Installation complete, all that was left was to order to flex lines to the tanks.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Back on the rear axle:
I wanted to make sure that there wouldn't be an issue with the chopped section so I added some additional beef.
Small top truss.

Rear span truss, tied into the new diff cover.

Dumped the Gov-Loc and swapped it for a grizzly locker.

Gears and locker back in.

All buttoned up and painted.

Still need to add on the spring mounts and anti-wrap brackets but those will be "field-fit" when I get the old one pulled.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

That brings us to the last major change. I was not thrilled with the first iteration of the front bumper. I had a bunch of 4" tubing left over from that steam install so I decided to see how a new round tube bumper would look. Little CAD mockup.

No going back from here:

Liking it so far.

Added in some plating.

Welded, cleaned up, painted, and installed.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Stay tuned for the next few things on my to-do list:

• Going to be resealing my T-case and installing a T-case brake
• Shortening front driveshaft
• Installing new rear axle
  • New shocks
  • Lengthen rear driveshaft
  • New brake lines
• Engine bay work
  • Filter box
  • lower thermostat hose swap
  • redo inner fenders
  • seal up a bit on the sides to cut down some noise
• Redo front shock mounts - going with hoops for a cleaner look
• Potentially sourcing a new front axle (05+ SD)
• Compound turbos might be in the mix too or maybe twincharging

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Love the updates. The front bumper tubes remind me of two stroke mufflers for some reason, lol.

 

[D21FJ60]

Love the updates. The front bumper tubes remind me of two stroke mufflers for some reason, lol.

Bottom of Darth Vaders mask IMO