Stand by, I’m trying to get some particulars from Christian. I’m going to be driving down to Florida at the end of November and I’m trying to see if it will fit in the rig I’m driving.
I've got the same problem with my Chevelle and I suspect the issue is the fuel boiling out when it sits after driving. I am going to try a phenolic spacer at some point and see if it helps but if someone else has a better idea please throw it out here for us.
I’m interested in what people think about the “sewing machine” noise you have. I’ve recently developed the exact same sound. The only thing that’s different is a new timing chain set and water pump.
That being said, go with the big block!
I didn't remember but same principle with the shackles. @gotyourgoat is absolutely right about slamming it with the axle on top of the springs. You're a minimum of 5" doing the flip and maybe more.
You could do lowering shackles if you just want to lower it a few inches.
https://www.ebay.com/b/Lower-Kits-Parts-for-1979-Chevrolet-C10/33586/bn_87481456
You have to rotate the tie rod end 180° and install from the bottom up which means you can’t use stock alignment specs. There’s also a bump steer issue when you change the tie rod position. You can also see that a left turn creates an interference problem with the tie rod and pitman arm. To...
My exhaust is entirely above the bottom of the frame and I have GM A-body headers so they are above the bottom of the frame too. That truck probably had plates welded to it for scraping. I hope anyway.