Bagging the square....FINALLY!

Honky Kong jr · Aug 23, 2017

Looks good man.

smoothandlow84 · Aug 23, 2017

Thanks...I probably spent more time researching this project more than any other I have done so far. Seems like no matter what, you have to get creative sometimes. The guys I bought the parts from have given me a lot of insight and "tricks". I hope to have this wrapped up by Friday and ready for a test drive. I still need to go to my metal supplier once the four link is installed with a materials list in order to fabricate the bridge and bag mounts.

Honky Kong jr · Aug 23, 2017

Research is good better do it right the first time then have to cut stuff apart. Suspension geometry can be tricky and can turn a good thing into a pile of **** if not done right. Don't rush it. Looks like your well on your way to a smoot riding truck no pun intended.lol

74 Shortbed · Aug 23, 2017

Lookin real good.

smoothandlow84 · Aug 23, 2017

Coffe is brewing...almost ready to start cutting, grinding and welding. Its a good thing my neighbors have already left for work.

74 Shortbed · Aug 23, 2017

Glad I don't have to worry about neighbors anymore, lol..

smoothandlow84 · Aug 23, 2017

Progress today....all the four links are final welded into place. I also modified the brackets for the panhard bar and mounted it as well. Clearances were checked as well as articulation of the setup. So far so good, no binding or travel limitations. At full dump, I should have 3/8" of driveline clearance with the underside of the cab, all brake lines have ample room during suspension movement. The next step for tomorrow is to go to my metal supplier and pickup some steel stock to fabricate the bridge so that I can mount the rear bags finally. I also saw that at full dump, the tires have 3/8" before touching the under side of the rear tubs. Everything looks to be working as planned so far. I will post updated pics once the bridge is fabbed.

Honky Kong jr · Aug 23, 2017

Where are you putting your bags? On or behind the rear?

smoothandlow84 · Aug 23, 2017

Bags will be mounted on top of the axle between the existing mini notch and the differential. I will be fabbing a new taller bridge notch tomorrow morning. I will mount the upper and lower bag mounts and plumb the rear air lines to double check the clearances. At full dump I should have 3/8" clearance between the top of the rear tires and the fenderwells.

smoothandlow84 · Aug 24, 2017

Finally done after a long 10 hour day of welding, cutting, and of course tearing the old parts off.

I still have to final weld and clean up a few minor items (re route the tail light wiring lines down the frame and over the new bridge). I also need to clamp down the rear air lines along the frame. I cycled the rear suspension and so far so good. The accuair tank releases the front air slower than the rear so it drops at the same speed. I think thats pretty cool. I still need to fine tune it a bit more though. The maiden drive voyage may be tomorrow or possibly Saturday once I final weld and do some paint to cover the bare metal areas.

At full dump the rear license plate is 7 inches above the pavement (its mounted on a steel roll pan). My backup camer which is mounted just below the plate may have to be moved.

I will post up some pics and possibly a short video clip if I can figure that out.

I also need to trim some of the bottom cup off of the front airbag so that the front will sit 2 inches lower and be even with the back when dumped.

Now comes the clean out...I have a rear flip kit, u bolts, saddle and plate and of couse the hardware. I also have the rear leaf hangers too and the drop coils if anyone is interested. Shoot me a pm and we can negotiate a price shipped.