Project: 83 C30 Crew Cab Big Brown Turd

[OldFatBald]

Figured that I would get off of the “Welcome” thread and start my suspension build thread.

I used to run around Northern California doing custom home foundations including the Oakland hills after the fire (yes we had them back then also).
Used to buy a new C30 crew cab 2wd running a 454 and TH400 every year, install a lumber rack and abuse the hell out of them.

Now I purchased my latest project, an 83 C30 Crew Cab with a 454 and the SM465, a roached interior, bent bed and in slightly better shape than myself (setting the bar low).

Plans call for a set of (6) 22" Alcoas and adapters from Texas Extreme. I want the tires tucking under the factory fenders.
Installation of a 14B SRW rear end along with a front and rear static kit from Todd at Lowboys in AZ.
The bed is off and I already have a set of AMD 4" wider inner fender wheel wells sitting around taking up space.

Eventually I'd like to switch out the SM465 to an NV4500

I have some interior parts coming from USA1 which is about 10 - 12 weeks out!

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[OldFatBald]

Since I needed the SRW rear end and wanted to upgrade to PW/PL plus the C30's dash pad is totally roached (that's an engineering term kids...) along with the door panels being is pretty sad shape.

I picked up this 90 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban over the weekend - Parts, Parts, Parts!!!

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[OldFatBald]

AMD 4" wider fenders.

Including nice dent -thank you shippers!!

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[OldFatBald]

Most of the parts places list front end parts as either - "Heavy Duty" or "Non-Heavy Duty"

So I Went and checked my truck. It has the U-bolts for the lower control arms, so it is the standard duty 1-ton (non Heavy Duty).

Took awhile as parts stores don't answer the phones around here due to the world shutting down, so I found an online (eBay) retailer.

What I ordered is listed here all Moog except the Pitman arm;

RK622888 Front Left Upper - Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly
RK622887 Front Right Upper - Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly
RK620036 Front Left Lower- Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly
RK620037 Front Right Lower - Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly

ES409LT Tie Rod End (needs 2) Inner
ES409RT Tie Rod End (needs 2) Outer
ES2004S Tie Rod End Adjusting Sleeve (req 2)

K6247T Idler Arm (1)
K6142 Pitman Arm (1) - Replaced with Mevtech

 

[Scott91370]

Nice start.

You guys with fork lifts and front end loaders sure do make me jealous. You know how hard it is removing and replacing a cab on one of these is without something like that?

 

[Big Chip]

When you get your lowering kit can you post a picture of the front spindles? I’m getting some real deja vu going too from 67-72 forum but I was thinking that was a regular cab C30. That’s not you is it?

 

[OldFatBald]

When you get your lowering kit can you post a picture of the front spindles? I’m getting some real deja vu going too from 67-72 forum but I was thinking that was a regular cab C30. That’s not you is it?

I do have a build thread going over there also, but no, mine is the crew cab pictured above.

 

[Big Chip]

I do have a build thread going over there also, but no, mine is the crew cab pictured above.

Maybe I’m confusing the lowered dually and towing thread with yours. I guess that other truck is orange now that I put more thought into it.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Excited to see the progress, that’s a sweet truck you’ve got there!


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[Catbox]

Cool plans for the truck.
It will be fun to see unfold.

 

[OldFatBald]

Wellllllll, things change. I was going to use the rear end out of the Suburban parts truck, then I found an old school junk yard that had a real 14B SRW rear end in great condition with 3.42 gear ratio.

So I loaded up the little woman and drove on up there - I know "How romantic, what a guy!"

While up there I also picked up a front bench seat out of an '84 single cab to replace the broken one in my C30 (last photo)

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[OldFatBald]

The rear end and a few more...

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[OldFatBald]

Still collecting parts:

Got my front springs, drop spindles. My C-notch & Flip kit should be here tomorrow.

Got most of my front end parts sitting on the desk, tie rod ends, ball joints, pitman arm etc.

Ordered some new front disks from Rock Auto

Still waiting on my 22" Alcoas and 8x10 adapters.

 

[Big Chip]

Still collecting parts:

Got my front springs, drop spindles. My C-notch & Flip kit should be here tomorrow.

Got most of my front end parts sitting on the desk, tie rod ends, ball joints, pitman arm etc.

Ordered some new front disks from Rock Auto

Still waiting on my 22" Alcoas and 8x10 adapters.

Can you post a picture of the front spindles?

 

[Grit dog]

What’s the srw rear end for?
Narrower axle width to make room for the wider tire setup and keeping them inside the fender wells?
What is the width difference between 14bolt srw/drw?