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first build, need some help

  
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first build, need some help

 
rufusodle rufusodle
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 08/09
Posted: 08/01/09
09:45 PM

Ok so I just baught me a 1999 chevy ext cab 2500 4x4 with the 6.0.
So far so good, i got the truck for 2,500$

I'm figureing on this build taking well for ever.
I want to build a rock solid bomb proof do it all kinda truck.
I understand that it wont be the best at any one thing but perfect for my likeing.

I want to start with 2 1/2 ton axles, my question for that is can i get alot of articulation from 2 1/2 rockwells?
Trying to stay on an army guys kinda budget i'm thinking of keeping leaf springs in the rear and maybe coil over or super slinky springs  up front. (any recomendations?)
with the axles gearing i figure on 44's

now does any one have recomendations for what to follow with?
Should i go from tires, axles, susp, to the tranny? or the transfer case or would the stock set up hold up for a bit or until i can put some life back in the ole bank-o-count?

Also once its all together i am thinking seriously about line-x the whole truck top bottom inside and out. has any one ever done this and if so how does it work out, exp, parts fitting together, functionality, COST?  

 
4WOR Web Editor 4WOR Web Editor
Administrator | Posts: 2341 | Joined: 12/06
Posted: 08/03/09
04:40 PM

Check out our Heavy Metal Mudder project. That sounds like about what you want, a flexy rig on rockwells and 44's on a budget.

On the Line-X, figure a typical 6' truck bed costs about $500 to coat, now figure maybe 10 times that to do the whole truck? You get the picture... if you really want to do it, which I personally would say stay away from since the stuff is heavy and seems to like to chip and really doesn't look all that good, I would use the DIY roll on stuff and save a bundle.  
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GM1tonOfFun GM1tonOfFun
User | Posts: 223 | Joined: 11/07
Posted: 08/03/09
09:11 PM

Many years ago at a swap meet I saw a Jeep ( CJ style ) with a bed liner coating ( I don't believe it was Line-X ) inside and out.  It did not look good.

The Heavy Metal Mudder project is a good one to look at.  You can get a lot of flex out of leaf springs if done the right way ( long leaves with not much arch ).  There are several web sites you could look at for ideas too.

Figure out a plan first and then buy as you come across good deals.  

 
FABRICATORWANNABE FABRICATORWANNABE
New User | Posts: 10 | Joined: 08/09
Posted: 08/22/09
05:21 PM

Do it all truck with 44s and rockwells is a little bit abstract i´s´nt it? I mean it is like a dream came true but really difficult to build and really expensive too, I love the idea of using those big axles and the 44´s but considering de lenght of your rig and your comment that you want good articulation (with 44s) it implies at LEAST 10 to 14 inch lift and a lot of body cutting, (that is not exactly a do it all truck) I´d recommend you to select your very very favorite activity and bulid your truck with those parameters, i love BIG trucks but sometimes they are just too big and heavy (mine is not that big but big enough to suffer in sharp turns and so) godd luck on the project and please share some pics of the process!  

 

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