What a weekend — No idea, nor my intention, to get so much done on my body lift. Everything is still loose and the core support blocks need to go in, but the cab’s mounts and lift blocks are holding everything up in place. Only the core support bolts/nuts had to be cut with die grinder, all the others wrenched off. In fairness I PB blasted them last week anticipating this.
Bed blocks are in and new stainless bolts ordered via Amazon, otherwise zinc could have been gotten at local hardware store with the other replacement bolts (longer lengths). Not sure if I like the channel the PO put in there and may remove it but body/bed lines will determine shimming needs.
No issues as far as fuel line, speedometer cable, and e-brake cable, and carburetor linkage!
Clutch rod needs 2 ½ “added into it.
The steering column, shaft, and wheel, and rag joint connection differences are minimal (even regarding the steering wheel distances from the dash and at the seat). Could probably run with them as is (for sure if the lift was less than 2 5/8”), but I’m re-doing the shifting mechanism on the TOTT so will fit them as they lie in with not stress at all.
Forgot about the radiator mount! Imagine the surprise when I opened the hood and saw a 2 ½” gap in the upper mounting bracket. Not a big deal, and would have been non-issue if the PO had left the stock 3 core in, as it mounts to frame, the larger 4 core for a 292 is wider and bolts to the core support, hence it raised with the core. Just a minor bracket modification.
Bumpers - rear will be easy as it bolts below the frame tails on brackets. When it comes up it will still hide the frame tails and cross member. The front — I will need to think it through a bit as it bolts directly to the front of the tails. Prefer not to cut frame tails.
Bottom line, 16 — 20 hours for 2 5/8” lift and new body mount rubber all around. This includes making my own body pucks from a block of Delrin. All minor tools, table saw, small drill press, single floor jack.
I do like the stance and ride height, can’t wait to get my 215/85 R16’s on her. Considering the things we do to these old trucks, a body lift is not a big deal, even with the few items I need to tidy up. Would be less of an issue if I’d gone for 2” but the Delrin was free, was 2 5/8” thick and I was lazy
The best thing is, no suspension geometry or ride has been altered, not excessive shimming for alignment, etc.
Will update on the final minor fixes etc.
Cavebull
