I got the front suspension all torque, and cotter pinned. I put some 5 lugs wheels on it, and got it off the jack stands. It's a roller again, but only until I get the calipers painted and installed. I need to roll it out of the shop to move the tarp and start to remove the Stude bed. I'm looking forward to dropping the engine and trans in it to see how much the Belltech lowering springs and shocks changed the stance.

 

Sweet.

 

Progress.

Are you going to loosen/retorgue the suspension bolts once you have engine/body and such in place?

 

I wasn't planning to. I guess I shouldn't have put the cotter pins in if I was going to do that. Once I got to the proper torque, I had to get them tighter to align the castle nuts with the cotter pin holes. Everything is really tight!

 

And that may be just fine. However.... (and you knew that was coming...) for suspension components, I like to have the full weight of the vehicle on the suspension before the final tightening.... otherwise, you may get a harsher ride than you expected.

 

That implies the body as well. I am going to proceed with assembly and wait for the drivetrain and body installation, then loosen and retighten the suspension mounts.

 

Sounds like a good plan.

 

A wild hair was discovered this morning, and I put it to good use! I had a neighbor help me out. We got the bed removed, and did a quick test fit to see what could be in the way. The upper shock mount cross member will need to come out. It is definitely time to start doing the rear half of the chassis. Boxing the frame rails, making the fuel tank mount, putting the 4 link rear suspension together, and fabbing the bed mounts. With the temps in the mid to upper 90's for the next couple months, all grinding and welding will happen in the early mornings. Outside on the shop's driveway.

 

I mentioned earlier in this thread that the truck came from a farmer in Idaho. The closer you look, the worse it gets! From the chassis shortening (hacking!), to the custom motor mounts. This 3/4 ton 4wd chassis needs to be scrapped. I was hoping to sell it as a roller, but the only things I could sell in good faith would be the front and rear axle assemblies, the trans, and transfer case. I have a hard time thinking anyone would think these mods would be road worthy! Some people should not have access to a plasma cutter, or a MIG welder!

 

When I brought this truck home (from under a tree in southern Washington) it had a front bumper sitting in the bed. I knew right away it didn't belong to the Studebaker. So I took a picture of it, and over several cups of coffee, I started my internet search to determine what model car it came off of. It took several hours before I finally found it. I plan on adapting it to the front of the Dakota chassis. Anyone care to guess what car it is?