Drivabeater 4.0: the truck i should have built last time

I just have to question the style of rub. When I lowered the Dakota, it rubbed and rubbed and rubbed during suspension travel as the tires where 28" tall and I removed 2 " of available clearance. When I finally put on some 27" caravan castaways, it only rubbed on big bumps. When I wore those out, I stepped up(?) to a 26" tall tire did the rubbing on the inner fender quit. Never had an issue with the control arm rubbing beacuse I did this all on the stock 6" wide wheel.

I wouldn't be afraid of trimmed control arms, it is just a thick stamping with a leftover edge from the press cut.

It's pretty minor. 

My red truck is tire rub. Pretty hard, really. But, its really low with a tall tire. Im hoping to NOT repeat the problem on this one.

Good enough for who it's for

Sure don't LOOK like 3 inches lower in the rear.....wheel well lips measure within an inch of each other, so pretty much level.

Any interference with bed crossmembers?

In reply to solfly :

None seen. I thought the rear sway bar was binding,  but that doesn't seem to be the case either, as it didn't drop after the drive home with it removed. 

I'm liking this alot. 

After sleeping on it, im ok with my plan of going one more inch in the rear with the other set of holes in tje shackles, and 2 inch drop spindles. Should have a slight rake, plenty of ground clearance, and still look better than stock. 

I did park the trcks side by side last night,  just because I can. This truck is actually downhill of the red truck. 

In reply to Dusterbd13-michael (Forum Supporter) :

God damn you work quickly! How does it drive with the rear dropped? Any pinion angle correction? 

I just agreed to snag up some Beltech 2" drop shackles this week. They were close to work and cheap, so...

Back a few pages you mentioned you installed a transmission drain plug.  I'm always irritated by the manufacturers not having installed them and looking for good options to add one (I just bought a whole pan for the 200-4R in the regalwagon project).

I'm also interested in how you go about adding a transmission temperature sender.

Very cool truck/project.  I'm just now finding the thread.  I'm following with interest as one who is starting to really appreciate GMT400 ownership.  Your Drivabeater threads are always a great read... and a resource.

Furious_E (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to Dusterbd13-michael (Forum Supporter) :

God damn you work quickly! How does it drive with the rear dropped? Any pinion angle correction? 

I just agreed to snag up some Beltech 2" drop shackles this week. They were close to work and cheap, so...

It drives just like it did before. Maybe slightly stiffer in the rear. Used belltech hangers, shackles, driveline spacers, and shocks. No vibrations notced yet, but only 29 rainy miles under 55mph.

ClemSparks said:

Back a few pages you mentioned you installed a transmission drain plug.  I'm always irritated by the manufacturers not having installed them and looking for good options to add one (I just bought a whole pan for the 200-4R in the regalwagon project).

I'm also interested in how you go about adding a transmission temperature sender.

Very cool truck/project.  I'm just now finding the thread.  I'm following with interest as one who is starting to really appreciate GMT400 ownership.  Your Drivabeater threads are always a great read... and a resource.

Thanks!!!

I try to be slightly useful on occasion. 

I used the dorman plug kit from the parts store. Like six bucks. As far as the temp sensor,  i plan on ising the test port when i get there.

In regards to the 4.8 mentioned earlier, my parents have an 06 version of your truck with a 4.8 and its great, fuel economy isn't bad either.  I had a 95 ext cab and the 4.8 would be a HUGE improvement and as far as LS swaps go the 4.8 is nearly free because everyone wants the 6.0.  I know how you like a good deal so I was sharing my first hand experience with what you have VS what someone suggested 

Given the choice, for a truck, 5.3 is worth the extra $2.  They're basically the same price as 4.8's, nobody is giving away 4.8 anymore, and the extra torque is very noticeable back to back.  For something light sure interchange them.  

In reply to Patrick (Forum Supporter) :

Thanks for adding that.  I guess there's a difference in supply and demand due to location, and I agree completely the 5.3 is better, but in my area the 4.8 is half the cost or less of the bigger brother 

so you're going to end up at 2"/5"?

2-4. Only have the 3 setting in the rear right now. That extra inch will put it spot on with 1 inch of rake after spindles. 

gotcha.

Did i read something about a rear sway bar in here?

In reply to solfly :

You did. Its currently back in storage until I can make one change at a time again to dial in ehat i want for handling and ride quality. 

However,  its off a suburban. 2500 if i remember correctly. Hell, i bought it for the longbed that i sold in 2011, ive given it away twice, and finally decided to use it.

i owe yall a real update when stampie is on the way to the challenge.....

Why do I get blamed for everything?

In reply to Stampie (FS) :

Nope not blamed. You and the challenge car are the priority this week for free time.

Im excited to see how we do! 

And while you're at the challenge,  ill be sanding body filler on this.

I'll have to look for one of them

I should probably make a to do list for all my vehicles...

I use the build thread and a sheet of paper on the dash