The Farm Truck - My Learning Curve ('85 C10)

[mitch_04]

Figured I'd start an actual build thread since I post here all the time. I bought this '85 C10 with a number 1 goal of laying the body on the ground via air ride. Always liked this body style and always wanted an ultra-low pickup, although most of my friends (South Dakota) don't understand and like to go up with their pickups. Started browsing the C10 forums to see what it would take and started off by z-ing the front suspension 3 inches up and 1 forward to center the wheel in the fender. Then I started researching suspensions to see what I should do for the rear. I decided to go with the triangulated 4-link because a panhard bar would have moved my rear end too much (15" of travel).

Going by ExWestRacer's helping info, I tried to get 60 degrees between the upper links (got close, but not quite 60), upper links downward angled about 8 degrees, bottom bars level at ride height, upper bars 70% of lower bar length. Then, sadly, ExWest started racing and stopped posting. Luckily, that's when Ron Sutton started posting his information-packed threads. Between the pros and the help of everyone on here, I started my building.

Was originally planning on putting a 6.0 Vortec with a turbo, but decided on a 3.5 inline 5 cylinder I had from a rolled pickup purchase. Thought the DOHC with VVT would be a little more interesting under the hood, and since it's more of a cruising pickup the 6.0 would have been overkill. The 6.0 is still being built, I just don't know what it will end up in yet. Just got the engine mounted last weekend and will do the tranny crossmember this weekend. I didn't have the mount for the transmission yet, so I had to wait. A local shop swapped it from 4wd to 2wd in trade for the old transfer case, great people.

I'm waiting on my rims/tires and the purchase of suspension analyzer to decide whether or not I will modify the front suspension aside from my drop spindles, bags, and boxing the lower control arm. It has a long, long way to go, but it'll get there slowly, once piece at a time.

[SSLance]

I've always preferred a regular cab long bed truck look and the square front end GMs as well. Looks like you are well on your way with this one.

Body looks pretty solid still too, has it had the fenders and cab corners replaced already or just a nice survivor?

[mitch_04]

I have replaced the section behind the rear wheels and it needs cab corners. I found some body work on the passenger fender, but I won't know how much until I strip the paint off. Very good condition, almost felt bad chopping it up. If it had more options I probably would have restored it, but it was just a basic C10.

[Guyt699]

I think it looks cool with those wheels!

[2jz_Dime]

I think it looks cool with those wheels!

I agree with that.

[medici78]

Turbo that 5-cyl

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

If you move the lower A-arm forward 1 inch you greatly improve handling, and help center the front wheels in the well.

I had bench raced doing this to my old C20 for mpg as I thought I may have to go back to my old job.

[mitch_04]

Man, I was surprised to see my pickup on the recent activity list, especially since I was able to work on it today! Most of my time has been going in to a '70 Datsun 2000 I am restoring for my mother in law, just cracked 100 HP on the dyno! Haha, it's about a 2200 lb car and is still pretty snappy, more than she will need. Anyways...

I have about 90% of my frame boxed in, driveshaft installed, gas tank mounted, and transmission crossmember made/installed. I have my new rims, but I have not bought tires yet. My wife is currently on bedrest due to pregnancy complications (2nd child, 16 weeks into pregnancy) and isn't working, so money is a little tighter than usual.

I am hoping to purchase suspension analyzer to help with the build, but I want to have my rims and tires mounted to see what clearance problems I am going to have first. I know there is room for improvement!

With the rims... I honestly wish I would have went with the early square body pickups, kept the body stock, original rims, and slammed it. However, I'm still pretty confident that what's in my head and slowly becoming my pickup will still be cool. Either way, I'm past the point of no return so it's gonna happen the way it's going.

The turbo is on the shelf. I'm trying to sell my '79 Z-28 and put the money towards tires, header piping/collector, and also a T-5 rebuild kit for another project. I'll post some pictures once my work is a little more "visible".

[Guyt699]

Glad to see you post up an update. I'll keep you and your wife in my prayers. Kids are awesome but man that is the longest nine months for them to get here! Good luck buddy!

[TAT]

Any updates? Hope all is well with the family.me and my wife went through the same thing. It's tough but worth it in the end. Keep up the good work.