Ok, so I've hinted a little about this in other threads, so I thought since we have this section now I would start my thread. A little history on the truck.

My dad bought this truck brand new 9 day before him and my mom got married in 1972. So it truly is a one owner. This was the second truck he had in the 2 months. The first was also a brand new 71 that he had for 2 weeks and hit a spot of black ice and slide head on into a tree. He hit so hard and just off center that it tweaked every panel on the truck except the tall gate. Needless to say they totaled it and he had to get another new truck.

So this is what he got. This truck has been his daily driver pretty much since the day he brought it home. It has some where north of 200K miles on it ( did have to replace the timing chain )and was still running strong until a couple months ago when I started this project.

 

So here is the plan for the truck. We bought a 5.3/4L60E from a 04 Tahoe 4x4 with 30K something miles on it. He has aways wanted something with a turbo on it, so I'm going to make a custom front mount MP T70 turbo and intercooler. The truck is 4x4 and we are keeping it that way so we had to buy a out-put shaft and adapter from Advanced Adapter to mate it to the 205 transfer case. That part is still in boxes, as I'm doing the suspension first.

 

Going to be a great project! I learned to drive in a 72 like that. Once we find the right one, my dad and i are going to build one (70-72). I look forward to seeing your progress.

 

OK, there's the other fun part. He wants this thing to keep the stock ride height, and ride like a caddy. With the stock leafs all the way around it rides like a tank. It was so rough my mom won't ride in it any more . He has always loved the idea of air ride suspension, so bags it is. We are using universal 4 link kits and 2800# Contec bags on both the front and the rear from Suicide Doors and one of there air management systems. Its complete with air tank, compressor, gauges, and switch box.

 

Lookin good Kyle!

 

So far, here is where I'm at. I've got the rear suspension pretty much done and welded out. Still a few little thing to do, but close and I'm just starting on the front. Its going to be the hardest, trying to make everything fit around the steering and diff and all that.

 

wish i had skills like this. great project and what's even more impressive and I can only imagine is just damn cool is that your dad is involved.

 

He has to be, it's his truck! And money,

He's just lucky he knows some one with the skills to do it, cuz he dosen't have them, Now he is just retired and wants this done. Guess I'm good for something,

 

Damn that truck is going to be a blast to drive. Old school looks with modern muscle and power. Will you be keeping it EFI with the factory VCM or will you be going with a carb or aftermarket EFI?

 

Keeping the factoy 5.3 efi, and will have a nice custom 2 bar OS from EFILive tuned by me