Lifting the body off...

The body is actually resting on the rock sliders. When we lifted it, there were no distortions to the door clearances or the rear liftgate; all gaps stayed the same. We had to tie the front down because of weight distribution.

Last two pics from this weekend (lots more, but I'll save you on the minutia!).

This week, it will have the engine, trans, transfer case & steering box taken out. One of the rear cross members needs to be replaced. After that, the frame will be sent off for sand blasting. I'm still working on what to do with the body.

I'm waiting for a bid on a rotisserie paint job. If it's more than my budget, we will paint the underside, mount it back to the frame when it's done, and send the body to a different shop for paint.

Planned so far is a 6" lift, Dana 60 axles w/4.88 gears, and Detroit lockers (already built), crossover steering, hydraulic assisted steering, custom skid plates, bed liner sprayed on the underside of the body tub and floor of the interior, and bumpers and roll bar sand blasted & painted with epoxy metal primer.

I'm also having the Warn M12000 winch rebuilt. I've got BFG MT KM2's on order in 38x14.50x17's. I've got new seats for the front, and a bunch of other small stuff. Brutal is also going to do a 3" manderal bent exhaust, and convert my 2 piston iron a/c compressor into an on-board air system.

I've had the truck since 1990. I bought it with 70,000 miles on it, and drove it until it had 177k. My friend in Pasadena, TX built the engine, which is the original 400 block, but is now a 451 stroker. It has a hydraulic roller valve train, and only has 2500 miles on it. I'm definately changing out the headers, but not sure about any other engine mods. The paint estimate will decide the engines current fate. If it's not too bad, I'll be adding Edlebrock heads, and an MPFI system. If my budget is shot on the paint, I'll save the engine stuff for next year.  

I'll post more as we progress... 

I think that is one that 4x4iron did for him along with the cage and rock sliders.

sounds awesome, can't wait to see the finished product.

Thanks!       I'll be sure & post pictures when significant things are completed. It may be a couple of weeks before the sandblasting is done on the frame. I'll get a couple of pics of it stripped & shiney.

x2

It's about time we get pic's  lol looking good Brad

That is a sweet rig. I like the way the cage is done too.
Can't wait for more pics.

I'm diggin your truck, can't wait to see it's progression.

Thanks      It is a 6" Superlift, shackle flip like the RCC design, and will be cutting 1.5-2" out of the wheel openings. Also having inner fenders custom made to fit the new larger opening.

Centerlines are actually my favorite. I bought 5 C/L Vectors, when I bought the Super Swamper SX's. I exchanged the SSers for the BFG's, and had to return the Centerlines as well, since they were 16.5's. Centerline does not make anything wider than a 17x9, so I was really bummed. No one makes a forged wheel wider than 17x9; I've searched the net for a month, and have called a bunch of tech lines. The closest thing you can get is from either Boyd Coddington or Chip Foose for some custom designed ones, but they are over $1,000 each. 

I ended up ordering some Helo 17x10's. They look pretty good, but they are cast wheels from China. I couldn't believe Centerline wouldn't custom make some 17x10's.     

Great choice on corlar epoxy primer & imron paint. That is so easy to clean & I love that wet look it has . Can't wait to see the pics

I'm pushing real hard to have it done by the end of the year. If not, then by the end of January at the latest.

The frame is painted & it will be picked up Tuesday. Brutal should have the axles, suspension, & drivetrain back in it w/in a week or week & a half. After that, the body gets Rhino-lined underneath, and on the inside flooring. Mount the body to the frame, and off to Honey Creek Paint & Body. I've known the owner since high school, and I'm kind of excited that he now has the time to do it.

It's really cool to have an off-road shop that loves Mopars work on it, and doubly cool to have a friend, that's into Mopars paint it.

For those of you that don't know about Brutal Off-Road, the owner's name is James, and he has a really cool 77 Ramcharger w/a built 440 and 38's. I finally bought a flash, so will try to take some pics. He also has a Tophand 4x4, and MANY other Mopar 4x4s. He also has a 69 Charger.

Bruce is the owner of Honey Creek. He has a 69 Charger w/a 440 stroked to 472, and a 6.71 blower, a 70 Charger project car, and a 71 Cuda project car. I'll try to mix in some pics of their stuff when I go back over to their shops. I'll get some pics of the frame this coming week.

 
Whats going under that hat?

Good Grief Brad!! Im going to have to build a 500 Stroker just to keep up. Jeez i remeber when a stock 440 was a lot of power. i guess i need to pull my motor and do some upgrades  just so i can compete with your 451 LOL

You were lucky i had a crappy Carb and the truck kept leaning out. Just you wait vengeance will be mine LOL

Looking good!  Giving me a few ideas for the 76 poptop I have waiting for me.   

Here's a shot of the gusset added for the steering box

Edelbrock heads, Mopar water pump housing, Milodon water pump impeller, ARP head stud kit, & Flowmaster mufflers came in today. 

Ordered the wheels, and manderal bent exhaust pieces. Also been hussling to decide which MPFI stuff to go with. Have to make a decision soon.

LOL, thanks! It's not that bad, yet. It's mostly a big heap o' parts. 

Yep, and the crank is already in the short block.

lookin good can't wait to it done. Keep them pictures coming. That motor is going to be mean.

That was funny!!! "Little 451..."

Looking great BTW...

Andrew