First order of business was reinforcing existing frame and the many problem areas that exist on these frames- even before putting a cummins into it. To be truthful, the first order of business was getting a new frame to start with, the existing one was junk.
I set the bare frame on level stands, and was amused to find the frame was so flexible i could pick one corner up about 6 inches before it would pull any of the other corners up...
I started by cutting out the motor mounts and front crossmembers, replaced the front with 2x5 .188 rec between the body mounts, then plated in steering box area. (this whole area will get some more gussets, but that will have to wait until later)
(sorry some of the pics are out of chronological order)
I set the bare frame on level stands, and was amused to find the frame was so flexible i could pick one corner up about 6 inches before it would pull any of the other corners up...
I started by cutting out the motor mounts and front crossmembers, replaced the front with 2x5 .188 rec between the body mounts, then plated in steering box area. (this whole area will get some more gussets, but that will have to wait until later)



(sorry some of the pics are out of chronological order)