Help spend my money :)

1Bad67 · Dec 31, 2008

I just got a '77 chevy 3/4 ton 4x4. It's mostly stock. What modifications should I make to it? I'm new to 4x4's. I want something that won't get stuck on a fire trail, or playing in the snow. But I don't see me going to Moab or anything. I will probably be driving it to work at least part time. It has a Dana 44, TH-400, NP205, 14 bolt.

Lift? how? From what I read a body lift & axle raising blocks are not the right way, what is?

52" springs on the front?

High steer arms?

T-case Doubler?

Tires... I like the looks of 35" BFG Mud Terrain tires.

Rear Disks?

Box the frame, especially around the steering box?

Hydraulic assist steering?

How much is usefull, and what is just bling?

Thanks,
Eric

WHITE TRASH1 · Dec 31, 2008

The doubler is the only thing I don't consider necissary on that list. With those mods you'd end up with a pretty good wheeling rig that would be dependable. I'd put 63" springs in the back, they work well in those trucks.

bigiron · Dec 31, 2008

WHITE TRASH said:
The doubler is the only thing I don't consider necissary on that list. With those mods you'd end up with a pretty good wheeling rig that would be dependable. I'd put 63" springs in the back, they work well in those trucks.

x2 I assume it is 4:10 or higher gearing so 35" would work fine no doubler needed

pokey · Dec 31, 2008

you missed the most important item. Get a winch first. do the frame fix then tires and a lift then lockers and all the other goodies

AMJ · Dec 31, 2008

Like Pokey said get a winch and do the steering box fix.

Chevyjoe · Dec 31, 2008

i have a 86 chevy shortbox k10. personally, if your goin to be daily drivin it and wheelin occasionally, blocks are fine. unless you run the 63's or the rear springs are shot, new springs are usually super stiff and bounce you right on of the cab. im runnin 35s with no trimming and they fit perfect. i would definitely get a 10,000lb or greater winch and put a steering box brace on. other then that go wheel the **** out of it and have fun

Poohbair · Dec 31, 2008

1Bad67 said:
I just got a '77 chevy 3/4 ton 4x4. It's mostly stock. What modifications should I make to it? I'm new to 4x4's. I want something that won't get stuck on a fire trail, or playing in the snow. But I don't see me going to Moab or anything. I will probably be driving it to work at least part time. It has a Dana 44, TH-400, NP205, 14 bolt.

Lift? how? From what I read a body lift & axle raising blocks are not the right way, what is?

52" springs on the front?

High steer arms?

T-case Doubler?

Tires... I like the looks of 35" BFG Mud Terrain tires.

Rear Disks?

Box the frame, especially around the steering box?

Hydraulic assist steering?

How much is usefull, and what is just bling?

Thanks,
Eric

Put some 52's on the front, Ford F150 57's on the rear w/ a shackle flip...
W/ the 52's you will want crossover steering.
Do the hydro assist kit, and plate the frame around the steering box
Put a limited slip in the front w/ the D44
Weld the rear... should be a FF 14bolt
Rear discs are cool, but not necessary
Once you wheel w/ a doubler, you will never want to wheel w/o one

Save for a D60 if you plan on wheelin' hard, or put one in now and not have to buy steering arms, gears, lockers, etc.. twice.

**** BFG's. There are way better tires out there.

All you NEED is a good 8K winch and pack a snatch block and you will be fine. Keep your eye on Craigslist for a used Warn 8274

Corey Y · Dec 31, 2008

Dana 60 front, crossover draglink only, 4.56 gears, Detroits Lockers, 4" ORD rear shackle flip, 4" Skyjacker front springs, ORD HD shackles, ORD steering box bolt on brace, Warn 8274 winch, 1 3/4" DOM nerf bars, 16" wheels (no 16.5s) www.offroaddesign.com

Both of these trucks are daily drivers with 1-ton axles, lockers and similar parts as I have listed.

Poohbair · Dec 31, 2008

ORD has some cool products, but from the few people that I know that have ordered **** from them, their customer service is shitty at best...

I would go with WFO concepts for any of your steering stuff... great products and FANTASTIC customer service!

Corey Y · Dec 31, 2008

Poohbair said:
ORD has some cool products, but from the few people that I know that have ordered **** from them, their customer service is shitty at best...

I would go with WFO concepts for any of your steering stuff... great products and FANTASTIC customer service!

I have been ordering parts from Stephen at ORD for 10 years with no problems, and I have never heard anythig bad about them either. I just ordered a custom twinstick 205 shifter yesterday, he said they will make it and ship it in 4 days.

Poohbair · Dec 31, 2008

my buddies tie-rod took over 6 months...

juggalo_wa · Dec 31, 2008

Not sure if your interested in doing on board air but I have an AC pump you can have if you want it I also have a fan shroud and torque conv cover free if you can use them

HotRodJosh · Dec 31, 2008

What's it got for an engine? SB?
The 1st thing I'd do if building a 3/4T Chevy for wheelin' would be a BBC. Easier swapping engines before it's lifted to the moon......

Pat · Dec 31, 2008

My chev was a real turd with 3.73 gears and 36 inch tires. Consider regearing to 4.10 or 4.56.

Also winch, lockers or posi, 4" lift (springs in back not blocks, just my opinion).

Doesn't sound like you will be "hardcore" wheeling, I'd say highsteer, hydro assist, and doubler would be unnecessary.

Twin stick and rear disks would be cool but also not really necessary, save the money for the trip to Vegas with the hookers and blow (get a suite at the Mirage:awesomework: ). This is all just opinions, everyones got their own.

1 more opinion- get Goodyear MT/R's instead of BFG's:awesomework:

CHOP SHOP · Dec 31, 2008

Pat said:
My chev was a real turd with 3.73 gears and 36 inch tires. Consider regearing to 4.10 or 4.56.

Also winch, lockers or posi, 4" lift (springs in back not blocks, just my opinion).

Doesn't sound like you will be "hardcore" wheeling, I'd say highsteer, hydro assist, and doubler would be unnecessary.

Twin stick and rear disks would be cool but also not really necessary, save the money for the trip to Vegas with the hookers and blow (get a suite at the Mirage:awesomework: ). This is all just opinions, everyones got their own.

1 more opinion- get Goodyear MT/R's instead of BFG's:awesomework:

must have been an auto.

uke: 4.10s are good:beer:

Pat · Jan 1, 2009

CHOP SHOP said:
must have been an auto.uke: 4.10s are good:beer:

Mine had a TH350

The TH400 is probably better though, lower first gear.

1Bad67 · Jan 1, 2009

Thanks guys. I'll start looking for a winch. The motor is a 400 that's in pieces. I have a built Buick 455 that I plan on putting in it. Where do I get a crossover steering kit? What are the 63" springs? What tires do you recommend? What about two sets, one for off road, and a set of cheap A/T tires for street?

Thanks,
Eric