Update. Front diff is reassembled and backlash set . Was supposed to be picking up my Bravada axle shaft and tube today but the pick and pull forgot to transfer it to my location.

 

Looking good! I'm curious to hear how the locker works for you, especially if you are going with a bravada shaft.

 

Just a quick update. With the Indiana fall we had Sunday I was going to pull my leaf springs and start the frame but when I opened the garage door for a little fresh air decided I’d take a closer look at the s10 zR2 donor leafs and finally said **** it I was going to use them if I could get them off that it was to nice a day to waste inside.

So I pulled all the scrap out of the bed and drug it to the street, pulled the bed cut it up drug it to street . Went to town on the leaf spring removal. I have to say that’s the only way to pull leaf springs. Lol
I got the springs off at the front shackle using a 4lb sledge and an air hammer in back I just took my die grinder to the shackle . Burnt the bushings out and measured up to my leafs length . They appear to be exact length in comparing the arch they look to have about 2” on my current leafs. Not sure if I’ll be needing my 2.5” RO shackles now or not. Any thoughts on you guys experience will be greatly appreciated. Also the front output seal for the tcase came in during Christmas so I installed that. Hoping to finish the frame from the trans back New Year’s Day.

Last Sunday I got my Bravada axle tube and shaft from the pick and pull finally. Good thing they didn’t transfer it the idiots pulled outer axle and left the inner axle on the truck. Luckily I had 2 pipe wrenches in my truck and they worked perfect as handles to pull it right out of the differential. Couldn’t believe they pulled the tube and left the axle. I also pulled a driver side blazer rear fender flare.

Noticed this blazer also had a tcase skid plate so I paid them to pull that and it’s waiting for pickup. So now I have all 3 front Carbon fiber skit plates all I’m in need of still is the gas tank. I’ve yet to see one of those but I have seen a 95 style years ago with aluminum skid plates so I guess that’s what I’ll be looking for in the future.

I will I’ll also be posting the leaf spring question in the suspension section to attract the pro’s.

 

Today guys I finished removing the stuff in the way of re-coating the frame from fuel filter back. Decided the fastest way to prep frame was to hit it with the air chisel first to strip the heavy rust flakes off the frame and holy pile of flakes. That’s just from driver side and rear cross braces. Unfortunately my chisel hammer broke so I need to find one I can borrow for the passenger side. Then I’ll hit it with my metabo and after lots of thought and consideration on which product to use I’ve decided that with the existing factory undercoating in good condition in many locations and the amount of PB blaster and oil from the old engine that I’m just going to use rubberized undercoating on the frame as well. Not what I’d prefer to do but money is an issue as I’ve run out and I need to get at least wheels under the truck before I stop again.

 

Well almost got the frame wire brushed down from fuel filter back. Hopefully by end of day tomorrow I will have that part of the truck done. Basically I have outside of passenger rail to do the top and get the die grinder out to do the close quarters areas. If I’m real lucky I’ll make it to the firewall Here’s some pics of current stuff for you guys. Oh and I decided at the cost of undercoating products it would be cheaper and nicer to buy a product called chassis saver. It’s basically like pot 15 but cheaper cause it doesn’t have any in resistance. Who cares about that on the bottom of the truck. Plus you don’t have to buy all there fancy prep products just a gallon of prep sol.

 

Updated pics of the frame guys and gals!



still have to do driver side from fuel filter up , along with raise body a bit to do the top of the frame. Also everything everything from front axle forward.

 

Looking good.

 

Heys boss man! Wondering how this is going? Haven't looked to see if you were still around pr not lol, I'm in the middle of getting my zr2 rear axle and can't iron front diff rebuilt. I was wondering if your doing the lift with the zr2 axle and diff, did you have to or will you have to cut that one arm and add the braket?

 

I haven't worked on that build since last Feb. I did stumble on a Florida vehicle absolutely rust free I picked up to install all my new parts on. Last weekend I discovered doing the front Bravado axle upgrade just to get me thru winter to actually install my new everything that the frame was bent real bad. So the frame you see in pics above will be finished amd have all new drivetrain installed. Unfortunately do to house project I will not get to it this winter most likely plus the fact I still need a welder to use tge old frame as I have 3 body mounts in need of repair.

Also I'm seriously considering going ahead with the zr2 front frame clip install but that absolutely requires a welder.

 

Well guys after discovering how bad the frame was bent it really broke my heart considering how proud o was to find a rust free vehicle. I finally walked out the front door and said let’s get this moving.


Welded like a pro with my Vulcan Omni 220 from harbor freight. Very impressed with this welder considering my experience welding.



Not risking my Bravado axle shaft on this bent frame

Don’t know what that little gear is made out of but holy soft metal and boy did it not like welding.

Did not install the front diff axle spacer or drop ear.