A Special 85 build....

[Mudfanatic92]

Alright, So after long time hunting down a suitable rig, i came across this freaking awesome deal.  I found  an 85 SR5 that is a little beat up and needs some love but for an offer i couldn't pass up....






It needs a heart donor.... 



So as soon as i get a good deal on a 22re, it will be time to put on some extra goodies that THK graciously handed over 



RUFs up front, chevies in the rear.... Then some worn 35's till i get enough cash for decent tread....



Oh and did i mention that i got the truck for $50..... 

[Mudfanatic92]

So today, THK Matt came over and helped me out. We the truck under a roof, since it was pouring, and decided that since i have alot of rust on my frame, that it'd be best to take the body off the frame.

We got the carpet ripped out....



Got the engine hoist and my 4'' recovery strap to help lift the cab off the frame...










Whats left...




Thats as far as we got today since THK Matt had to take off.... But now i have easier access to cut brackets off, get IFS steering  brackets in,  shock hoops, hopefully get another Tcase with a MC dual adapter, new front hanger.... etc etc etc...

[THK Matt]

It was nice to get out of the house, drive 2 hours and wrench on a truck again.
Glad I could help you out and I can't wait to see it done.

Here are some pictures I took.
I will start a word document and start making out a list for you.

[THK Matt]

Man my phone takes some shitty ass photos LOL

[THK Matt]

Also, might I add, you absolutely STOLE that thing for what you got vs. what you paid. I would have paid much for it.

[Mudfanatic92]

Also, might I add, you absolutely STOLE that thing for what you got vs. what you paid. I would have paid much for it.

lol I know.. Thank you for all your help today!! Much Appreciated!!!

[THK Matt]

No problem, Wish I could of spent more time and helped you get further.

[Mudfanatic92]

Let me get more funds/Parts and get some S*** done!  Hopefully i can get high steer kit and shock hoops soon...


how hard would it be to make your own hoops?

[THK Matt]

unless you have a bender, hard lol

[Mudfanatic92]

Im so stoked dude!!! I think im gonna tear into it more tomorrow... Maybe get the bed off and the axles out from under it and start  brackets off...   When ya gonna bring over the IFS box... ? 

[THK Matt]

next time i have $35 in fuel to burnnnn lol

[Mudfanatic92]

A alittle bit of an update....


So i started thie evenings events but taking off the old steering gear and bracket...




Then i found a guy who wants to trade for my 2 set of front springs for a 22RE long block.... So then I preceded to get them out...







After i got the springs out, I then turned to the trusty grinder and cut-off wheel and got the torque rod bracket thing cut off...




All ground down and clean!




Since i felt like keeping my hearing(keep forgetting ear buds) I decided to get the Tranny and Tcase out for cleaning this weekend.





When i got the tranny/Tcase out... So did my axle!





Almost ready to get cleaned up!



And my whole mess of a shop...






So i have a  questions.... Im gonna try and get the bed off and roll it out and pressure wash it this weekend but my question is : What should i use for paint - Rust Converter? Bed liner? Other suggestions?

[Slolyfe]

Looks like a great start! I like rustolium rattle can.

[THK Matt]

I'd bedline it, it wont scratch off as easy.

Lookin good though Cody.

[Mudfanatic92]

Gonna pick up paint today, just dont know what paint to get and/or how many cans its gonna take for my frame... and hopefully get the the bed off so i can wash it today....

[THK Matt]

bedliner covers very well, grab like 3-4 cans (the rattle can type). and that should be PLENTY!

[Mudfanatic92]

So i got some more stuff done today... Getting anxious to see how it turns out!

Anyways... here are some pics, Enjoy!! 


My rusty frame! This is after i wire wheeled too!  



After i wire wheeled, I cut off the stock shock towers...



I got it all painted up!! 2 coats of Flat black  Rustoleum Primer.... Bed liner and Rust converter was too much...





So after that, i got a helping hand and got the bed off.

[tgmaul88]

looking good :   )

[THK Matt]

Very nice brotha, get yourself a pile 'o parts if you want to have a build day May 13th. i'll come up early and we can knock some stuff out. so i expect some parts.

I should of told you to just spray the front section in weld thru primer. since you still have shock mounts and a steering box mount to put on. no sweat though.
I'll get your list together too btw.

[Mudfanatic92]

Im looking for some hoops now and then im gonna tweek that hanger that i got from you.

Im thinking of taking 2 of them front hangers and fabricating something similar to this(sorry i cant remember where i got the pic)....




And then take them frame jigs and make the rear shackle hangers from them similar to this one...

[Mudfanatic92]

Also, what should i do about shackles??

[Nimyad]

Just make your own shackles, they're super easy. Also there's plenty of people with benders around if you just want to make your own shock hoops.

[Mudfanatic92]

Just make your own shackles, they're super easy. Also there's plenty of people with benders around if you just want to make your own shock hoops.

Are there any good guides to make your own shackles... I suppose it cant be too hard.... And what shops in town make a good set for a decent price??

[Nimyad]

I've always just bought 3/8 by 1.5" or 2" steel strap and cut to the length I want then drill holes and weld a cross support on. And a good shop for shock hoops? I don't know of any. We've always just used our bender. 

[Mudfanatic92]

I've always just bought 3/8 by 1.5" or 2" steel strap and cut to the length I want then drill holes and weld a cross support on. And a good shop for shock hoops? I don't know of any. We've always just used our bender. 

So if i say got some tubing, would ya be willing to help me out?? 

[Nimyad]

I'm sure we could work something out. We have an 1 1/2" die.

[Mudfanatic92]

Awesome!! PM me what ya need and ill get the materials!

[Nimyad]

K. When do you need them?

[Mudfanatic92]

K. When do you need them?

Itd be cool to have some by thursday cause thats one of my days off.

[THK Matt]

Rock on Cody, glad you order your AP Knuckle Kit