Budget Power Wagon Build.

Chevy PowerWagon

Active Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2008
Location
Red Bank, SC
I have owned this truck for a little more than 5 years. I have beaten the crap out of it, and the only thing I broke was the starter solenoid at full flex. Which isn't much. lol

The beginning
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Removed the bed
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And the grill
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Rhino lined the interior, still have to paint it.
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The painting process. $40 worth of rattle can man.
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Trying to figure out what to do with the steering once it's lifted. A new gearbox for sure. Someone told me I can use ford stuff? Any suggestions?
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It goes to the steering gearbox then back to the pitman arm. Then crosses over from the lower knuckle. Don't know what they were thinking. And Holy Leaf Springs batman.

Will update some more later, and when I get more parts.
I have a parts needed thread that can be found here;
http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89543
I have stuff listed also that I will trade for stuff I need for the build, and might sell some to afford materials.

Thanks for your time!
 
Well 6" leafs are $256 ea. for the front from http://www.customsuspension.com if you know of a better place, please do tell!

I don't think I want to do coil overs, but if I did would probably try to swap the front axle then divorce the t-case. Or just build weld and grind.

I think leaf springs and a new steering set up is coming.
 
Ok so I'm looking for a high steer arm. Going to move the gear up and put a like on top of the steer arm. Still trying to find a cheap price on leaf springs, about to put it on hold for an investment. Getting a large, heavy ass trailer to put it on.




Did valve cover gaskets, and a bunch of electrical trouble shooting, yay. Fuel pump, diff gaskets, Royal purple ( SUGGESTIONS? ), and longer vent lines coming tomorrow hopefully. lol
 
Ok, so I have seen a bunch of t-cases cheap lately. What would work best behind a 203, that is easily clocked vertical?

Lookin something like this. Thought of doing flange to flange on the front input, for a longer rear driveshaft.

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Oh yeah, and behind a 4wd tranny unless a get a big block n 2wd tranny
 
Got the rear diff gasket and fluid done. Held almost a gallon..
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Front had to be ordered. Done tomorrow hopefully.
Also picked up some scrap from the old shop. Got a couple gas tanks, some sheet metal from a van 8'x6'x1/8". I'm sure that'll come in handy. Also got some Schedule 80 Sprinkler pipe, which will make some of my front bumper. :Rockon: And a few random letal trim pieces I'll find some use for.
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you can bolt a 2wd chevy box on it if you take the factory dodge bracket off. I put one on mine and done crossover with 2.5s. I also use chevy springs on mine just cut bushings to fit.
 
2tonyota said:
you can bolt a 2wd chevy box on it if you take the factory dodge bracket off. I put one on mine and done crossover with 2.5s. I also use chevy springs on mine just cut bushings to fit.
Click to expand...

Are you saying Chevy leaf springs fit except you trim the bushings? Everything else the same?
 
I used the steering box off of a late 80s 2wd chevy had to build a steering shaft from box to colum. I cant remember what arm to use it was already on it when i got it. I think the chevy springs are same eye to eye but center pin might be an inch off towards the front never checked just noticed it set little futher forward. I have an 87 and 89 dodge both with chevy springs!
 
thats if ya do cross over on steering for 2wd box. I have a chevy 10bolt under my 87 gonna put a 4wd chevy box on it also hate dodge steering design
 
I'm not to crazy about the steering myself, if the chevy springs will move the axle forward an inch or two, I should be able to just relocate the steer box and run all new steering with good angles. I'm going to talk to a few people and see what works best! Thanks for the info!



Oh yeah, build is temporarily on hold. Had a drunk driver come through my driveway sideways at 50mph, total my truck, push it into the house and roll their car through the yard and run. Missed the dodge by inches LOL. Got a thread on chucks trucks in anything goes if yall wanted to see it. Don't feel like reposting.
 
just use a dodge 2wd box of the same era. it attaches in a slightly different spot, but bolts right up. super simple. if you're really going to beat on it and/or very large tires i would also box/plate the frame in that area.

52" gm springs are a nice front spring choice for the older dodges.
 
Thanks, dually noted on the 52" gm springs.



So I spent about $60 on paint and got the frame, axles, body and interior finished, except for bondo.......

Still missing bits and pieces, like the little plastic screw retainer for on head light, and just other random nonsense I would like taken care of.

Going about an hour away this weekend to pick up a nice dash pad, and instrument cluster, and I'm sure I'll come back with more than that.... Going to put the truck on blocks here soon as I get some tires, and sand blast and paint the wheels.

Speaking of which, there is absolutely no tires to be found cheap for a 16 or 16.5....

Still trying to decide whether I should buy or build a flat bed, or if I could find a non rusted minimal dent dodge bed of the era (almost impossible) to just go back with that.

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