1953 PW Build

[Desoto61]

The running boards were mounted through wood blocks to the brackets? Not sure if that's original but it sure rotted all the mounting hardware. To remove the fenders, running boards, and box there was not a single bolt that would break free. Every single one required a cutting blade or torch to remove.

The wood is normal from what I've seen. Not sure it ever changed unlike the cab mounts. Guess it was an easy way to provide some flex.

[Wtrimble]

The wood is normal from what I've seen. Not sure it ever changed unlike the cab mounts. Guess it was an easy way to provide some flex.

Perfect thanks.

[Wtrimble]

Got the cab lifted off, removed tcase, removed the fuel tank and wiring. Then removed the diffs and all of the suspension.
Ready to clean the frame up and start fabbing the new suspension.

[Wtrimble]

Picked up the new tires....40X13.5R17 Toyo MT's, had to roll them into place for a peak

[aeblank]

I think you might be jumping the gun a bit with the tires.
That said, you're way farther along than I am. ha.

Keep us updated. Love the pics.

[Wtrimble]

ha ha yeah!
But, I am going to be building all the suspension right away, so I thought I may as well grab the tires and rims so I can test fit them as I build.

Next up
- clean frame
- build hangers for suspension and get the leafs in place
- hang diffs with rims and tires on
- mock up engine, trans, tcase

[aeblank]

Sounds great, for sure.
My son is only 4, so I have a bit of time before "our" project.

[grover26]

ha ha yeah!
But, I am going to be building all the suspension right away, so I thought I may as well grab the tires and rims so I can test fit them as I build.

Next up
- clean frame
- build hangers for suspension and get the leafs in place
- hang diffs with rims and tires on
- mock up engine, trans, tcase

What gear ratio are you planning to run in the diff's? With those tires you may have a pretty good top-end speed.

[Wtrimble]

What gear ratio are you planning to run in the diff's? With those tires you may have a pretty good top-end speed.

Not sure yet. Guessing 4.10 or 4.56 with the NV4500 5Speed. Right now they have the stock 3.54's

I'm adding 75hp injectors, 3200rpm gov spring, and some pump mods to the engine to help pull it as well.

[grover26]

Not sure yet. Guessing 4.10 or 4.56 with the NV4500 5Speed. Right now they have the stock 3.54's

I'm adding 75hp injectors, 3200rpm gov spring, and some pump mods to the engine to help pull it as well.

Without doing the math: With either ratio.....40" tires.....and overdrive, achieving highway speed shouldn't be an issue.

[Wtrimble]

Update.
Needed a big shop, so got moved into a 30X30

[Wtrimble]

Picked up a good Dodge NV4500 5 speed 2wd drive and a 1970's Dodge NP205 divorced tcase

[Wtrimble]

started working on the frame, lots of holes to fill and ugly previous repairs.

Boxed in the front section for a little extra strength where the diesel will rest.

[Wtrimble]

building front suspension brackets, going with a shackle reversal. Rough cut some steel to mock up front bumper

[Wtrimble]

modified outboard brackets