So I'm fairly close to getting my truck smogged, once that's done I can start building it.

To start off it's a '76 stepside c10 deluxe. It's got a mildly built 350, somewhere around 4-5-6 inch lift :confused: with toasted rancho shocks and pretty much less flex than my corolla. :barf: I also plan on running bigger tires and different gears w/ at least 1 locker. This truck IS a DD, so keep that in mind with your replies.

SO, my questions are, when I go 14 bolt rear end with a detroit, should I convert my d44 front to 8 lug, or just go to pick-n-pull and buy a 3/4 ton 8 lug? Or a dana 60? What size tire will the d44 hold up with a locker? What do you think about a front locker on a DD, selecteable, auto, or none? I will drive this truck to tahoe where there is snow/ice in the winter.

Next is the suspension. No matter what, this suspension has to go, it SUCKS. I do want flex, but I don't want the truck to roll over coming off the freeway. I'm going to go with a shackle flip, but I have no idea who runs what springs. No I am not going to build a 4 link now, lol. So, what are some decent soft springs? I'm looking for a happy medium between driveable on the street and soft for off road, with a good ride. I was thinking about giving alcan springs a call, but they = money. But it is the best. I'm just not sure if I need the best quite yet.

Last is the tires. I am hoping not to trim the fenders at all, but sometimes it is inevitable. How much lift will I need to clear 35s? 37s? What gears should I run for a DD with those tires? I would rather have it a little too high than too low because of it being a DD, and anything is better than what I have right now. 3.07s :barf: I'm thinking either boggers, baja claws, creepy crawlers, or maybe some bfg mud terrains. any opinions?

I've been trying to do research, but I have a hard time coming up with info...

edit- and what companies should I look into buying stuff from.

Oh, and my budget is TOTAL about 6k.

Since I got the truck for free :) I get to spend all 6k on parts. Keep in mind I have to redo the WHOLE interior, including bucket seats and 4 point harnesses. (parents makin me do it for safety, w/e they're cool seats and they're funding the truck) so that'll be probably 5k to spend on the important stuff. What seats you guys think are good bucket seats? I was looking into Corbeau and they have some nice ones, I was thinking the bajas, they look comfy...

There's a lot of d44 8 lugs and 10 bolt 8 lugs out there to choose from. Many have 4.10 gears so you could get a 14FF w/4.10's as well. Try Tough Country 4" springs for the front, they flex really good for the price. Use a shackle flip in the rear.....better stick with 35's with the d44/10bolt. Offroad Design sells these and many other parts for your truck.

What kind of wheeling do you do in this rig?

I would like to build it to be good all around.

That is, muddin with buddys, yet capable on the trails, and driveable. (i know they are tough to combine). As of right now, none lol. but I plan on trails mostly. Definitely the shackle flip, i'm not sure if the rear springs I have on there now are stock, and if they aren't, which should I run that are decently soft? Will the stock ones flex, should I remove a leaf?

Will i have to trim fenders with 35s and 4 inches? Will the front d44s or 10 bolts hold up to 35s with a locker?

x2 on what BigYellowJimmy said:

-Tough country springs - numerous vendors, ORD, etc...
-plenty of 8 bolt D44's out there, but if you're like the rest of us, you will get addicted and keep wanting to improve your truck more and more, I went with a D60 from the start (started with 35's) now at 40's and am glad I have the 60, but it will cut a big piece out of the budget now...
-shackle flip - ORD, DIY4X (makes a 1 ton one, so you don't have to move perches...), others
- I like MT/R's, I don't know about mud, but damn good on the trails

4" should clear 35's, if not, trimming will be very minimal, if you're planning on sticking with 35's, 4.10's should be good.

get an ORD steering brace, and sway bar disconnect also, shave the 14 bolt.

what tranny & t-case are you running?

turbo 350 with the 203(i think). I'm not sure how to identify it either, that's just what the guy that gave it to me said.

so the 1 ton shackle flip kit will fit on my 1/2 ton frame, yet will put the springs on the same spot on the 14 bolt? sounds good. what are common vendors that you speak of? ord.... and who's DIY4X

I completely forgot, what about crossover steering? any buildups on that, I have yet to see pic.s and stuff of it done.

ordered a new carb today. :)

the old one wouldn't adjust, and i'm far too lazy to rebuild it, especially when it might not work when I'm don anyways. then it will pass smog for sure, then i can start dumping cash into the good stuff. so keep 'em comming.

dude check out tech articles on here and ck5 they got x-over steering in such. Off-road Design = ORD, hit there website, - legit

thanks, i actually googled it and found it. they seem to have some pretty good stuff. but, i forgot about tech articles.

i plan on running ORDs or blackwidow's rear shackle flip kit with the 63 inch springs, and tough country 4 inch lift springs for the front... can't wait to get it all on there.