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View Full Version : '79 Chevy PreRunner/Trail Build/Help

BigF250on44s
10-19-2006, 10:47 PM
Ok so here is the truck that I'll be working on. Its a '79 Chevy Reg Cab Short Bed. Its has a built 454 BBC and a built TH400 in it. The front axle is a D60 along with the rear axle. The 39.5s that are on it currently I just sold and picked up some 38" Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips.

I'll get to the pics and then post the plans.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0019.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0018.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/EGRacersInc/DSCF0020.jpg

Plans for now:

56" Long 4" Front Springs
63" Long 3" Rear Springs
Dual Shocks Up Front
Dual Shocks Out back
Front Fiberglass
Rear Bedsides
32 gallon fuel cell

I figured that would be a good basis for me to has as a daily driver and do some trails and fun running in the dunes.

When I get out of basic training I'll be sending the truck to Blitzkrieg Motorsports. When it gets to them I'm going to have them install their front kit and 4-link the rear. Also, at that time I'll be installing a 572 fuel injected BBC and a rebuilt full manual reverse TH400. Also, I'll be getting a 9" rear end.

The truck is a daily/trail/prerunner truck. I'm going to be driving this truck daily but still want to be able to go out and have some fun.

Let me know what you guys think and what tips you have for me?
fabtoys
10-20-2006, 02:16 AM
Indiana is a long way from the desert!
first leaf springs are great with deavers you can get a lot of travel.
when you build a desert truck its hard to make it a rockcrawler at same time .
When you build a desert truck you going to want to build the suspension for 30%droop and 70% bump. with the chevy chassis you want to have long shackles for more travel out of rear .goto racedezert.com and find a lot of info there
VerticalTRX
10-20-2006, 08:10 AM
A 572 will be way to heavy on the front end for what you seem to want. Put the money that you'd spend on a 572 and drop it into a stroked, forced induction small block and you'll be much happier.
BigF250on44s
10-20-2006, 10:59 AM
why would I want to do that? The truck is already setup for a BBC and I get a discount on all GM Crate engines. The front end won't be too heavy.

I know what it takes to build a dezert truck. This isn't the first one I've done/helped with. This IS the first solid axle one though. I've got most of the info I need on how to do it.
savageracing
10-20-2006, 01:54 PM
Those are some mighty big tires for a pre-runner. Dune runner? maybe. I live in the socal desert and we sure don't build them like that here. But hey, whatever floats your boat.
BigF250on44s
10-20-2006, 02:20 PM
the tires that are on it now are sold. I'm just waiting for the guy to come get them. The 38" PJs that I had ordered were back ordered for 2 months so I cancelled and just picked up 6 37" BFG ATs. I know those aren't to big because i know quite a few people run those.
CORNFED
10-20-2006, 02:49 PM
If you can get gm parts deals why not go with an ls-7 motor? Way less frontend weight to make up for and 500 horse stock.
savageracing
10-20-2006, 04:35 PM
the tires that are on it now are sold. I'm just waiting for the guy to come get them. The 38" PJs that I had ordered were back ordered for 2 months so I cancelled and just picked up 6 37" BFG ATs. I know those aren't to big because i know quite a few people run those.

I think you'll be happier with the 37" AT's. They are alot closer to a true prerunner tire. I'm with the rest of the guys with the big block as well. If you plan on making this truck fly then the big block will make it way nose heavy, unless you want to cut the firewall and drop the motor back 8 inches or so but the cab on that truck is not that big. go with a small block, 383, LS7, ramjet 350, something lighter and it will be better balanced.
BigF250on44s
10-20-2006, 04:58 PM
I just have always liked my BBCs and have always been acustomed to the sayin "no replacement for displacement."

I'll look into the LS7 though.
strokeddodge
10-21-2006, 06:24 PM
Indiana is a long way from the desert!
first leaf springs are great with deavers you can get a lot of travel.
when you build a desert truck its hard to make it a rockcrawler at same time .
When you build a desert truck you going to want to build the suspension for 30%droop and 70% bump. with the chevy chassis you want to have long shackles for more travel out of rear .goto racedezert.com and find a lot of info there


Silver lake is about 5 hours from me............ cant wait to see some progress.


This is a good forum section.....ah desert and sand:cool2: