Project: "Bad Idea"

[BlackenedRR]

I guess I'll start a build thread since I'm finally getting my a$$ in gear with my '95 GMC, plus I'm hoping it'll keep me motivated. For those that haven't seen my intro thread, here's the truck...


This is from when I brought it home in March, and it's pretty much sat untouched since while I rebuild the parts fund and decide exactly how I want to build it.

The goal so far is to end up with a truck that I'm comfortable driving every day, have it just pretty enough to show it without having it in the "under construction" class, but not so pretty that I'll think twice about entering an auto cross with it. It'll retain all it's modern amenities, such as AC, power windows and locks, and cruise control. I'm going to add a decent audio system, but I'm limiting bass to either 2 8" subs or 1 10", just enough to have great sound inside. I'm undecided on seats right now, but I'll probably use some sort of factory sports car seat instead of full-on race seats. As I've mentioned in my other thread, the truck already has a full RideTech front suspension and an S&W coil-over rear suspension. I plan on replacing the airbags and coil-overs with the Titanium Series ShockWaves in the future, as well as revamping the air delivery/storage system with dual compressors, a 5gal tank and either braided stainless lines or stainless hardlines.

I decided to get the truck up on jackstands today so I could get a few pics underneath and measure the front suspension travel for new shocks...

Driver side

Passenger side

Anyone guess what's missing?

Rear suspension




It's hard to see, but the panhard rod is in front of the rearend, first time I've seen one there. Oh yeah, can you say "surface rust"?!

And here's the wheels I'll be running for now.
BOSS 338
20 x 8.5 front
20 x 10 rear

Tires will be Toyo Proxes S/T II
275/40/20 front
295/40/20 rear

So that's the beginning of phase 1 for the build, just fixing some little things to make it a driver while I stockpile parts and ideas. I can't promise daily updates, but I'll do my best to keep working and taking pics along the way. If anyone has ideas, please feel free to share, and also post pics of your ideas if possible.