Author Topic: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"  (Read 20392 times)

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #15 on: March 10, 2020, 10:35:18 AM »
Installed a 87 fuel tank sending unit and in tank fuel pump for the fuel system.

She runs well,  but I am still not satisfied with the way she drives. I have changed all the bushings and tierod end. I thing what I am going to do is modify the ball joint location to increase castor to make it drive straighter.

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #16 on: March 10, 2020, 10:43:11 AM »
Here is a solution for improved castor I found on line. I can not take credit for it, but it works well. basicly it moves the ball joint 1 inch forward and about an 1/8 inch out. Gave me about 7 degress castor when it was all said and done. Truck definitely drives better.

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #17 on: March 10, 2020, 12:15:00 PM »
added some Camaro Wheels for a new look. What do you guys think so far?

Online Shifty

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #18 on: March 10, 2020, 03:36:56 PM »
Looks very cool thus far.... 8)
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline JAH

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #19 on: March 10, 2020, 04:32:55 PM »
Yup, very nice.
I spent most of my money on Jack Daniel's, Copenhagen, pocket knives, and 4X4 trucks.  The rest I just wasted.

Offline marcoman

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #20 on: March 11, 2020, 06:20:54 PM »
painted up the front clip and reinstalled, added big block radiator, made a shroud and installed a couple fans I picked up from the junk yard.

Thank you for sharing the build. I'm guessing you didn't have to modify the transmission tunnel/hump to accommodate the new trans swap?

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #21 on: March 11, 2020, 08:09:00 PM »
I did not. Used tejas Steelworks mounts.
 The trans is very close to the floor board though.

Offline rayjos_1

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #22 on: March 12, 2020, 05:12:35 PM »
Yep Very NICE. You do do quick work. What that take you about 3 weeks?

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #23 on: March 13, 2020, 07:55:02 AM »
No, I have had the truck about a year now. I did a lot of this work over that time. I had never made a build thread. I have just been shrinking down a lot of pictures and loading them into this build tread.

The truck is actually torn down to the frame right now. I am attempting to install a 1972 rear coil over suspension into it right now. I am about 75% of the way complete. I will start adding some pics of how I did it pretty soon.

Online Shifty

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2020, 09:38:24 AM »
In for more pics.... :D
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #25 on: March 13, 2020, 11:10:15 AM »
here is what I have for adding the 72 rear suspension to my square so far.
installed the cross member 2.5 inches below the upper frame rail to position the bracket where the arms did not hit the frame compression.
added some 4 inch pass thru holes for exhaust.

Working on making some upper and lower coilover mounts as I have decided not to use the coil springs, but to go with coilovers instead.

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #26 on: March 13, 2020, 12:10:40 PM »
Made some frame notches to allow the rear end to come up to about a 1/4 from the bed.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #27 on: March 13, 2020, 02:20:44 PM »
Mr. Thompson, you draw some mean welding beads!

Very clever adaptation of the swing arm cross member. I take it that it offers a smoother ride than leaf springs, yes? And are you air bagging?

What did you use as the ball joint seats?

I'm working on the same year and model, Thanks for the pics and progress !!
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Thompson335

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #28 on: March 13, 2020, 04:20:16 PM »
Thanks man, not to tough to weld it on the bench in front of you. It is the odd angle stuff that gets me.

Look on speedway's sight for gm ball joint sleeves.

Going with coilovers, and I hope I get better ride and handling out of it.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: 80 C10 SWB "The Ruby Build"
« Reply #29 on: March 15, 2020, 02:40:51 PM »
That's a great idea for a C10, wish my K10 were as adaptable...

Does a sway bar come into play with this setup? I would suspect some sway will be introduced.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction