Modifying shock hangers on my 1996 C2500

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I know I’ve introduced the work I’ve done on my 1965 C-10; better known as the Futuramic Farm Truck (of which progress has been held captive searching for it’s Rocket heart). Now I’d like to introduce my daily driver*, a 1996 Chevrolet C2500. A unique vehicle, as only 5% of the C2500 trucks produced it’s year came with it’s powertrain: The underdog L30 5.0L Vortec mill. Rated at 230hp and 285ft lbs of torque, it wasn’t too far off from it’s vaunted big-brother, the L31 5.7L, rated at 250hp. Although it’s rather torque deficient compared to the 5.7L’s 330 ft lbs. Continue reading

96-02 “Vortec” Silencer Box Removal (Pop Can Mod)

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I’m sure a fellow 1st Generation Vortec engine aficionado has probably done this before, but in needing constant access to my distributor and intake manifold, I found a super cheap solution for getting rid of the big square Vortec silencer box.

If you’re tired of this bulky appliance taking up space above your intake manifold and reducing intake noise, we have a nearly free solution to get rid of it.

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FFT: The Big Day

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Let me start by saying that when I found out they made a longbed stepside for the 60-66 trucks, I wanted one. They’re super rare and reproduction parts are expensive to say the least, but I just like the way they look. They aren’t very well liked in the 60-66 community (like all long beds), but the guys that do have them, love them. I had convinced myself when I started this build that if I wanted one, I’d have to make one out of a short bed. A daunting task, but I added it to my list of things I would need to do to get the truck to where I wanted it. Thankfully, I have a craigslist addiction that knows no bounds. I found someone with a 1962 GMC long bed stepper (powered by a 305 v6 and a 3 speed manual no less) that wanted to trade for a fleetside. I emailed them immediately and we were both so excited to get what we wanted we scheduled the trade off for the next day.

What I didn’t know is that the wrap-around window 60-63’s sit on a different frame than the vent windowed 64-66’s. It took a little bit of convincing but eventually we finalized the even trade. One bed for another. Here’s the photographic tale of how it happened.

FFT: Quentin Tarantino Edition

My last post about the bumper made me realize how effortlessly I could make this thing sell, so yesterday I decided to do just that. As a responsibility to fellow gearheads, I have to say that I would not recommend using the paint that I used despite my good results with it. If you really want a nice, durable, long-lasting finish I would suggest doing it the right way and avoiding aerosols all together. With that said, if you’re just going to sell it on Craigslist and it’s mechanically sound and/or structurally safe: Do what you have to.

So to reiterate, this post brings the Futuramic Farm Truck build up to present times, only for today and without any spoilers. The next post for FFT will pick up where we left off.

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