modifying the rearend with a '89 Caprice axle
rippin' outr the original torque tube rearend
checking general fit of the Caprice axle and the ladder bars I ordered at Pop Brown's in the UK
fabbin' up a 'rig' to ensure everything is square
angle finder helps in welding on the spring hangers
making a chassis crossmember to hang the ladder bars
chassis crossmember bolted onto original frame x-member
top arrow points at panhard bar bracket
lower arrow shows how longer shackles will drop the rearend (note reversed eyes on original transverse spring)
and those shackles definitely do have to be longer
or we'll cut that crossmember and straighten it - let's do it
put the rear on stands and swing that angle grinder BUTCHERS-style
emptying the crossmember of Oklahoma dirt
mark the cut lines using an angle iron - the idea is to bend the two sides down
if you measured correctly and cut precisely, the two side pieces bend down level and square
welded and ground flush the change should be undetectable
tacked back in - note latches on top of the crossmember stumps to support center piece
about four inches lower than before - don't know if that's enough though
but a good reason to celebrate
lots more cool details as we go