Things have been a little delayed with getting the 318 going. Found out that it spun a main or two kinda bad, and cant be cut. So we gotta dig up another 318 crank for it.

Meanwhile I got my mounts in, ordered my fuel cell and other fuel system components, and deep sump oil pan. I still need to give Calvert Racing a call to see what kind of hybrid bar setup he can put together for me, and also get recomendations for shocks. Seems the Rancho 9000x's are damn good and more than a few are using them.

There's quite a few things i need to fab up and fit before the truck goes off the road. I got my "battery tray" made up and marked to where its going to be welded to the frame. I just ran the + cable and pulled the spare tire hanger crap making room for the cell. As soon as I get that all in, i can make up x-members to mount the cell, mount the fuel pump & filter. Then all I have to do is make an x-member for the upper shock mounts. Once all thats done, I will remove the bed and get it all welded in.

Then I gotta wait till the 318 is ready, pull the plug on the V6, and start the big swap!

I already have the new ignition and charging system drawn up and pretty much wired into pieces that can easily be plugged into the existing harnesses. When its parked for the engine change, i'll do the final mount on the battery, cell, and shocks when I switch over to the 8.75".

 

 

 

My cell, fuel pump, and filter showed up today! perfect timing!!

 

forgot to mention that my Deep sump Milodon oil pan came in the next day. I have the x members fabbed up for the cell, a plate made for the fuel pump, the battery box complete, and 1/2 way done with the upper shock mount. Ive been slacking off the past few days finishing up the shock mount b/c after I get that done I pretty much dont have anything to do until the 318 is ready.

 

I guess I could get all the wiring pre-made and connected, and then build a new instrument cluster