So here is the skinnier result:

a whole lot skinnier:

I still have the dana 80 out back...The rear axle is a little over 1.5 inches wider on each side than the fronts (which I removed the factory spacers from)

The truck was sooo much easier and nicer to drive. I did not notice any difference in towing either but I dont tow a lot of weight anyways.

I was running stock 16 inch wheels with 285/75/16 BFG AT's which were kind of floaty...I bought a set of Goeske spacers ($$$) to match up the fronts.

This caused the fronts to rub a bit. Not a whole lot but it was really annoying...real annoying.

A few phone calls to Trevor at PMF and there I was on to the suspension...

 

Very nice! :thumb: Are you figuring on doing a spray in bedliner to cover up the white then?

 

Yeah...it just seems like such a low priority considering its like $550 bucks around here.

That money has been reserved for the parts for the next stage of transformation...

 

PMF,shackles and blocks.

This stuff is built...I mean really built.

Here is the track bar and the mount...specially built for my long term plans:

I ordered a set of bilsteins from CaryT... here is a comparison of them with a set of koni's from my classic mini:

The bilsteins ride nicer than stock, but are a little soft on rebound for my liking...

Here are the fronts being installed:

and the rear blocks:

 

While I was doing the install, I ran into a couple little problems, and had some questions about things that I was unsure about.

It was a sat and sun (dang work interrupting my play time). I made calls into Trevor on the weekend and the dude calls me back. Not hours later, like calls me right back...

He very nicely walks me through and doesnt make fun of my bone head mistakes...

Thats service.

So fast forward, I get a set of factory 20's

They fit real nice. Ride real nice...and unfortunately will be up for sale in a couple weeks...

 

So this is where I sit now...except the shell is now green:

I have had it this way for about 8 months now...

I have always wanted to do the 08 axle, for its great turning radius...and well the brakes and springs dont hurt...

I picked up an 08 axle with 4.10 gears (matches my rear axle great!) and its sitting in my garage. Holy crap was that thing heavy...

Trevor at PMF has been kind enough to put up with my questions for, well for just about forever, and well, we came up with a plan. WHo am I kidding, Trevor came up with a plan.

He is going to build me a 4 link for the front, with coilovers...yeah...and a set of traction bars with coilovers for the rear...

Its going to be about a 7 inch lift so I can run 20x10 with 37's.

So I am satnding by to stand by for the next step. I have my friends lined up for the install, even found a lift so I dont have to do it in my driveway.

So when the parts come in, and or the install starts, I will post more pictures...I cant wait.

 

:thumb: Gotcha, especially if your gonna run the topper.

 

Gonna be sweet

 

You'll really like Trevor's 4 link. Mine is great. That's quite a transformation you are doing.

 

I cant wait!

 

Lookin good!:thumb:

 

opcorn2: Very nice, I'm thinking of something similar for my 01. Talked to Trevor about his coilover setup, maybe headed that route myself

 

All right, new to me wheels on order, a set of 20x10 centerline grizzly's...Once those get here, I'll wrap them in a set of 37 inch Nitto's...

That leaves, pads, brake lines and get the old rotors turned for the shopping list.

 

Worthless update (cuz no pictures):

Heard from Trevor at PMF, He is finishing up the CAD design for the front mounts!!!! Coilovers are being built...Just a matter of time....

Oh and money...

Should have the wheels in my hands hopefully in a week.

 

Subscribed:thumb:

 

I like the build.

I am looking forward to seeing the 08 conversion. How i want...

 

Very sweet! If I wasn't a broke college kid I would love for him to build me a coilover/4 link setup so I could get a nicer ride out of my truck (oh and clear 37's when my 35's wear out!)

Good Luck with the build and keep up the good pictures!

 

nice build man. i'm interested to see how it turns out. esp. the 08 front end. i didnt realize they turn sharper.

 

waaaaay sharper than an 02...heck, a carrier turns sharper....:hehe:

 

Subscribed... I too wish I wasn't a broke college student

 

Wheels are here, 20x10 Centerline Grizzly

Will get pics up soon.

Dropping them off for tires on Friday... Nitto Trail grapplers

 

Wheels are here, 20x10 Centerline Grizzly

Will get pics up soon.

Dropping them off for tires on Friday... Nitto Trail grapplers

 

Tires are here and mounted on the wheels:

And of course the obligatory mini comparison:

side view:

and of course, the obnoxious hide away:

Wheels are 20x10, tires are 37x12.5x20 Nitto trail grapplers (the mini wheels are 10x4.5, cant remember the tires though...19 inch over all..)

 

OK, did a test fit...I knew they wouldnt fit with just a 4 inch lift, but they were calling my name:

If only the axle was about an inch and a half forward, they could have worked...

Here is from the side, I have an 02 axle with a 2 inch spacer to match the rear D80...I wanted to see what it would be like with the 08 axle which is about 1.5 inches wider than the 02 axle on each side:

Gonna need flares I think. They are 4.5 or so BS...

Here is a pic with the spacer removed:

And they almost fit this way...if only that axle was moved forward...

 

Very nice, still anxious to see the rest opcorn2:

 

Yep. Me too. Got an email from Trevor. He has finished the design, the stuff will be welded together soon and then sent to the powder coaters.

Now If all you other people werent ordering stuff from him then maybe...just maybe he could dedicate himself to the most important job...mine...

Just playing.

I figure about 2 weeks. Pretty good turn around for a completely custom bolt on kit with all of my special wishes.