GMC Build

[Jonesy]

Starting to collect parts to convert my 2000 GMC 2500 over to a solid axle. Truck has a 6.0, 4l80e, np261 combo, 220k miles, some rust issues, and overall was nickle and dimeing me as a DD. Plan is to have a truck that I can drive around town, and do some moderate wheeling.

Just picked up a set of 60's, that I need to go through and clean up. Plan is to do a radius arm front suspension with coil overs. I've found most everything I need (mount and joint wise) from Ballistic fab. I'll probably be clicking the "order" button next week some time. Anyone have any experience with a radius arm setup?

The only big unanswered question I have is about my transfer case. IFS trucks have a slip yoke style case and I need to convert it over to a flange output, or swap in a transfer case that will work. Suggestions?

I'll get some pics up in the next couple days.

[humpy]

Check offroad unlimited... They work strictly with Chevrolet sas swaps and have the stuff to convert front tcase output to fixed yoke... Also have a ton of kits available if u want something bolt on... Good luck and post pics

[93 Krawler]

Originally Posted by Jonesy

Starting to collect parts to convert my 2000 GMC 2500 over to a solid axle. Truck has a 6.0, 4l80e, np261 combo, 220k miles, some rust issues, and overall was nickle and dimeing me as a DD. Plan is to have a truck that I can drive around town, and do some moderate wheeling.

Just picked up a set of 60's, that I need to go through and clean up. Plan is to do a radius arm front suspension with coil overs. I've found most everything I need (mount and joint wise) from Ballistic fab. I'll probably be clicking the "order" button next week some time. Anyone have any experience with a radius arm setup?

The only big unanswered question I have is about my transfer case. IFS trucks have a slip yoke style case and I need to convert it over to a flange output, or swap in a transfer case that will work. Suggestions?

I'll get some pics up in the next couple days.

Finally someone else with a full size rig.

I still have the slip yoke on mine and haven't had any problems with it falling out. I used leaf springs in the front to replace the ifs. It fairly easy and cheaper than a kit. I used 52" rear springs which flexes real well, but not so great on the street. For more street driving, you should use front springs, but it won't flex good. Coil springs would be an interesting setup. I would like to see that. Watch that rear 60, they are easy to kill in a full size. I killed one and found a cheap 10.25 to build.

[Jonesy]

Originally Posted by 93 Krawler

Finally someone else with a full size rig.

I still have the slip yoke on mine and haven't had any problems with it falling out. I used leaf springs in the front to replace the ifs. It fairly easy and cheaper than a kit. I used 52" rear springs which flexes real well, but not so great on the street. For more street driving, you should use front springs, but it won't flex good. Coil springs would be an interesting setup. I would like to see that. Watch that rear 60, they are easy to kill in a full size. I killed one and found a cheap 10.25 to build.

What transfer case are you running? Is your front output a slip yoke style? From what I'm reading the front output doesn't have enough slip for the flex of a solid axle truck. It looks like a NP241 is a bolt in unit, and you can buy slip yoke eliminators for them.

I wanna try the radius arm and coil overs, just to be a little different. I haven't seen anyone around here running this set up yet. Not sure if i'll throw the 60 under the rear or if I'll just regear the stock 3/4ton rear end for now, since it already has disc brakes.

[frankensteinxj]

Be careful ordering anything from ballistic.
Search them one pirate4x4 and you'll see why.
I woulld look into ruffstuff or barnes or other companies.
Just a heads up from what Ive seen happenin.

[humpy]

i have ordered from ballistic lately with no issues.... dont be scared to order from them.... on the same note i am a much bigger fan of ruffstuff...dan has always taken good care of me...hell join em on facebook and u get 10% off...dont saound like much but usually enough to pay for shipping cost but again just my .02

[Jonesy]

Thanks for the heads up. I was looking at ballistic since they have a really nice compact setup for the radius arm and lower coil over mount, that I have yet to see anywhere else. Link: Ballistic Radius arm mount

I'll check out Ruffstuff and see what he can do for me.

[93 Krawler]

Originally Posted by Jonesy

What transfer case are you running? Is your front output a slip yoke style? From what I'm reading the front output doesn't have enough slip for the flex of a solid axle truck. It looks like a NP241 is a bolt in unit, and you can buy slip yoke eliminators for them.

I wanna try the radius arm and coil overs, just to be a little different. I haven't seen anyone around here running this set up yet. Not sure if i'll throw the 60 under the rear or if I'll just regear the stock 3/4ton rear end for now, since it already has disc brakes.

I have a 241. Only slip is in the rear. If you have a semi float 14 in the rear, they are pretty tough. I had one in mine before I went to tons and 40's. I beat the crap out of it with 35's and it was fine. I did upgrade the axles to Yukons.

[Redriverranger]

Radius arms are fine, I have been running them for years with coils and trac bar. One wristed is a requirement.

[Jonesy]

Originally Posted by 93 Krawler

I have a 241. Only slip is in the rear. If you have a semi float 14 in the rear, they are pretty tough. I had one in mine before I went to tons and 40's. I beat the crap out of it with 35's and it was fine. I did upgrade the axles to Yukons.

Ok good to know. The 261 is a slip on both outputs. I'll beat on the stock stuff until it breaks then upgrade as needed.

[Jonesy]

I know it has been a while, but finally getting started on this project. Getting ready to order a 3 link kit and wanted some input. I really like the Ruff stuff kit. But also looking at the Barnes offroad kit. Mainly wondering out heims vs johnny joints? Truck will be primarily off road, but will see a small amount of street duty.

Hoping to pull it in the garage in the next couple weeks and commence with the hacking.

[yellowjacket]

x2 on ballistic. id rather eat corn from a hogs butt.

yup call zach he can do it just as good with better service.

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