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Published by pssaljahiz, 2021-03-18 10:41:04

Street Trucks - March 2021

Street Trucks - March 2021

TECH | PROJECT ARTEMIS • PART 1

10For the upper control arms, we installed these StrongArms that are designed for ’88-’98 Chevy C1500 trucks.
They are developed by Ridetech in Jasper, Indiana, on an actual running, driving vehicle, so you know they fit.

11The front kit includes these CoolRide 12Before the bag can go in, the press-on 13With the top hat mounted to the air
airbags designed to be used with the style air fitting needs to be installed on spring, it can be bolted into place using
Ridetech lower arms. Everything comes with it. Don’t skip this step or you will regret it! the factory shock hole to secure the top of the
the kit including air springs, brackets, HQ bag mount.
Series shocks, bolt-on shock mounts and
hardware.

14To get as much drop as possible, 15With the upper bag mount loosely bolted in, the lower control arm can be installed, and the
Ridetech provides these 2-inch drop bottom of the air spring can be tightened.
spindles that allow you to slam your ride and
increase ride quality. They are forged from
heavy duty steel and will increase the track
width by a quarter inch per side.

16Moving on, the shock needs to be relocated since the air spring takes the location of the OEM one. So Ridetech
engineered this perfectly fitting shock relocation kit that bolts to the frame and the lower control arms.
.52. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

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TECH | PROJECT ARTEMIS • PART 1

17With the suspension components in place, the brake can be reinstalled. We once again ordered
a set of EBC rotors and pads as we have had nothing but great experiences with this brand.

18To finish up the
front, the new
Ridetech MuscleBar
needs to be bolted
up. Using precision
CNC tubing benders,
Investment cast steel
bar ends, and Delrin
lined mount bushings,
Ridetech can produce
sway bars with unheard
of dimensional and rate
accuracy.

19For Artemis 20The completed front is a thing of 21With a jack under the control arm, Chris
to sit at the beauty. Modern engineering meets was able to drop the lift to see how low
correct level anytime good old fashioned American metal. we can go. From the looks of it, we are gonna
she’s cruising down get down!
the road, we ordered
these RidePROx.
These height sensors
digitally measure
your vehicle’s
exact suspension
movement to
provide accurate and
repeatable vehicle
height adjustment.
Even when the
vehicle has a heavy
load, it will sit
perfectly every time.

22Before INthe next issue, we will walk through the back
we bolt install and show you how it all works, until then
on wheels, we feast your eyes on a teaser of the final look before
want to check we throw some wheels on Artemis. Stay tuned!
clearance on
everything from
brakes to sway
bars. Luckily,
SaltWorks has a
set of GuniWheels
on site like all
shops should.
These universal-
fit wheels have
solid tires that
are capable
of holding the
weight of your
build while you
move it around
the shop. Pretty
cool!

.54. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM



OKLAHOMA FOLLOWING
RULES AND

SUMMER SMASHING
RECORDS

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY PHIL GORDON

BASH 2020

B ACK IN 1992, THE Setting records, Oklahoma Summer Bash 2020 became
ILLEGAL TOYS CLUB Summer Bash brought in more one of Illegal Toys’ most
FORMED, AND THE than 300 registered vehicles successful. They’re already
JULIAN BROTHERS AND and 2,500 spectators. Everyone planning next year’s show.
CREW PUT ON A LOCAL followed the rules by wearing
CAR AND TRUCK SHOW. masks and keeping a safe Special thanks go out to
Over the years, the show distance from others. Benito, Austin, Frank, David and
Gustavo for their dedication
has become so The musical performers on and hard work putting on the
stage included TG Pzent, Smiley best show thus far. Sponsors
successful that it now and Rozay, Belair X Eli followed include OKC Dent Shop, Iron
by a Selena tribute by Amanda Kartel, DD Audio, Clark Crew
takes over Cox Convention Center in Solis. GT Garza was next on stage, BBQ, Oklahoma Customs,
followed by the main event— Vintage Latina, J&L Garage,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Twista, who brought the house Scarface Oklahoma, Michelada
down with his performance. A Mix, Mikes Hot Rod Dogs, Andi’s
As 2020 became the year of the pandemic, moon bounce house and face Bros Metalworks, Seasoned
painting were on site for the kids. Clothing, Eisenbeck Co., Jenny
more and more shows were canceled due to Renteria and Filero Tattz to
With 2020 becoming the name a few.
social distancing issues and mask wearing worst year for shows, Oklahoma

mandates. The event promoters and the

Julian brothers, however, went full steam

ahead and laid out security measures to

hold their show and bring people together

without being too close.

.56. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

OKLAHOMA SUMMER BASH 2020

STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM | MARCH 2021 .57.

OKLAHOMA SUMMER BASH 2020

.58. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

OKLAHOMA SUMMER BASH 2020

THE EVENT PROMOTERS AND THE JULIAN BROTHERS,
HOWEVER, WENT FULL STEAM AHEAD AND LAID OUT
SECURITY MEASURES TO HOLD THEIR SHOW AND BRING PEOPLE
TOGETHER WITHOUT BEING TOO CLOSE.

STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM | MARCH 2021 .59.

OKLAHOMA SUMMER BASH 2020

.60. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

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.62. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

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.66. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

Grand Slam, Back to
Back to Back to Back

WORDS BY MIKE ALEXANDER
PHOTOS BY DAVID MOORE

STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM | MARCH 2021 .67.

DA SEIS-QUATRO

A T THIS POINT IN THE
GAME, IF YOU HAVEN’T
HEARD THE NAME TONY
LEAL OR SLAMMED64S,
THEN YOU’RE
PROBABLY NOT AN AVID
READER OF CUSTOM
TRUCK MAGS, OR

MAYBE YOU’RE NEWER

TO THE CLASSIC CUSTOM TRUCK GAME

ALTOGETHER. Either way, you should

know that Tony has delivered more

badass custom truck builds in the last

few years than most of us will ever get

through in our lifetime.

He already surpassed the hattrick and

trifecta marks by building a cover truck

from each of the Big Three (Chevy, Ford

and Dodge), but being that Tony is sort of

a perfectionist, there was one thing (well,

two things) that always bugged him about

his last ’61 F-100 build. First and foremost,

it ran as a feature truck and didn’t quite hit

the cover stature of his other two builds and,

second, it was a patina uni. So, this time

around, he truly swung for the fences and

.68. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

COOKIE CUTTER AND CATALOG BUILDS DON’T DO
MUCH TO GET TONY’S CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING, SO
HE REALLY TURNED IT UP ANOTHER NOTCH THIS TIME
AROUND. STARTING WITH A FULL CUSTOM CHASSIS BY JOHN
AND CREW OVER AT CHASSISFAB IN TEXAS, THIS BUILD WAS
SLATED AS FULL CUSTOM FROM DAY ONE.

STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM | MARCH 2021 .69.

DA SEIS-QUATRO

went all in on a standard ’64 Ford F-100 pickup year 2020 has certainly been a tough one for TRUCK
build to top the rest. many in a lot of different ways, but Tony pushed SPECS
even deeper and vowed to set the bar once
This particular Ford truck build dates back again with a truly badass and unique full-tilt OWNER
a few decades. Tony recalls driving around in custom. Tony Leal
old Fords on his pop’s lap as a youngin’ and 1964 Ford F-100
credits his father with much of the reason why Cookie cutter and catalog builds don’t do Orange, CA
he’s drawn toward Fords more than anything much to get Tony’s creative juices flowing, so Slammed64s
else. Even though Tony’s taste for custom is he really turned it up another notch this time
certainly quite eclectic, the love for the smooth around. Starting with a full custom chassis by CHASSIS &
and classic lines of Blue Ovals have admittedly John and crew over at ChassisFab in Texas, this SUSPENSION
held a special place in his heart since those early build was slated as full custom from day one. § Custom chassis by
days, which were much more simple times! The Pairing the custom chassis work with the right
Chassis Fab
§ Custom C-notch and

Panhard bar
§ Air Lift Dominator

bags front and rear
§ Air Lift Performance

3H air management
system
§ FLO Airride custom
billet tank
§ All stainless hardline
by Arizona High Test

WHEEL & TIRES
§ Avant Garde F430 in

21x13 rear and 21x9
front
§ Pirelli P-Zero 335/25-
21 rear and 255/30-21
fronts

POWERTRAIN &
BRAKES
§ Ford Racing 1st Gen

Coyote Crate
§ El Monte

Transmission 4R70W
§ Currie Aluminum

9-inch rearend
§ Wilwood 6 pistons

front, and 4 piston
rear

EXTERIOR & PAINT
§ Jazz Auto Body
§ Stanton, CA
§ Full body work
§ Flattened firewall
§ BASF paint

INTERIOR & SOUND
§ Full custom interior

by Ceballo’s Customs
and Advanced Audio
Creations
§ Custom Alcantara
headliner
§ Reformed seat
wrapped in BMW
leather
§ Two 10-inch JL 10W3
subs
§ Two Rocksford
Fosgate T Series
amplifiers (T1500
and T1200)
§ Two Focal PS165F
separates
§ One Bluetooth unit
§ One Audio Control 3.2

SPECIAL THANKS:
“First and foremost,
my pops for instilling
in me a love for Fords
and classics, Air Lift
Performance and
FLO Airride for always
supporting me since day
one, Chassis Fab, Currie,
AG Wheels, Paul over at
Old Anvil Speed Shop,
Wilwood Brakes, Jason
and crew at Arizona
High Test, Advanced Car
Creations Audio, and
everyone who helps
support my builds.”

.70. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM



DA SEIS-QUATRO

custom shoes meant a phone call was underneath would be just as
over to the AG Wheels fam to whip up impressive as the rest of the build.
something amazing as always. This
custom chassis-and-wheel combo Though delayed due to some of the
was matched with the highest quality rough waters that the last year has
air-ride components by way of Air brought, the final pieces of the puzzle
Lift Performance 3H management came together in fantastic ways to pull
and FLO Airride billet tank. It was all off a proper memorial build honoring
plumbed in insane stainless hardline the man who instilled Tony with his
work from the man, the myth, the lifelong passion for custom trucks. A
legend—Jason “Arizona High Test,” stint at the Jazz Auto Bodyshop for full
who clocked hundreds of hours to smooth and paint tricks along with the
ensure this rolling chassis and what insane custom aluminum bed work by
Paul at Old Anvil Speed Shop really

.72. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM



DA SEIS-QUATRO

began to tie everything together.
Once the Ford was reassembled
for the final time, Old Anvil
dialed in the Coyote drivetrain
and got her to sound as good as
she looks! Paul and crew built
custom headers and 3-inch
stainless exhaust paired with
Borla mufflers to really let the
Coyote open up and breathe.

The full custom interior
really brough the Grand Slam
all together. Trusting Ceballo’s
Customs to work magic on the
interior, a custom Alcantara
headliner was crafted, the stock
seat was completely re-foamed
and reshaped and then wrapped
with real BMW leather. Working
with the audio crew of Advanced
Car Creations, a JL system was
built an incorporated throughout.

Overall, Tony achieved and
surpassed yet another goal in
bringing one of the baddest Blue
Ovals to life, yet again. Refusing
to never settle no matter the
odds, Tony’s build goes above
and beyond in every category.
Perseverance is such a key
component not just in custom
truck building, but through the
hardships of life. Gathering the
strength needed to weather the
storms for brighter days truly
helps us all appreciate the good
memories and the great times
even more. Cheers,
brother man, you did
it—again!

.74. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

W W W. F L OA I R R I D E . C O M





A Bagged ’82 Chevrolet
C10 on 26-inch Wheels!

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LOGAN WADE

G ROWING UP, WE ALL REMEMBER on roommates. One day, James showed Greg a truckin’
GETTING YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE AND magazine and immediately he was hooked!
BUYING YOUR FIRST VEHICLE. Greg
Dennis of Leesville, South Carolina, “I had caught the truck bug,” Greg says. “It has been a 25-
remembers purchasing his first vehicle year dream to be featured in a magazine with a truck that
like it was yesterday. In 1994, Greg I built. You know you’ve arrived when you are a part of the
purchased his ’82 Chevrolet C10. guys that paved the way for custom vehicles.”

“It was my first truck,” Greg recalls. “My Although Greg didn’t start his C10 build until recently, he
never lost sight of his dream.
dad had to cosign for me. I cut grass every
November 2018 is when Greg decided to begin Operation
day after school just to make the payments.” TRAMP. As every vehicle enthusiast knows, it’s hard to keep
a vehicle stock! Greg knew that to make this truck perfect,
Little did he know, this C10 would be receiving a major he would have to start from scratch. He “blew the truck
apart” all the way down to the bare frame.
facelift in the future.
First things first, Greg dropped the truck off with Dwayne
A few years passed as Greg continued through school. Heape at Xtreme Customs in Lexington, South Carolina.

Greg’s longtime friend, James Smith, had a truck around

the same time as well. They became best friends and later

.78. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

Dwayne and his crew immediately supportive family that kept him
got to work on Operation TRAMP. motivated. His wife was by his side
Luckily, they were able to keep the throughout the entire process. As the
original frame for the build. The guys changes to the frame were nearing
at the shop modified the frame and completion, they raised the bed floor
added a Rydman Ranch complete mount so that everything would
front dropmember and back half. Greg line up perfectly once the build was
wanted this C10 to lay completely on complete. After the issues were
the ground, so a TRE5 Customs body- resolved and the chassis and frame
drop kit was also installed. With any modifications were almost finished, it
custom vehicle build, there are always was time to add some air ride. Accuair
a few problems. e-level was installed and Greg couldn’t
be happier. He was finally building the
“We had a few problems come truck of his dreams and nothing would
up here and there with the frame stand in his way in finishing this truck.
modifications,” Greg says. “Body
dropping a truck is not an easy task.” The framework was finished, so
Greg moved on to the exterior. He
Greg kept pushing forward says he “wanted something radical.
and never lost hope in the build. Something that would really stand
Fortunately, Greg has an extremely

STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM | MARCH 2021 .79.

TRAMP

out.” He decided to keep the I CAME UP WITH THE NAME AFTER
original chrome front bumper but REALIZING THAT IT TOOK MULTIPLE
swapped to a Blazer rear bumper. PEOPLE TO BUILD THIS TRUCK, THE C10 HAD
Greg added a billet grille to keep TRAVELED AROUND TO SEVERAL SHOPS
the clean lines of the front end. WHERE THE WORK WAS DONE BY VARIOUS
Since the truck would be laying CRAFTSMEN AROUND THE AREA. THE JOKE IS
on the ground when completely EVERYONE HAD A HAND ON HER.
aired out, Greg knew he would
have to modify the wheel wells. He knew an engine swap wasn’t going to be easy. gearing. Before they could put in
He installed Hart Fab inner and Two of Greg’s friends, Alex Crumpton and BJ Broxton, the new transmission, they had
outer tubs so he could tuck any were there to lend a hand through this process. They to install a Rydman Transmission
wheel he wanted without any started by tearing down the engine so they could add crossmember so that it would bolt
issues. Another good friend of a few upgrades and clean up some of the internals. up properly. While the truck was
Greg’s, Bruce Casillo, also had a They installed new valve springs and retainers as well still dismantled, Greg also decided
hand in the build. Bruce tubbed the as adding a Texas Speed mega stick 4 camshaft. He to upgrade to a B&M transmission
firewall so that the truck would sit then installed a Holley EFI Sniper intake manifold cooler.
low without any rubbing. Dwayne and a set of 1.75-inch Speed Engineering headers
also had to modify the radiator to add some extra horses to this beast. Greg knew With an engine swap comes a lot
support for what was to come. To the stock transmission would not be able to handle of extra work and parts.
keep the body lines nice and clean, the added power of the new motor, so it would have
Greg shaved the drip rails, emblem to be swapped. Alex and BJ dropped the original “I worked a lot of sunup to
holes, stake pockets, gas filler door transmission and got the truck prepped for a 2006 sundown days to pull it off,” Greg
and windshield wipers. 4L60 transmission swap. The rear axle was swapped recalls.
over to a 12-bolt with an Auburn Limited Slip 4:10 ratio
Sometimes, bits and pieces of A Rydman Ranch mounting kit
the build don’t come out exactly was installed along with running a
as planned. Originally, Greg had new PSI engine harness. After a lot
the entire bed covered in red LINE
X. After realizing the bed didn’t fit
in with the rest of the build, it was
back to the drawing board. Greg
wanted a sleek design and Bruce
was right there to make it happen.
First, he stripped the entire bed
to start fresh. A lot of hours were
spent smoothing out the bed and
adding the rear tubs. It wasn’t an
easy process, especially with all of
the body work that had to be done.

“Bruce knocked it out of the
park! He just realigned everything
that I wasn’t happy with when it
came to the truck bed,” Greg says.

Now that the rear tubs had been
added, it was time to add some
wheels. TRAMP received a set of
US Mags Ridgeline wheels wrapped
in Delinte tires. With 24x9s in the
front and 26x10s in the rear, these
wheels tuck hard when Greg hits
the switches to lay out the truck.

Greg’s vision for this C10 was
coming to life as he moved onto
the engine. He wanted the truck
to sound as good as it looked, so
he knew TRAMP would need an
engine swap. After weighing his
options, Greg decided on a ’06
LS2 from a Pontiac GTO. This huge
364ci 6.0L V-8 would make Greg’s
C10 scream as he put the pedal to
the metal.

.80. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM



TRAMP TRUCK SPECS to match with red TMI vinyl. The
lower part of the dash was paint
of long nights in the garage, they were OWNER Widowmaker matched to the exterior in Hydro
finally able to drop the new engine Greg Dennis exhaust Blue. A US Mag Redline steering
into the belly of the beast. Once the Leesville, South WHEELS/TIRES wheel was added to contrast the
engine was bolted up, they removed Carolina § US Mags Ridgeline blue and red color combination.
the stock air box and built a custom ’82 Chevrolet C10 wheels For Greg, it’s all about the details.
cold air intake. TRAMP made another Chrysler Hydro Blue § 24x9 Front and Dakota HDX gauges custom made
pitstop at David’s Garage where it 26x10 Rear with matching graphics from under
received an overhaul on the exhaust CHASSIS/ § Delinte tires the hood were installed in the dash.
system. They installed a full 2.5-inch SUSPENSION § 12-bolt rear Next, it was time for door panels.
Black Widow Widowmaker exhaust to § Rydman Ranch § Auburn Limited Slip To keep with the red theme, Xtreme
make this C10 rumble. He also installed 4:10 ratio gearing Customs installed TMI panels with
a push button start for convenience front dropmember § Wilwood master the same stitching as the seats.
since Greg had every intention of § Rydman Ranch back cylinder
driving this truck. The braking system § Wilwood 6-piston Now that the seats and dash were
needed some upgrades now that the half brakes complete, Greg focused on a sound
truck was putting down some serious § TRE5 Customs body BODY MODS system. TRAMP was dropped off
power. A Wilwood master cylinder § Raised bed floor at Ultimate Audio where it would
along with Wilwood 6 piston brakes drop kit § Blazer rear bumper receive a custom center console.
were installed to make this truck stop § Accuair e-level § Hart Fab inner and Once the console was built, it was
on a dime. § Rydman outer wheel tubs wrapped in red TMI vinyl to match
§ Tubbed firewall the rest of the interior. The guys at
TRAMP was passed off to Evan transmission § Shaved drip rails, Ultimate Audio installed a Stinger
Hite to complete the full paint job. crossmember emblem holes, ELEV8 radio in the console along with
Paint color was a huge decision for stake pockets, a pair of JL Audio speakers. The kick
Greg because he wanted something ENGINE gas filler door and panels were redesigned to fit another
that would really stand out. With § ’06 Pontiac GTO windshield wipers set of JL Audio speakers. A custom-
so many options, it was difficult § LINE-X bed coating built subwoofer box with two 8-inch
to narrow it down. However, after LS2 INTERIOR JL subs was installed behind the
flipping between a couple colors, he § 364ci 6.0L V-8 § Red TMI Grand seats to give this truck a little extra
finally chose Hydro Blue. Greg knew § Rydman Ranch Sport seats bump. A red carpet kit was installed
this would cause a debate because it § Dash wrapped to to really tie everything together. This
was a Chrysler color. engine mount kit match was the final stage in the build, and it
§ PSI engine harness § TMI door panels was finally complete.
“I like hearing the haters talk § New valve springs § US Mag Redline
about, ‘Why would you put a Chrysler steering wheel After a year of hard work and
color on a Chevy?’ My vision all along and retainers § Dakota HDX gauges determination, Greg was finally able
was to make this truck different and § Texas Speed mega § Stinger ELEV8 radio to stand back and take in the beauty
that’s what I set out to do,” Greg says. § JL Audio speakers of his C10.
stick 4 camshaft § 8-inch JL Audio subs
As Evan laid down the paint, Greg § Holley EFI Sniper § Red carpet kit “I love everything about the truck,”
knew he had made the right decision. he says. “I could not have done it
Seeing the deep blue paint for the intake manifold without the support of my family
first time sparked the idea for the § 1.75-inch Speed and friends who helped me every
interior. Once the paint was finished, step of the way.”
Trey Steele stepped in to lay down Engineering
some graphics. Custom multicolored headers Although building a custom vehicle
diamonds were added to the front § 2006 4L60 can be a daunting task, Greg has a few
wheel tubs as well as the valve transmission tips to make the process a little easier.
covers. When Greg pops the hood, the § B&M transmission
multicolored graphics really stand cooler “Take your time and do not rush
out against the hydro blue paint. § 2.5-inch it,” he says. “Enjoy the amazing
Black Widow friendships that you make along the
TRAMP was on the road again way. Do not give up.”
but this time, it was for the interior.
Wanting to make sure the interior Greg debuted TRAMP at Orange
stood out just as much as the Beach Invasion 2020 and brought
exterior, Greg knew he had his work quite the crowd.
cut out for him. Every single piece of
the interior was stripped in order to “I came up with the name after
get a fresh start. TRAMP was back realizing that it took multiple people
in the hands of Dwayne at Xtreme to build this truck,” Greg says. “The
Customs to start the rebuild of the C10 had traveled around to several
interior. Red TMI Grand Sport seats shops where the work was done
were installed for ultimate comfort by various craftsmen
and design. The dash was wrapped around the area. The joke is
everyone had a hand on her.”
.82. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM



TECH WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LOGAN WADE

Lucid Dreams
PART 1MINI-TRUCK MAKEOVER

F OR THIS YEAR’S DO-IT-YOURSELF BUDGET BUILD,
WE’RE GOING BACK TO THE BASICS WITH A 2003
CHEVY S-10 XTREME. This is the perfect project
truck for any aspiring custom truck builder who is
ready to start their very first project. After picking
up a truck like this, what would be the first thing
any eager enthusiast would do? Lower it—because
lower is always better! We called up the guys at

Western Chassis to ask about a lowering kit and

gave them our goals and budget. They set us up with

a Stage 3 lowering kit that will drop our mini-truck 5

inches in the front and 6 inches in the rear. We plan to

bag this truck in the not-so-distant future, so the

lower, the better in our opinion. This is the most aggressive 01With an end FEATURES
goal of a
kit Western Chassis offers, and it is under $600, complete. bagged Bow Tie, STAGE 3 DELUXE KIT
we worked with
Not familiar with this company? Interesting fact: Western Chassis Western Chassis § 2-inch drop spindles
to order this Stage § Front lowered coils
developed the very first automotive drop spindle. Since 1981, the 3 lowering kit § Rear lowered leaf springs
that will drop our § Lowered block kit, C-notch and
company has been building quality suspension components and mini-truck 5 inches
in the front and 6 hardware
providing them at a reasonable price. About inches in the rear § Aggressive drop application
for ’82-’04 Chevy § Excellent value
a week after our order was placed, the full kit SOURCES S-10 and GMC S-15 § For V-6 and 4-cylinder applications
trucks.
was sitting on the doorstep of Chace Yonts at • Western Chassis only (not for V-8 conversions)
The Shop in Stanford, Kentucky. Let’s follow 559-579-1005
along with the first step of this long-term, do-it- www.westernchassis.
yourself mini-truck build! com

• The Shop
859-339-9191

.84. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

TECH | LUCID DREAMS • PART 1

02First on
the list
is to get the
truck up off the
ground and
remove the
old suspension
hardware.

04Next, we 03We
unbolted started
the tie-rod ends with the front
so we could and began by
swing the spindle unbolting the
around more brake calipers
freely. to get them
out of the way.
05Once that
was done, 06Once
we then removed those were
the rotors and off, it was time
backing plate. to remove
the spindles.
Unfortunately,
this took a little
more time and
effort because
most of the
suspension
components
were a tad on the
rusty side. After
using some PB
Blaster, we were
good to go. We
then unbolted the
shocks and ball
joints so that the
spindle could be
removed.

STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM | MARCH 2021 .85.

TECH | LUCID DREAMS • PART 1 08With the
jack in
07Once place and bolts
everything removed, we
had been pried carefully lowered
apart, we used the jack down to
the jack to hold release the spring.
the control arm up
while we worked
our way toward
the springs.

09Once 10With the
the old springs
springs were out, installed, we
we installed the moved on to the
new Western new 2-inch drop
Chassis springs. spindles. Making
After the spring sure everything is
was seated in the lined up perfectly
correct spot, the is extremely
control arm was important for this
then ready for part of the install.
the spindles to be
reinstalled. 11With the new spindles
mounted, we reinstalled the
.86. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM ball joints and control arms.

This is where, unfortunately,
we started running into a few
problems. The backing plate sat
too far back on the new spindles,
which created some rubbing. Also,
once the rotor assemblies were
put back on, the slot for the cotter
pin was farther back on the stub
shaft than on the OEM one. This
meant we needed to make a few
trips to Ace Hardware for some
washers because they were not
supplied with the kit. After placing
an additional two washers on the
spindle stub shaft, the cotter pin
hole was finally in the correct spot.
This is the fun that all new truck
enthusiasts get to experience.
Problem solving is good for you!

TECH | LUCID DREAMS • PART 1

12We bolted the tie-rod ends back up along with the shocks on both sides 13At this point, we went ahead and moved on to the rear of the
and reinstalled the brake calipers. We ran into another problem at this truck while we decided what to do about the front. We started
point. With the new drop spindles installed, the inside lip of the OEM Chevy by removing the factory U-bolts.
Xtreme wheels was scraping the edge of the tie-rod ends. To fix this problem,
new wheels will need to be ordered. Good thing it’s not our daily driver!

14The nuts were
rusted so we
had to let them
soak overnight in
PB Blaster before
we were able to
remove them. This
was also the case
with the leaf spring
bolts.

15Once they were loosened, we removed the stock leaf
springs to make way for the Western Chassis ones.

STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM | MARCH 2021 .87.

TECH | LUCID DREAMS • PART 1

16With the new
leaf springs in
place and installed,
we then added
the lowering block
on top before
tightening the
bolts.

17With the front and rear both complete, we finally let the 18We put the wheels on, but they were not tightened down all the
truck down off of the jack stands. way. As the truck slowly lowered down off the jack, we noticed an
immediate problem. The front fenders were sitting on the top of the
tires, another reason to fully pre-plan if you’re working on your daily.
Luckily for us, we can park it until we get some new rollers.

19This is another 20Luckily,
reason it’s Chace had
great to have a set a set of 18-inch
of GuniWheels at wheels at The
your shop. If this is Shop, which gave
a truck that will be us the clearance
sitting over night we needed to get it
or for a few days, out. This also gives
you need to move it us a good idea of
around. GuniWheels the size wheels and
are designed for just tire setup we will
that. be able to run.

Wewere unable
to take the
truck out on the road,
but you can see that
this lowering kit
definitely gives the
truck an aggressive
stance as it sits just a
few inches from the
ground. You will for
sure need to change
wheels and tires if you
want to drive with no
rub. In the next issue,
we will measure for
wheels and tires and
start to gather some
ideas about airbags.
See you
next month!

.88. MARCH 2021 | STREETTRUCKSMAG.COM

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THE of 1937–54 Chevrolet Trucks

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⑰ 24 RUNNING BOARD BRACKETS • $149.50 SET. . . . . . . . . 4755
25 LOWER DOOR LATCH POST • $44.75 . . . . . . . . . . . 4754
1 SPLASH APRONS • $88.75$159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 26 LOWER DOOR HINGE POST • $49.25 . . . . . . . . . . . 4754
2 HOODS • CALL FOR PRICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4755 27 DOOR OUTER PILLAR WITH SIDE COWL & WINDSHIELD
3 HOOD LATCH SAFETY CATCH • $62.50 . . . . . . . . . . . 4753
4 HOOD LATCH PLATE ASSY • $150.50$254.25 . . . . . . . 4753 FRAME • $400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4753
5 FENDER INNER PANEL • $132$415. . . . . . . . . . . . 4753 28 WINDSHIELD PILLAR PANEL • $29.75 . . . . . . . . . . . 4753
6 FRONT FENDERS FIBERGLASS • $429$442.50. . . . . . .3753 29 CAB CORNER PATCH PANELS • $45$89.25 . . . . . . . .3654
6 FRONT FENDERS STEEL • $393 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4755 30 CAB BACK PANELLOWER • $399. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4754
7 FIREWALLS • $285$450.50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 31 CAB BACK PANELUPPER OUTER • $356.25 . . . . . . . . 4754
8 CORE SUPPORT • $344.50$419. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4755 32 CAB BACK PANELUPPER INNER • $338 . . . . . . . . . . 4754
9 COWL PATCH PANELS • $54$61.25 . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 33 CAB REAR PANEL CROSSMEMBER •$55.75 . . . . . . . . 4754
10 UPPER COWL PANEL • $278 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4753 34 REAR FENDERS STEEL OR FIBERGLASS • $368.50$995 . . .3754
11 COWL VENT FILLER PANEL • $18$40 . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 35 TRUCK BED METAL KITS CHEVY & GMC SHORT &
12 EXTERIOR SUNVISOR • $315$495. . . . . . . . . . . . 4753
13 CAB MOUNT BRACE FRONT • $33EA. . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 LONG BED• $1527$1996.50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3754
14 CAB MOUNT BRACE REAR • $36.75 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 36 TRUCK BED WOOD KITS CHEVY & GMC SHORT
15 FLOORBOARDS • $108.50$625 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4754
16 KICK PANELS • $39$140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 & LONG BED • $468$1087. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3754
17 TRANSMISSION COVER • $49.50$75. . . . . . . . . . . 4755 37 FRONT BED PANELS • $135.25$297 . . . . . . . . . . .3459
18 ROCKER PANEL FIBERGLASS • $70 . . . . . . . . . . . .3646 38 BED SIDES • $393$645 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3459
18 ROCKER PANEL STEEL • $60$125 . . . . . . . . . . . .3954 39 TAILGATES COMPLETE• $81.25$240 . . . . . . . . . . .3487
19 BATTERY INSPECTION PLATE • $19.75$64. . . . . . . . .2954 40 TAILGATES COVER • $81.25$157 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4753
20 BATTERY TRAY • $16$69.50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3754 41 BED CROSSMEMBERS • $34$168.25 . . . . . . . . . .4055
21 CAB ROOF PANEL • $335 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4753 42 STAKE POCKETS • $56.25$112.25 . . . . . . . . . . . .3459
22 WINDSHIELD UPPER ROOF PANEL • $65 . . . . . . . . . . 4753 43 SIDE SPLASH APRON • $32$55 . . . . . . . . . . . . .3754
23 RUNNINGBOARD FIBERGLASS • $545$572 . . . . . . .3754 44 PARKING BRAKE BRACKET • $49 . . . . . . . . . . . . .4855
23 RUNNINGBOARD STEEL • $525.50$619 . . . . . . . . .3754 45 INNER CAB CORNER PANEL • $45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4754
23 RUNNINGBOARD CHROME •$600.50 . . . . . . . . . . . 4754 46 METAL DOORS • $499 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4750, 52

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