RMJ_LB7
New member
Hello everyone, this thread is about my single cab short bed duramax budget build. I will be updating it as much as I can along the way. I would love ideas/suggestions along the way since I will be doing everything myself. Ive been a long time diesel enthusiast since my Dad and Uncle got me hooked on it at a young age. Ive always wanted to get more into the sport and actually start competing it just never seemed like the funds were there to be able to do it. Ive decided to just go for it and realized that it will take time to build to how I want it, especially since my wife and kid are obviously a higher priority. I picked a 2wd LB7 (federal emissons) single cab long bed up for $2800, the engine ran great and just needed a steering pump. The first picture is it on the trailer on the way home from picking it up:
Somehow from only needing a steering pump I decided to convert it to a short bed while i was there :hehe: Second picture is with the long bed removed, sold it and was able to make a profit off of it and bought a nice but different color short bed:
Here's a picture with the bed off:
[/ATTACH]
A couple things removed and the frame cut, My grandpa decided to sell his property and to move to a new property so he needed me to get my truck out of the shop. I welded the axle to the frame with a 3x3 square tubing just so I could move it to my house. I put the short bed on it just to see how it looked.
Once it got home I installed the the Lower control arms from DJM (3 Inch Drop) and shocks. Also while I was there refreshed the front end with new parts. I dont have any pictures of the process since I had to get a new phone and lost pictures :doh:
I found where I wanted my ride height to be at and put the truck on jack stands. I cleaned up the frame for the most part (still needs a little love) and last night tacked in the metal plates and square tubing for the fuel cell. I have a buddy that is a welder and is 9 times out 10 everytime a better welder than me lol. Once I get everthing tacked into place he will come over and finish welding it up. Heres some pictures of the fuel cell sitting in place:
Tonights goal is to get the Airdog mounted and also the battery box :rockwoot:
Somehow from only needing a steering pump I decided to convert it to a short bed while i was there :hehe: Second picture is with the long bed removed, sold it and was able to make a profit off of it and bought a nice but different color short bed:
Here's a picture with the bed off:
[/ATTACH]A couple things removed and the frame cut, My grandpa decided to sell his property and to move to a new property so he needed me to get my truck out of the shop. I welded the axle to the frame with a 3x3 square tubing just so I could move it to my house. I put the short bed on it just to see how it looked.
Once it got home I installed the the Lower control arms from DJM (3 Inch Drop) and shocks. Also while I was there refreshed the front end with new parts. I dont have any pictures of the process since I had to get a new phone and lost pictures :doh:
I found where I wanted my ride height to be at and put the truck on jack stands. I cleaned up the frame for the most part (still needs a little love) and last night tacked in the metal plates and square tubing for the fuel cell. I have a buddy that is a welder and is 9 times out 10 everytime a better welder than me lol. Once I get everthing tacked into place he will come over and finish welding it up. Heres some pictures of the fuel cell sitting in place:
Tonights goal is to get the Airdog mounted and also the battery box :rockwoot:
