Rusty, Recovry and Panzerwillie's Wrecker Builds

[rustyshakelford]

I measured them both. I wish we had the AC conversation earlier! I wonder if it would be easier to move the axle back of cut the fenders wide on the front. Here I thought this wasn't going to be a headache!

I'm really only concerned with how to safely and easily move the bed around to weld, work and mount it! Seems nice and heavy.

Brett

 

[Recovry4x4]

If you were not planning any driveline changes, I would refrain from moving the axle back. Shrinking and stretching driveshafts really adds to the budget. Even with me changing all my driveline around I opted to shrink the bed by 4". I am replacing the sides so it makes shrinking the bed a little easier. Maybe roll one of those big meats over to the bed and see how it's going to fit the fenderwell. If they are going to need trimmed anyways, open them up. You can always section a piece off and re-attach it once the bed is on and you can move it around.

 

[Westech]

Kenny.... I see the pesky cop car in the driveway again. He won't leave you alone!!

 

[Recovry4x4]

Kenny.... I see the pesky cop car in the driveway again. He won't leave you alone!!

She! She won't leave me alone but I'm grateful.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Haven't messed with the wrecker bed lately. Been busy lifting the 08. Still need to find a solution for my front driveshaft. I've gotten some great info here but it looks like the cutting torch is going to come out to give me the needed clearance. Here's some pics. Front wheel well is about 48" hopefully it settles a little more. And here's the reason we aren't making as fast of progress. All my money is going to it!

Brett

 

[gimpyrobb]

I hope that lumber isn't in a burn pile! That all can be used! Pull it out and set it aside.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I hope that lumber isn't in a burn pile! That all can be used! Pull it out and set it aside.

Theres nothing good in there anymore. We have burned a bunch though. Hopefully the builder will get it all hauled off sooner than later. The pile is huge and looks trashy! (Pun intended) if your local you'd be welcomed to get whatever you could use

brett

 

[panzerwillie]

Sand blast

Getting near Sand Blast.

 

[southdave]

I had to ad 2 inches to my front axle cost me 210 with new universals.

 

[Crash_AF]

I guess I'll toss mine in here too. I had the frame stretched 4" to get the 60" CA

It's a 1008 with the 6.2 and TH400. Converted it to a 205 in case I go PTO on the bed. Also planning to add a Banks kit to it to get some extra power up here.
Bed is a Sonic Low Side with a 480. Bed is beat, but not rough

Debating between electric or trying to figure out the PTO from the 205.

Plans include a 12k HMMWV front winch, and maybe some kind of outriggers to stabilize for side picks. Haven't decided.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Dang Joe, I forgot about yours. Join right in and we will all learn together.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Looks sharp crash!

I finished my lift finally. Took the cross member out and cut it with my torch. Lots it clearance now. Truck is a beast off road. Dropping bed off tues to get blasted. Will be getting comfortable with a cut off tool when I get it back to make room for the tires.

Drove the truck to work this week. 80 miles round trip. Does great. Drives straight and brakes decent. Only thing is that mysterious tick after lifting it. It is rpm dependent. Something is rubbing on the firewall. It's driving me nuts. I did get it inspected and should have it registered on Monday. I'm getting closer!

Waste motor oil filtration is in the works too

brett

 

[rustyshakelford]

Still working away. Going to do some welding and mods to the wrecker bed. It's currently standing on its front for ease of access. Cut the mufflers off tonight. Exhaust was rotted behind them. Sounds great now.

Brett

 

[Recovry4x4]

Looks mean Brett. Did you do the double spacers on a chassis cab axle to get the tires on? I hope to work on mine a little this winter. Heat and injuries have kept me off the playing field for many months.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Looks mean Brett. Did you do the double spacers on a chassis cab axle to get the tires on? I hope to work on mine a little this winter. Heat and injuries have kept me off the playing field for many months.

Yes. It has a 2" against the drum, wheel, spacer, wheel. Not ideal but will work till I get the rear converted to disc. The wheel is to small for the drum without the spacer. One thing I'm seeing is the need to get my brake lines installed sooner than later. That are tight as can be. I've been daily driving it to work lately. Kind of getting to the nice weather time of the year. Once I get my spin on fuel filter installed it should make it easy to start too. I think I have a small leak at the filter.

Get healed up and finish your monster! That's going to be slick when your done.

Brett

 

[Recovry4x4]

I did my rear brake lines last month. Yeah, they are super tight in there. Still need to swap the master cylinder and bleed it. Might make andedicated bleed wrench for them.

 

[panzerwillie]

progess

Got the bed off the donor truck, will set it on a dolly next few weeks to blast and primer

 

[Another Ahab]

Got the bed off the donor truck, will set it on a dolly next few weeks to blast and primer
View attachment 521413

Hey panzerwillie, did you know that Chattanooga TN is the birthplace of the wrecker truck?!

(my wife grew up on Missionary Ridge; just saying')

 

[panzerwillie]

yes, also the home for Holmes wreckers

 

[Another Ahab]

yes, also the home for Holmes wreckers

You all drop-in!

http://youtu.be/OlC3bgNizBc