Nissan Off Road & 4x4 Forum

so browsing CL I came across a deal I had to take.  bought a 5.3l, tranny, t/case, wiring harness, and PCM from this 2003 tahoe...

(http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb461/olydawg/work/843e7402.jpg)

took the engine, trans, and t/case out today... tons of room in the engine compartment now. pulled out the seats and carpet also. tomorrow I will start cleaning up the engine bay and pulling the not needed wiring. the Chevrolet trans/transfer is about an inch shorter than the Nissan and the transmission mount on the Nissan is about an inch forward more than the Chevy.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/29/78/16159287_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/29/98/16159289_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/29/09/16159290_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/29/19/16159291_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/29/29/16159292_large.jpg)

Cleaned up the engine compartment and touched up the unpainted areas. started test fitting the eng/trans, looks like the crossover tube will not need to be modified.

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/69/16161096_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/89/16161098_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/11/00/16161100_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/11/20/16161102_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/11/40/16161104_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/11/60/16161106_large.jpg)

finished building the engine today... tomorrow I will do a final test fit and make final adjustments, then the cab will come off.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/39/35/16169353_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/39/55/16169355_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/39/56/16169365_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/39/96/16169369_large.jpg)

then I set the intake on just for looks...

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/39/07/16169370_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/39/27/16169372_large.jpg)

So the past couple of days I've been doing some grinding and cleaning up the frame. Also, picked up another t/case that had a shorter front output shaft and installed in mine. then set the KC on the frame. time now to measure, cut, measure, cut.... need a little more trimming in the eng. compartment but its a lot better than the gapping holes in the other cab for the shock towers.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/91/16188519_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/02/16188520_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/12/16188521_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/22/16188522_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/54/16188545_large.jpg)

the cab will fit nicely in front of the rear mount of the slider.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/05/16188550_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/75/16188557_large.jpg)

I have to trim up about an 1-1/2" to sit properly over the frame, then I can place the fuel tank in and cut the cab to fit that.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/45/16188554_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/58/65/16188556_large.jpg)

so I've been struggling over the crossmember for the transmission the past couple of days and it finally started to work the way I planned. 

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/27/88/16207288_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/27/98/16207289_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/27/09/16207290_large.jpg)

the plan is to run 2 pieces of angle iron from front to back, one for each bolt.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/27/19/16207291_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/27/29/16207292_large.jpg)

my buddy help me out with the welding...

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/27/69/16207296_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/27/89/16207298_large.jpg)

ok, fixed the driver side engine mount and mounted the drivetrain.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/51/16213015_large.jpg)

then my buddy brought the bed over and we notched to fit over the coilover towers and get ready to cut down the front to fit the cab.  no the side is not completely finished...

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/81/16213018_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/02/16213020_large.jpg)

if you notice where the slider rear mount is the bed will bed will be cut down that far. or right about where the 7" line is.

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/32/16213023_large.jpg)

the coilover towers...

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/42/16213024_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/62/16213026_large.jpg)

bed length after the tire...

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/82/16213028_large.jpg)

here's a good comparison difference between the truck tail light and pathy tail light and how the truck will look from the rear.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/03/03/16213030_large.jpg)

so today I did some shopping. bought the paint, drive shafts, accessory kit for a corvette (this will give me an additional 1-9/16" of space for a radiator and cooling fans). I've been looking for exhaust stuff as well, but no luck. I came across a LSx swap in a MJ (jeep commanche pickup) and they had what looked like factory tube manifolds which would be easier to weld to than the cast ones. I plan on making my own system for that from here...

http://www.siliconeintakes.com/index.php?cPath=10&osCsid=d7355793f1867325a57f0b04dabe5a06

I'm looking for these manifolds, Camaro style exhaust manifolds..

(http://image.carcraft.com/f/techarticles/9203574+w195/116_0501_06_z+ls1_header_test+camaro_manifolds.jpg)

(http://paceperformance.com/images/M20045096.gif)

I started working on the exhaust today. I got the passenger side completely tacked together and started the driver side and realized I needed another 45* pipe. ooops. My buddy started helping with the bed and got it laid out and part of it removed.

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/28/41/16228214_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/28/51/16228215_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/28/61/16228216_large.jpg)

the outside panel will be the length of the bed. around 4'.

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/28/71/16228217_large.jpg)

well a little of progress today but not much. I got more parts, fuel pumps because the stock ones I found out aren't actually rated for 60 psi, they can do it but for how long not sure. gauges I'm still not sure but I want to use the stock cluster, these are a back up and steel tubing for the fuel lines and finish welding the front part of the exhaust...

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/24/77/16244277_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/24/97/16244279_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/24/08/16244280_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/24/18/16244281_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/24/28/16244282_large.jpg)

and the pups came to help...

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/24/38/16244283_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/24/48/16244284_large.jpg)

so today I put the cab back on to finish the bed and install the front bed brackets.  also need to finish some odds and ends for the engine.  once that is done I can remove the cab for the last time and paint it.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/38/16257083_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/48/16257084_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/58/16257085_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/68/16257086_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/78/16257087_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/88/16257088_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/98/16257089_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/07/09/16257090_large.jpg)

so today I installed the front driveline with a new CV joint on it, installed the exhaust (now I just need to put hangers on it), install the front of the engine for fitment of the radiator and its tight. I'm still fighting the bed mount radiator. Also, got the bed set to the proper height and placement for installing the front bed mounts.  I will be trimming to move the rad forward about an inch and need to figure out how the hoses are going to work and I need to find some really thin electric fans now.

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/52/79/16282597_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/52/89/16282598_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/00/16282600_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/10/16282601_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/20/16282602_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/30/16282603_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/40/16282604_large.jpg)

Awesome. good to see the exhaust system was worked out as well.
Keep it comming.
 :cheers:

well not much happened this weekend, well at least to the truck. I made some radiator brackets and the start of the heater hose brackets. I need to add some foam strips to them and need to figure a way to hold the radiator down.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/02/31/16302013_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/02/71/16302017_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/02/22/16302022_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/02/62/16302026_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/02/03/16302030_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/02/93/16302039_large.jpg)

ok, so now I'm torn again. I picked up a LS1 intake for cheap and figured I see what the differences were. well, here's the truck intake....

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/43/17/16303471_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/43/27/16303472_large.jpg)

and the LS1 intake...

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/43/47/16303474_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/43/57/16303475_large.jpg)

and the best part is... no need to fab the crossover hoop...

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/43/67/16303476_large.jpg)

now its decision time... I go with the LS1 intake I need to pick up possible fuel rails, injectors and the fuel filter (not cheap BTW)... oooh and the coolest part... engine covers

(http://content.mamotorworks.com/img300/fr2937.jpg)

so today I worked on the bed for a little. made a filler piece and it looks like I need to align the pathy side better, its off about an 1/8" grr. I then placed the 2 front bed mounts and tacked them on the frame. then went the the back and tacked in the tailgate support and it certainly stiffened up the bedside.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/76/90/16306709_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/76/71/16306717_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/76/81/16306718_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/76/02/16306720_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/76/22/16306722_large.jpg)

so today I work more on the bed, did some trimming for the spare tank filler neck hose and tacked in a wheel well from my old bed. did some more fitting for the taillight and the tailgate. I think there is a plactic piece that the Pathys have the goes next to the taillight but don't remember. I have about a 1/8" gap top and bottom between the sheet metal but the taillight gap is about a 1/4". More thinking here. I also went to the junkyard looking to stuff and found a 85 Pontaic GTA, hood louvres! sweet and in great shape too. (there's another GTA hood there in great shape too, I'm might pick that one up too)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/00/16311000_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/10/16311001_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/20/16311002_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/30/16311003_large.jpg)

yep, love the pathy taillight over the truck taillight

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/40/16311004_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/50/16311005_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/01/60/16311006_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/90/39/16310993_large.jpg)

now I have to decide how I'm going to place them. these are true working louvres, so engine temps will be cooler for wheeling.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/90/59/16310995_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/90/79/16310997_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/90/89/16310998_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/90/99/16310999_large.jpg)

did some work on the dr. side bed and some more thinking on the louvres.

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/61/61/16311616_large.jpg)

the long slats are at the slight slope of the hood to allow the air to flow into the engine compartment.

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/61/71/16311617_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/61/81/16311618_large.jpg)

and these would be with the old style hood with the 3 slots in the front and made so that air would flow through them.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/61/91/16311619_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/61/02/16311620_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/61/12/16311621_large.jpg)

so today I think a lot got accomplished. more little stuff, but a lot of little stuff. 1st, reverified the thermostat housing to the lower radiator.

the upper and lower hose pipes will be cut and have 90* pipes installed. the veiw looking down, you can see how the upper hose will be with a 90* in the hose going to the water pump, the side view you can see the hose will have about a 30* bend to the lower hose pipe.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/95/16321759_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/06/16321760_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/16/16321761_large.jpg)

I made a cutout for the heater hoses to go by the AC compressor.

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/56/16321765_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/66/16321766_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/76/16321767_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/96/16321769_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/07/16321770_large.jpg)

I also removed the strip on the pass side to weld up the front inner bed side

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/26/16321762_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/46/16321764_large.jpg)

my friend evened the gap on the driver side bed side for a clean fit, then installed it. I prepped the tailgate bracket so I can possibly get that done tomorrow and still need to fit the front of the bed side but its on.

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/17/16321771_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/27/16321772_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/47/16321774_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/57/16321775_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/71/67/16321776_large.jpg)

so today I worked more on the bed. got the dr. side taillight assembly welded in. tailgate is now going to be right around 50", inside opening is 48-1/4" and outside opening is 50-1/4". tailgate is currently 54-1/4" so 4" must go bye bye. I tacked the inside front of the bed, the wheel well opening is also tacked in. I had to trim some piece on the tailgate support so the lights fit in perfect. I will add the metal back in but it will be straight instead of bending in towards the taillight assembly. I also cutout the louver openings on the GTA hood, then put tape lines where I am thinking of cutting out for the rear bumper.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/38/16326983_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/48/16326984_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/58/16326985_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/68/16326986_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/19/16326991_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/59/16326995_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/29/16326992_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/99/16326999_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/69/16326996_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/96/79/16326997_large.jpg)

finished the bed corners today.  not the best welds but the corners are a definitely stout.

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/08/16332680_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/97/16332679_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/48/16332684_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/29/16332692_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/39/16332693_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/49/16332694_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/69/16332696_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/79/16332697_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/62/89/16332698_large.jpg)

so yesterday I made access covers...

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/52/71/16342517_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/52/41/16342514_large.jpg)

and today I started on the hood.

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/92/57/16342975_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/92/67/16342976_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/92/77/16342977_large.jpg)

and some trimming clean up is needed on the inside...

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/92/97/16342979_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/92/87/16342978_large.jpg)

and some input would be appreciated on how to deal with the slight hump for the rear louvers...

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/92/08/16342980_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/92/18/16342981_large.jpg)

today I tacked in the rear louvers...

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/63/89/16343698_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/63/99/16343699_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/73/00/16343700_large.jpg)

(http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/73/10/16343701_large.jpg)

so I got off my ass and started working on the truck again.

started on the rear bumper and instrument cluster...

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/12892371815_40dc19bb10_b.jpg)

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/12892781294_54b9ccfa78_h.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/12892346675_d287ba53ce_b.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/12892758114_998f5dfdd5_b.jpg)

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/12892322375_5101913995_b.jpg)

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/12892409173_230d2eeaa9_b.jpg)

seeing if the gauges will fit the stock cluster...

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/12892732414_74007660d1_b.jpg)

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/12955833223_399731e827_b.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/12956109244_d39799e26f_b.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/12955821263_3a06c65da5_b.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/12955655665_dfaa821b1a_b.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/12956083944_b6437362ae_b.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/12955645545_4852b51c86_b.jpg)

Man, this is an awesome build!

Thank you.

cluster getting closer...

without cluster lens...

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2322/12997448393_dc6915a3bd_b.jpg)

with cluster lens...

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/12997426543_eb32334361_b.jpg)

just a little progress but its still forward.  now I need to find a connector or 2 to connect to the dash...

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/13342927574_88578a90a2_b.jpg)

got off my ass today and RE-did a first coat. funny how body filler works best with hardener. next time read the instructions and don't go off what the guy behind the counter says.... tomorrow a second coat and it should be ready for some finally sanding.

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/1959253_10152354351682490_4905524679675330771_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10155913_10152354351722490_7039457236411388251_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10177218_10152354351697490_925899290394868317_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10169353_10152354351737490_2198244704126222779_n.jpg)

Swan when you had your 4cyl with the lower gears did you still feel under powered? im currently still running stock gears with the calmini 3 inch lift and 33 inch tires and still feels under powered. would the lower gears help? i just got a rebuilt engine and trans put in and didnt feel a big change.

what gears do you have?  4.3s or 4.6s?  I had 4.6s with 32s and it did ok IMO, these trucks wont win any 1/4 mile races but they will get you there.  the 5.13s I have now bring me back to stock (or close to) when I had the 4 cyl.  they might be too low now that the 5.3 is going it but we will see.

so nothing too spectacular. I should have taken pics in the sun. maybe tomorrow. rough sanded the doors and taped up the truck except for the windshield area. body lines match up nice and I'm hoping to see some paint next week.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/734576_10152405951877490_8766870308994216712_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/1959412_10152405951892490_3463753985237679478_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1978836_10152405951887490_4909776262845558936_n.jpg)

got some more done today.  door jambs and front fenders and the last of the body filler (I hope) done.  I'm hoping tomorrow that the bed, doors, and door jambs get finish sanded.

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1513648_10152407948597490_6249297093752201781_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10177223_10152407948507490_4388277055498506611_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10268673_10152407948477490_6077478532565341043_n.jpg)

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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/10178033_10152407949087490_5701286608880514138_n.jpg)

It's taking shape!
This is good to see  :thumbup:
Look'n good.

i have the 4.6s in mine currently but im thinking about doing something crazy and doing the diamond axle swap....only thing that is scarying me is that total price. im on a military income lol. but to have the truck sitting on 35-37s with solid axles would be nice but as much as i like that 4cyl i dont know if it will do the work no matter what gears.

 :cover:

so after being apprehensive about painting I bit the bullet and just did it. not too shabby for the 1st time painting a vehicle. 1 run in the engine compartment because I forgot to hold the hose... oops. let's hope for a nice non windy day again tomorrow...

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10372779_10152438920132490_3168104112203594535_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10277878_10152438920402490_3644663478030278306_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10363600_10152438920087490_1669649468205102898_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/10245419_10152438920427490_8450120495765272031_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10273506_10152438920502490_3894835913513387415_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10290635_10152438920517490_2749191747636364876_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1920109_10152438920532490_2748450080238191429_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10303756_10152438920492490_6419803313161722352_n.jpg)

so I added some color to the truck today. tomorrow the blue stripe and red dashes... and clear coat. I thought I was doing good by taping off the jambs and painting them... I forgot to do the gas doors. oops. oh well, I think its looking bad a$$

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10344781_10152440651152490_5827943812564351908_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10270558_10152440649777490_3408087298763347522_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10356343_10152440651162490_1546686643644987201_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/10246398_10152440651807490_7190611857893339174_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10330249_10152440650212490_4622239552286756919_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10299007_10152440651317490_3964190777434860799_n.jpg?oh=3b95276aa9aac5d2cc506e4a5fbe75d1&oe=53F95269)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10354245_10152440651832490_8601245836934896888_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10155885_10152440651122490_382144560792318235_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1.0-9/10368263_10152440651907490_255248634855633330_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10290664_10152440652027490_1121348736713793105_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10371603_10152440652087490_4615395094892585634_n.jpg)

didn't get much done today.  way too much wind to deal with.  I did get the blue applied though.

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1908297_10152442497647490_7765873262583195424_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10377162_10152442497672490_604747551167753022_n.jpg)

is that the old desert runner paint job? looking good!

yep  :cheers:

so I got home from work and the day was gorgeous so I decided to paint the hood, cowl, hood hinges and louvers. all turned out great except the hood, I didn't prep that well at all. I don't know how I missed it but it looks like ass. I taped off the doors so I will paint those after the hood is done and I have the stencils/decals.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10336818_10152452417222490_8844365464988689570_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10363491_10152452417142490_1304861685780858822_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10313004_10152452417042490_5076297538466355388_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10341401_10152452416847490_5376679601279760487_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10300684_10152452416822490_4078728053624975305_n.jpg)

one step closer...

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1557447_10152459114207490_7576810245714193166_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/1507986_10152459114242490_8689720441769321511_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1798131_10152459114247490_5507583094581983346_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/10338824_10152459114192490_355772075078607601_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1380426_10152461277032490_6304984738219399745_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/10349204_10152461275467490_4447167788864015019_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10329237_10152461277397490_4226374533142970780_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10406568_10152461278032490_4568615520078850585_n.jpg)

INTRODUCING...

the TRUCK that NISSAN should have BUILT!!!! ok maybe the body....

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10346630_10152461277332490_5956656209317712224_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10350355_10152461277957490_3281582993016837856_n.jpg)

so, after 3 coats of clear I am very happy with the results. there are some blemishes from the newbie. a run on the left front fender and minor orange peel. 5-7' it looks awesome up close you can see it. I think that might buff out.... I hope. IMO, its an AWESOME looking truck  and yes I will pat myself on the back.

hood, cowl, and tailgate will get done later.

Wow. That came out great!

thank you.  :thumbup:

Great job. That looks really good.

Awesome!
That looks awesome!

thank you.

since going to nights... I can work on the truck during the day.  Today, I finished bending the fuel lines to the dual tanks, waiting on the hoses and connectors. Also, started to figure out the wiring for the engine. I'm going to need to make some changes and add some heat protection to a few lines. on the positive side, it looks like (right now) I will be able to feed the harness through the original engine harness pass-through on the passenger side. computer will be high and dry.

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10603793_10152649578627490_4633819368600217867_n.jpg?oh=5d2c8dc83a68943f37f02fe2c9b26267&oe=5467D011)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10593144_10152649579127490_7906469311493959681_n.jpg?oh=0ef28c749d12f9f6631bd8eb501d3b8e&oe=546253C3)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10454460_10152649579132490_8151920336585264808_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/1654284_10152649579117490_1424688447719601130_n.jpg)

look'n good, one question though, why did you decide to wrap the exhaust?

The truck is coming along great. wish i had space to work on mine. living where i live in cali and not having a garage or drive way makes it to difficult. still wanting steveo's sas kit. looks very nice.

I wrapped the exhaust hopping it would keep temps down under the truck while wheeling.  don't know if its worth it or not but the cost to do it is pretty cheap so.  I'm hoping to have the wiring for the engine done this weekend so I can put the cab back on and finish the rest of the wiring there.  I know I'm close but it feels so far away.  :hit:

looks to be a perfect fit to me...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10689743_10152713460747490_5379511781298612849_n.jpg?oh=312d5e498903ad91cbaa26e5481fa86a&oe=548C3B56&__gda__=1419634995_15cf38cd941628149ec949af88b8de33)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10603471_10152713460842490_5258509523922258347_n.jpg?oh=04aaa22d1eaac4d861fc60ef4b15f647&oe=5498D58E&__gda__=1419421419_522c5e06f9e6b777b3c52a806540745a)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10427213_10152713460992490_3117305525621673305_n.jpg?oh=2a2087ab94b684691890700702ec6ff7&oe=5489B3B1&__gda__=1417954727_6d37486de8763dcb5b51b031f320c213)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10616647_10152713461992490_6147548275844377535_n.jpg?oh=457b3bea7ad312bcd4652130dcb0e1f2&oe=548D19D8&__gda__=1420040871_1e45e5c395c95974917f4214f80c0f5c)

I'm totally diggn the paint job

thank you.   :thumbup:

what is your current wheelbase? 104-107?  The truck is looking good man!  Cant wait to see it done.  i wish i had the work area and money to do something like this. im kinda regretting doing my engine and trans swap. i should have went to a larger nissan motor. the 4cyl is great but would have loved a larger automatic 6cyl.  i always wondered if the 4.0 from the frontier would fit and work

stock regular cab wheelbase + 1".  HBs only came with a 4 cyl for 96-97 unless it was shipped outside of the US IIRC.  I actually thought of doing the 4.0 swap but came across the LSx setup for cheap.

so I've gotten bug eyed from looking at and doing wiring.  so today I finished the doors, installed the rest of the HVAC stuff, and install the brake stuff in the engine compartment.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1939457_10152777659497490_1682722686521910088_n.jpg?oh=f6ccfea2b612b2171be400359042921d&oe=54B140C3&__gda__=1421991676_24ceb4df623120367634c1e0202b629e)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/947150_10152777660412490_24363427767181348_n.jpg?oh=b757673fd476637e8be2869c91dae56d&oe=54C527C8&__gda__=1421195317_4f02197355f7e76ce31c5f3e970a2339)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1920264_10152777660667490_3711670650148533515_n.jpg?oh=49ab9730e820be5acc664e10c100198b&oe=54C825DC&__gda__=1422729654_552e37fb3e08c4e8d052b614159921d1)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10339550_10152777661192490_6317847081175332914_n.jpg?oh=ee9c95d20ffae90fdec9231840ebeb77&oe=54ADF35A&__gda__=1421504015_4bb0b6f20ab4f0dc19d4eca8bf491e49)

yea mine is a 97. So did you make a checklist of everything you need to do? I wouldn't even know where to begin with all that wiring.

well, its a list for sure.  ::)  not really that bad though.  engine has it own harness, all old engine stuff removed except those needed and wire in the dual tanks, cluster, and anything else.  ???

(https://de3umf4ob8l47.cloudfront.net/sites/gearz/files/my_project_images/002_000.jpg)

When are you going to make a post again, I'm getting kinda anxious.
And, when will we get to see a youtube of the truck crawin?

so I finally touched the truck again.  I started running the battery cables and mounted the battery box in the bed.  I'm still trying to figure out the best way to run the cables to the box.  Not sure if I'm going to use something like this thru the bed floor...

(http://static.speedwaymotors.com/RS/SR/Product/69821504_L.jpg)

or just run the cables thru the bed floor to the battery.  I'm leaning more to the connection way.  the cables will run to the front where the battery was to these...

(http://www.fastronixsolutions.com/Assets/Battery%20Power%20Accessories/lp406-200.jpg)(http://www.fastronixsolutions.com/Assets/Battery%20Power%20Accessories/lp406-202.jpg)

where they will be run as if the battery was there.  so what are your guys thoughts on this?

(https://de3umf4ob8l47.cloudfront.net/sites/gearz/files/my_project_images/002a.jpg)

(https://de3umf4ob8l47.cloudfront.net/sites/gearz/files/my_project_images/004_001a.jpg)

So I'm sure your well ahead of the game here already.
With that said I'll ask.
Will the cable need to be any thicker and battery larger?
In 12volt solar the cable has to be larger with length of run.
Your putting in a larger engine and lengthening the cable by at least x4 I would think.
I could just be over thinking it.

so I've been sick of wiring lately so I decided to work on the rear bumper tire carrier.  here's what I have so far.

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/006.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/005.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/004.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/004_1.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/003_1.jpg)

as for the battery cables I'm using 0 gauge, the battery will be in the bed.

some more work on the bumper.  got the receiver welded in with the brackets.

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/004_2.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/003_2.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/002_2.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/001_2.jpg)

did a little bit more work to the bumper...

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/001_1_1.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/002_1_1.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/003_3.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/004_3.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/005_2.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/007.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/dvdswan/rear%20bumper/008.jpg)