Bridge truck on 53's - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

davesgmc · 02-22-2009, 19:21

Here is the first of MANY mods this bridge truck will go through. It will get the 53's, 4 door cab and a 12 foot bed in the next few weeks. I have the xzl's on now, bed will come next week, and the 4 door cab the next week.

The bridge truck had the 14.00x20 on it, it is now narrow nuff in the rear (under 102) but the spacers on the front with these wheels make it 108 in the front. will have to take wheels back off, take those spacers off the hubs and it should be same as rear then.

davesgmc · 02-22-2009, 19:28

truck already has a 6-71 detroit in it and with the 14.00 it was top speed around 70ish or so, with the 16.00 it should have a bit more, as if i want more!

it will also have a/c in the cab, an onboard generator that starts remotely, it will run the a/c. i will keep it a soft top as all military trucks should be. maybe power windows, locks, etc.

motorolanut · 02-22-2009, 19:45

Dude that trucks ROCKS!! But whats up with grill? It looks really cool but retroish...

hippiedude · 02-22-2009, 19:48

Sweet !!! That things a monster !!!!!!!! Tim

davesgmc · 02-22-2009, 20:43

the grill is that way (for now) because the radiator is back in there. the Detroit engine is so long that the radiator would not fit under the hood, so it was put outside the factory location. i am going to extend the front end out to make it appear a bit more militaryish and stock ish looking, eventually.

m.walker · 02-22-2009, 20:49

The tires don't look as big , it must be the size of the truck . If you pull out the spacers it would be the same as my tractor was . If you pull the spacers front and back I might be interested in them and the old tires and wheels , let me know . It's coming along , when you get everything done that thing is going to be freakin huge !!!

Ridgerunner · 02-22-2009, 21:17

The truck looks good with the new rubber. With the radiator out front like that, it makes the truck look much older than what it is, kind of antique'ish.

davesgmc · 02-22-2009, 21:23

I gotta figure out how to get the spacers out. I assume i need to take the hubs apart? need new studs? anyone know? I will definitely be taking them out of the front, not sure about the rear. have to see how much the tires stick out of the sides with the bed on.

and you were right, i do notice the bumpity bump at slow speeds from the tread design. I can also notice how much more road noise those tire make. but the ride is certainly much better with the radial tires on it.

hopefully i will get that bed on next monday. then i can set the other cab on and start the cab stretch.

wil probably leave room between cab and bed for a spare tire. Gotta get one of those too!

SETOYOTA · 02-22-2009, 22:33

I would leave the grill/rad setup. It looks great. What is the radiator from?

Thanks

tm america · 02-22-2009, 22:43

wow how wide is that now

it has to be like 11ft wide now gonna need a wide load sign and an escort car to take it out the driveway looks huge.what are you planning on doing with it when you'rer done?