paullgj

Trying to restore 2004 Chevy 4x4 5 spd to original. The vehicle is from Pennsylvania where it had apparently gone through some rough winters - lots of frame rust. First step was to steel wire brush, scrape, sand etc. the frame, then coat it. Second was to remove the rusted on shocks and replace with Monroe monotubes. The spare wheel was rust on to the underbody, it's gone now, replaced with a take off wheel from a new Suburban. I rigged up a South Texas/northern Mexico-style side-mount spare - don't want to crawl under the vehicle late at night on a muddy dirt road. This weekend I spent doing the clay bar routine to the sheet metal, followed by polishing and waxing. The wheels are going to be a challenge - they are pitted - will have to be taken off, separated from the tires, then the sanding and polishing routine.

Future plans - stainless steel brake lines. pads, spark plugs and wires, clean the injectors. All this takes time and money so have I have to be patient. The biggest expense will be trying to decide for a moderate 2-3" lift and 285/75x16 tires (it has 265's now).

Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks

grumpychevy

Stainless brake lines are a good idea. As for the lift, crank up the stock keys (free), or get a leveling kit ($150 or less), and follow that up with some shock extensions if not included in the leveling kit and some 1 1/2"- 2" blocks for the rear. Total cost involved is $50-$200 for lift. Then immediately go get it aligned. This should clear those 285's you want.