Page 16 - Issue 36

KAIT VANDOORN PHOTOGRAPHY KAIT VANDOORN PHOTOGRAPHY

Before he mated the cab up with the frame there was the matter of slicing four feet
out of the front, middle, and rear of the frame. The cab lined up ok and he was able to use
the Dodge frame mounts in the front and then move the rear frame mounts to match up
with the cab mounts. It was then channeled four inches over the frame, necessitating the
replacement of the fl oor. And other than that new fl oor, the rest of the body is pretty stock
with zero roof chop. The front wheelwells were modifi ed for clearance and to match the
radius of the rear fenders, which are from a later model truck.
The new frame did pose a few issues with regard to the track width being much wider
than the stock confi guration. Along with the new wheel radius on the wheelwells, Drew
had to get custom wheels built with a large positive offset to keep the tires tucked under
the fenders. The front suspension is virtually untouched and thus maintains the stock
ride height. The ride was softened a bit by removing a few leaf springs out of the rear and
adding longer shackles. The stock air bags are still perched under the rear axle, but only
for load carrying support.

16 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE THIRTY-SIX

14x20_DrewMercury.indd 16 2/29/16 3:07 PM