6BT, CUCV Axled M715 Build

[Barrman]

Sermis has collected just about all the parts needed to build a M715 with a 6BT, 5 speed, CUCV axles and a cool looking transfer case. My class gets to put it all together. I figured it would be easier to show progress, get help and basically let Sermis know I am not installing the stuff on my truck if I started a thread about it and post all the things in it over how ever long it takes to finish. Here is the thread.

Here is the really clean, rust free and straight frame the truck will be built on:
[IMG][/IMG]
Notice it has no spring mounts, motor mounts, shock towers, triangular braces or steering box support. The previous owner wanted to put a 4 link on it and cut all the old stuff away.

The solution to find the missing springs, shock towers and spring mounts was to get another frame. That is what I was doing in Houston last weekend. The frame I picked up looked ok while we were loading it. Once it came to my class and we pulled the bed off, it looked awfull. Lots of rust and a few paper thin areas of the frame. But, it had all the stuff we needed. Here it is after we have stripped the rear axle and leaf springs off with the front axle still hanging by a single front leaf spring mount:
[IMG][/IMG]

The front axle and springs should come off today. One of the rear spring shackles has already been cleaned all up along with the spring and should be on today as well. Maybe even both of them. Then we can install them with the shackle flipped. Then we can start putting the nice CUCV axles on. Here they are waiting for attention:
[IMG][/IMG]

More will follow as things happen.

[Jester]

I love it. A dream build.

[ryanroo]

if the stock stuff is gone from the frame you are using why not just build you own spring mounts? this allows for the use of a more common, better riding and longer spring? i actually know of a build thread that has a few pictures if you needed to look
ryan

[Barrman]

You are correct about the info being out there Ryan. We are just doing it as Sermis wants. Plus, I will have to beg and plead with the Welding teacher just to get the plasma cutter and mig in my class for a day or two as it is.

[Mikel]

VERY cool!! We want hourly updates

[MarknessMonster]

Boner.

...nope, not a banned word.

[maskale]

So unless I am missing something, a single stick with a t-bar, so either you have 2 high or 4 low?

Scott

It will also have 4H. If u twin stick the 205 then u get full control.

Front and rear is H or L or N, and 4x4 or front wheel or rear wheel drive.

[Barrman]

We were going to twin stick it, but went with the stock for the 205 single stick. 4H, 2H, N and 4L are what it gives us.

[Barrman]

We finished making the front drive shaft today. We don't have a way to balance it, but a dial indicator shows the thing to have amazingly little run out.





We will start making a rear shaft tomorrow.

[Barrman]

We got the rear drive shaft made yesterday. I haven't found the proper conversion ujoint to tie into the rear axle yet so it isn't mounted and no pictures.

Basically, that means it is time to take everything apart again, re enforce any welds that need it, clean everything up and start throwing paint. Well, we might do some exhaust work first. But, first, none of the students currently in my class where here the last time the 6BT was fired up. They asked to hear it run.

I spent a few minutes wiring it up and priming the fuel system after 3.5 years of sitting open. I also turned the engine over 2 revolutions by hand just to make sure everything was free. I hot wired the IP solenoid, hit the starter and had it roaring all in about 3 seconds. Fired up and idled great. I wants to run!

We will pull things apart the next few weeks.

Oh, no video since it sounds the same as it did the last time.