Justin, you might also want to consider a set of leaf springs to equip your ZR2 with a solid front axle, because a leaf spring suspension is easier to adapt to a vehicle, although it generally doesn't ride as well as a coil or coilover suspension. You'll need to get a set of custom hangers and shackles made. Deaver Spring [(714) 542-3703, www.deaver spring.com)] and National Spring [(800) 399-3852, www.nationalsprings.com)] are both sources of leaf-spring packs custom-designed for your vehicle's lift height and ride requirements. We think you'd be amazed at the ride quality that Deaver or National springs can provide. For steering, we'd suggest contacting Currie Enterprises [(714) 528-6957, www.currieenterprises.com)] or Dynatrac [(714) 596-4461, www.dynatrac.com)] for information.
Another book we'd suggest for general fabrication is "Metal Fabricator's Handbook" by Ron Fournier. Ron discusses sound metal fabrication techniques for everything from sheetmetal shaping to MIG and TIG welding. Bryan, you'll want "Metal Fabricator's Handbook" because it has an excellent diagram and explanation of a dry sump oil system, as well as instructions for making your own dry sump tanks.
Finally, check out what Off-Road Design's Stephen Watson did to his '82 K-5 Blazer at www.offroaddesign.com, or call (970) 945-7777. Stephen designed and built four-link suspensions front and rear for his K-5, and can shed some light on what's involved with a similar project.
Good luck, and keep us updated on your projects.
We Still Need You!
My name is Dalton Meyers and I'm a photography major at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. My little brother is a frequent reader of OFF-ROAD magazine. He was reading the issue of OR with the F-350 twin-turbo Cummins pushing 1,000 hp and 1,750 lb-ft of torque. An advertisement caught his eye on your photography offer, and I was wondering if you could send me some information about what you would be looking for and what type of pics you need for your articles.
Dalton Meyers, Sioux City, Iowa
Thanks for your interest, Dalton. Your brother read Editor-in-Chief Phil Howell's call-out asking for readers to send in photos of their rigs. It's a chance for truck owners everywhere to showcase their trucks in our magazine. Our department OFF-ROAD Rides shows as many readers' trucks as possible, but we can't make OFF-ROAD Rides happen without contributions from our readers. To reiterate what Phil said in OFF-ROAD Notes, March '05, "When you shoot the photo of your 4x4, hopefully it will be well-lit by the sun, a flash, or the flames that are consuming it at the time the photo was taken. Shadows are not good for 4x4 photos. Some of you may turn out to be such skilled photographers, we might talk to you about covering an event or two in your area. You never know." Obviously, we're not advocating that you light your truck on fire to take a picture of it, as such an act would deprive you of your truck and probably cause personal injury or property damage. However, if your truck does happen to be accidentally engulfed in flames, freshly rolled over, in mid-air while jumping, or sliding around a corner at full throttle, we'd like your well-lit and well-composed action shots in addition to the static "portrait" photos that we usually publish. Good lighting means that the sun (or other light source) is at your back, that your shadow is not in the photo, and that the truck's grille or side is not turned so as to be in the shadows. Be sure to use the best camera you've got. This means that camera phones probably aren't going to cut it.
One more thing. As Phil stated, we also need mud event and trail coverage from different corners of the country. If you attend a mud event or trail ride and can take good photos and write well, we'd be happy to consider your article for publication in OFF-ROAD. If you're thinking of doing freelance work, please contact us first with your ideas at kevin.blumer@primedia.com.