2008 C3500 Dually arrived

[Beer-30]

She rolled in with 8 miles on the odo.
Wayyy toooo talll, but getting 5-7 drop next Monday + auto-level airbags + MBRP filter-back exhaust (tailpipe).
Already popped a Banks RamAir intake on it. Vast improvement. Getting a deal on a Quadzilla programmer, supposed to be here soon.
Here are some before pics:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008leftrear.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008left.JPG
And, the WELD wheels are ordered. 17" X 6.5" chrome alloys.

[Beer-30]

as soon as it is low enough to hook to the boat, I will change my signature line pic :)

[rivrrts429]

I think I...
Hate you :D :D
Seriously, that thing will look bad ass. Congrats on the new truck. Your old one was immaculate and I'm sure this one will be also;)

[Beer-30]

Thank you, sir.

[Lightning]

Congrats on your new ride....glad to see you can step out of your comfort zone :D

[Magic34]

Looks great. I dont know how I feel about that black stuff on the hood though (trim?) of the new trucks. Red is the way to go though!

[riverbound]

I regret not going with a dually when I bought my truck. at the timeI was stuck on the Dodges and hate the way they did the rear fenders. reminds me of the old 80's dodges.

[Beer-30]

Looks great. I dont know how I feel about that black stuff on the hood though (trim?) of the new trucks. Red is the way to go though!
Thanks. The "vents" have grown on me, although I would have preferred two small "cowl induction" setups similar to a '70 Chevelle. Anyway, I am going to paint those red, so they will not even be noticed. Gonna paint alot of stuff.

[lake p.a.l.]

She rolled in with 8 miles on the odo.
Wayyy toooo talll, but getting 5-7 drop next Monday + auto-level airbags + MBRP filter-back exhaust (tailpipe).
Already popped a Banks RamAir intake on it. Vast improvement. Getting a deal on a Quadzilla programmer, supposed to be here soon.
Here are some before pics:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008leftrear.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008left.JPG
And, the WELD wheels are ordered. 17" X 6.5" chrome alloys.
I want first "dibbs" on buying the rims/tires that are on there right now.

[n8dawg]

Badass truck! What a waste if you lower it.
My .02 sorry.:D

[Beer-30]

Badass truck! What a waste if you lower it.
My .02 sorry.:D
If you rode it in before and then after, you would think differently. It will haul more lbs. after (air bags), and they also smooth out the ride. It bounces all over the road right now. Plus, you damn near throw a hip out of socket getting in. I am not kidding. Crazy-tall.
Hey, not everyone likes lowered vehicles, and that's all good. To each their own. But it will, in fact, be a better truck. Not opinion, simply fact.

[Beer-30]

I want first "dibbs" on buying the rims/tires that are on there right now.
Prolly gonna hang on to the four outer 17" steels and the chrome caps. Just in case I hurt an aluminum one or need to pull them off for something. I'll let you know if I want to sell the 4 steels and plastic caps.
Mind you, they are 17", not 16" like before. The stock tires are now 225/75-17s.

[SoCalHD]

....... Plus, you damn near throw a hip out of socket getting in. I am not kidding. Crazy-tall.
Hey, not everyone likes lowered vehicles, and that's all good. To each their own. But it will, in fact, be a better truck. Not opinion, simply fact.
I hear you on that!! The first thing on my new dually was the 2" rear lowering shackle!! After Jay delivered my dually, I parked it next to my 2002 2500HD 4x4 with a 6" CST and 35" tires.......the tailgates were within 2-3" of each other!!!!!

[lake p.a.l.]

Prolly gonna hang on to the four outer 17" steels and the chrome caps. Just in case I hurt an aluminum one or need to pull them off for something. I'll let you know if I want to sell the 4 steels and plastic caps.
Mind you, they are 17", not 16" like before. The stock tires are now 225/75-17s.
I have new tires on my 2006 right now on the original steel rims that I will give you along with an agreed upon $$ for what you have. Let me know. Thanks.

[Beer-30]

I have new tires on my 2006 right now on the original steel rims that I will give you along with an agreed upon $$ for what you have. Let me know. Thanks.
Uh, why would I want 16s? Plus, I don't believe they will fit with the '08 brakes.
I'll hang on to them. No need to sell them. Thanks for the offer, though.

[riverbound]

is it a 4x4?

[Beer-30]

is it a 4x4?
No sir. Looks it, though, eh? All of my friends have said "wow, why is it so tall for a two wheel drive?" I don't have the answer. I even looked underneath to see if I had mistakenly been delivered a 4X!

[HighRoller]

She rolled in with 8 miles on the odo.
Wayyy toooo talll, but getting 5-7 drop next Monday + auto-level airbags + MBRP filter-back exhaust (tailpipe).
Already popped a Banks RamAir intake on it. Vast improvement. Getting a deal on a Quadzilla programmer, supposed to be here soon.
Here are some before pics:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008leftrear.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008left.JPG
And, the WELD wheels are ordered. 17" X 6.5" chrome alloys.
I like Welds, but for wheelwells that big 17" is too small. You need 19.5's IMO. I recommend Rickson Wheels.

[Beer-30]

I like Welds, but for wheelwells that big 17" is too small. You need 19.5's IMO. I recommend Rickson Wheels.
Thought long and hard about that. Now, remember, the truck is going DOWN 6" in front and 8" in the rear. So the wells are going to come down much closer to the tires.
19.5s are great, but:
A: I didn't want to buy SIX rims and SIX tires.
B: I wanted to be able to run my spare at any time.
C: I didn't want any turning/rubbing problems with the drop. A 32" tall tire would be hard to swing around in that well once the drop takes place.
D: 12-ply tires would be even stiffer ride than the 10s.

[Beer-30]

These are the 17" x 6.5" rims that are ordered:
Front:
https://www.tiresbyweb.com/images/product/Wheel%20Pictures/big/Weld%20Racing/478WFb.jpg
Rear:
https://www.tiresbyweb.com/images/product/Wheel%20Pictures/big/Weld%20Racing/478WRb.jpg

[Beer-30]

Can I ask what the o.t.d. was on that beauty ? Leather interior ? Thanks, Scott
It stickered for $50086. OTD was $48,136, before cash-back and my down. That included the 7/84 extended warranty.
No leather. Leather doesn't work for me with shorts/tank tops all the time and wet people from the lake. That's why I had to order one. I got the LT2 - the step below the LTZ. Basically, the way I ordered it, it's an LTZ without leather.
I ordered everything EXCEPT: Sunroof, 4X4, elec sliding rear window, dual alternators.
Other than that, it has NAV, DVD, moving pedals, backing assist, remote start. Which is why I got the extended warranty. That thing matches the space shuttle for ECMs, I think.

[Brewzed]

These are the 17" x 6.5" rims that are ordered:
Front:
https://www.tiresbyweb.com/images/product/Wheel%20Pictures/big/Weld%20Racing/478WFb.jpg
Rear:
https://www.tiresbyweb.com/images/product/Wheel%20Pictures/big/Weld%20Racing/478WRb.jpg
Are they still out of stock on these wheels? They were out of stock on these wheels back in late June when I did my dually. No one would even give me a date of when they would come in. I heard the Weld line might get dropped. I ended up doing MKW's. About the same price. They were out of stock when I bought these. I had to wait about 4 weeks. They are in stock now.
http://www.alssurvey.com/duallyfront.jpg
http://www.alssurvey.com/duallyrear.jpg

[Beer-30]

Very nice!
Yes, I know at least two of them are sitting on the floor at our shop and the other two are probably there already as well. The lug nuts were already there by the time these were even ordered.
Brewzed, were you wanting 16s? or 17s.

[Brewzed]

Very nice!
Yes, I know at least two of them are sitting on the floor at our shop and the other two are probably there already as well. The lug nuts were already there by the time these were even ordered.
Brewzed, were you wanting 16s? or 17s.
I was looking at 17's. At least they finally came in. When we were trying to track a set down, we only found a set of fronts or rears (don't remember which), but we couldn't find a complete set. I've seen the Welds in person before on my buddies truck so I knew they looked good. I ordered the MKW's from a picture. Luckily they look bitchen on the truck. I was a little scared.

[Beer-30]

Glad it all worked out.
Hopefully, mine will be all settled by the end of next week.:)

[OCMerrill]

... Which is why I got the extended warranty. That thing matches the space shuttle for ECMs, I think.
LOL. :D
I have yet to see one lowered. Should look very cool.
Nice truck and at a fairly good price I would think.

[Beer-30]

Gonna move the progress over to here instead of that V-drive thread.
Cut, with one C-notch almost done:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/IMG_4557sm.JPG
DJM lower A-arms:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/IMG_4562sm.JPG
DJM trans cross-member installed (lower one, grey not black)
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/IMG_4559sm.JPG
Idler arm and Pitman arm support kit:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/IMG_4572.JPG
On the alignment rack:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/IMG_4570.JPG
Left side bag and compressor (tucked inside frame):
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Bag2.JPG
MBRP exhaust, DPF-back:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/MBRP1.JPG

[rivrrts429]

Beer 30
How about pics of it on the ground:mad: I'm runnin out of patience
How long do they take to get it done:(
Just kiddin but I'm anxious to see it, your the ginny (sp.) pig.
From what I can see I would be stoked to get it back. Looks bitchin.

[469 the coyote]

Who air bag kit did you use? I couldnt find one for mine so I fabed up the brackets.

[Beer-30]

Beer 30
How about pics of it on the ground:mad: I'm runnin out of patience
How long do they take to get it done:(
Just kiddin but I'm anxious to see it, your the ginny (sp.) pig.
From what I can see I would be stoked to get it back. Looks bitchin.
It is WAYYY across town. I can't be there all the time to get step by step pics. I am running out of patience, also :D I told them to take their time, though. They have had to fab up a few things. They are doing a TOP NOTCH job, though. Show quality.

[Beer-30]

Who air bag kit did you use? I couldnt find one for mine so I fabed up the brackets.
The BellTech bag kit took just a little modification. Was the same on my '98 with the flip kit.

[dossangers]

More pic need more PICS !!

[Beer-30]

Here ya go. Will be done around close of business today. They still had to finish the wiring for the compressor in the engine bay. Alignment done and they road-tested it whilest I was there.
Before and aft of the MBRP exhaust mods.
Before:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Bag.JPG
After:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/MBRP3.JPG
Side, rolling again:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Sidedrop.JPG
Front:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Frontdrop.JPG
Rear:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Reardrop.JPG
:D

[Cole Trickle]

Do they make a 10-12 drop for that thing?:D;)
Trucks looks good:)

[Beer-30]

Do they make a 10-12 drop for that thing?:D;)
Trucks looks good:)
Thanks. I am anxious to get the wheels on it now.
Yes, kinda. I told them it was perfect, since I don't want to worry about actually using the truck. Hauling wood, heavy trailers, etc.
They said we could chase 3 more inches out of the front and add a shackle to the back. ANYTHING's POSSIBLE is what I was told. ;)

[rivrrts429]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Very nice, I'm just unsure of that front end but it will grow on me:D
Can't wait to see it with wheels
Nice truck and keep the pics comin

[Milton04]

Beer-30,
Very nice job!!! Looks amazing! Can't wait to see it with the new wheels on it. Keep the pic's coming.
Milton

[Beer-30]

Thanks for all of the kind words.
I am headed out now to go put the wheels on. Sorry, won't have pics until either later today or tomorrow.:(

[selfmade]

Check this one out from SEMA.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/IMG_5425.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/IMG_5425.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/IMG_5417.jpg

[Mrs.Racer277]

Very Nice. Hubby got to see it up close this week. :)

[Beer-30]

Still have to dial in the airbags and maybe go an inch or two lower :eek:
Here is with the Welds and new tires. Plus, I pulled most of the emblems off and all of the cheesy side-trim.
Stock wheels/tires:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Dropstkwhls.JPG
Welds/Michelins, no trim/emblems:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Dropwelds1.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Dropwelds2.JPG
From the rear:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Reardone.JPG

[Beer-30]

I tried to get "around" the same pic:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008left.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Dropwelds1.JPG

[Milton04]

Beer-30,
Yep your truck looks incredible! Love the look of the wheels on it and I think that it might look a touch better an inch or two lower....
Thanks for sharing,
Milton

[rlemn8r]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did the lowering cost you minus the air bags, and compresser setup. With parts and labor. Buy the way, truck looks awesome....

[Beer-30]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did the lowering cost you minus the air bags, and compresser setup. With parts and labor. Buy the way, truck looks awesome....
I really couldn't tell you. It was a package deal. Cash. Plus, I added a "steering kit" that supports the drag-link. Total was $3500

[you gots 2 chill]

Looks great! I wonder what it would look like with 19inch wheels. Maybe with the airbags it wont matter. Nice job!

[Beer-30]

Looks great! I wonder what it would look like with 19inch wheels. Maybe with the airbags it wont matter. Nice job!
That was the hardest decision - staying with 17s or going to 19.5s. I don't think I could quite get away with 225/70/19.5s on the steering end. Pretty sure they would rub. Didn't want that - and I can use my spare - and I didn't have to buy SIX rims, just the 4.

[rlemn8r]

Did that price include the wheels, or where they seperate???

[Beer-30]

Did that price include the wheels, or where they seperate???
Nope. Just the lowering, shocks, airbags, auto-level compressor kit, steering stabilize kit, labor and alignment.

[Havasu_Dreamin]

WOW! Looks awesome! Post up some pics after you paint that blank stuff on the hood...

[XtrmWakeborder]

Hook it up to the boat! I like it just how it is.

[Schiada Time]

Looking good Paul. I like my new dually too! Getting ready to do the 19's, shave the gate, Line-X, tonneau cover, re-paint front end over the winter. I was out at SEMA and after I spent a few days at the parents lake house. It looks good pulling my Schiada. A perfect match. My dad and I spent last Sunday in the garage detailing the truck out. It looks great. I was pulling up to an upholstery shop to get the seats for our SEMA project covered and a guy stopped me and asked where I got the dually painted. I told him it was factory and he didn't believe me. Kudos for taking such great care of it all those years.
Travis

[Beer-30]

Looking good Paul. I like my new dually too! Getting ready to do the 19's, shave the gate, Line-X, tonneau cover, re-paint front end over the winter. I was out at SEMA and after I spent a few days at the parents lake house. It looks good pulling my Schiada. A perfect match. My dad and I spent last Sunday in the garage detailing the truck out. It looks great. I was pulling up to an upholstery shop to get the seats for our SEMA project covered and a guy stopped me and asked where I got the dually painted. I told him it was factory and he didn't believe me. Kudos for taking such great care of it all those years.
Travis
You lucky devil. Too late to re-negotiate? :idea: :D

[Schiada Time]

Nope. She's a keeper. Been towing alot with her. Drives smooth. A few mechanical things needed addressing but I'm handling it. Replaced an alternator, heater hose fitting into intake manifold, a couple of tires. Planning to change the oil shortly, replace plugs, cap, rotor, wires. I installed a new fuel pump and filter as well. Planning to do a new 4-core aluminum radiator, upper/lower hoses, T-stat. I should have the 19's in about a month or so.
Travis

[Beer-30]

Nope. She's a keeper. Been towing alot with her. Drives smooth. A few mechanical things needed addressing but I'm handling it. Replaced an alternator, heater hose fitting into intake manifold, a couple of tires. Planning to change the oil shortly, replace plugs, cap, rotor, wires. I installed a new fuel pump and filter as well. Planning to do a new 4-core aluminum radiator, upper/lower hoses, T-stat. I should have the 19's in about a month or so.
Travis
That's pretty much all I HAD NOT done to the truck. Except the plugs. I just put GM replacements (platinums) in about a year ago. It shouldn't need those. Unless you are upgrading them.
It SHOULD need a cap and rotor at the very least. As I told you during the sale, I have NEVER replaced those. And I had told you that I had not touched the cooling system, either.
Did the alt actually go? or did you replace as preventative?

[Schiada Time]

You were very straight up about the trucks condition and I knew it would need some mechanical attention so no worries. The alternator did go out. I believe it was probably ready to go and the strain of my upgraded audio system probably took its toll. I plan to replace the cap and rotor, install my Airaid filter with a fresh clean and re-oil, clean the MAF sensor, change the engine oil, and do fresh hoses and a belt. After that she should be right as rain.
Travis

[Beer-30]

You were very straight up about the trucks condition and I knew it would need some mechanical attention so no worries. The alternator did go out. I believe it was probably ready to go and the strain of my upgraded audio system probably took its toll. I plan to replace the cap and rotor, install my Airaid filter with a fresh clean and re-oil, clean the MAF sensor, change the engine oil, and do fresh hoses and a belt. After that she should be right as rain.
Travis
Sounds good. If I had kept it another year I would have done exactly what you are talking about.

[Formula Dude]

That was the hardest decision - staying with 17s or going to 19.5s. I don't think I could quite get away with 225/70/19.5s on the steering end. Pretty sure they would rub. Didn't want that - and I can use my spare - and I didn't have to buy SIX rims, just the 4.
Truck looks great, maybe an inch lower to cover the gap. I stayed with my 17s also - slightly wider tires 265/70/17/E. Was tempting to go 19.5 for my work truck (4x4) is exact except in Dodge red.
http://www.americanforcewheels.com/gfx/gallery/dbo195/195_03.jpg

[PHOTOGLOU]

I want first "dibbs" on buying the rims/tires that are on there right now.
I have a set that I would sell....

[Beer-30]

.......for more drop and front shocks.
Gonna try and make it 8" front, 10" rear. IF the exhaust and alignment will allow. I told them to keep it for a few days, so I should have it back by Thurs night.

[the_gray_goose]

where are the new pixs of it lower???

[Sherpa]

for a 2wd truck is as pretty darn tall.... too tall....
myself being more of a 4x4 truck enthusiast, I prefer slightly taller pickups.
I didn't think the outcome of lowering your truck at first would be worth it
for sacrafices, etc.... I was very wrong. that truck looks very nice after
the kit.......... very nice...
--Excellent job-!
--Sherpa

[rlemn8r]

Like to see new pic's of it lower if it worked out...

[Beer-30]

I got it back Friday night at 10:30. Ran it all over the place this weekend.
Just got back from UCLA round trip today. 17.0 mpg going there, 16.2 coming back, with headwind. 75 mph on the cruise, when I could, and some normal 405 stop and go. Plus up and down Wilshire. 240 miles for the trip.
Up to 1400 miles overall.
We still have a small driveline hum to get rid of.
I will post some pics after I wash it.

[rivrrts429]

I got it back Friday night at 10:30. Ran it all over the place this weekend.
Just got back from UCLA round trip today. 17.0 mpg going there, 16.2 coming back, with headwind. 75 mph on the cruise, when I could, and some normal 405 stop and go. Plus up and down Wilshire. 240 miles for the trip.
Up to 1400 miles overall.
We still have a small driveline hum to get rid of.
I will post some pics after I wash it.
Damn - only 1200 miles and your getting between 16 & 17 mpg:sqeyes:
Your gonna end up around 20 mpg's once it settles in.
Hurry up and get them pics:D

[kap]

Beer30
That truck looks awesome!!!!!!!!! Nice height with the bags you can really smooth it to a Cadillac type ride and hauls azz-w/or without boat.
I have thought about the dually versus single and still cannot make up my mind.
Curious, did you let Mr. Photoglou try and quote you one. He definitely makes me think about pulling the trigger everytime he posts a deal.
Interested in the homework you did prior to purchase you can PM if you prefer.
Once again very nice tow vehicle tastefully done:D .
KAP

[Beer-30]

I appreciate the kind words.
This is my third dually, and I will not go backward as long as I pull anything. The stability is a whole different feel.
It really does ride like a Cad, once dialed in properly.
I am sure Jay would have provided a similar deal. Mine was local, due to the dealership putting thousands of dollars in my wife's pocket throughout the years. One of her best commercial accounts, and great people to boot.
I also like the additional tires under the weight. If one blows, you can always limp it to the off-ramp or even a tire shop. Only a front would leave you on the shoulder. Even then, if you choose not to run a spare, you can single-out a rear side and put one on the front to get you out of the woods.

[Schiada Time]

Where's the pics? Dying to see it slammed. Pullled the bedliner out of mine last weekend-getting it ready for Line-X. Going to start on the paint clean-up shortly and put on the Gaylord lid.
ST

[Beer-30]

Kewl. You need to get some pics of it with your boat behind it!

[Cs19]

Nice truck, Im jealous. Post pics when you get it dropped with the new wheels/tires

[Beer-30]

Nice truck, Im jealous. Post pics when you get it dropped with the new wheels/tires
Uh, it already is and the new wheels are on. Look back a few pages.
I haven't got any pics yet since the last inch of drop, but it did make a big difference. Soon.

[Schiada Time]

pics. We should get the old and new together for a photo.
Travis

[Beer-30]

Never thought of that, but you're right.
Maybe we can hook up during our first trip out to Havasu next year.

[slingingsmoke]

Keep the ride height, get a rapid-hitch, and some 19.5 alcoa's... Problem solved...BTW...Break her in before you do all those engine mods....especially the chip.
Jon.

[Beer-30]

Keep the ride height, get a rapid-hitch, and some 19.5 alcoa's... Problem solved...BTW...Break her in before you do all those engine mods....especially the chip.
Jon.
Already went down the other 1.5/1. Made a big difference, I am happy as is the wife.
No on the rapid-hitch. I can't stand that big chunk of aluminum hanging off of the back.
19.5s no worky. Smallest tire is 32" and I am already rubbing on tight turns with 31.5". Plus, would have to buy SIX wheels instead of four.
All good ideas, but not for this particular project.
You in a RED truck or a WHITE truck at work?

[slingingsmoke]

You in a RED truck or a WHITE truck at work?
RED!!! w/ gold leaf lettering....
PS: where you getting the work done up here?

[2forcefull]

http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/Dropwelds1.JPG
cool

[2forcefull]

http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/2008left.JPG
un-cool

[2forcefull]

http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44254&stc=1&d=1196569885
still cool