Ok so I'm building my rig up to be able to handle some more of the advanced trails. The plan is for coilovers on all 4 corners. So I think I want to cut the entire front end off and replace with 2"x3" for the lower frame rail or just plate the unibody. Either way I am going to use 1 3/4" DOM tube as a upper mount for the front CO's which will tie into the internal cage (thru the firewall of course ). If I go with the 2x3 I think I can have it slide into the existing uni-rail all the way back to about where I will put the lower rear crossmember for the rear double tri-link. What do you all think?

Here is a pic of the start of the cage.

 

I would dove tail it if your going that far.

 

nice! are you keeping conventional steering box setup? if so, 2x3 would work well. the only issue I could think running into is that the factory frame doesn't just go straight out to the front bumper, it divets inward to clear shocks/ suspension. so if you can remedy that clearance issue I say definitely go for it. I think I'm going with a tubed frame personally (no steering box for me)

might as well do the same for the rear frame rails, it's easy enough. hell I'm losing my whole uniframe entirely

 

Yes going conventional steering. Going to a full width axle and really looking to swap a 6.0LS instead of going a stroker. Got to get the rest of the engine compartment harness out then out comes the plasma cutter.
My current plan is to use a LS 6.0l w/ 6l80e, for engine /transmission management I'm looking at the F.A.S.T EFI system. I want to clean up the wiring so that is part of the reasoning to go with a stand alone instead of a factory harnesses. For the chassis harness I will go with one of the Painless kits. And of course a small fortune in RuffStuff bits.

 

Well guess I chose a path.

 

Coming along. Starting the 2"×3" frt clip tomorrow.

 

I'm looking for a 5.3/4l60 combo myself. Going manual valve body trans, LS6 intake, and for wiring harness you should definitely check out the speartech. They are a much better all around kit than the Holly and the wires come wrapped. Beautiful kit for relatively the same price. I'm unhappy with 90% of my Ruffstuff fab parts. They're all bent. I would check out the TMR website before pulling the trigger on Ruffstuff. Although my Ruffstuff heims have always been great

 

Great looking start. I planned to leave my front fenders and grill in place to use as sort of a jig and build off that. Can't wait to see where this build ends up!