About 2 1/2 weeks ago I had back surgery. A lumbar laminectomy to release a tethered spinal cord. It was a congenetal thing that finaly just got bad enough that I had to deal with it. It went well with exception to an allergic reaction to the percocet I was given for pain. (Made me itch like crazy.) The thing is, now I'm feeling better but can't do anything. MY mind wanders to my 80 D150 project. It's a stepside but a friend had a western SW bed that he bought and didn't use. I bought it. I've pretty much decided I want to use cop wheels because I want it to scream Mopar. I've been offered a running E58 for $300. That sounds like a no brainer but I like the 318 because of MPGs. So I'm on the fence on that for now. The guy with the motor offered me a clean short frame for $150, I think it would be nice to build the frame while I drive the truck. Then just swap the body over to a nice clean restored frame. I keep thinking about air ride. Have any of you guys tried that on a D100-150? I'm sure it can be done. I also have a mid to late 60s B body 8 3/4 I plan to use along with a 3.91 geared 741 case w/SG. Anyway, I'm bored, watching NCIS reruns, and just thought I'd post up. Tell me what you think or any advise or insights. I appreciate anything you guys see I might have missed.

I had lumbar surgery about 8 weeks ago. My recovery is going very well. Make sure you walk around as much as you can. Too much sitting during recovery is not your friend. Good luck with the truck project. Do a lot of searching on the internet while you are out of commission. I'd keep the 318 to keep your cost down for now. You can upgrade the engine later if you like.

I can't offer any help with your project, but I can offer a tidbit of advice with recovery from your back surgery. I had a discectomy back in 2006, and here's what I've found: stretch A LOT, and strengthen your core (stomach and lower back). Your back will never be "21" again, but that doesn't mean that you can't live a good, nearly pain-free life with the one you have. But that means you have to treat your back like it's important, and understand that your recovery is never ending. Good luck with your back, and your project!

I agree about the stretching and core exercises. Flexibility is my main challenge now (daily). I was doing "crunches" after my surgery to help strengthen my core, and my surgeon Freaked! He says NEVER any crunches if you have disc problems. And like Fat_Mike says, I have a MUCH greater respect for my back now after my blown out disc. This is the only back I have and it needs to last the rest of my life. It was an eye opener for me for sure.

I'm doing great. My biggest issue has been itching. Unholy itching. I had a steroid shot that helped some but amped me up about 22 hrs a day. I went back to my family DR a week ago because It was still driving me nuts. He determined that I was allergic to a blue dye used in something they glued me back together with. He said it could last 8 weeks. I am however doing better, much better. I went this morning to my local tire shop to get a pair of tires broken down off a set of cop wheels. Later this week I'll take them to the machine shop for widening. I'll post up some pics when I can.

Awesome news you are getting around better! Moving around and being a little bit productive will help you feel better mentally also. I hope you had someone load the old tire wheels in the vehicle at home for you! Those widened rims will look great.