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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: Dr_Snooz on July 11, 2015, 11:28:10 PM

Title: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on July 11, 2015, 11:28:10 PM: Probably more accurate to say "another" truck in the drive. I bought an '89 V2500 Suburban today.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/IMG_1417_zpsmgzeijvg.jpg)

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/IMG_1418_zpsxmhda3vu.jpg)

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/IMG_1419_zps9bahvdb9.jpg)

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/IMG_1420_zpsfys3arqx.jpg)

It looks like a wreck, but runs great and the interior is frankly unbelievable. The seller just had the seats reupholstered.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/IMG_1421_zpsacjakwim.jpg)

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/IMG_1422_zpsuajr50k8.jpg)

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/IMG_1423_zpswfql2u5o.jpg)

It drove real smooth all the way home, though it does need some suspension tuning up and a good wheel balance. The best part is that it's got a 350 TBI and is geared high. It is shifting into 3rd where the truck is winding out in 3rd. Now our weekly grocery runs into town won't be at 8.5 MPG. Also, I can lock materials, lumber, tools, etc. in it while we're running into stores.

It needs a ton of routine maintenance done, like brakes, belts, brakes, hoses, brakes, fluid changes, and brakes, etc. Definitely needs brakes. Did I mention brakes? They squeak going and stopping. Probably need some new rotors too, but we'll see.

It also has a bunch of little things, like the back glass doesn't roll down and the hood takes two people to open.

So far there are no puddles of anything beneath it, and that's always a plus. You'll probably be seeing a lot more of me as I uncover new problems and come here to moan about them.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: LTZ C20 on July 12, 2015, 01:04:59 AM: Looks good man. Should be a good pick to start some type of build with.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: blazer74 on July 12, 2015, 01:58:01 AM: Square body win, enjoy.

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Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on July 12, 2015, 09:01:29 AM: Thanks guys. Plans for this one are to get it smogged first. It's been non-opped since 2008, which means it hasn't been driven or smog tested in 7 years. Once I've fed the CA smog nazis to their satisfaction, I'll get all the maintenance stuff up to par and DD it. It will be the family wagon, seeing that we have 8 people living here now. I'll also use it for work when I need to pull the trailer up slippery driveways in the mountains.

Beyond that, I might try to put a rear A/C in it and some cooling system upgrades, like a bigger radiator, along with trans and oil coolers. I might try doing some bodywork too, seeing that panels for these trucks are relatively inexpensive.

I don't know what it is about these old trucks, but driving them just puts a smile on my face. My work truck (the newer body style, green and silver one in the background) is all the same drivetrain, but not anywhere near as fun. I don't know why. (?)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: fitz on July 15, 2015, 07:32:57 PM: Nice Burb.
I hear you about how driving a square body puts a smile on your face.
My 2000 k2500 crew cab has everything I could ask for in a truck as far as cold air cond, overdrive trans, cruise, & power windows, but its just not the same as driving my bare bones 84 M1028.
How hard is it to get your truck smogged in California?
Is it a rust free California truck? I have a 91 Burb that came from California a few years ago. Living in the rust belt in Mass, its hard to believe how clean the California trucks are rust wise.
Looking forward to seeing the progress on yours.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on July 19, 2015, 09:01:46 PM: Quote from: fitz on July 15, 2015, 07:32:57 PM
How hard is it to get your truck smogged in California?

It all depends really. If you know what you're doing, it's relatively painless. The big problem is that no one knows what they're doing, and by that I mean the shops especially. If you fail a routine smog check around here, the shops start throwing some very big numbers at you and it can be scary. When I put the new carb on my '86, it failed badly because I didn't do any tuning to the carb. The shop threw an estimate of $2,500 at me for a valve job or some jazz. I bought a jet kit ($50?) and passed with no trouble. So basically, there is a lot of fear and misinformation about CA smog checks but you can get through if you know what's up.

I actually wrote a tuning guide for another website that people can read if they want (http://www.3geez.com/forum/3geez-accords/76568-how-pass-smog.html)

Quote
Is it a rust free California truck?

There is a little bit of cancer on the front right fender and wheel well, and some surface rust on the roof. Other than that, nothing really. The body and paint are pretty ugly all around, so the rust isn't a real big deal. I may deal with it someday. I'd be real surprised if it spread aggressively.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: stretch86 on August 02, 2015, 06:09:35 PM: Not bad i like the single headlights id like to do that to my 86 c10 suburban as im not feeling the duals
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on August 24, 2015, 10:13:09 PM: When I drove the truck home, it was scary. The steering was all over the place and it was hard to keep the thing on the road. I figured I had some serious suspension issues but subsequent inspection revealed nothing unusual. However, when I repacked the front bearings, I found the adjuster lock nuts to be finger tight on both sides. When I got those adjusted properly, it tightened up the whole front end. It tracks real nice now.

Yay!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 04, 2015, 08:50:11 PM: Took it in for a smog check today and FAILED!!! Doh!!! Fortunately, it passed the sniffer just fine, but a leaky gasket on the fuel tank messed me up. I have to drop the tank and fix it, but it should pass no problem after that. Bummed that I have to spend another $70 to have it tested though.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: roundhouse on September 05, 2015, 05:59:21 PM: How do they test the fuel tank gaskets ?

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Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 05, 2015, 11:14:20 PM: They pressurize the tank and see if it holds. I knew the gasket was bad but it didn't occur to me that it would make me fail smog.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: roundhouse on September 06, 2015, 04:58:11 PM: Quote from: Dr_Snooz on September 05, 2015, 11:14:20 PM
They pressurize the tank and see if it holds. I knew the gasket was bad but it didn't occur to me that it would make me fail smog.
hmm. Never seen that
In GA they screw a pressure tester to the cap while it's off the car to see if the cap holds pressure

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Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 06, 2015, 10:08:16 PM: Yeah, they do that here too. The pressurizing the tank thing surprised me though. I guess they don't want gas fumes venting to the atmosphere. That would create smog and smog is bad. GMO crops are okay and all those chemicals they spray on them are okay. Fracking is okay and whatever it is they sell at McDonalds is okay. But smog is bad. Whatever the Chevron refinery leaks on the hapless residents of Richmond, CA every few months is also okay, apparently. But I must not make smog.

No smog.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 17, 2015, 10:22:49 PM: Re-tested today and passed. I think someone replaced the fuel pump at some point, but didn't get the retaining ring on the top of the tank set properly. Since I had to drop the tank anyway, I replaced the pump again, just to be safe. After the test I went and paid the Piper at DMV. The new pink slip should be here in a week.

Get this. My registration comes up for renewal again in 3 weeks. DMV said they'd pro-rate the current year's registration for me. The full year's registration is $108. The pro-rated registration for the 3 weeks remaining this year? $88.

O... M... G...

The truck is going to have to sit for another 3 weeks because I won't be robbed another $88.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: AZ87V10 on September 18, 2015, 09:55:17 PM: Well, that's California for you! Nazis! That's one of the reasons why I moved out of there! Here in AZ, as long as you don't live in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas, you don't have to undergo smog testing! Plus, I just paid the state like $50 last year and my registration is good for 5 years! ;D
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 11, 2017, 12:10:57 PM: Yeah bro. Cali has gone full crazy in the last few months. And I mean bat-guano, rubber-room, California is a beautiful state, but it's time for a house cleaning.

Anyway, the Suburban has new shoes.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170210_132947_zpssubdxq4k.jpg)
(Sagging in back because the old rims are still back there)

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170210_164107_zpsmesokmmt.jpg)

After all the work I did on the tank, it sprang a leak. I bought a patch kit, thinking I'd be clever, only to learn that it had been patched before. The work I did raising and lowering the tank flexed the patch and it broke. So there's a new tank now.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170211_091335_zpsj9zzbjqp.jpg)

The brakes were a mess too. The booster had a leak, and the master cylinder sagged at stops. That's all new now.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170211_091354_zpsqlctewgv.jpg)

I also replaced the starter and battery.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170211_094201_zpsk42mcbxd.jpg)

The exhaust is the next big mess to fix. Both manifolds are cracked. The cat is 27 years old and noticeably tired. The piping is dented, mashed and holey all over and hangs well into harm's way.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170211_092905_zps6pvbwzf9.jpg)

There is also a broken bracket that allows the tailpipe to rub on the gas tank (Yikes!). In this case, I demonstrated my mastery of hillybilly jury-rig repairs to correct it.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170211_094234_zpsggddnbn7.jpg)

To top it all off, I have a head gasket leak that occasionally blows all the coolant out of the expansion tank into the engine compartment. LOL

Fortunately, the engine runs smooth and strong with good oil pressure. It's only about 100k miles old. The trans shifts well with no slipping. The 4x works great for pulling heavy trailers of firewood over muddy mountain trails. It drove great for the 8 hour trip I made to the Bay Area last month. It gets 13 MPG. And the family all considers it a treat to go for a ride in the Suburban too, even though it often smells of mildew and rat pee (I'm working on it, okay?).

All in all, a great truck and getting better, albeit slowly.

I'll leave off with some gratuitous triggering for the haters.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/dr_snooz/20170211_094225_zpsllr1ac7z.jpg)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 11, 2017, 12:39:40 PM: Couple questions too:

1. I tightened the front wheel bearings exactly as the GM service manual says, yet the shop mentioned that they were too loose when I took it in. Should I follow the manual or is there a better way?

2. I have a slight rub with the new tires. It's only on the passenger side because the fender on the driver side has been bashed well out of the way. Is there a recommended way to fix this? Angle-grinder? 5# sledge? Another rock crawling incident?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 11, 2017, 12:47:35 PM: i would follow the manual inner nut is 50 ft lbs and outer is 160
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 11, 2017, 07:23:57 PM: I mean the adjusting nut. The manual says to back off until it's loose. Then it's like another 1/4 turn before you can engage the lock, which leaves it pretty sloppy by the time you're done. I'll pull it apart again to see how I can tighten it up.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Irish_Alley on February 11, 2017, 07:58:11 PM: is that from our manual?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 12, 2017, 11:20:08 PM: Yeah, it's the GM '89 RGVP Service Manual. I lifted it up today and couldn't really feel any undue slop in the bearings. I think the shop was just looking for extra work. So whatever.

While I had it up, I swapped out the front center caps. The jokers at the tire shop covered up my manual locking hubs. LOL. Hey, at least they locked the hubs before covering them though! I put my old rusty center caps back on and I feel better now. It was too shiny the other way. ;-)

Another unrelated question. I have a high speed vibration that picks up when I get much over 55 and continues as I go faster. I've checked U-joints for slop, replaced the tires and wheels and checked the wheel bearings for excessive play but I can't figure it out. There is zero vibration coming through the steering wheel, so I assume it's coming from the rear. The rear diff pinion seal is leaking, but that's all the clues I have. Anyone have some ideas for me?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on December 02, 2017, 09:24:53 AM: Think I figured out the vibration. The transfer case is super old and was salvaged from the scrap yard. I have a hard clunk when I shift into reverse, indicating the chain is stretched. As I understand it, if the chain stretches far enough, it hits the side of the case, causing a vibration. That's my working hypothesis at this point. Anyone have any input on that?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on June 27, 2023, 09:53:12 PM: Hey, my old thread is still around! Wow, has it been 6 years? The Suburban developed a coolant leak from bad freeze plugs, so I parked it for a while. Used car prices spiked and it started to look a lot like a pile of money in my yard, so I fixed it with the intention to sell it. Now I can't bear to let it go. Here's what it looks like today.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174812&authkey=%21AGoWBA61NfAmEeQ&width=1024&height=999999)

Everywhere I go, people LOVE the Suburban. They stop me in the Wal-Mart parking lot to exclaim, "Love your war wagon!" The guys at the car wash give it the thumbs up when I go through. Kids at the grocery store pass and say, "Mom, look at the old truck!" To which Mom responds, "That's a Suburban!" I used to drive a big beautiful BMW and no one cared, but they sure love this beater.

The freeze plugs were all easy to access, fortunately.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174810&authkey=%21ANkAq4EQfcMkDeM&width=1024&height=999999)

I rebuilt the transfer case and replaced the chain. Which fixed my driveline vibration. Yay!

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174809&authkey=%21AB6OdX5oLuOxid0&width=1024&height=999999)

The repair was a struggle. I don't have a garage, so everything got done on a table in the sun and the dust. I had to wait for parts, during which time I lost parts, and had to wait again for more parts. I worked on it piecemeal as I was able, then wrapped everything in garbage bags while I waited. It works, fortunately, but leaks. Is it possible to buy one of these new?

I also replaced my cracked manifolds.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174820&authkey=%21AL34usS97Wrg-JE&width=1024&height=999999)

When I went to buy them, I could only find them for the right side. I got the left side from eBay. Fortunately, it doesn't differ much from the branded one I bought from Rock. The new manifolds are cast iron, like the old, but I'm guessing they don't flow as well. You can decide for yourself...

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174823&authkey=%21AC2VXwWd39gMotY&width=1024&height=999999)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174825&authkey=%21AExOQoTBOkWH6sQ&width=1024&height=999999)

They might only be temporary. The exhaust system is really sad, and I will have to replace it all soon. I consider it my justification for buying a MIG welder and learning to DIY.

The project will include the extravagantly expensive CA mandated cat too, currently $700 on Rock. Ouch. I'm surprised I passed my last smog. The exhaust is super stinky. I think CA is hitting the wall with its smog nonsense. These old cars require special equipment and training to test properly. The shops don't want to spend the money, so stuff just gets waved through? I'm not sure, but I won't complain.

I also replaced the timing chain. Some of you might remember that my beloved '86 Crew Cab, affectionately known as "Chester," expired on the side of the road after a timing chain failure bent all the valves. It sat forlorn in my yard for 10 years until I sold it recently. I really didn't want a repeat performance on this truck so I just replaced it as a maintenance item. The chain was floppy, but there was no noticeable gear wear, which is what sank Chester.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174811&authkey=%21AEwb5ZCtTNMdXDs&width=1024&height=999999)

My booster failed, again. I don't know why. Anyway, it's new. AGAIN.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174819&authkey=%21AIZAAJ8hS110TTM&width=1024&height=999999)

Most importantly, I replaced the steering gear. The old one had so much slop it was a safety issue. I adjusted it a couple times and while it helped temporarily, every drive was a white-knuckled adventure.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2174821&authkey=%21AM3tBjduzob6A4I&width=1024&height=999999)

Wow! What a difference with the new one! My drive last night was sublime. I should have done this years ago, and I would have, if they weren't so very expensive. That's a new unit from Lares BTW and it works great! Very tight with no issues.

You'll notice I'm writing dates on everything because my speedo is broken. I tried a junkyard replacement which didn't work any better. Anyone know where I can get a new one? I don't want digital, and that, um, "other place" has them on back order for another 10 months. I might just mount an old Android in the cab and use it instead.

I thought I had a head gasket leak because I kept finding coolant around my coolant reservoir cap. Turns out that the cap is just missing the seal, allowing coolant to slosh out. Awesome!

I still need to fix the AC. Not sure what's wrong there, but I'm not getting any pressure on the high side, even though I replaced the orifice tube.

There is also a box of pre-cut tint sitting here beside me. It's going to be 106 deg. this weekend, so I better get after it quick!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on June 27, 2023, 10:14:10 PM: Oh, and I forgot that I replaced the headlights with H4s from Hella. The old headlights were another safety issue. I could hardly see where I was going. I used a conversion harness from eBay, which melted almost immediately, so I built my own and threw the eBay one away. The new headlights are, pardon the pun, night and day. I'm so glad I have them.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 04, 2023, 06:25:54 PM: Great Project!

A few weeks ago at the beach twice some teenagers were giving me thumbs up!

Gotta love the squares!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Shifty on July 05, 2023, 09:52:40 AM: Friggin awesome brother! I get the same reaction driving the Big Blue Beast, while folk don't give the Corvette a second glance.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on August 26, 2023, 10:40:53 AM: I made a rookie mistake. The pinion seal on my rear axle was leaking. I have an air gun, and not much sense, so I jumped in without reading the manual. Turns out there are some very critical steps you need to take before removing the pinion nut if you don't want to disassemble the rear axle. I did not take those steps. Sigh.

I discovered pitting on my pinion bearing when I pulled the diff:

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175149&authkey=%21AHnrztjfN29eMaw&height=660)

Which led to this (my brother-in-law doing me a solid):

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175150&authkey=%21AIxzZJt4vAX1H1U&width=660)

Then this:

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175151&authkey=%21ANtZfOM4BIsFwdQ&width=660)

The drums were out of spec, which means I had to beat them apart, which broke a lot of hardware.

So I ordered up some bachelor windchimes (AKA a rear disc conversion kit):

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175152&authkey=%21AFe3SsRhkzP_ekg&width=660)

Then, one of these for some reason:

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175148&authkey=%21ALZ2_omLRib5gT4&width=660)

Yeah. Dr_Snooz has been a busy boy.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on August 26, 2023, 10:47:08 AM: I got the LSD from East Coast Gear for less than half what Summit wants. If you've been LSD shopping for your 14-bolt semi-floater, definitely grab this one.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-287534-gears-install-kits-carriers-spider-gears-general-motors-gm-9-5-14-bolt-lockers-posis.html (https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-287534-gears-install-kits-carriers-spider-gears-general-motors-gm-9-5-14-bolt-lockers-posis.html)

I had open diffs front and rear, which makes me feel silly, and I'm already this far, so might as well go all the way.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on August 26, 2023, 10:53:55 AM: I pulled the old pinion before measuring pinion depth. Another rookie mistake. I'm replacing the ring gear and pinion. I hope I can put the old pinion back, with the old crush collar, and get an accurate pinion depth measurement to work from. Is that a fantasy?

I've read the manual now, plus some forum posts and a few YT videos. Hopefully I won't make any more stupid mistakes.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: bd on August 26, 2023, 12:12:02 PM: Stupid mistakes are what make life interesting and add to the adventure! They are also the mothers of experience, often culminating with, "If only I had known that beforehand." Prereading a manual helps, but in and of itself is not foolproof. Sometimes you just wind up with broken pieces and smashed fingers. All you can do is forge forward. Nice upgrades... 8)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Shifty on August 26, 2023, 12:45:51 PM: I'm glad you decided to keep the beast, it may not have received the love you're giving it. :D
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on August 26, 2023, 11:01:58 PM: After a week of wire brushing, rust treatment spray and rust primer, the axle housing changed color today.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175168&authkey=%21AD4P-LWH_Vhzdz4&width=660)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 07, 2023, 09:07:12 AM: FailEx can't seem to get its act together and get me the parts I ordered 2 weeks ago, so I'm not getting much done on the axle. I did, however, put the old pinion in last night to get a pinion depth measurement. I learned something when I did. I had trouble getting the pinion nut tight enough to achieve the right bearing preload. I pulled on my torque wrench until it clicked at 150 ft-lbs. Preload is supposed to be 10-15 in-lbs, but I was only at 9.5. No problem. I grabbed my impact gun, rated at 600 ft-lbs and laid on it. That got me up to... 9.5 in-lbs. Okay, I am using a tiny pancake compressor, and the gun is old now, so I grabbed my buddy's DeWalt battery gun, rated at 700 ft-lbs and went to town. That got me all the way to... 9.5 in-lbs. Once the pinion nut bottomed on the crush sleeve, it wouldn't go any further. I don't have anything more than 700 ft-lbs, so I'm done. Really, only big-rig shops with five-figure compressors, big hoses and 3/4" guns can go higher.

It's not easy to crush a crush sleeve. The average crush torque on the average axle is 300-400 ft-lbs. On my 1-ton axle, it takes more than I'm able to produce.

All that to say, when I was under my truck, cursing myself for not marking the pinion nut before removing it, there was an easy fix. I could have simply brapped the nut back on to as much as my impact gun could muster, and driven happy. It wouldn't have mattered. Once the nut bottoms on the crush sleeve, it doesn't move any further without really long cheater bars.

That feeling when you realize your $2,500 axle build wasn't necessary...

Don't get me wrong, my axle needed attention. It had started to howl a bit, that bearing was sad, the brakes were a mess, etc. That said, it was still running and could have kept running for some time still.

For the next guy, just know that failing to mark your pinion nut probably isn't a big deal. Put it back on and tighten it up. You'll feel it bottom out on the crush sleeve, and it won't go any further after that. As for me, I'm off to buy some really long cheater bars for the new crush sleeve.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 24, 2023, 08:29:52 PM: My inexperience and a cheap press turned into a chipped pinion tooth. Sigh. Pinion setup is critical to a successful build, and impossible to correct without a complete teardown. I knew it would be difficult. I read 2 different manuals, multiple discussion threads and watched a half dozen YouTube vids, but still got to pay to learn a lesson the hard way.

I called the guys at East Coast Gear again for another ring and pinion. They also had some setup bearings and good advice that made the next attempt look like this.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175385&authkey=%21AFTlP1yZjF5QxzA&height=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175384&authkey=%21ANuPcNUXON9K61g&height=1024)

For those who don't know, those grey circles in the center of the tooth face indicate that the pinion shims are perfect.

The next task was getting the pinion bearing preload set by crushing the crush sleeve. As I've already indicated, that's no small task. I went to Harbor Freight, got their longest breaker bar and their biggest pipe wrench. Then I went to Big Orange for some 10' lengths of pipe. It made crushing that sleeve really easy, even for my skinny punk nephews.

A test fit of the new disc brakes looks great!

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175383&authkey=%21ANEN5PllTlTfhVg&width=1024)

I got this kit from lugnut4x4.com. So far it looks good. I still need to buy a new prop valve though.

I'm hoping to get this thing rolling again this week. Wish me well.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 24, 2023, 08:35:23 PM: Speaking of the prop valve, I understand the prop valve sits above the rear axle. If so, what's that giant cast iron contraption under the fan shroud?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 26, 2023, 10:22:00 AM: The cheap jack on the cheap press blew a seal and bled out as I was pressing in the new lug studs. Now I'm not recommending it, but when you're fractions of an inch away from finished, you do what must be done.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175390&authkey=%21AOeY-NECARtA6gM&height=1024)

Yeah.

From the colossally oversized jack, to the lopsided galvanized pipe supporting the axle shaft at the bottom, to the jack that doesn't quite line up with the reinforced push point at the top, that's all kinds of wrong. God help anyone nearby if that mess blows apart under load. Namely me. The good news is that I finished the job without a trip to ER.

A new jack is on the way.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Mike81K10 on September 26, 2023, 06:08:03 PM: Sacrificing a jack or tool is worth it at times to get the job done.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on September 26, 2023, 11:48:48 PM: Quote from: Dr_Snooz on September 24, 2023, 08:35:23 PM
Speaking of the prop valve, I understand the prop valve sits above the rear axle. If so, what's that giant cast iron contraption under the fan shroud?

Giant cast iron contraption under the fan shroud- does it have a single wire connected to it? If if does that Is your Prop valve.
Made of brass as I recall.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 30, 2023, 07:56:27 PM: ...And we're back on the road!!!

I'm not sure why, but it took a little extra oomph to get the C clips on the axle shafts.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175391&authkey=%21AAIugtAuYy8HOYw&width=1024)

Axle installed.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175410&authkey=%21AH20d5jYDm88fVU&width=1024)

Brake lines bent, flared with my crappy Chinese tool, and installed.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175407&authkey=%21AO0Yb0nJP27t1f0&width=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175406&authkey=%21ALieuYA7acm0ubA&width=1024)

Brakes, shocks and everything else ready to go.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175411&authkey=%21AA2hgwI5cUGMCcg&width=1024)

The parking brakes are not done. I thought I would be able to use the OE cables, but the one side was too long and the other too short. I have some cut-to-length cables on the way.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 30, 2023, 08:09:46 PM: The old brake drums mount on the outside of the hubs. The new discs mount on the inside. My nephew has been my faithful helper throughout this build, and he noticed that I would lose 1/4" of offset with this arrangement. He's taking beginning welding at the JC here, so he grabbed my old drums and took them to class. Then came home with these.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175409&authkey=%21AFIS_7krJHs0ICU&width=1024)

Those are hand-crafted, custom wheel spacers. I had him sign them and then put a hand-rubbed finish on them, just like you'd do with any fine, custom metalwork.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175412&authkey=%21ALdFHOQJIuPEqjc&width=1024)

Awesome!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on September 30, 2023, 08:22:18 PM: Great progress! Keep going man!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 30, 2023, 08:27:28 PM: The drive to break in the ring gear and pinion was real nice. It didn't get too hot. The clunk into gear was hardly noticeable. The brakes grabbed well, didn't squeal and felt great, though I ought to get a new prop valve. There weren't drips or leaks, which might be a first for me, lol. The diff is dead silent at low speed. There's no growl or anything, and the quiet howl between 55-60 that was there with the old axle... is still there. I don't know why.

All in all, it seems to be a successful build. Here it is, as it sits in the drive right now.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2175413&authkey=%21AO_9IIwUqNQRB-E&width=1024)

I can't wait to drive to the beach now!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 30, 2023, 08:47:07 PM: Quote from: JohnnyPopper on September 30, 2023, 08:22:18 PM
Great progress! Keep going man!

Thank you, kindly!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on September 30, 2023, 09:07:06 PM: Oh, I forgot the best part! I bought a keyless controller for my rear window. I laugh hysterically every time I use it...

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AmykSvd_9WdWhM0WJys1AJCOjftvBg?e=KxPGMS (https://1drv.ms/v/s!AmykSvd_9WdWhM0WJys1AJCOjftvBg?e=KxPGMS)

(Just a link to my OneDrive account, because I don't know how to embed video on this site.)

It's a cheap eBay special, so what do you expect lol? I'm glad it works at all, because it's better than me stooping down in a crowded parking lot to short the wires hanging down beneath my rear bumper. That makes it hard to hide how easy it is to get into the truck. I'll reach out to the seller to see if they have any guidance. They'll probably just send me another one and we'll all cross our fingers and hope it works rofl.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: bd on September 30, 2023, 10:57:51 PM: I'm going out on a limb here, but it sounds like the rear window mechanism and glass channels are dry as a bone. The motor contains an integrated circuit breaker that may be cycling open-closed-open-closed... due to the mechanical load on the motor. If you lubricate the mechanism and channels liberally and verify proper channel alignment you might be pleasantly surprised.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on October 01, 2023, 05:49:20 PM: 10 bucks says bd's right! 8)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on October 03, 2023, 12:14:42 AM: Well, it is a wore out mess inside the tailgate, but it works just fine when I short the wires. The controller box has a ground screw that I didn't connect, like the instructions say I should. When I connected it, the motor stopped pulsing. Unfortunately, it went very slowly, and only in one direction: Up. It seems to lack the gumption to go down. I'm grounding to one of the bolts holding the regulator in place. There are 12 ohms between it and battery ground. I guess that's too much? Not sure how to do it any better though. I have self tappers but am reluctant to drill holes unless I'm sure it will be a good ground.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on November 17, 2023, 09:50:03 AM: I've put almost 1,000 miles on the axle and it's running well. There are no leaks. It runs smooth, and the gear whine coming from the rear has quieted to the point that I'm the only one who hears it. Of course, when I changed the fluid at 500 miles as directed, it was unnerving to see so much metal in the fluid.

I replaced the front shocks last night.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176373&authkey=%21AKbGu4QNcVSzsq8&width=1024)

Next on deck is a front brake refresh. It will be a good chance to retake the pics in this thread (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=31594.msg266242#msg266242 (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=31594.msg266242#msg266242)) before Photobucket deletes them, and to see how much damage I did to the wheel bearings by not packing them properly.

After that I have a dreadful leak coming from the pan gasket on the trans (I think) that needs fixing. The front of the engine is also very wet, which looks like the timing cover seal I replaced not long ago.

There's always something to do.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on November 17, 2023, 07:04:10 PM: The link to the repacking of bearings was a hoot! Especially the vacuum packing-I've got to try that!

The Monroe Mags made me say ouch...She's my daily and they are too stiff. Especially here in San Diego where the local self servants take the money earmarked for 'road maintenance'.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Shifty on November 18, 2023, 01:58:30 PM: Quote from: JohnnyPopper on November 17, 2023, 07:04:10 PM
The Monroe Mags made me say ouch...She's my daily and they are too stiff. Especially here in San Diego where the local self servants take the money earmarked for 'road maintenance'.
Mine were on for about a month, when my kidneys held an intervention, demanding something a tad kinder...(Bilstein).
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on November 18, 2023, 09:43:52 PM: I guess that's why getting out of my driveway throws me around a lot more than it used to lol. The big difference I've noticed is that I can actually keep the truck on the roadway now. It was a handful before.

I'm flummoxed by this trans fluid leak. It's an absolute horror show under the truck. There's oil everywhere, dripping off the case, off the front driveline, slung up onto the body underside. It's thick with dirt, shiny wet and coming out at a rate of 1 qt per month. The pan bolts kept coming loose. I Loctited them and over torqued them by 5 lbs. That stopped the loosening, but not the drips. I inspected the other case seals but didn't find much. The kickdown wire plug was loose in the case. I don't want to open the trans to fix it, so I smeared around it with RTV. It's a hillbilly fix, but the real mess is on the other side of the trans. I replaced the vacuum modulator today. The old oring seemed fine, but there weren't any drips dangling off the case after my test drive. I don't know. We'll see.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on November 19, 2023, 12:19:35 AM: Oh yeah. I did a compression test too.

#   PSI   Cranks
1   177   12
2   172   12
3   174   12
4   173   12
5   180   12
6   169   12
7   177   12
8   172   12

I guess I won't be swapping in a crate engine any time soon.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on November 19, 2023, 04:13:04 PM: Those are pretty good numbers as far as variation.

It's amazing what bad shocks will do when you don't realize they are shot-out. Pitching left/right bouncing etc. If I off roaded my K10 I would keep the Mags on.

You described my undercarriage to a tee. Mine turned out to be the P/S reservoir had a drip that spread everywhere.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: 87ChevyR10 on November 20, 2023, 02:53:55 PM: Quote from: JohnnyPopper on October 01, 2023, 05:49:20 PM
10 bucks says bd's right! 8)

Usually is, lol
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on November 23, 2023, 05:07:46 PM: I figured out part of my surging problem. I don't think my relatively new gas tank is baffled very well. When I get below 1/2 tank, the surging starts, and worsens as the tank level declines. I installed this tank in 2015. It was the cheapest Dorman I could find and it's not very good.

It split open on the top recently, dragging my mileage down into single digits.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176414&authkey=%21APjuJVxm74ZndZY&width=1024)

You can see there's no indication of any stress other than the crimp from the factory forming press. The sheet metal is so thin it failed from normal expansion and contraction. I should have drilled holes at either end of the split to prevent it worsening, but that would have been a much bigger job. If it continues to split, I guess I'll replace it with a 40 gal tank from a different manufacturer.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Mr Diesel on November 23, 2023, 06:41:58 PM: I stopped buying anything made by Dorman years ago. Literally everything they make is garbage, even their little generic crimp electrical connectors.
I bought four new 20 gallon tanks off an Ebay vendor this year and all were made in Taiwan so I'm confident whatever brand they are they are well made.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 07, 2024, 05:37:09 PM: I only wanted to replace this ground up rotor.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176904&authkey=%21ABF3-I3W6QRH_yQ&width=1024&height=768)

Unfortunately, the deeper I dug, the worse it got. The wheel bearings were shot.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176579&authkey=%21AKwTTuPjR-oFnaI&width=1024)

The knuckle seals had failed...

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176577&authkey=%21AOEu9CcIkqYYfk8&width=1024)

...causing a lot of rust inside the wheel bearing cavity.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176580&authkey=%21AMyljkt_rPF1YR4&width=1024)

The axle seals inside the diff had failed, leaving a thin coating of diff oil and grime on the axle shafts.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176908&authkey=%21ABSU0SBLBNcp5nw&height=1024)

That's the point you have to check the diff bearings, which were also worn out.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176909&authkey=%21AH0szJTq-W0g4C4&width=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176910&authkey=!AP-yDqu0XZesZ7c&width=1024)

I was surprised by this since the front axle sees, what, maybe 1/10th the miles that the rear axle sees?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 07, 2024, 06:06:16 PM: So it's deja vu all over again.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176911&authkey=!ALXXdKGI9wBuFZo&width=1024)

That's right. We're building another axle. I'm going with an LSD again, since an open diff just doesn't seem right to me.

I had a really positive experience with East Coast Gear on my last build, so I ordered everything from them. We talked over diff options and I opted for an LSD over a Torsen diff. The Torsen, or lunchbox locker, locks up when you accelerate. That will be a huge problem for me on windy, snowy roads. Also, if an LSD wears out, it will behave like an open diff. When a Torsen diff wears out, it causes all kinds of headaches. I don't like headaches, or ticking money bombs.

Suffice it to say that the Suburban had a very Merry Christmas. :D Everyone else kinda got stiffed. :(
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 07, 2024, 08:17:56 PM: You may notice that the pic above was taken in the dark. It's been an unusually dark winter here. I clock out at 4:30 each day (I work from home), which gives me maybe 15 minutes before I have to put my headlight on. It's been like this since November. I can do the disassembly in the dark, but prep and painting require good light. I need a shop real bad, but don't have anywhere to put it on my property. For the time being, I've moved my start time forward an hour. That lets me clock out at 3:30 so at least I get an hour of light.

They have these plastic wire wheels now.

(https://benchmarkabrasives.com/cdn/shop/products/3IN_FLAP_BRUSH_GRAY_DRILL_1024x814.png?v=1607408398)

They claim to be better, last longer, jump higher, make you more attractive to women, blah blah blah. I tried one and was really impressed, actually. I'm putting a gloss paint on the diff cover, so all the old undercoat, rust, etc, had to come off for a smooth finish. The plastic wheel had no problem removing everything right down to the bare metal. In truth, it removed the rubbery undercoat much better than the steel wheel. It didn't stab me with errant wires either.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176914&authkey=!ANxliy_Bktv7eN0&height=1024)

Nor did it leave any gouges like a steel wheel. And it lasts pretty well too.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176913&authkey=%21AINJhT81tBjvgGg&width=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176915&authkey=%21AA9IODP97tOMGBQ&width=1024)

I'm really pleased with the results.

This is far from the right weather for painting. The temps are too low, humidity too high, light too limited, and I'm dodging rain showers. I spent an evening wire-wheeling the axle housing clean. Came out the next day to find it covered in rust again. I have a paint can in one hand and a blow dryer in the other. There's a space heater inside the Suburban creating a makeshift paint booth. I should put a vid on YT so people can laugh at me.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176917&authkey=%21ANdA-K2DeQr-k8g&width=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176916&authkey=%21AGOg1cgpdGHY9hQ&width=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176907&authkey=%21ADSbjy70C4DoCXk&width=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176918&authkey=%21AF-mHHFOA4Hyq2U&width=1024)

You can see that this is a full front-end refresh. Brakes, bushings, diff, everything. It was all worn out. I still have to prep and paint one knuckle (gotta get creative to remove that last ball joint), the hubs, the axle shafts and a bunch of bolt hardware. I haven't removed the leaf springs yet because I can't get one of the bolts out, but I plan to paint those and replace bushings also. I'm considering doing some painting on the frame too, since everything is out right now. We'll see.

Stay tuned for more updates when I find time to post again. It's hard because my nephew is rebuilding the 4L80 in his new-to-him truck and I'm helping him with that too.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 07, 2024, 08:38:25 PM: I found this interesting. I got my Christmas bonus from work in the form of an Amazon gift card. I'm no fan of Amazon for a lot of reasons. Still this gift card comes each year, so I hold my nose and wade in. I figured I'd buy some headers for the Suburban this year.

(https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/jba-1830s_yc_xl.jpg)

I put them in my cart only to get a notice in red letters that they couldn't deliver them to my address. I tried my brother-in-law's address. He gets Amazon all the time. Same notice. I entered my work address where they deliver several times a week. Same thing. I entered my brother's address in Texas and the notice vanished.

I called them and got several different "would you believe...?" responses before they settled on blaming our Prop 65. Except Prop 65 has been on the books for 30+ years and has never prevented me from getting anything. It mandates a sticker on the item, and nothing more. There's no point arguing with an Indian call center though.

The only thing I can figure is that someone at Amazon is assuming the headers aren't smog legal here. Only problem is that they are. And Amazon is too dysfunctional to admit its error, or even to offer a plausible explanation. Throw it on the pile of reasons not to give that weirdo screwball my money, I guess.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on January 08, 2024, 02:09:41 PM: Nice work Dr.! Looking good.

Yeah, I've had the same Amazon woes. Just ship it to someone you know.

Oh, what's in the Barbie tool kit?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 09, 2024, 08:12:24 AM: Lol. That toolbox used to be red. It never occurred to me that it has turned pink in the 20 years since it was new.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Shifty on January 09, 2024, 09:25:00 AM: Quote from: JohnnyPopper on January 08, 2024, 02:09:41 PM
Oh, what's in the Barbie tool kit?
Corvette and Jeep tools, duh... ;D
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 14, 2024, 09:21:56 PM: Doh.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176970&authkey=%21APdzNWz8BaaEiOQ&width=1024)

I was hoping to reuse these. Sigh.

The signs were there, so I'm not surprised. They were covered in junkyard paint pen hieroglyphs. The sloppy U-joints were rusted into place real good. When we pressed them out, they bent the shafts, then exploded apart, throwing everything on the floor.

We have an upgraded press now and were in the process of bending the shafts straight when we discovered the crack.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176971&authkey=%21AJBtrd_0XZ3nOzw&width=1024)

On further inspection, I found the sealing surfaces all pitted and nasty.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176969&authkey=%21ABwZfplPGHSnlgQ&height=1024)

There's a new set of axle shafts on the way now, and my wallet is relieved of the terrible burden of excess cash.

Oh, and a set of these is also on the way.

(https://images.northridge4x4.com/image/private/s--d8Z9TNo6--/f_auto,t_auto_product_nr/v1/product_images/ayyantu2ohbjdfsdh61t)

Then, I was looking at all of this.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2176972&authkey=%21ALRdV5JrNsrbqK4&width=1024)

I was pondering the tedium of cleaning and painting it all, and looking for a good excuse not to. Some of it has gone missing in the grass and gravel, so I already have to order more. It would be a shame to have mismatched hardware, but maybe not shame enough to justify another $100. Finally, it occurred to me that this hardware is 34 years old. Who knows how fatigued it is?? It could be on the very brink of failure! Thus, for safety's sake, I have come up with a clever excuse for getting out of this job. I believe Ben Franklin said it best:

“How convenient does it prove to be a rational animal, that knows how to find or invent a plausible pretext for whatever it has an inclination to do!” ― Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Of course, with the general quality of everything these days, the new stuff could easily be worse than what I have.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on January 15, 2024, 12:51:23 PM: I cleaned every component with a 1/9 ratio of molasses to water. Don't leave iron or soft metals too long, will pit and even dissolve.

I used a heavy duty plastic trash can with a lid (smells like a sweaty gym)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 15, 2024, 08:06:37 PM: I'm speechless. Molasses, lol! It's beautiful. There's a lot of love in that truck.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on January 22, 2024, 12:36:22 PM: Right??? Who'd have guessed?

I'm pretty sure I saw someone post it on this site, pulled out a part and rinsed it off with a hose.

I used this product to cover the bare metal. It seals any rust and it lays down a rubberized coating.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on January 31, 2024, 10:33:52 PM: I'm still chipping away at this project. I wrecked a leaf spring shackle bushing while installing it. I didn't really wreck it, but there's a wad of grease preventing it from seating fully. It will be wrecked after I remove it. Thus, I'm waiting on parts again.

You remember that I installed a remote control on my power tailgate window? Then the window did the shuffle-and-squeak every time I used it? I'm not sure what happened, but the motor failed suddenly. Fortunately it failed with the window up. I could have replaced the motor, but that leaves the whole shuffle-and-squeak problem. Instead, I replaced everything with the manual crank appropriate to my Scottsdale.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177081&authkey=%21AK2ThPxmWy36jtk&width=1024)

Yeah, it's a little crooked and doesn't work as well as I'd like, but I'm happy with it for the first time since I bought the truck.

Then I tackled the horrid trans mess. The pan gasket looked like this.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177080&authkey=%21AB0SU909YYcRR9Y&height=1024)

Now I know why it was leaking so bad. Dreadful. Based on the cherry red color of the fluid, I assumed I had serviced it recently, but it was actually way back in 2015. Hey, there were three TH400s floating around here until recently. It's hard to keep track. Anyway, I used an ATP filter back then, which is a mistake I won't repeat again.

Since I had it out, I cleaned the pan and installed a drain bolt.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177079&authkey=%21ALsQ6vpYfHOmVuY&width=1024)

I take it personally when I have to wrestle that full pan down from under the truck. I always slop it everywhere. It's what I call "fork in the eye" engineering. Like they're just trying to jab you by making it that way. The drain is just a bolt-on. Hope it doesn't leak. I also replaced the detent wire pass through, which was wobbling around in the housing and also leaking.

That's all for now, but I'll probably start on the diff here soon, now that painting is done.

Painting takes so long!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Captkaos on February 01, 2024, 04:48:06 PM: Run a plastic crush washer under the nut.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Shifty on February 01, 2024, 05:22:22 PM: Quote from: Captkaos on February 01, 2024, 04:48:06 PM
Run a plastic crush washer under the nut.
This! It should have come with one.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 01, 2024, 06:57:33 PM: Quote from: Shifty on February 01, 2024, 05:22:22 PM
Quote from: Captkaos on February 01, 2024, 04:48:06 PM
Run a plastic crush washer under the nut.
This! It should have come with one.

It did! ;D
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 03, 2024, 10:16:41 PM: That didn't take long.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177084&authkey=%21ADVOeDUV55U7OWA&width=1024)

SMH
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 11, 2024, 09:24:03 PM: I'm finally getting the diff set up in this axle. This is probably the pattern I'll go with.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177179&authkey=%21AAir8-fNtn4wMus&width=1024)

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177180&authkey=%21ANKr2h3NKQ3hIkU&width=1024)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Shifty on February 12, 2024, 08:45:34 AM: Decent pattern! 8)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 12, 2024, 10:45:26 PM: Thank you! I was hoping someone would weigh in.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 17, 2024, 08:37:16 PM: Got the diff all situated, installed the hubs, axle shafts, rotor backing plates, and then grabbed my new spindle hub. I realized that there are some parts of it exposed to the elements, so I painted it.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177237&authkey=%21AH96xDlqISZHWw4&width=1024)

Then I cleaned up the other spindle hub and found the sealing surface all pitted and trashed.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177238&authkey=%21AFHe5Sx091pAguA&width=1024)

The new one should be here Monday.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 19, 2024, 11:18:42 PM: I'm still waiting on the spindle, but was still able to assemble one side tonight.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177260&authkey=%21AKFmRcQEZneBg9c&width=1024)

I would have added the brake but I got the wrong pads. So more waiting.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Shifty on February 20, 2024, 08:41:03 AM: Looking good man! 8)
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 20, 2024, 08:45:11 PM: How do I rekey the tailgate? Or the doors. I'm not picky.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on February 21, 2024, 12:06:29 AM: Doctor Doctor gimme the news...but are those wheels lugs extra long? Planning on deeeeep mags?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 22, 2024, 08:31:04 AM: They're 3 inches long, vs. the factory length of just under 2-1/2 inches. The rims I have are fairly thick, and I don't think I was getting even a half inch of thread engagement with the old studs. I would have preferred 2-3/4", but that wasn't an option. Fortunately, my acorn lug nuts are extra long.

We got the axle completely assembled last night. Or at least, assembled enough for installation.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177262&authkey=%21AG9t9U6iuHlTe7c&width=1024)

Wrestling that heavy beast into the bed of the truck is going to be fun.

I still have some work to do on the Suburban itself. The leaf spring shackle bushing that I destroyed is still in place, and still mocking my attempts to remove it. It's been tricky, but I think I'm in the home stretch now.

Hopefully, I'll be installing the axle this weekend.

Yay!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 24, 2024, 11:54:46 PM: Yes!

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177296&authkey=%21APgUHlK7L-B9nlw&width=1024)

The war wagon rolls once more! We got everything back in today, then put it in 4H and went for the break in run. It was weird because there's nothing to report. The new front diff never made a sound. I couldn't even tell 4WD was engaged until we went around a hairpin turn and the front wheels started hopping. Wow. This is sweet!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on February 25, 2024, 04:04:24 PM: My nephew gave me this. I had to put it on the truck.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177261&authkey=%21AIm4rlKN_J0G0_4&width=1024)

It's made from 1/4" steel. I used a lot of sticky tape, but I still fear it will end up at the bottom of the car wash.

I used this tool to get the leaf spring shackle bushings installed in the frame.

(https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=5667F57FF74AA46C%2177294&authkey=%21AEWBo0Zlqcc7imk&height=1024)

It's just 7/16" threaded rod cut to 9-1/4" long. It worked really well, but definitely install the bushings before you try to install the steel sleeve, unless you want to be digging it all back out like me. You can use the tool as an uninstaller too if you cut the mushroom tops off the bushings. I used a fine-cut pull-saw blade for that. You can see the rod is kinda tweaked from installing the first set of bushings, which is why I'd recommend having a 2nd tool on hand.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on March 19, 2024, 12:13:16 AM: The truck has been running really well. I bombed to the Bay Area and back the other day at 70-75 the whole way with no issues. Got over 13 MPG on the trip. That ties my '09 Silverado with a 4.8 and 4L60. The front diff is broken in and I need to replace the fluid in it now. Either it had a whine and I didn't hear it on the first drive, or it developed a whine during break-in. Anyway, that's quieted down.

I think my tank is leaking again because I keep smelling fresh gas back there, though I don't see it. If I replace that 31 gallon tank with the 40 gallon tank, what all do I need? Aside from the tank and straps, of course.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: JohnnyPopper on March 19, 2024, 08:25:28 PM: LOOKING GOOD!
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on March 20, 2024, 01:05:51 PM: Nobody knows about the gas tank?
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Captkaos on March 20, 2024, 02:14:10 PM: Missed the gas tank question...
If the gas smell was there before the swap and then after I would suspect something other than the tank (without reading this whole post again)
But yes tank (and internal components) and straps should be cover it. The lines should work and the filler definitely should.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on March 22, 2024, 09:12:52 AM: Thanks, Chris. It's the poor-quality Dorman tank, splitting open in random places for no reason.

I need to get under there and take stock of what I have. It's probably a good time to replace the filler and breather hoses, inspect hard lines, paint the undercarriage, etc. So, another project.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: mp76k10 on March 22, 2024, 12:41:45 PM: What did you use for paint on the diff cover and backing plates? I really like the look.
Title: Re: New truck in the drive
Post by: Dr_Snooz on March 27, 2024, 08:29:29 PM: I used Krylon ColorMaxx spray paint in Gloss Machinery Gray.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/colormaxx/krylon-colormaxx-12-ounce-machinery-gray-spray-paint/kry8/5599?q=machinery+gloss+gray&pos=0 (https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/colormaxx/krylon-colormaxx-12-ounce-machinery-gray-spray-paint/kry8/5599?q=machinery+gloss+gray&pos=0)

It was kind of an impulse buy, but yeah, it makes a nice contrast.

I got a bad gas smell in the cabin while driving last week. I did an emergency roadside inspection and discovered that one of the fuel filter flare nuts had come completely loose and was rattling around on the hard line while fuel dripped on the ground. Thank Heaven the system is only 13 PSI.

If you honk down on those nuts, the orings get destroyed. If you don't, then this happens. Anyway, I tightened it up and the gas smell is fixed. No need for a new tank! (yet)