axle swap, fix opinions needed

[choptop]

I will do that. Im wondering if the rear shackle just hasnt settled. I havent driven it yet, and I didnt compare the two to see if they are at the same angle. I know that could cause some issue. The biggest thing is the tire lines up with the body as veiwed from the rear now. With the other axle, you could see the front of the right tire tilted in in the front. Ill know tomorrow and will post the info with some pics. Thanks Vile

[choptop]

well, as normal parts people do, they told me they had the drums when in fact they did not. The ones they had were for a 5 bolt 11x2 drum. So,I just swapped the entire brake assembly, including backplate from the 85 10 bolt to the what apears to be 75 12 bolt. Everything bolted right up without any modifications. So now, instead of having 2 inch wide brakes I have 2.75 inch wide brakes which I figured would help slow the 35s alot better. (duuhh, I know) No one for miles around has the 2 inch wide drums, but the 2.75 are everywhere, and are half the price. No all I have left is install new rear cover gasket, hook up the shocks, fill the diff with oil, and that part is done.
  Next question, when I pulled the drive shaft to install the new u joint, alot of fluid came out. Now, insert dumb question here: Is this from the transmission or the transfercase? Do I need to fill it up thru the tranny dipstick as usual, or do I need to fill it thru the transfercase? This is my first 4x to work on, so things are new. I assume it just dexron/mercon tranny fluid, at least thats what it looks like.
  On the ujoint make a note and dont do what I did. I pulled the caps that werent being installed in the driveshaft yoke, and set them aside so they wouldnt get damaged. I then installed the ujoint thinking I was doing good since it went in real easy, just to find out I put the short side of the ujoint in instead of the long side. Didnt pay any attention to it until I slid under the truck with my buddies (the red ants) and realized what I had done. What a goob! Fixed that, and all went well from there. I guess I now have a nice set of blasted and painted backplates for 2 inch brakes to take to the swap meet this year. I'll post pics tomorrow when I get it finished, then off to the show.

[VileZambonie]

Top off the transfer case through the fill plug with ATF on level ground. It should be just below the fill plug. Don't you just love dealing with the highly intelligent auto parts people that waste your time? Take some carb clean to those ants and a lighter. Show them what a real fire ant is!

[choptop]

Funny you say that, fortunately for me Oldyeller bated them this morning, but there was a few stragglers wandering around. I had a can of brake clean, shown in pic, that was just for them. It worked great, but I didnt do the lighter part.
  Where is the fill plug at?

[VileZambonie]

If it's a 208 it's the higher up 30mm plug

[choptop]

Do I just fill it up til it comes out like the rear diff?

[VileZambonie]

yes just below the fill plug hole is good.

[choptop]

Thank you sir

[choptop]

Well, I got it finished in time, but just barely. The brake trouble set me back a full day ( or nights work you might say) I apologize for the pics, but I will get better ones up when I can, and post a few of the show. Thanks again for all the help.

[VileZambonie]

Looks great!

[choptop]

Thank you. When we get back, I'll order my 3:73 gears for the rear, and then strip clean and paint the front axle to match. I couldn't get a chrome diff cover in time so I just painted it black and replace the bolts with new silver ones from Home Depot of all places. I did it just for a quick detail until the chrome ones could be ordered, but I'm starting to like the contrast look of it. Anyone else think I should keep it instead of the chrome covers?

[VileZambonie]

Definitely keep it black!

I've been wanting to try one of these

[beastie_3]

You want to try what? 20 shocks? Oh, the transparent cover...

Chrome don't get you home!

[choptop]

Ive been curious about the see thru covers myself. Definately something different. The shocks are cool, but way too many for my taste and too much cost for my budget as well, especially with as many trucks as I have. All in all, it went well. Its amazing how many people dont even notice the extended cab, but I was successful in getting the word out to those cool enough to like squarebody trucks.There were a couple of real nice ones in the show, and even more in the burnout competition. I'll post those pics when Oldyeller gets them downloaded. The truck drove good once I got all the vacuum leaks sorted out. It amazes me how a vacuum leak can take a great running truck and make it run horrible. Ive never had any engine troubles with this truck until yesterday. It has always started and run great,even without the choke hooked up (which I didnt realize until yesterday) I will be removing the smog junk next and delete a bunch of vacuum lines. One thing is for sure, the front sway bar needs to be hooked back up, its kinda like riding in a rollercoaster.

[VileZambonie]

Yes I meant the clear meatball cover.

There's nothing wrong with chrome unless it's that cheap made in taiwan garbage. I've got so much chrome on my bike if you look at it in the sun you'll go blind.