Cold weather got me started……..finally!

[Kman]

I hope you never have trouble with them. You'd probably have to find another set of gauges again. They do look good. I just know how getting parts are. They stop making it and you're the one holding the bag

The gauge cluster was disintegrating and not working like most things on this 50 year old truck when I got it. I am keeping stock parts and can always swap things out down the road. So i did pick up a stock working cluster off ebay just in case I need it.

 

[Kman]

Paint in a couple weeks, so I guess I will do the few last things I did not do under the truck. I need to pull the rear axles, replace the bearings/seals, service the drive shafts and change differential fluid. This could be done anytime, but might as well knock it out since I can't do anything else on it right now! 305 miles on the new engine so far with no leaks or issues!

 

[Kman]

Plans have changed and I dropped her off at a driveline shop today. To busy with life right now to do it myself and I'm not letting her sit. The plan is rear axle bearings, seals, check the pinion angle and service the 2 piece drive shaft. When they open up the differential and pull the shafts they will call me so I can take a look. It's been 50 years since this was opened up, so hopefully no water has gotten in there. Progress even if it's not what I planned!! This takes a lot of time, patience, sweat, blood, money and sometimes marriages!

 

[basstracker89]

Yep. That's why when I am looking, I look for a turn key. A whole lot cheaper that way. And somebody else has gone through all the headaches. Been there, done that. I think you're at least close now

 

[Kman]

Yep. That's why when I am looking, I look for a turn key. A whole lot cheaper that way. And somebody else has gone through all the headaches. Been there, done that. I think you're at least close now

I've learned a lot and come a long way. Still a long way to go! It might be March before I'm 100% done with everything. I really have enjoyed it and wished I had more time to mess around with it.

 

[Kman]

Rear axles pulled and new bearings and seals going in. One side you can see was shot. Not surprising after 50 years. Drive shop is installing a one piece aluminum drive shaft, rebuilding the differential and adding posi. She will be running smooth!

 

[Kman]

The drive shaft is built, new axle bearings installed and the limited slip differential will be finished any day!

 

[Kman]

Just picked the truck up from the drive-line shop. I'm blown away at how smooth this thing drives!!!! It's like a different truck all together. Everything was out of whack after 50 years of neglect. They eliminated the 2 piece drive shaft and spent carrier bearing with a super fat aluminum one piece drive shaft, replaced the rear axle shaft bearings/seals, rebuilt the differential and added limited slip. I kept the 3.25:1 gearing as it's perfect for my driving. I did not realize what a difference this would make!!! Blown away!

 

[basstracker89]

Very good. That 325 gear won't pull a heavy trailer well, but neither will the short wheel base. The 302 would also be a little lacking. But a good run around truck

 

[Kman]

Very good. That 325 gear won't pull a heavy trailer well, but neither will the short wheel base. The 302 would also be a little lacking. But a good run around truck

Yup, the reliability has improved 110% from what it was. This was another important one off the list!