Above 1200 Sq/FT The Warthog Hidey Hole

[jbmatth]

JB, if you like the ride with the factory springs, you could keep those and install 2-inch lowering spindles. The only thing worse than too weak springs is too strong springs. OK, maybe messed up camber fits in there somewhere. Until you get it set up the way you want, I wouldn't replace that bumper cover (buy it, paint it but don't put it on). Not that I would know anything about that kind of stuff.

The springs I have are a little stiff, but not too bad. I've considered lowering spindles but eventually I want to get bigger brakes off of a C6 Corvette and with lowering spindles they could cause interference with the wheel.

I don't plan to replace it until I get all of the mechanical bits figured out, just lots of mechanical bits to figure out first. Good news on the tuning front the idle is working great now, I'm about to call it done once I can do some good WOT (wide open throttle) pulls and test the AFR (air fuel ratio) with power enrichment activated (like the power valve on a Holley carb.) But to do that I have a slight exhaust leak to fix first, one of my V-band flanges warped when I welded it and I'm just going to replace it and have it done "right" this time.

JB

 

[RickP]

Well I was wrong...I didn't take a photo because I was pretty ticked, but ripped the bumper cover off of the truck last night pulling into the shop. I also broke the new fog light I just installed so I had to order another one. I pulled the new lowering springs out and installed the factory ones back in. I'll revisit the lowering springs later.

JB

Bummer...

I guess that was a good "learning experience" as Andy has said about some of his adventures, but it still sounds like it was a pretty painful one. I did that with a brand new fog light on one of the old model Jeep Grand Cherokees, when they were mounted under the bumper. Definitely a little painful!

Nice job on getting the truck on the road - you've put a ton of hard work into it to get to this point, and it's looking really good.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Well I was wrong...I didn't take a photo because I was pretty ticked, but ripped the bumper cover off of the truck last night pulling into the shop. I also broke the new fog light I just installed so I had to order another one. I pulled the new lowering springs out and installed the factory ones back in. I'll revisit the lowering springs later.

JB

You could always arbag it so you can lift it up to get it in the shop without it self destructing

 

[jbmatth]

Bummer...

I guess that was a good "learning experience" as Andy has said about some of his adventures, but it still sounds like it was a pretty painful one. I did that with a brand new fog light on one of the old model Jeep Grand Cherokees, when they were mounted under the bumper. Definitely a little painful!

Nice job on getting the truck on the road - you've put a ton of hard work into it to get to this point, and it's looking really good.

It was a learning experience, I usually try to go to sleep with more knowledge than I woke up with. The scary part is I don't know what I forgot that day to make room for the new stuff.

Thanks for the compliments, it has been a long road to get to where I am, but have it all back together and aligned enough for a test drive today with all of the tuning updated and it is sure a blast, makes merging with traffic a breeze.

You could always arbag it so you can lift it up to get it in the shop without it self destructing

I like airbags to a point but this truck will be more street strip oriented and I don't want to have to deal with bags in the front. I got some information on replacement stock springs from Moog and it turns out my "original" springs are rated at 744 lbs per inch, the ones I ordered today are rated at 590, and the softest ones I could order are rated at 472, no clue what the others are I just took out but measured and the 1" drop springs actually dropped it 4.5". I noticed when I was under there my bump stops were shot so I ordered and installed some new ones before my trip to work today:

I'd say they were due for replacement. Here is a look at the bumper cover before I reattached it:

Fits like it always has and is ugly but it still needs replaced eventually. Tonight should be my last night if all goes well...I've thought that for 3 days so who knows.

JB

 

[RickP]

Working nights sounds like it's getting really old at this point. Not to mention making it harder to get work done on the truck. You must not sleep...

Those old bump stops were definitely past their prime! Once the new springs are in, I'll bet it will drive like a different truck.

 

[jbmatth]

Working nights sounds like it's getting really old at this point. Not to mention making it harder to get work done on the truck. You must not sleep...

Those old bump stops were definitely past their prime! Once the new springs are in, I'll bet it will drive like a different truck.

It was really dragging RickP, I'm back on daylights now but the transition hasn't been great for some reason. I was up at midnight the past two days so I was able to get a few things knocked out.

They were toast, I have them replaced now and ready for the new springs to arrive. I pulled the old "original" springs back out so it is just hanging there waiting now.

I also did a little maintenance on the Green Dragon ('97 Saturn SL1), I replaced the plugs, belt, idler pulley, and valve cover gasket. It was snowing when I got done so I left it in the shop, went to pull it out this morning to leave for work, too tired and knocked the mirror off on the shop door. I was getting pretty cold so just decided to call it and drive BP 2.0, I didn't plan to so I didn't plug in the block heater and it was not happy to start, eventually it did and all went well on the drive in. 7°F this morning and diesel trucks aren't good friends.

JB

 

[RickP]

It was really dragging RickP, I'm back on daylights now but the transition hasn't been great for some reason. I was up at midnight the past two days so I was able to get a few things knocked out.

They were toast, I have them replaced now and ready for the new springs to arrive. I pulled the old "original" springs back out so it is just hanging there waiting now.

I also did a little maintenance on the Green Dragon ('97 Saturn SL1), I replaced the plugs, belt, idler pulley, and valve cover gasket. It was snowing when I got done so I left it in the shop, went to pull it out this morning to leave for work, too tired and knocked the mirror off on the shop door. I was getting pretty cold so just decided to call it and drive BP 2.0, I didn't plan to so I didn't plug in the block heater and it was not happy to start, eventually it did and all went well on the drive in. 7°F this morning and diesel trucks aren't good friends.

JB

Welcome back to the land of the living in daylight.

That sounds way too cold for your truck to be even close to easy starting. My diesel tractor just laughs at me if I try to start it anywhere below 32 degrees. But I don't have a block heater either, with the mild winters we normally have. Your cold snap is headed our way, so we may drop below 20 later this week. I'll bet it's tough working in your shop these mornings - any plans for heat or insulation?

 

[rixtrix1]

Is the truck actually an Xtreme, with ZQ8 suspension( I don't remember)? Spring rate is supposed to be 590#" if so and will drop truck 1.5" with a 4.3. That's what I have in mine now from my wrecked truck. The new to me truck with HD suspension had 744#" springs and the ride beat me to death while being WAY too high. Check with Tobin at Kore 3 with questions about C5/6 brakes on just about anything GM; best prices and knowledgeable customer service. I have drop spindles and tall upper and lower ball joints and I don't see any problems with wheels clearing brakes, just the tie rod end. Current 17" wheels have 4.5" backspacing and I have 3/16" to the tie rod end. Going to try my 18x9.5" C5 Corvette wheels with a 3" adapter this coming weekend for fitment with 275-35R18 tires. Belltech drop spindles dropped the caliper to a rear centered position while it was about 2 o'clock with the stock spindle. Keep sharing so I'll know exactly what to do to put a v8 in mine( BUT I NEED YOUR ADDRESS TO SHiP THE TRUCK OVER.....LOL)!

 

[jbmatth]

Welcome back to the land of the living in daylight.

That sounds way too cold for your truck to be even close to easy starting. My diesel tractor just laughs at me if I try to start it anywhere below 32 degrees. But I don't have a block heater either, with the mild winters we normally have. Your cold snap is headed our way, so we may drop below 20 later this week. I'll bet it's tough working in your shop these mornings - any plans for heat or insulation?

It took more than one cranking cycle to get it going, but after it finely lit off it ran pretty well for the trip into town. I didn't do anything out there this morning other than brake the mirror off of the car and my hands were telling me they are done. I do have a wood stove in the shop that I fire up when I plan to work more than an hour or so, less than that it is a waste of wood. No plans for insulation in this shop it just doesn't make since to put that much money into it when there are other more major problems I need to solve first.

Is the truck actually an Xtreme, with ZQ8 suspension( I don't remember)? Spring rate is supposed to be 590#" if so and will drop truck 1.5" with a 4.3. That's what I have in mine now from my wrecked truck. The new to me truck with HD suspension had 744#" springs and the ride beat me to death while being WAY too high. Check with Tobin at Kore 3 with questions about C5/6 brakes on just about anything GM; best prices and knowledgeable customer service. I have drop spindles and tall upper and lower ball joints and I don't see any problems with wheels clearing brakes, just the tie rod end. Current 17" wheels have 4.5" backspacing and I have 3/16" to the tie rod end. Going to try my 18x9.5" C5 Corvette wheels with a 3" adapter this coming weekend for fitment with 275-35R18 tires. Belltech drop spindles dropped the caliper to a rear centered position while it was about 2 o'clock with the stock spindle. Keep sharing so I'll know exactly what to do to put a v8 in mine( BUT I NEED YOUR ADDRESS TO SHOP THE TRUCK OVER.....LOL)!

It is an Xtreme and did originally have ZQ8 suspension per the RPO codes. Good to hear it is supposed to be 590# (.75" dia.) because that is what I ordered from Moog, the coil diameter on my current springs is .78" which is the same as the 744# springs Moog has. I'll give them a shot and see where I am, it rides a bit rough right now so I'm happy to try some lighter springs. The other option would be some 472# springs from them as well.

I'm not to the point of getting bigger brakes yet, I don't really see the need, I don't go faster than the original truck, I just get to that speed quicker now. With the 255 front tire I rub on the sway bar if I turn too sharp so I need to look into that a bit more as well. I'll be happy to tell you everything I remember on the V8 swap, might not be as much as you need but at least get you started.

All,
I took my youngest daughter Cat for a ride this weekend and asked if she wanted me to go fast, put it in 2nd and tried to accelerate from a 40 mph roll and kept blowing the tires off if I gave it more than 60% throttle. She asked why it wasn't fast now LOL.

JB

 

[dchance]

Well your youngest daughter has already figured it out. Spinning tires do not help forward momentum.

Glad you are off nights. I could never seem to adjust to them.

Dwight

 

[jbmatth]

Well your youngest daughter has already figured it out. Spinning tires do not help forward momentum.

Glad you are off nights. I could never seem to adjust to them.

Dwight

Dwight,
That she does, she doesn't have a good feel for what fast is as she thinks the fastest car I have was the Lemon (The yellow Ford ****** ZX2 with 143 hp) and that Mama's Jeep is faster than all of the rest.

It takes me a week or so to fully adjust so I'm really glad I don't work a swing shift like some of these guys have to, my hat is off to them.

All,
The springs came in yesterday along with the new fog lights and I couldn't help myself, I installed the new springs this morning, first off the original too big Papa bear version:

The too low Baby bear version (about 4.5" lower after driving it):

And now the Mama bear version that is just right (about 2 inches lower before driving it):

Here is the front view with the old and busted bumper cover and old fog lights (I really need to do a good cleaning soon.):

I rallied after that photo and installed the new ones and took the exhaust off to get ready to fix the v-band clamps. Hopefully this time I wont warp them when welding them on, I'll go slower and only dip into the flange when it is time to finish weld there.

JB

 

[BUGTHUG]

Hey JB, they are having a big swap meet at Century II in Wichita this Friday and Saturday. You should plan on attending.

 

[jbmatth]

Hey JB, they are having a big swap meet at Century II in Wichita this Friday and Saturday. You should plan on attending.

Herb,
Nice to hear from you, how have things been going up your way? I'd like to and saw that was coming up but sadly I won't be able to make it. I'm leaving town this weekend to pick up another vehicle from my parents place in Missouri. I don't want to tell about it just yet in case things don't go as planned.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

You daughter knows which side her bread is buttered on, of course mom's Jeep is the fastest.

I don't know how the shift guys handle it, days, nights, days off, nights off, and around and around they go. Perpetual jet lag. You would recover quicker from working nights if you were younger...

 

[jbmatth]

You daughter knows which side her bread is buttered on, of course mom's Jeep is the fastest.

You have a great point there, Mama spoils her more than I do for certain. I know who she will be in negotiations with when it is time to buy a car though.

I don't know how the shift guys handle it, days, nights, days off, nights off, and around and around they go. Perpetual jet lag. You would recover quicker from working nights if you were younger...

You have a point, I'm not sure how they can do it either, swing shift has to be tough on them. Just think in college I could stay up late every weekend and still make it to class without falling asleep. Now I just say "I'm too old for this stuff." in my best Danny Glover impersonation.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I don't have a lot of progress to report because I was gone all weekend but do have some news. To start off with I'm going to tell on myself a little, I did a little maintenance on the Green Dragon and one of the items was replacing the valve cover gasket. In that car there really isn't a good way to secure the gasket so it doesn't move upon installation, I use a bit of RTV on a few spots to hold it in place, sadly it wasn't enough:

Yep, lots of oil spilled everywhere, if it weren't 7°F (-14°C) I would have pulled over and fixed it on the side of the road, but didn't have enough warm clothing to last so I drove it to work after adding in all of the oil I had in the trunk. I made it to work but there was none on the dipstick.

All is well though, fixed and back on the road, I took it back to my parents to visit and got 46.00 MPG for the trip so I don't think I hurt it too bad.

Speaking of the trip part of the reason I made it was because my grandmother is now back in the nursing home and it sounds like it is for good this time. I spent a good bit of time with her and listening to stories which was a welcome break from the normal. Another part of the reason was to buy her old car and my grandfathers truck, she didn't want to sell them but felt like she needed to sell them to help pay for the nursing home costs. So I present to you gramp's truck:

It is a '95 Chevrolet C1500 with the Silverado trim, the truck is in great shape for it's age and spent it's first 22 years under a cover. Sadly my brothers and father used it as a truck and didn't worry about keeping it in great shape so it has aged rapidly in the past 2 years. It only has 86,000 miles on it and after a little TLC cleaned up pretty well for the drive home which it made without a hitch other than the coolant temperature sensor going crazy and reading 260°F on occasion which worried me for a bit. The leather interior is showing its age a bit but has cleaned up some, I still need to shampoo the carpets then I'll get some interior shots for y'all.

My Gran's car is a 2002 Buick Rendezvous with 59,000 miles, it is in much better shape and will become the new family hauler for trips so I don't have to drive my wife's Jeep and get beat up. With all of the rain I didn't get any photos of it but am making another trip back this weekend for another visit and to pick it up and will get some then.

Also I managed to finish the wiring harness for my brother's '68 Camaro we pulled the 5.3 LS based engine for in November:

It was pretty simple and went pretty quick but I didn't have any 12 Ga. wire for the fan relay's so it was delayed longer than I'd wanted.

Lastly the Lil' Blue Truck...I thought I'd be able to drive it more than I have but sadly that hasn't been the case. I have fought an exhaust leak since I put it together which I first fixed by making a gasket for a V-band. That turned into a one time use gasket, with the mating surfaces being warped from too much heat during welding it is basically scrap. I ordered another set only to get a different style that looks too cheesy to use so I ordered another set and am waiting on delivery.

Speaking of that the bay of E's was having a 15% off sale yesterday so I picked up a few more parts for the eventual turbo install.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Your grandfather's truck looks great!! It was really a shame to take a 22 year old truck and, as you say, use it like a truck. Do you use saddle soap on leather seats? Some good cleaning and oiling can do wonders.

Thank goodness you've proven the Green Dragon is oiling the upper end just fine.

 

[jbmatth]

Your grandfather's truck looks great!! It was really a shame to take a 22 year old truck and, as you say, use it like a truck. Do you use saddle soap on leather seats? Some good cleaning and oiling can do wonders.

Thank goodness you've proven the Green Dragon is oiling the upper end just fine.

Thank you Andy, it cleaned up pretty darn good after a good bath, but really needs someone who knows what they are doing to bring the paint back more than cleaning the sap off. I was pretty sad to see what they had done but at the time it wasn't mine and I didn't have a say. On the other hand that was the only truck they had access too and needed a truck so it is what it is.

I have some leather conditioner I used on the driver seat before I took off on the trip and it seemed to help but I will pick up some more products to clean it more as time goes on. We are getting rain dumped on us today so no progress in the near future.

The Green Dragon sure does a good job of moving oil around it seems. Scary thing is an oil light never came on and of course there is no oil pressure gauge. One thing to note when I went to pour the oil in it was running and I noticed a TON of blow by, I could rebuild the engine and install new rings...but I won't, but I could. It just isn't worth it until something more major happens.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

350 TBI? They will run forever! ECSB's look great with a 2/4 drop....just saying. Also 95 was a 1 year only 4L60e, has to do with PWM controls. Great pickups I miss my 95 Sierra!

 

[bj383ss]

JB love your Grandfather's truck. Although I might be partial . I hope you have the 350 and not the 305 mine has. Although it has 177,000 miles, doesn't leak or smoke and runs like a top. It's just gutless.

Bret

 

[jbmatth]

350 TBI? They will run forever! ECSB's look great with a 2/4 drop....just saying. Also 95 was a 1 year only 4L60e, has to do with PWM controls. Great pickups I miss my 95 Sierra!

Outlaw,
I should have mentioned it does have the 350, I believe it is the 200 hp 310 ft.-lbs. of torque version but can't be for certain. It had the original window sticker in the console but sadly that has disappeared. I wanted to do a little drop on the truck but I can't, my grandfather believed in everything being left stock and in good shape so that is what I'll do within reason.

Hopefully I never have to worry about the transmission, fingers crossed but good information to know.

JB love your Grandfather's truck. Although I might be partial . I hope you have the 350 and not the 305 mine has. Although it has 177,000 miles, doesn't leak or smoke and runs like a top. It's just gutless.

Bret

Understandable why you would like them, I really like it as well and I have a few good memories of borrowing it when I was in high school.

It is a 350 and does an admirable job of moving the truck, not fast but works well and even delivered 12.65 MPG towing the Green Dragon back across southern Mo. and Ks.

JB

 

[hpw]

JB

So that's your story huh?

 

[oldironfarmer]

So that's your story huh?

She can come oil my engines anytime.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

I love those GMT400 trucks. I had a 90 for many years that I used to haul scrap metal, so it lived hard.

Yes, it got tied down before I got on the road.


At 400k miles I retired it and bought a 94 Suburban and a trailer.

Due to a non functional temp sensor it got severely overheated. So I pulled the engine out of the pickup and put it in the Suburban. Ran it another 150k before I found a 3/4 ton 94 Suburban.
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/555336_10150970914584739_574557976_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.**&oh=50b8a1712999aca8bad6bf5c4e79b35d&oe=5D0EF805

Unfortunately it had a strange electrical gremlin that no one could figure out. So it was sold.

For several years I had a 90 stepside. It was rough, and I loved it, but it was a 5 speed and it killed my back to push the clutch in. A neighbor saw I wasn't driving it and beat me with a wad of cash til I sold it to him. I have visitation rights.
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22308823_10156519196239739_3260049491321227819_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_eui2=AeHhhsEeq7naR1Z0srj-I7JTM-RU6kPRiwiOxH6-Q3iNZ1OkhUuZusxouw5CWdWwncc8qqva5BT9FXe7GhCQg8D846_5UKlJJQunWTyz5hwmiA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.**&oh=3e9b22b0930bd4481154bbf3355f07a3&oe=5D03C4B4
Now I have a 97 Suburban and a 99 Tahoe Z71. Great trucks.
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44723364_10157078593244739_2153171198312185856_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_eui2=AeEOgh4-RpQ_kKqqrBitZVkJeuh3dxhjOg-fw67XyIHr4ZLVhCFkMq1RM1PJHNPFyl8g49X_qjkWxqczB61zebkExKdSte2SAz92nEG9bAKYVw&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.**&oh=e54ea58977bb218dba1260b5f626bc62&oe=5D0D0793

Many others were sprinkled in the mix from time to time.


And the only complaint I have had out of any of them is that GM uses the worst leather
in the automotive industry. No matter how much you clean and condition, it falls apart. Good luck with yours.

 

[jbmatth]

So that's your story huh?

HPW,
That is almost what it felt like trying to pour the oil in with the engine running. I like to think of it as rust protection at this point.

She can come oil my engines anytime.

I love those GMT400 trucks. I had a 90 for many years that I used to haul scrap metal, so it lived hard.

Yes, it got tied down before I got on the road.


At 400k miles I retired it and bought a 94 Suburban and a trailer.

Due to a non functional temp sensor it got severely overheated. So I pulled the engine out of the pickup and put it in the Suburban. Ran it another 150k before I found a 3/4 ton 94 Suburban.
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/555336_10150970914584739_574557976_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.**&oh=50b8a1712999aca8bad6bf5c4e79b35d&oe=5D0EF805

Unfortunately it had a strange electrical gremlin that no one could figure out. So it was sold.

For several years I had a 90 stepside. It was rough, and I loved it, but it was a 5 speed and it killed my back to push the clutch in. A neighbor saw I wasn't driving it and beat me with a wad of cash til I sold it to him. I have visitation rights.
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22308823_10156519196239739_3260049491321227819_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_eui2=AeHhhsEeq7naR1Z0srj-I7JTM-RU6kPRiwiOxH6-Q3iNZ1OkhUuZusxouw5CWdWwncc8qqva5BT9FXe7GhCQg8D846_5UKlJJQunWTyz5hwmiA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.**&oh=3e9b22b0930bd4481154bbf3355f07a3&oe=5D03C4B4
Now I have a 97 Suburban and a 99 Tahoe Z71. Great trucks.
https://scontent-atl3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44723364_10157078593244739_2153171198312185856_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_eui2=AeEOgh4-RpQ_kKqqrBitZVkJeuh3dxhjOg-fw67XyIHr4ZLVhCFkMq1RM1PJHNPFyl8g49X_qjkWxqczB61zebkExKdSte2SAz92nEG9bAKYVw&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.**&oh=e54ea58977bb218dba1260b5f626bc62&oe=5D0D0793

Many others were sprinkled in the mix from time to time.


And the only complaint I have had out of any of them is that GM uses the worst leather
in the automotive industry. No matter how much you clean and condition, it falls apart. Good luck with yours.

Warwagon,
Wow, you have had a few of them and sounds like pretty good luck for the most part. I don't really plan to drive this truck all that much so I won't be beating you in mileage anytime soon.

I agree on the leather, the seats in this truck have held up pretty well all in all but have plenty of cracks that make me worry for the long term condition of them. The seat backs are great, but the bottoms have seen better days, new replacements are available so that is always an option.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

So that's your story huh?

After much study and several reviews of this video, and seeing the serious look on her face, I've come to the conclusion she's no fool. That is her ex's car, he's a car guy, and she's messing with him big time.

 

[jbmatth]

After much study and several reviews of this video, and seeing the serious look on her face, I've come to the conclusion she's no fool. That is her ex's car, he's a car guy, and she's messing with him big time.

I do believe you are onto something there Andy. I do have one theory that goes in conjunction with your theory, she is not a car girl, if she really wanted to mess with him she would have used the 5 quart jugs to really give him some concern. Further review of the footage is required of course, I'll get back to you in an hour or more.

JB

 

[hpw]

this the one I wanted initially but couldn't find it....she has much better "form"

 

[jbmatth]

Well Andy is appears HPW came through, we have now found the true culprit, she must have really aged, she no longer is into BMW's but Saturn's and looks like me.

All, I managed another successful trip home and have returned with my Grandmother's Buick Rendezvous, sadly no photos of it but it made the trip just fine, is quite spacious and rides wonderfully for a 17 year old car.

Upon my return I was able to change out the warped V-Band connections on the Lil' Blue Truck, now I can get back to tuning after 3 weeks of waiting. Let me know if you need me to explain why the old flange wouldn't seal:

JB

 

[RickP]

Upon my return I was able to change out the warped V-Band connections on the Lil' Blue Truck, now I can get back to tuning after 3 weeks of waiting. Let me know if you need me to explain why the old flange wouldn't seal:

JB

Was it a problem with the V-Band?

The new one looks a lot beefier and should do better with welding heat.

Nice Silverado! Your Grandfather sure knew how to take care of a truck.

 

[jbmatth]

Was it a problem with the V-Band?

The new one looks a lot beefier and should do better with welding heat.

Nice Silverado! Your Grandfather sure knew how to take care of a truck.

Rick,
The new one in that photo is actually a spare 3" rather than 2.5" like the old one as I'd already welded the new one on. I replaced the other this morning as it had a very slight leak I didn't notice at first...or 15th trip around the exhaust.

When I welded these on I took a bit more time and only welded about 1/4" at a time and skipped around, no warping and leak free now. Because of the leaks my tune is a bit off again so I'm tweaking on it now, it is fun but I'm sure using a lot more gas for some reason.

He sure did keep it in great shape, most like it around here are full of rust holes.

All,
It appears as though I'm going to get another project tomorrow, I'll fill you in more once I get started but hopefully it'll be in and out quick.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Well darn, I didn't really expect this to happen:

As I've mentioned before I have had a tough time with traction in this truck since the cam swap and re-tune. Well at about that same time I also remove one of the leaves from each leaf spring pack to lower it to closer to what I wanted. That along with the new power, limited slip rear, and 22.5" of total tire cause some major axle wrap and wheel hop at certain times.

I actually got lucky I noticed it and didn't destroy the axle in the process. There are many potential solutions but from what I've read in the past is this is the best solution and cure:

Here is a photo of a pair installed on someone else's truck:

I don't know their proper terms but the lower link bar prevents axle wrap, and the geometry of the front spring and link mount will allow the suspension to still cycle and is supposed to really help with traction off of a launch. Hoping for the best, I really don't want to break anything else, other than traction on occasion.

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

My '49 has terrible wheel hop issues...I'm not sure I could get a set of those in place due to ground clearance!

 

[jbmatth]

My '49 has terrible wheel hop issues...I'm not sure I could get a set of those in place due to ground clearance!

I'll take some measurements for you when I get them installed and let you know how it goes for me. I ordered the lower profile version for the same reasons.

JB

 

[Bob Heine]

Here is a photo of a pair installed on someone else's truck:

I don't know their proper terms but the lower link bar prevents axle wrap, and the geometry of the front spring and link mount will allow the suspension to still cycle and is supposed to really help with traction off of a launch. Hoping for the best, I really don't want to break anything else, other than traction on occasion.

JB

JB, those are good old "Traction Bars". There are different versions, like "******* bars" (only attach to axle end) and ladder bars. The first high performance Camaros came from the factory with a single radius rod that works just like those Caltrac bars.
http://www.camaros.org/radiusrod.shtml

 

[jbmatth]

JB, those are good old "Traction Bars". There are different versions, like "******* bars" (only attach to axle end) and ladder bars. The first high performance Camaros came from the factory with a single radius rod that works just like those Caltrac bars.
http://www.camaros.org/radiusrod.shtml

There is the master Bob, start talking about fast cars and he is there, missed you lately Bob. Right you are, there are plenty of options out there from ******* bars to radius rods like on that Camaro link, but these act slightly different from what I've read. The adjustable link pushes on the bottom of the triangle that puts some pre-load on the leaf spring. To get the most out of them I need to order adjustable drag shocks but I'm not ready to drop that much more money right now. This setup was tough enough to swipe my card for.

JB

 

[Redwolf947]

Bob, beat me to it.. Traction bars are what we called them.. They help keep the axle from twisting and causing the wheel hop issues.. Also help keep from breaking springs

 

[oldironfarmer]

Bob, beat me...

Come on, Bob, you've got an invite.

 

[Redwolf947]

Come on, Bob, you've got an invite.

 

[jbmatth]

Bob, beat me to it.. Traction bars are what we called them.. They help keep the axle from twisting and causing the wheel hop issues.. Also help keep from breaking springs

Redwolf, spot on as well, I also need to verify pinion angle before I beat on it too much, that can have more of an effect than I'd originally thought.

Come on, Bob, you've got an invite.

Bob is always welcome Andy, I think the Caddy would be a great car to cruise up here in.

Don't hit Bob, the tree he is taking down already did enough damage.

All,
I'll start off on a bit of fun news, my brother that lives near OKC dropped his truck off for me to do some work on, it is a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab 4WD with an oil leak and some other little problems. I'm pulling the engine to clean it up and re-gasket everything, new shocks and a few other odd and ends. No pictures yet but I have one bolt on the AC compressor that is being mean then the body can come off.

Now for some other news. I don't normally post much personal about my extended families lives but feel like I have to now. My nephew (1.5 years old) is starting a tough battle, he was diagnosed with leukemia Saturday afternoon. He was taken to Kansas City for a short term where I went to visit him yesterday. Sadly that hospital is out of network so he had to be transferred. He did get a private plane ride, hope he doesn't get used to being spoiled like that.

Great news is he was accepted to St. Jude's in Memphis where he will have some of the best doctors in the world on his side. It has been a shock to my family as you'd expect. The doctors are very positive and because of his age and that they caught it very early feel he has a great chance at full recovery, it'll just be a tough 2 years worth of treatments from what I'm told. There are lots of unknowns at this point but we are all pulling for him. I look forward to the day when we can look back on this with distant memories and appreciate how we all rallied together to get him through this.

JB