Pig problems........

[shmukster]

With as much as I have been working lately I've been neglecting the old girl, she deserves better than this. I finally got down into the garage Thursday after work and swapped in the non-USA carb I got from Kevin Rowlands. Seems to have more power with this carb, but the real problem is when I went back down to the garage to close up shop I saw a puddle of gear oil where the passenger rear tire was sitting. Back up to the parking area and found both rear seals leaking profusely.

I had never had an axle leak anywhere on the truck and this surprised me to find the thing leaking so badly so quickly. While wheeling last time at Rausch Creek in May my braking power had deteriorated badly. I had suspected the aftermarket master cylinder that was a few years old and had ordered a new one ($$$) from Toyota. I ordered axle seals from the dealer and got them Friday, and negotiated a day off with my boss so Saturday morning tore into the old girl.

Got the new master installed, and then addressed the axle seals. Not an attractive job what with having an Aussie locker back there. When I pulled the driver side brake drum off I found the front lining separated form its metal shoe!!! The passenger side brake adjusting screw was also frozen in its threads, surprise- I had a spare in the garage. Of course everything was soaked in gear oil, so there were several reasons for braking power gone away. In any event I got the locker disassembled, axles out, and new seals installed. Everything went back together OK but I couldn't find new lining in any of the local parts stores. The old girl is still sitting on jackstands waiting for new lining. I am hopeful to find lining somewhere here in Reading today (I'm writing this at work) so I can get her back on her feet.

I'm also waiting for the local driveshaft shop to assemble a new front driveshaft for me. Since the spring over I've been getting only one season out of the transfer case end U-joint because of the angle it works through, and that's using genuine Toyota ($$$) or good Neapco U-joints. We turned the knuckles during the spring over conversion so the axle end of the driveshaft isn't a problem. I'm getting a double cardan joint at the transfer end and hope (confidently) that my problems in that area go away.

So, if all goes well, the stars align perfectly, and I get some time between now and July 10 the piggy will be ready for the Coal Mine. I must say, a day without hearing the alarm clock at 3:45AM and with being able to sit on my back porch and drink a coffee was greatly appreciated. Been working a minimum of twelve hours seven days a week for the last five weeks and time in the garage has been non-existent. I can't wait to wheel next Thursday!!!! Hope there's a bunch of club members at the event. Gary S

[CJBury]

I hope you get it straightened out Gary. If anyone can it would be you.
I don't envy your work situation. My Uncle just retired from a government inland nuclear reactor test facility for submarines. He did the 12hour 7 days a week for many years. I am amazed it didn't kill him. He just retired 2 weeks ago and you can't wipe the smile off his face. I hope you have that smile one day too.

[kb3gun]

I think your piggy just wanted some quality time with you. It didn't like the hours you were working and it did what it had to.
Best of luck with it. If you want the linings off my 62 axles, I can overnight them to you. It'll be a few months till I'm anywhere near needing them and they'll be replaced anyway. Let me know.

[Wayneraintree]

Hey Gary,
Don't feel bad... my 60 developed a leak in the pass side rear axle seal.... less than two weeks and the ebrake wouldn't release! I ordered and got the seals but had not the time to install them. Guess I am making time : )

I plan to drop off the ALCA banner to you this Friday Gary, if ya need wrenching help, let me know. I am headed to RI then VT, then back. There is an outside chance I can make CMCC... stay tuned.

[CJBury]

Originally Posted by Wayneraintree

There is an outside chance I can make CMCC... stay tuned.

Noice.

[shmukster]

My money says we see Jeff at the CMCC at least for a cameo appearance (read: beer drinking, socilaizing, and fearlessly leading some pilgrims on a trail ride..........) That was a compliment, Jeff, see you at the CMCC!

I'll gladly carry our banner to the event.

Jeff- might you be near the corner of Vermont and NY state up near Canada? My 70 is up there at Champlain and will need to get to Brockton. Wanna drive a 70 home for me?

Another long day today, fourteen hours. My old ass is dragging. Pig is ready to go- almost. Got brakes at a National store and installed them yesterday. Bled the brakes and took the truck out for a test drive. Brakes need bled again. Otherwise things seem OK. Will try to see the driveshaft guy tomorrow to see if he's built me a new driveshaft, stay tuned. I can certainly get through another CMCC with the existing front driveshaft.

It for now, time for beer and food.............Gary S

[jamarquardt22]

Gary, Check your breather on your rear axle. Jeremy with the red taco that comes with me somtimes had that clogged and the pressure that couldnt get out blew out both of his axle seals. JT can tell you about that since its his axle now.

[shmukster]

I surprisingly didn't have to work the holiday yesterday, a welcome relief. Was able to spend some time in the garage and it looks like the old girl is ready for the CMCC.

Andy, I checked the breather for the rear axle. I can't say if it was open or not- but it had been under water (or mud). I removed the assembly and made sure it is now open. Yeah, this could have caused my oil leak problems. I'll bet it doesn't leak anymore.

I have the brakes working fine but can't seem to get all the air out of the lines. The pedal is a bit low at first then pumps right up. But it is good enough (safe enough) to drive without concern.

See you guys at rausch Creek! I may be staying at the hotel Wednesday night but more than likely will just drive to the campground Wed night for some socializing then head home, and drive the oinker to RC Thursday morning. Stay tuned! Gary S

[Eskimo]

It may take some work, but a '84-'85 minitruck front shaft has a dang good angle of operation. The IFS CV's (minitruck '86-'94) can be clearanced and will run constantly below 25° and peak out at 32°. Haven't measured Tacoma CV's, but they're big and seemed to offer quite a bit of angle.

The Cruiser stuff does have a quite limited angle of operation.. minitruck stuff has served me (and many others) well.

IMO, the cheapest way out would be a minitruck standard joint (non-CV) on the t-case end - they have up to a 42° operating angle! (On a front shaft, I don't typically do CV's since your hubs will typically be unlocked, but if you like to drive with the hubs locked in, a CV might be better for ya)

I've had good dealings with jesse at high angle driveline - he's not the cheapest, but his stuff lasts...