Builds 1980 Agent Orange (4x4 Short Bed) (1 Viewer)

[SFROMAN]

I went with a marlin crawler built L52 with heavy duty clutch and 22returbo flywheel and that thing is twice as thick as the stock one.

 

[ferg]

The W56 will serve you well. Had one behind my 20R for many years and kept it for many more behind the GM 4.3 V6. It can hold up to some pretty serious use even pushing 35 inch tires.

 

[SMG]

With the transmission shipped out to Marlin Crawler and lead times so long everywhere, I figured I better get a long block ordered.

After shopping around I decided to order my long block from Engine Monster (aka APR Auto) out of Colorado. All though they had mixed reviews, they really seem to know the 22R and 22RE engines plus it comes with a decent warranty.

I would have really liked to order an engine from Jim @ 22REPerformance, but he was so backed up at the time I just couldn’t wait that long as I really wanted this back on the road as soon as possible.

Engine core all packaged up being shipped out to Colorado.

With the engine and transmission out for rebuild, it was time to tackle the front axle.

First, it was degreased and the disassemble.

Knowing that I wanted to make this truck drive as nice as possible, I made the decision to go with Hi-steer power steering. The kit I went with the All Pro Hi-steer with forged knuckle arms.

All the other parts for the axle ( Hi-steer gear box mount, bearings, seals and knuckle gussets) were ordered from Marlin Crawler.

Everything was painted with KBS paint.

 

[SMG]

More pics,

With the 1980 axle not having any gussets from the factory, I thought it would be a good idea to weld one on. I also welded on Marlin Crawlers knuckle gussets. ( more pictures coming).

These pictures are showing the axle rebuild completed and mocked up under the truck.

All new hardware, backing plate eliminators, rock rings, braided stainless steel brake lines, brake disc and calipers.

 

[gnob]

Why no vented rotor swap?
Imo its #2 to hi-steer afa drivability upgrades.

 

[SMG]

Why no vented rotor swap?
Imo its #2 to hi-steer afa drivability upgrades.

At the time, I didn’t even think about it. Maybe if I decide to keep the truck I’ll revisit the brakes.
( thou it stops really well )

 

[SMG]

After speaking with LC engineering about headers, they couldn’t confirm if their long tube headers would fit on a 1980 with newer 22r laser block. I guess the frame rails on a 1st Gen are a little narrower.
Because of not knowing for sure, I decided to order TG’s Rock Ripper header. I’m not a huge fan of TG, but man, these headers are super nice! I highly recommend them.

 

[SMG]

At this point, I was still waiting on the Engine and Transmission. I decided to tackle the transmission crossmember. I knew that the difference between the original 4 speed and the W56 was exactly 4,5/8” so I started cutting and welding.
First, I cut out the top section of the crossmember for the new top plate.

Transfered the mounting holes to the new position.

Welded in gussets

Used 1/4” steel for top plate and gussets.

 

[SMG]

Here’s some pictures of the Hi-Steer gearbox mount going in.
I was also able to find a new early (1986) steering box through BBS industries. The 86 boxes are harder to find and have a lower gear ratio which to me seems like a better option for the Hi-steer setup.
(More pictures coming)

 

[SMG]

Meanwhile look what show up!
New Engine and Transmission!

Oh yeah!

 

[Will Van]

...Maybe if I decide to keep the truck I’ll revisit the brakes.

Wait a minute, you're going to do all this work on the truck, and then sell it???


...I thought I was the only one who did that.

 

[Manhattan]

Wait a minute, you're going to do all this work on the truck, and then sell it???

Then I thought "If he is this thorough with a truck he's not keeping... WTH does he do to the trucks he keeps?!

@SMG this is an awesome restoration/build! You do amazing work.

 

[SMG]

Wait a minute, you're going to do all this work on the truck, and then sell it???


...I thought I was the only one who did that.

Honestly, I get more enjoyment messing about in the garage than I do driving them around.

I’ll probably just keep this one, unless I can find something to trade for. I really want a Datsun 510.

 

[Manhattan]

anyone else immediately start shopping for a 510 to trade

 

[SMG]

Then I thought "If he is this thorough with a truck he's not keeping... WTH does he do to the trucks he keeps?!

@SMG this is an awesome restoration/build! You do amazing work.

Thanks man! I appreciate that. I really wish I took more pictures. It turned out really nice and I feel like I missed documenting a lot of the details.

 

[Will Van]

Honestly, I get more enjoyment messing about the garage than I do driving them around.

I thought I was the only one. I really prefer building them than driving them. I think it appeals to my OCD.

Regardless, fantastic work! And thanks for all of the help.

 

[SMG]

Here’s a completed picture of the mounted steering box. I went with a flat pitman arm since I’m running the 2.5” OME suspension.
I tried to keep the drag link and pitman arm as parallel as possible to help from having any bump steer. It’s seems to be working great!

I still need to shorten those U-Bolts.

 

[Travis 76]

How was your experience with engine monster? I got a 22R from them about 14 years ago, was a logistical nightmare. Engine has been running good, blew a head gasket a few years ago I replaced it and it’s been good since. Make sure you add zinc to the oil. 4 of my cam lobes had worn down almost 1/8” in that first 10 years. Discovered while doing the head gasket.

 

[SMG]

With the front axle complete and back under the truck, it was time to start working on the engine. Since I’m running a Sniper, I didn’t need the little hot plate thingy that is installed up under the intake manifold. Because of this, I machined a disc to fill the void and to help with air flow. I also installed LCE’s egr delete kit.

 

[SMG]

How was your experience with engine monster? I got a 22R from them about 14 years ago, was a logistical nightmare. Engine has been running good, blew a head gasket a few years ago I replaced it and it’s been good since. Make sure you add zinc to the oil. 4 of my cam lobes had worn down almost 1/8” in that first 10 years. Discovered while doing the head gasket.

Man I have to say, no issues so far. Actually, I was really surprised how good everything went.
Maybe they have gotten everything figured out by now.
Yes, I’m running zinc and Rotella 15w 40w for the first 500 miles per their recommendations.