Builds 2F Retirement/ Vortec Resto-Fresh (2 Viewers)

[MANUCHAO]

You'll be fine without the fan..
I found my self pulling that trailer quite a few times across NV with temps at 110°F and the AC going... Didn't want to worry about the tranny going hot on me.... Did without the trailer for two years now and I don't miss it... But if I had to pull one I know Im good to do so....

I run the tranny fluids through the rad as I read that is good to bring it up to a working temp during the winter months... I don't do much of that here in SoCal, but the times I have gone to the Sierra's it has been @$&;#! cold...!!

EDIT: BTW the fan came in really handy when pulling that trailer on some of those high elevation dirty roads in Co., at lower much lower speeds. At hwy speeds I don't think the fan does not do much for yah (but I could be wrong). I also thought about putting a higher capacity oil pan (MAG-HYTEC) for the tranny, but never got around it

 

[Elbert]

I like the design of the B&M cooler w/fan...its a nice setup if you have the room. Unless you add additional controls the electric fan will come on and remain running until the fluid cools off...engine on or off. So if you go that route you might want to have it enabled by relay with ign on (trans cooler electric fan). Unless B&M changed the design from the past... the B&M cooler I had...had a switch built in...and was ready to go.

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Back in action finally after having been frustratingly and unwillingly pulled off my conversion for the last two months!

Long story short - I got pulled into a quick, down and dirty home rehab for a family member that I could not avoid. The project has taken nearly every free minute of my time but I won't bore you with the details. However, the one cool thing that came of it was I was forced to build a set of decorative steel gates. I've never done this kind of thing but felt that I was up to the challenge.

As my "fee" for taking on the gates I ordered something I've been wanting for a while...

Opening the box...

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

This is not tech but here's a couple pics of the gates I built that justified me buying a new welder:

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

And today after months of waiting I was finally able to weld my motor mounts in!

Also been plugging away at the harness when time allows. It may not look like it but it's basically done other than a few connections I need to make to the cruiser harness and loom it up.

That's it for the moment but hopefully will be posting much more progress soon...stay tuned.

-Ed

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Progress today.

Modified the AA engine mounts and set the full weight of the engine on the newly welded mounts. Happy to say they did not fall off.

Also made great headway on the crossmember tonight...

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Question for the group - I made a second set of brackets to weld to the crossmember to sandwich the frame (see pic). Figured I'd run three bolts thru the frame and bracket on each side to secure it. Starting to think that the sandwiching brackets are overkill.


Mocked up:

Thoughts?

 

[FJ60Cam]

I'd use two. That second bracket will shorten the span by four inches or so, which will add stiffness to the crossmember. Plus you'll have more weld supporting the weight.

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Crossmember Finished!

Welded on the second set of brackets based on Cam's prudent advice. Shot some primer and paint and she's looking pretty good.

Added some spray can bed liner for a little extra protection and because I think it looks cool.

And after drilling a mess of holes got her mounted up with some shiny grade 8's.

For the first time the new drive train rests unassisted in its new home!

 

[gregnash]

Looks good dude! I may have to borrow this from you to "test" out the engine when you are done... For research purposes of course for my own eventual swap!

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Looks good dude! I may have to borrow this from you to "test" out the engine when you are done... For research purposes of course for my own eventual swap!

Thanks Greg.

I'm sure a test drive can be arranged but BeBe might get jealous if you're running around with a 'fast' cruiser.

Honestly I've never driven a V8 60 myself and I can hardly frickin' wait!

 

[gregnash]

Thanks Greg.

I'm sure a test drive can be arranged but BeBe might get jealous if you're running around with a 'fast' cruiser.

Honestly I've never driven a V8 60 myself and I can hardly frickin' wait!

How dare you call your truck fast!!!!! She is not that kind of lady!!
Yeah the debate will forever rage in my head until I one day have the money to make something happen. Just like the debts for me of either completely Monstaliner'ing BeBe or giving her a paint job.

 

[cruisermatt]

It looks like the crossmember uses the stock transmission mount under the transfer case adapter? If so why not use a stock crossmember and move it back? Your solution is way stronger but would this work?

 

[daytonadogie]

Lookin' good!

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

It looks like the crossmember uses the stock transmission mount under the transfer case adapter? If so why not use a stock crossmember and move it back? Your solution is way stronger but would this work?

The 5.3l combined with 4l60e pushes the TC back about 12" (give or take). Because the frame gets wider as it goes back the stock crossmember will not span between frame rails.

However, if you're considering then same swap for a 62 I believe you can reuse the stock crossmember as documented in MarkN and Daytonadoggie's threads.

-Ed

 

[cruisermatt]

Makes sense, thanks for the info.

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Fuel system fun begins.

Pulled the gas tank this afternoon in preparation for the in-tank pump installation and new plumbing. Dissappointed to find that my tank does not have the factory depression that I've seen in other threads. Not sure what's up with that? Difference in model years? Oh well... Guess it will take a little more work with the hammer and dolly.

Also went shopping. I'm lucky to have a Summit retail store practically in my back yard.

Going to be a good weekend...

 

[FJ60Cam]

Fuel system fun begins.

Pulled the gas tank this afternoon in preparation for the in-tank pump installation and new plumbing. Dissappointed to find that my tank does not have the factory depression that I've seen in other threads. Not sure what's up with that? Difference in model years? Oh well... Guess it will take a little more work with the hammer and dolly.

View attachment 1095419

Also went shopping. I'm lucky to have a Summit retail store practically in my back yard.

View attachment 1095420

Going to be a good weekend...

View attachment 1095421

Has it had the tank recall performed?

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've never checked - I don't know.

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Got the fuel pump installed this weekend.

Bought a kit from Tanks Inc. and am fairly pleased with the product and installation.

Procedure for adding the in tank pump is well documented here and the Tanks Inc. website has a good walk-thru.

After several washes and pumping air continuously with a shop vac I felt I was ready to drill the 4.5" hole. No turning back after this:

This handy sump is revealed underneath

And after cutting the pump mounting plate to size...

and assembling the pump it's ready to drop in. The sock filter is a perfect fit for the sump. The pump is a Walbro unit. I'm expecting good things from this setup.