So last night Buster ROARED to life. The only issue is that I can not get her to idle. It is either me under the hood pumping the throttle on the California compliant carb or a slow stall. I replaced the cracked fuel filter before getting started so I can rule that out. On to PCV (not PVC) and vacuum hoses. I am sure its a vacuum leak somewhere causing the issue. The fuel pump seemed to deliver enough fuel so I will hold out on that purchase for now. Is it wrong of me to be so excited when I saw the fuel mist in that carb? I mean, teenage boy excited! SCHAAAAAWING!
Buster does seem to be in good shape on the outside minus the normal rear quarter panel rust. I used a little Simple Green on the side of the truck and was amazed how it looked. I will plan on giving it a good bath, rubbing compound, clay bar, and wax in the distant future. It seems like it has been repainted somewhere down the line because there is over spray on the rubber window gaskets. The purple tint on the windows has to go. I removed some from the rear passenger window last night. It will be replaced with 50% black limo tint on the rear sides and 35% on the rear window (highest % allowed in VA).
The tires are too wide and old for my liking so I will be on the lookout for five FJ steel rims. I want pizza cutters for this truck. Have to research the tallest skinniest size the MUD collective has fit in the past. Haven't even tackled the brakes yet. That comes after the engine. Wanting to go from drum to disc brakes so I will also hold out on any improvements to the system and be on the lookout for an old mini truck axle to strip of its parts. 2 out of 4 drums will stop this beast, right?
Last night I was reading the old paper work that was provided. The engine "blew" around 200K in 2001. The 2F head original to the truck was toast so a domed 2F head was milled down and used. The paperwork assured the PO that it was stronger than the other one that "blew". In addition, it was expected to have slightly less compression that was not going to be noticeable. Radiator, starter, fuel pump, smog pump, and ??? were all replaced when the engine was rebuilt. Maybe Buster needs a new name, thinking the "Six Million Dollar Man". We can rebuild him, we have the technology, he will be better, faster, and able to climb more hills than before. Ha! Odometer was at 220K in 2003 when PO purchased and presently sits at 237K today.
The H55F was an add on in the early 2000's and is a man-a-fre heavy duty rebuild. The drive shafts were remeasured, cut, and balanced. It also has a spectre offroad 3" greasable shackle lift. All that work was done in California.
It is nice to read of the transformation Buster has been through, yet a little normal frustration arises when I look under the hood. I'm wondering how the added on A/C works (not how you would think) and if the belt routing will spin the alternator fast enough to get to 14 volts (currently looks like 12volts according the uber accurate dash voltmeter).
Good times. Already had my first two dinners on the tailgate. Triscuit and EZ Cheese Monday night, pizza last night. Oh the possibilities when I get my camp stove in there!
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