Fresh Pork!

[tucker74]

Did you measure pre-load on the knuckles when re-assembling? I read up on death-wobble b/c my 40 has a slight shimmy in the front end and improper shimming of the knuckles (pre-load) is frequently implicated...

I re-used the same shims in the same places, done 6-7 birf jobs this way and never had any issues. Only time I got into trouble was when I went from small to large pattern knuckles on my 40 since I couldn't do this. FYI - you have to measure the pre-load fully assembled, which makes it a major PITA to adjust shims if off ...

Tucker

 

[scrapdaddy]

Tucker,

I thought you measured the preload, before you install axles, etc. Just bolt the knuckle down with cone washers and measure.

At least that's the way I did it?

 

[tucker74]

Tucker, I thought you measured the preload, before you install axles, etc. Just bolt the knuckle down with cone washers and measure. At least that's the way I did it?

I've always measured with birfs and spindles installed, been so long since I read the manual for a axle job I could be wrong . On a brighter note, third and axles installed with the birf cavity greased . Just gotta seal 'em up and set the wheel bearing pre-load ... should be driving this weekend.

Tucker

 

[scrapdaddy]

Nice! What's next up. There isn't much to do to yours anymore.

 

[tucker74]

Nice! What's next up. There isn't much to do to yours anymore.

I've got a H55 sitting on the shelf that's up next

Tucker

 

[scrapdaddy]

Oh Man, that overdrive with the diesel is perfect, well worth the effort. I can't remember, do you a have 4 speed in there now?

 

[tucker74]

Yep - have a late h42 and split case on there now. I swapped the stock 3:73s for 4:11s and am going to the 5-speed, also added the axle mounted ebrake Should be the best of both worlds now (low first and overdrive for highway) -

Tucker

 

[Delancy]

I swapped the stock 3:73s for 4:11s and am going to the 5-speed

Would you mind explaining the rationale behind the swap?

also added the axle mounted ebrake

I'm about to conceded defeat on the drum brake and follow suit.

 

[tucker74]

Would you mind explaining the rationale behind the swap?

The OM617 doesn't have much power until you spool up the turbo, so lower gears raise the RPMs. This coupled with a lower 1st gear in the H55 allows me to rev the motor to spool the turbo while still going slow when crawling. On the other end the overdrive gear gives me effectively what I've got now with a 4-speed and 3:73s for highway gearing. This truck is perfectly happy at 70-75 MPH now, I don't mind if I loose a little top end to be honest. 75 is scary in a pig

Tucker

 

[tucker74]

Got the spindles sealed up and installed, took the disks to have them turned and they didn't have enough thickness left to surface Was able to source a set of rotors at Carquest, was going to be three days from Mr.T. Want to have this on the road this weekend ...

Hubs cleaned up and ready to install the new rotors:

Getting close

Tucker

 

[tucker74]

Feels good ... just gotta bolt up the calipers and replace the soft lines . Wheel bearings were pitted, luckily Autozone carries Timkin, derailed my afternoon a bit though ...

Will be cruising mañana

Tucker

 

[arcteryx]

excellent Tucker!! drive over here and let me take if for a spin!!

 

[bobm]

tucker, PIG is coming along nicely. I think you should donate it to the "CAUSE"

Thanks Bob.

 

[tucker74]

Foiled by a 30mm pinion nut . Every thing else is done, just gotta swap the universal flange off my old third and bolt up the driveshaft. Gonna borrow a 30mm impact socket tomorrow to finish up, my set only goes to 27mm ...

Tucker

 

[tucker74]

Got it all buttoned up and took an extended test drive, what an amazing difference the lower gearing makes First and second gear pull strong and don't lug the engine, even rolled a right hand turn from second which I've never been able to do in this truck. The best part is just the everyday speeds (30 & 40 MPH) where I could never find the right gear, I was either revving too high or lugging the engine ... these are great now! Was still able to cruise at 65 MPH comfortably, think 70 is still gonna be realistic when I get the 5-speed in. Overall very pleased with this project, the brakes even seem to work better

Tucker

 

[SAWTOOTH 55 LC]

Very cool rig!great work

 

[davegonz]

Sweet! Can't wait to check it out in person.

 

[77mustard40]

Congrats on getting that part of the equation behind you. Sounds like you like the power plant now that it's accessible.

 

[PabloCruise]

I've got a H55 sitting on the shelf that's up next

Tucker

Please detail the floor pan and tranny tunnel mods required!

I am amazed you have anyone near by that will still surface rotors... Seems like everyone these days just sells you new rotors.

 

[davegonz]

Thanks for letting me drive the piggy yesterday. I am really amazed how much a difference the gears made. I contacted Luke at 4x4Labs yesterday and he has the adapter in stock, but is out of the modified flywheels.