Builds Live in Texas, drive a pickup: HDJ79 single cab build (1 Viewer)

[bottombracket]

In good news, I did replace the support bracket just to the left of the glove box with the correct one that holds the AC amplifier.
See the cute little bracket?

Some days I’ll take even the tiniest win.

 

[bottombracket]

@bkcruiser also welded me up a longer steering shaft, so that problem has been fixed.

 

[John Young]

@bkcruiser also welded me up a longer steering shaft, so that problem has been fixed.

View attachment 3397831

Have you thought about the universal joints on the steering shaft? Every time I drive an 80 with a bit of play in the steering I wonder if it is the gearbox or the u-joints. It just drives me crazy...

 

[OGBeno]

Have you thought about the universal joints on the steering shaft? Every time I drive an 80 with a bit of play in the steering I wonder if it is the gearbox or the u-joints. It just drives me crazy...

They are not available separately from the shaft assemblies themselves.

 

[Broski]

Have you thought about the universal joints on the steering shaft? Every time I drive an 80 with a bit of play in the steering I wonder if it is the gearbox or the u-joints. It just drives me crazy...

I don’t see that u- joint wearing out

 

[OGBeno]

I don’t see that u- joint wearing out

They do. Often.

 

[John Young]

They do. Often.

I have played with them a bit and there are two of them and I do think they add up. Think about how hard people crank on the steering wheel especially at the end of travel and then look how small that u-joint is... I have seen the play with the shafts out of the truck. What I suspect but can't prove is that the two u-joints (I -think- there are two) adds appreciably to a vagueness in the steering.

 

[bottombracket]

John,

I have gone back-and-forth about steering shafts and how fancy to get. I’m going to use this one to get running and driving, and eventually build a custom set up much like @c2dfj45 did using a Woodward collapsible column.

 

[c2dfj45]

John,

I have gone back-and-forth about steering shafts and how fancy to get. I’m going to use this one to get running and driving, and eventually build a custom set up much like @c2dfj45 did using a Woodward collapsible column.

Haven't thought about columns in a LONG time. Seems like a long time ago we were messing with the column.

 

[OffRoadScott]

Just finished going through this thread. Love the work and what a great build.

 

[bottombracket]

It’s been a hot minute.

I’ve had a lot of personal changes in the past six months and not a lot of time to work on trucks. But every once in a while, a tiny part number can feel like a huge win.

Here are the under dash evaporator/cowl drainage tubes and corresponding firewall grommet, sourced by Dave Stedman @Japan4X4. God bless you, Dave.

 

[davegonz]

It's a grower...not a shower.

 

[active1]

any recent updates on this build? been following this one for a while

 

[davegonz]

Christmas break.

 

[CarcaineProblems]

Christmas break.

Since 2023

 

[bottombracket]

Yeah, it’s been a while.

Long story short, I’ve been going through a divorce for 18 months. It has sucked the life out of me for well over a year. But I’m back and 2025 is gonna be great. I’ve got a motor on the way for this one and we should hopefully see some action on both the single and double cab projects, and getting my HD J 80 back on the road.

Here’s to a new year and eventually burning diesel.

 

[OffRoadScott]

Yeah, it’s been a while.

Long story short, I’ve been going through a divorce for 18 months. It has sucked the life out of me for well over a year. But I’m back and 2025 is gonna be great. I’ve got a motor on the way for this one and we should hopefully see some action on both the single and double cab projects, and getting my HD J 80 back on the road.

Here’s to a new year and eventually burning diesel.


View attachment 3798718

Sorry to hear about the divorce.

Your builds will be the peace of mind.

 

[CarcaineProblems]

I’ve been through the big D and it’s worth it man. Stick with it and happiness will come your way!

 

[Broski]

Glad your BACK !!

PS that 73 looks sick !

 

[davegonz]

It's that time of the year again, Galen.