There have been alot of great Cruisers featured before me; I hope that mine can measure up in some small way. I am not sure how many PO’s there were before I was able to rescue the Cruiser from a local junk yard 11 years ago. The drive home that first day was one of the scariest rides of my life (probably not the smartest either). The engine would barely run, the column shift linkage was so worn out shifting was difficult at best, and the brakes were just downright dangerous.
All that said we arrived home safely and the work began. The original F engine was pulled and disassembled to begin a rebuild only to find that the block was cracked. I found a 1976 low mile 2F that we rebuilt and mated to a H41 4spd with the original 3spd transfer case that was also rebuilt. The transfer case was converted to a floor shift and the drive shafts were altered to work with the new setup.
Both axles were rebuilt and retain the original 4:11 gears (may change soon). The rear diff has a Lock Rite installed and the front is the open with the original ball and claw axles. I figured I’d run the front until it blew up, that hasn’t happened yet although I have a new front axle under construction now.
The rig is still SUA running 2 ½” lift springs, LC Advanced Handling shackle reversal (also known as rock finders); the front shock mounts have been replaced with F-250 mounts and rolls on 35’s. Also a ¾” body lift was added so the bracing on the bottom of the tub would clear the transfer case after the tranny swap.
Other modifications include Saginaw power steering, York on board air, Poser T-case saver, home brew front bumper with Warn 8274 winch and rear swing out tire carrier.
All that said we arrived home safely and the work began. The original F engine was pulled and disassembled to begin a rebuild only to find that the block was cracked. I found a 1976 low mile 2F that we rebuilt and mated to a H41 4spd with the original 3spd transfer case that was also rebuilt. The transfer case was converted to a floor shift and the drive shafts were altered to work with the new setup.
Both axles were rebuilt and retain the original 4:11 gears (may change soon). The rear diff has a Lock Rite installed and the front is the open with the original ball and claw axles. I figured I’d run the front until it blew up, that hasn’t happened yet although I have a new front axle under construction now.
The rig is still SUA running 2 ½” lift springs, LC Advanced Handling shackle reversal (also known as rock finders); the front shock mounts have been replaced with F-250 mounts and rolls on 35’s. Also a ¾” body lift was added so the bracing on the bottom of the tub would clear the transfer case after the tranny swap.
Other modifications include Saginaw power steering, York on board air, Poser T-case saver, home brew front bumper with Warn 8274 winch and rear swing out tire carrier.
Alex
