Builds SLOW 71

[scrapdaddy]

Thanks Pablo! We got home safe, but not too sound. The coolant leak I was having turned out to be the radiator. Earlier in the year I made a comment about how nice Megadoomer's rad. was, so now's my chance to get one. I had side brackets welded on mine for mounting and go with what Nick used. I have a feeling rad. replacement is going to be a reoccurring thing.

 

[RUSH55]

Where on the radiator is it leaking? The tank? Don’t remember if the radiator you have now is the original one you installed during the build or if this is a second one. (?) Who’s the manufacturer?

 

[scrapdaddy]

Hey Rush,

Looks to be leaking upper tank close to the outlet. It's an alum. Griffin rad., first one @55,000 miles on it.

 

[xtiaan2000]

I am just about to get Mosely’s radiator a try. Not sure who he uses.
That guy is great. He really helped out and got me the right one. I hope for a long life with it.

 

[scrapdaddy]

I am just about to get Mosely’s radiator a try

Are the inlet and outlets on the correct side for the Chevy motor?

 

[samc2447]

Are the inlet and outlets on the correct side for the Chevy motor?

Yes, outlets on the correct sides and has the steam port. I just ordered 2 of them from him. One with electric fan and one for a mechanical fan. They are very nice.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Thanks, I'll look them up.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Winter maintenance time, so I'd thought I'd post up some improvements and a little general stuff. I sprung a leak in the alum. radiator on our last trip, so I have another on the way. I went with another Griffin, but it's made for an LS motor with the right size inlet and outlet, also a steam port. While it's taken apart might as well replace stuff, right? The new rad. doesn't have a engine cooler intergraded in it, so I'm redoing and enlarging the engine and power steering coolers at the same time (pictures to follow). The motor has @ 115,000 miles on it now with the original water pump, so now's the time to replace it, too. I've got a small leak in the power steering system, so I'm sending the pump back to PSC to check/rebuild it.

Next up will be the knuckle repacking job! I've been using Redline grease in the wheel bearings and switching over to it in the knuckles. It does have moly in it. I have several smaller jobs to take care of after that and if my wallet and time hold out I'll tackle the electric parking brake job.

It's fun getting back into the wagon, but checking it over top to bottom I can can say she was only pretty once. Traveling around the country and living out of it is hard on her. It's what I built it for, so no regrets, just a lot of smiles.

Working with a new pc and can't load up my pictures yet...

 

[RUSH55]

It's fun getting back into the wagon, but checking it over top to bottom I can can say she was only pretty once. Traveling around the country and living out of it is hard on her. It's what I built it for, so no regrets, just a lot of smiles.

Still beautiful and still an icon of this community! Don’t let it sit around too long or the dang mice will get in there!

 

[riderjgs]

It's fun getting back into the wagon, but checking it over top to bottom I can can say she was only pretty once. Traveling around the country and living out of it is hard on her. It's what I built it for, so no regrets, just a lot of smiles.

No regrets for me either after 12 years on the road. Even witih some occasional touch up and repairs, it shows it's been well-used and well-loved. I consider the bruises badges of honor. Happy to have shared some trails with you and Jeri. I remember meeting you and seeing your Pig way back when at Cruise Moab on our first road trip when ours was mostly back together after paint. I think we should also take credit for inspiring Rush @RUSH55 after he tagged along with us for a day at the North Rim.

 

[bobm]

Scraps, get it all lined up. We all got quite a few more trips in us, no matter how Painful to us or our s. Its too much enjoyment and such great people, we have to keep going

 

[scrapdaddy]

we have to keep going

That's the only plan I can come up with, too!

 

[Pigeaten]

Scraps, get it all lined up. We all got quite a few more trips in us, no matter how Painful to us or our s. Its too much enjoyment and such great people, we have to keep going

Amen!

 

[Pigeaten]

Scraps, I’m still copying things you’ve done, lots of others have to-you have set a very high mark to attain

 

[scrapdaddy]

Scraps, I’m still copying things you’ve done

Just stay out of the deep water holes.

 

[Pigeaten]

Just stay out of the deep water holes.

Good advice.
What gearing in your differentials?

 

[scrapdaddy]

4:10 with 33" tires. The 5.3 Chevy really seems to like it. I've got an Harrop electric locker in the rear and a ARB air locker in front. I had a bad time with the ARB leaking and blowing seals and as soon as the front bugs me it's out, too.

 

[xtiaan2000]

How is the noise difference between the 4-1 and 3-1?
Do you like it better?

 

[scrapdaddy]

The difference between the 4:1 and my stock gears is huge. I've been told that the aftermarket 3:1 gears are beveled cut unlike the straight cut 4:1 gears, so they should be quieter. For our use and 33" tires I found the need for the extra low type gearing wasn't needed. I guess it's all up to what you're going to want out of the wagon, besides now I can listen to every word my wonderful wife has to say on those long road trips.

 

[RUSH55]

besides now I can listen to every word my wonderful wife has to say on those long road trips.

“The flower garden needs some attention, honey.”