Took Her Out for A Spin Today!!

[madams557]

I finally got the brakes done and pulled her out of the garage.

Here is what has been done over the last ...um... I can't remember how long:

Powersteering conversion with minitruck gear box and volvo pump.

Transfercase drained, Parking brake replaced.

Rear diff drained, rear axle hubs re-done all new, rear brakes all new.

New radio installed w/new speakers, all keeping with original lines.

Third seatbelt for my youngest.

275 70R16s BFG installed in new 16" wheels.

ARB Bull bar for good measure. Fresh lettering on Tailgate (don't look too close)

So, my impressions on this madain voyage.

The parking brake won't hold on my steep ass drive way, so I am going to have to take a look at that again.

Love the power steering, but it got a little bounce on me when I got it up to 60mph. The wheels might have been under pressure, so I'll air up a little more and try it again.

It has sat for awhile and now I am noticing some faint smoke coming from the rear of the engine on the driver side by the fire wall. I'm hoping that I am just burning off some dust, so I'll keep an eye on it.

Sounds like I have a ping in the engine too, so I'll go and check the timing again though I don't know how it could be off.

Anyway, I really, really, really tried to get pictures, but my digital camera has a dead battery. I'll have some posted before the end of the week.

I plan to hopefully drive it 40 miles to work tomorrow to see if I can produce some leaks.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Michael

 

[mallred]

You are a tease.. pics in the AM?

Have fun.

Myrle

 

[madams557]

Okay, I took it out again today and I just don't feel comfortable driving it. That steering is really loose. I'd say between 6 - 8" of travel in the steering wheel. It is really bad on the rutted roads.

So, into the garage again.

It could be that mini truck steering box. Maybe it needs a rebuild.

Any suggestions.

 

[mallred]

I dought it will be the ps box. Tie rod ends and and center arm are the most likely, Robert from L/O has set with center arm rebuild kit on ebay now for $115. IIRC.

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

How's your caster?

 

[madams557]

I thought it might be the TREs, but I still get that much play with the truck turned off, in the garage, and just turning the steering wheel back and forth without moving the front wheels.

Does that sound like the gearbox or the TRE, linkages, or casters??

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Have someone turn the steering wheel and look at your relay box on the front of the frame.. You will see it wiggle back and forth if it's loose.. You can adjust by the adjustment on the top but don't go too tight as it will not return to center.. The top bolt in the adjustment is the set screw the bottom adjust the cap on the relay assembly and will take out some of the play.. Might be worth it to dis-assemble and clean then re-assemble and adjust.. Rebuilds are not that expensive and can normally be found easily by guys going to saginaw after rebuilding their stock junk.