I finished the brakes on the rear axle. Took me two trips to the parts store, but that's my fault (ordered stuff online and somehow got the wrong spring kit).










I started to put the hugs onto the front axle only to discover that one of the pins on the the inner spindle nuts was gone (???!!!). So off to the parts store again, and they don't carry them (or even seem to know what they are). So I ordered them last night.

Since I didn't have anything else to do, I tore into the BW1356. I was suprised to find that the pump retainer (?) on the side of the case had not ripped out after 215K miles. Actually it all looks rather good. I'll still do bearings and seals.




I also drained the transmission. The fluid came out nice and bright red. Looked like it was all there. Didn't find any shavings or bearing noises! I guess that is ready to go.

 

Looking good bud!

 

Thanks man. I'm really enjoying this project. But the hard part is yet to come...installation. At least I have a donor frame from the front spring shackles.

 

not much inside that tcase eh? Those axles look like they just rolled off the assemblyline

 

Thanks

I finished the brakes on the Dana this week. I put new bearings and seals in the t-case. I got the t-case half way back together when I realized that the pump retaining bracket was worn (as they all really are). So I welded a bolt in. But today, I'm leaving on a business trip for a week; no progress this week I'm afraid

 

Wow...been over 2 weeks since I posted. Well that's no good.

Anyway, got the transfer case all ready to rock. I also pulled all the traction bar / anti-sway stuff for the Dana out of the pile. I just need to wire wheel and paint. I also pulled the front shackle mounts off the donor frame. I'm not 100% sure how to fit them into the 2WD just yet.




I installed the rear axle. All new shocks, springs, and shackles. I took it for a quick drive, what a difference. Big thanks to Bob at ATS Springs. We spent about 30 minutes on the phone figuring out what I needed. The rear all came together nicely. I wanted to delete those stupid helper springs (which as it turns out had the main springs completely locked stiff when the truck was empty). I am already impressed with the Tru-Trac. No bed on the truck and it went just fine. I could see both wheels fighting for grip.







Before...





The crazy unsafe gooseneck hitch. You can't see it in the picture, but the 4 very small bolts holding it into the bed had completely rusted out.





Ready for the swap.





Test fitting the axle, lift blocks, and looking at the tires. Who knew a transmission jack doubles for axles?





All done. I just need to paint the frame while the bed's off. I also ordered a new turn-over under-bed gooseneck hitch.

Currently, the transmission is out. I need to install the new one and modify the cross member (I think?). More to come...

 

So you are going to do a 2-4 WD conversion then?

Looking nice so far!

 

Thanks. Yeah, truck was 2WD to start with. It was about worthless anywhere that wasn't 100% paved.

 

Looking really good.
I'd inspect the cross member above the front fuel tank. Crud collects there and causes the cross member to rust way faster than other parts of the frame.

 

I sure don't blame you.no more than I use 4wd I just won't own a 2wd.

keep up the good work!!

 

Well after removing the transmission, I discovered that the throw-out bearing had separated. It was still functional, but I thought it best to replace it. Odd thing is it, it was only about 15K miles old from my Valair/SMF swap when I bought the truck. So, getting a new one on the weekend proved impossible. I still need to open the 4WD shifter hole in the floor. That doesn't seem to bad since there's a patch panel just screwed in.

Got the whole frame painted this weekend. I also modified the cross member and adjusted the shifter link courtesy of my new toy.





First coat of primer








After two coats of primer and two of back.








My new toy





The link that came with the transmission was too short for some reason. So, I cut down the automatic one.





Modified cross-member. The drop there is what I measured from the automatic one.

 

Transmission and transfer case are back in the truck. The cross member needed further modifications in the end. No pictures of that unless someone needs them. I had some crazy idea that the automatic driveshafts might fit...nope. I'll try to find someone to cut them down/modify them this week.

Anyway, today's progress:




I'm going to have nightmares about drilling/cutting rivets, but they are out.








First coat of paint on the front. Also, I think something is missing???





Painted the crossmember too.





Painted the bottom of the rad support while I was under there.





Redneck lift.





I just welded in the brackets from the F350. You can't see it in this picture, but I welded a plate to the inside of the outer frame rail. The hole from the spring shackle was too close to the big slot for my comfort.

 

Looks like you were busy this weekend!

 

Trying to finish before the last week in May.

 

Get er dun!

Looking like fun and looking nice!