Got my Summit returns boxed up and headed out. Next up is some tranny work for some new seals and TransGo kit. Then time to bolt it all together and install. This is taking entirely too long.

 

I'm sure not as much fun as yours w/ that Flyin' Turbo on it! Nice. I'm just a stock (other than the NB top) '97 red & leather that I've had since it had 4,600 miles on it. 268k now and it has seen it share of some decent twisties. Rode The Dragon a few times but those fun times are closing quick w/ age (mine). Still fun tho'.

Needs to get elevated for pads/rotors, rear gear oil, drain some ATF, new speedo cable, vacuum modulator, shifter bushings & index, some LEDs, timing belt routine, etc... all that good stuff to let it know I still care!

 

Got a lot in the works but nothing yet.

Ordered the 3/5 drop beam and flip kit, sent off the wheels to be painted, ordered a cat-back exhaust from Summit and a Flowmaster 50 series muffler for the kit (Not using the Turbo muffler that comes with it). Hopefully within a couple weeks, if everything comes in on time due to the winter weather, the truck should look totally different! And sound totally different!

 

Added this decal to the dash. The GF dosent like it…

 

Pulled out the plasma cutter and cut out the 37 year old original intermediate pipe, muffler and tailpipe and broke in my new MIG welder to assemble the new Walker replacements. Even swapped over the original 3.5" spark arrestor/tip from the old tailpipe. Original pipes were still in pretty good shape, but the muffler was split at every seam. Just made sense to replace the entire welded assembly.

 

Replaced my fuel pump that developed a leaky diaphragm. Naturally, it showed the leak after getting the P/S pump & bracket along with the new oil sender back on...

 

Depending on the weather I may wash the truck and hit up a Cars & Coffee after the weekly trash run on Saturday.
I still need to do 1 more dist. spring change and test so may do that who knows?
Dave ----

 

New master brake cylinder. Bled all the brakes. Much better!

Started on front springs, shocks, and rotors.... Gonna have to pick up a spring compressor to get the new springs in. Hopefully tomorrow

 

Well make sure to get back to us so we know you lived lol

 

I dont remember using one when I did the front end x2 on my 81
I may of had the radius arm nuts loose or maybe not on at all.
Been years since I did the work.
Dave ----

 

No compressor needed....just remove the shock, jack up under the chassis rail so the spring can extend, & remove the clip at the top of the spring; it will fall out into your lap in 15 minutes!

 

After you fight with that lower bolt / nut holding the spring to the beams.
I did not think I used the compressor.
Dave ----

 

True......mine were still free & greased from previous work.

 

Ive always used a torch to gently heat the nut before I use a impact and a wrench to remove the retaining bolt. I have had some luck using penetrating oil but I prefer using heat to bust the rust loose.

 

Not all of us have that well equipped shop to use heat
My heat is MAP gas touch and sometimes that just doesn't cut it.
I was lucky both of my trucks came apart with no heat.
Kingpin were a different story.
Dave ----