It's been a while since I've updated this thread. I seem to be terrible at snapping pics, both before and after. I've spent the last few months degreasing, rebuilding, priming, and painting all kinds of things. I started with the transmission. I cleaned it up and added new seals and gaskets throughout. Next up was the front Dana 44. I had to put new gears in it, new seals, u-joints in the axles, and even had to replace the outer shaft of the LH axle. Not cheap

The power steering pump was a learning experience. Imagine my surprise when I pulled the pump apart and the slippers and springs went everywhere! It actually wasn't that bad when I found good instructions online. The manual with the rebuild kit was terrible.

I also cleaned up the intake real nice. The motor is basically built now. I spent the weekend painting and resealing the transfer case. Here are a few pics:

 

Lookin real good! Keep up the good work!

 

I may be wrong, but doesn't a 2wd cab NOT fit in place of a 4wd cab because of the humps for the tranny not being the same? Other than that nice work on it.

 

So far, the only differences I've had to deal with are cutting out the "hump" because the donor was an auto, and the rear mounting holes do not line up. I'll either have to fab brackets or drill new holes. I suppose there could be issues I haven't found yet...

 

I just couldn't remember if the 4x4 hump was raised more or not. If you have no issues then carry on!

 

I haven't been the greatest with remembering to grab my camera as I progress, but here are some updates:

I'm rebuilding my steering gear box. I'm having trouble finding the needle bearings inside. I called Stear and Gear in Columbus, OH (semi-local to me), and they wouldn't sell parts but gave me helpful information. Apparently there WERE needle bearings originally in this gear box, but they are not caged. There is an upgrade to this bearing, and I need to find a Torrington 2012. The problem is there is a b, j, hk...etc all prefixes of the 2012. Some research is necessary.

 

This past weekend I pressed the studs out of my hub assembly and got new rotors. Pressing the studs back in was a chore, as well as pressing the new inner bearing races into the hub. It kept going in on an angle and jumping out on one side at me.

I just finished powder coating my valve covers in black wrinkle tonight. They're not perfect, but they weren't the best to start with. I'll probably upgrade in the future.

I also welded my new u-joint on the end of the steering shaft. My old one was so bad that I could turn the steering wheel almost 90* and still go straight. I can't wait to see the difference this makes!

Now I'm working on my hack job of a wiring harness

More to come...

 

Seems I might have those bearings for your steering box. I check tomorrow.

 

Also..throw those races in the freezer for a day or so...works wonders. Tip from my dear ole dad.

 

Nice work so far. Where did you get the steering u-joint?

 

That'd be excellent. Let me know!

 

Google Fred Mott Racing and it should take you to his ebay store. I did a lot of looking around and this was the best for the price.

 

Check that thought on the needle bearings. Napa has been searching for me and they say that the Torrington number is for the worm shaft. I specifically told the guy at Steer and Gear that it was sector shaft bearings I needed.

 

If I remember right, I have a couple of bearing kits for the 79 boxes and it seems there was one that had a cage that held long roller bearings maybe about 11/4 to 11/2 long.

Does that sound right?

I have not found them yet but I'll dig some more tomorrow.

 

Yeah, that sounds about right. The ID should be 1.3". Thanks