late model electronically controlled drivetrain install
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Joined: Jul 2013
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thank you for your interest and comments! Glad folks are commenting...sometimes I feel like I'm the only one on my thread.
Maybe I should have used a different title? in the end, I'm re-building many of the systems here. wiring, (re configuring brake lines), rebuilding the front suspension (bushings), engine / trans / driveline
Long term in the rear, I plan to convert to a 4 or 5 link from leaf spring.
Cheers,
Doug
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I've been remiss in the updates, but lots of progress. Got the firewall closed in, painted and engine installed, built a sheet metal electronics cover which serves as a mount for the electronic pedal. Fired on the first attempt. I've since got the cooling system closed up. Engine runs and sounds great!
Had to fabricate many ancillary items (like an inline bleeder for the cooling system to bleed air from the heads), modify the trans dipstick tube to fit my truck, more sheet metal work at the trans tunnel cover.
I've replaced the front suspension bushings and balljoints (this is a Superide II from Heidt's) and painted everything. Built new brake lines forward of the master cylinder.
Many photos and videos here:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A855Z2WMGOKzTn
It is coming together very nicely. I'm really happy.
First drive in the next week or so. Still plenty more to do.
Cheers,
Doug
Had to fabricate many ancillary items (like an inline bleeder for the cooling system to bleed air from the heads), modify the trans dipstick tube to fit my truck, more sheet metal work at the trans tunnel cover.
I've replaced the front suspension bushings and balljoints (this is a Superide II from Heidt's) and painted everything. Built new brake lines forward of the master cylinder.
Many photos and videos here:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A855Z2WMGOKzTn
It is coming together very nicely. I'm really happy.
First drive in the next week or so. Still plenty more to do.
Cheers,
Doug
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More progress to report. Front suspension has been reinstalled. New brake lines built. Funny the way it was setup, the calipers were flipped so the bleeders were on the bottom. Not quite sure how they got all of air out of the brake system that way??? I bought new braided stainless flex lines and they were 2" longer.
1. I need to finish final figment of the electric fan shroud. Presently, the fan cools great. Keeps the radiator core only 15 degrees above ambient.
2. Reset the rear end pinion angle with different spacers.
3. Install a longer driveshaft yoke. Strange engineering wasn't familiar with the 6L80e and speced the shirt TH400 yoke too short.
Picture of front, rebuilt suspension.
1. I need to finish final figment of the electric fan shroud. Presently, the fan cools great. Keeps the radiator core only 15 degrees above ambient.
2. Reset the rear end pinion angle with different spacers.
3. Install a longer driveshaft yoke. Strange engineering wasn't familiar with the 6L80e and speced the shirt TH400 yoke too short.
Picture of front, rebuilt suspension.
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Relay panel and digital dakota sta1000. Neat device. Plugs to obdII port and pulls tach and speedo info from the CAN bus (CAN is control area network)
The panel is mounted on the strut which ties the steering column to the firewall. They are behind the instrument cluster and not visible.
The large relay provides high current output when the ignition is switched on. The large electric loads were making the ignition switch warm and causing voltage drop across.
Now the switch is just that. ... A trigger for the high current relay. 👍
Doug
The panel is mounted on the strut which ties the steering column to the firewall. They are behind the instrument cluster and not visible.
The large relay provides high current output when the ignition is switched on. The large electric loads were making the ignition switch warm and causing voltage drop across.
Now the switch is just that. ... A trigger for the high current relay. 👍
Doug
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New lokar shifter and sheet metal work on the trans tunnel cover. I split it at the base and am opening it up about 1" taller at the firewall end. In making the new side pieces, I just used poster board as a template transfered to steel And then hand bent from there. The rounded corners was done by clamping the patches in my vice with 1 1/2" steel tubing and pounding the top over the tube as a die. Worked really well and I was able to make the curve match the existing.
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You can see here the thick aluminum cover plate which hides a lot of the electric panel and which serves as a mount for the drive by wire pedal.
You can also see the reconfigured brake pedal. I cut it apart to change the way the pedal sits against the accelerator pedal. It sits now more horizontally than vertical as original. I think this will improve the driving experience.
Kind of like building the shorty steering column so the wheel is vertically oriented like a modern car.
Doug
You can also see the reconfigured brake pedal. I cut it apart to change the way the pedal sits against the accelerator pedal. It sits now more horizontally than vertical as original. I think this will improve the driving experience.
Kind of like building the shorty steering column so the wheel is vertically oriented like a modern car.
Doug
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From: Austin
Hey Doug,
Your before picture of the truck looked great - I'm not sure I could have torn into that nice of a truck. Are you getting ready to take it for the first drive around the block? Nice engine choice - very gutsy to take on that late model wiring & harness.
Absolutely stunning truck.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Your before picture of the truck looked great - I'm not sure I could have torn into that nice of a truck. Are you getting ready to take it for the first drive around the block? Nice engine choice - very gutsy to take on that late model wiring & harness.
Absolutely stunning truck.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
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Hey Doug,
Your before picture of the truck looked great - I'm not sure I could have torn into that nice of a truck. Are you getting ready to take it for the first drive around the block? Nice engine choice - very gutsy to take on that late model wiring & harness.
Absolutely stunning truck.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Your before picture of the truck looked great - I'm not sure I could have torn into that nice of a truck. Are you getting ready to take it for the first drive around the block? Nice engine choice - very gutsy to take on that late model wiring & harness.
Absolutely stunning truck.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Thank you for the kind words. I expect to do my first test drive within 10 days or so. The amount of time isn't huge. Brakes are already bled. Just some loose ends.
Appreciate your interest in my project.
Doug