The article looks good. There are two comments that might be worth adding...

In the radiator section you stress the use of shrouds but no mention is made about the positioning of the fan within the shroud. In order to get the most effective use from a shroud the air should exit the shroud at a 45 degree angle. This can usually be accomplished by having about 1/3 of the leading edge of the fan within the shroud. Adjust as necessary with a fan spacer.

In the section regarding steering columns, it should be noted that none of the major wire harness suppliers provide kits for a Mopar columns (specifically Chrysler 5th Avenue 84-89). Although I found this column to be a perfect length for 48-52 trucks, it does not have integrated brake lights and directional signals. So if you use this column it will be necessary to run auxiliary lights on the rear for separate turn signals.

Vern

 

Fergie, so true, I had just did a quick skim, I will go back and give it a read through and start again.

Here's something that might be incorporated into the FAQ's as its come up a bit recently;

Springs, or what to do with the spring stack, how many leaves to remove to lower, what do do about broken leaves, readily available replacements, how to clean and inspect, etc.

I think alot of people overlook their local spring and suspension shops--most of the pins, bushings, etc are available through a suspension shop (or at least they are here in NM) and most springs can be rebuilt fairly reasonably.

I'm not a suspension expert and don't have tons of experience with it so it might be better left to someone else to better articulate the idea

Bobby

 

We seem to be getting some feedback/suggestions now. We'll just sit here quietly for a few days until the feedback peters out and then respond to all of it. Thus far, there have been some good suggestions..Keep them coming.

Thanks,

 

I have to apologize (maybe not) for not participating but this is a great idea, most times my solutions to things are too complicated for general use but the info in here is great. Hats off to those of you who put this together.

 

Great Work Gentleman
Fergie, yo do your fellow Canucks proud

There has been a fair bit of discussion in the past about A/C Installation and with the overwhelmin gmajority of our trucks being fairweather rides it might well be worth considering dragging some of that discussion in.

With or without, you've done a great service to your fellow hobbiests
Thank You!

GW

 

What about an "accurate" chart on external engine specifications.

I've seen some specs that make my 300-L6 ten inches shorter than it is.

 

I think it would be a good idea to add the FMX transimssion to the table in the FAQ section casue if it doesn't get added, I'll be asking about it frequently when I go to install mine.

Real nice job. I found only one grammatical thing but I can't remeber where. Again, very nice job and thank you for doing this. It will be a real help to me as I get ready to turn the corner in the next couple of weeks and star the build journey.

 

A couple of other comments for the FAQ section:

1 - Something about frame paint would be nice to add. I think we will see more questions on this subject in the next couple of months as folks begin to prepare for the weather turning warmer in most of the country (it's 70*F in houston today BTW)

2 - Perhaps add a link to the rear end conversion article or make it it's own section like you have done with the others/

3 - A link to the 48-52 F1-F8 what works with what chart.

4 - Please ignore items 2 and 3 above if the intent is to add this to the sticky at the top of the forum and not replace it.

5 - If there has ever been any discussion on transmission cross-members it would be nice to have that included. What works with the original cross member and what requires a new one to be used/fabbed.

 

Consider this last call. I'll print this off tomorrow and respond to all the input/feedback thus far and talk with George about updates/changes deemed necessary/appropriate.

Thanks,

 

Very Nice Job.

 

Response to critique of FAQ article –

1. Madathlon – you’re right, we listed the brief Q & A on the Toyota box twice. I’ll blame that on George, but we’ll fix it. Thanks.

2. 4tl8ford – We will reword that same Q & A to make it clear that both the power and the manual boxes are adaptable. (But that’s the last time I’ll agree with you on anything)

3. Fitzj – I’ll stick a link in to the tech article on this site that John wrote. Pretty much the same thing.

4. Greatnorthwoods –

A. Fan shroud – fan placement – fair enough. Will do.
B. Mopar column not recommended. – While it’s somewhat counter to the intent of the article, I guess in light of the high level of use of the “Volare” IFS, one can expect that many would think of using the mopar column, so o.k. I’ll work something in.

5. Bobbytnm – details on care and feeding of leaf springs – Sorry Bobby, ain’t happening. If I agree to everything asked I’ll look like a weeny. Actually, I think some of this is already covered in the existing tech article or in the background thread it and George’s cool thread/tech article links thread directs you to.
Ask for something else so I won’t feel bad for saying no…….

6. 53merc – wants A/C included. I thought about it originally but decided against it. There hasn’t been a lot of discussion on adapting OEM A/C to our trucks. Most folks just plunk down the cash and buy a set up from one of the three principal sources….. About all I could see us doing is essentially saying that and identifying those sources…. Yes? No?

7. Texan2004 –
A. wants FMX added to the tranny length table in the opening FAQs. Sorry, Texan but I spent about 40 minutes trying to find those measurements and could not. What I did find though, makes me wonder why you or anyone would want to use an FMX….If someone knows or can find those measurements quickly, I’ll add them……
B. wants a piece on frame paint. Gotta say no. I think it would run into about 3 pages on it’s own. Therefore, I think it should be done in it’s own article, but I’m not volunteering…..
C. link to rear end article or pull it in. Can’t pull it in as it’s already an existing, stand alone tech article (#10 in popularity BTW). George already has a link to it in his stickied thread at the top. I suspect when this article is finally wrapped up and posted, he’ll likely put a link in the his thread to get everyone to this article as well….
D. A link to the F1-F8 interchangability chart. – Great idea, will stick it in the opening Q. & A.s
E. Tranny crossmembers – Hasn’t been enough discussion on this to enable a good recap of it.

Any arguments on this ?

I’ll give it a day or so and then work with George on the changes.

Thanks,

 

Nice job guys. The best site on the web just got better!! Jag

 

Fergie,

Fair enough. Great decisions and sound reasoning.

Just a small comment on the Mopar columns as a general FYI (for any and all out there). The Mopar and the GM tilt columns (which basically all the aftermarket columns are based on) are the same. I think they were manufactrued by Saginaw.

You've really been busting yoru tail on this, if I were closer I'd buy you a beer or three, but since there is such a discrepency in distance I will make the sacrifice and drink every other beer in your name (just don't tell anyone else, I don't want them to feel left out)

Bobby

 

A. - 30" long (measured from fron of bellhousing to the end of the tailshaft housing) and 22.25" to mount.

I'm using this becasue it is what I have. It's a stronger unit than a C4 and requires less HP to operate than a C6. It has a Cast Iron case as oppsed to aluminum. What did you find that would lead one not to use this?? I'm curious or are you just busting my chops???

 

One final suggestion that needs to be dealt with (that I had forgotten about) –

Sierraben suggested –

What about an "accurate" chart on external engine specifications.

I've seen some specs that make my 300-L6 ten inches shorter than it is.

Response –

What constitutes “accurate” dimensions?
Is that with carb/intake/EFI or without?
Is that with all the normal accessories mounted or not?
Is that with Ford’s short water pump or their long one?

Has anyone already got one that could be copied?

I know people often ask how to tell a 5.o from a 351W from a 351C from a 351M, but I can’t recall this one coming up. If someone wants to write something up, I’ll find a way to include it, but we go to press in 4 wks.


Bobby,

I’m sure they use different wiring schemes.

Re: the beers – I appreciate the offer (the original offer to buy me a few, not the later offer to drink them in my name.)

Texan,

You Bugger. You knew the measurements already! I spent 40 minutes trying to find them for you! O.K…..thanks I’ll put them in. To your second question – you’ll never know. But I did figure you already have it in hand….