Project: In over my head (again)

[Old_Red_Jeep]

Hopefully we get to see at least one burn out video.

Definitely not initially. I'm going to be gentle with it for a while until I get a good feel for it. Plus, I'm not sure how receptive the 10 spline pinions will be to all the torque in one hit. Maybe in the dirt?

[Old_Red_Jeep]

Ok, after a to week break from working on the truck because of some weird thing called a "day job" I got to get back to wrenching! The first thing I did was to fit the hood and grille. I've been waiting to see the grille on the truck forever! I think it looks pretty good!





I also got a blackout light mount so I can mount an aux light. I've always wanted the hood light. haha


I also ran by the surplus store and snagged some jerry cans for water and fuel.




I was able to route my heater hoses for the heater box and hooked up the blower motor. I also installed new under dash ducting so my heat will work.


I don't have pictures, but I was even able to fill the axles, tcase, and trans with gear oil. I was going to install the new pinion yoke on the FA and driveshaft but I accidentally ordered the wrong yoke. So I'll have to wait for a proper 29spline yoke to show up. The other road block I hit today was that finding a serpentine belt that fits may be boarder line impossible. I might have to change out the tensioner pulley for a ribbed one so I can clock it differently and use a longer belt? I dunno. I need a 7 rib ~86.75" belt. It's apparently a unicorn belt. Oh well, I'll add it to the list. Hopefully I can get everything set before EJS.



Finally I was able to install the windshield sprayers. I had to bend the metal a bit but they spray ~ 1/2 up the windshield. not too bad.

[Mikel]

Can't wait to to see this running!

[Old_Red_Jeep]

Can't wait to to see this running!

Me neither!!!

So I've been making good progress the past couple days and my list is getting shorter!



I've also got my large pile of mostly exhaust parts so I think I have a solid shot at test driving the truck in the next 2 weeks!



I went to my buddy's place and had him modify the outlet on the radiator to work better in the engine bay. We shortened the outlet and increased the diameter to match the engine side. After that, I installed the radiator for the final time as well as the cooling fan! It turned out how I had hoped and it's not super obvious that there's an aftermarket radiator/fan combo behind the grille.



After that, I focused on getting the hoses hooked up and serpentine belt installed. After a bit of measuring, cutting hoses, realizing I measured wrong, and repeating the cycle a few time, I got it all in and filled! The lower hose was a pain since it's so tight and is a very large diameter hose (2").





I was also able to reuse my canteen overflow tank! Hopefully it holds enough fluid for this application. Speaking of, this engine took 5.5 GALLONS of coolant. I didn't expect that much at all. Hopefully it can stay cool and I don't get any leaks.

After all that, I was able to install the correct pinion yoke and install the new driveshaft! The clearance to the trans bell housing is a bit tighter than I'd like so I'll keep an eye and ear out for any "self clearancing" that may happen.



Last but not least, a teaser of my audio system plans! My marine head unit and speakers came in today. I'll get to them a little later. Probably after the windshield wipers and test drive.



Final note, here's how she's sitting currently. Almost ready to go!

[brute4c]

Fingers crossed it all goes well...love the grille badge!!

[Old_Red_Jeep]

Fingers crossed it all goes well...love the grille badge!!

Thanks! I thought it was a nice touch since I found sooooo many wasps and wasp nests. heck, another chunck of mud dabber nest fell out of something yesterday. I don't even know where it came from.

[brute4c]

I remember a member once named his truck Stinger....day he brought it home, he got stung like 25 times by wasps that had a big nest in the storage compartment under the front of the bed...

Hope that isnt your experience...