Looks great! It's going to be a powerhouse.
I wish I could weld like that...
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Looks great! It's going to be a powerhouse.
I wish I could weld like that...
Keep at it.... your doing great work!
Quote:
Originally Posted by plumas.placer.miner
Thanks all! The encouragement is is appreciated.Quote:
Originally Posted by venominjected
I wish I could weld like that too! haha. It's never a bad think to know a guy that can TIG.
Today I got my exhaust manifolds back from the ceramic coater's. They look pretty good! I went with silver since the two options they had on hand were black or silver and I wanted to try to dissipate heat a bit.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...07&oe=5DE82934
I also decided to go ahead and get the truck box I wanted. After I get it bolted down, I'll relocate the batteries to the box. This way they'll be out of the weather and out of my way. I think I'll turn the center console into a boom box of sorts. Head units on the top and speakers on the sides.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...5f&oe=5DDA575A
I tried to fiddle with the clutch pedal mounting but with the time I had today, it wasn't going to happen. So I decided to turn my attention to the steering. I had ordered hoses for a J10 and lucky me! They fit the box and the Ram's pump! I need to route the return hose in a bit of a funky direction to avoid the radiator but otherwise, it's looking good! I'm also putting a small cooler on the frame crossmember to cool the steering system. I've at least got one system mostly figured out!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...67&oe=5DA132E3
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...96&oe=5DDE6BC8
That’s a tight fit!
But it fits! We angled the radiator away from the engine a bit as well. But I think anytime I want to work on the accessory drive, I may have to remove the radiator. I hope not, but it's a possibility.Quote:
Originally Posted by jhartings
After fiddling with the radiator and power steering for a while, I realized that those hoses I was trying to use didn't have the right end (they are flared where they should be o-ring style). So while I'm waiting on my new hoses, I figured I'd start work on the clutch.
First thing was to figure out how to sneak in a master cylinder in a place there was never supposed to be one. Since I have a vacuum brake booster, it firewall space more of a premium.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...8e&oe=5DA4FBB4
I found a suitable location utilizing a hole that is unused in the clutch pedal mount. I needed to drill out all three holes and grind down the lip in the above picture. The idea is to put the master cylinder to the left of the pedal and relocate the bracket (or make a new one) to work with the new push-rod location.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...01&oe=5DE4E95D
Drilling the holes wasn't too bad and the master cylinder fits! Although, I got it a tad close to the fender liner. Oh well.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...89&oe=5DE4808A
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...4f&oe=5DD862C3
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...e0&oe=5DED01DF
Now all that's left to do is shorten the push-rod and make some form of bracket on the pedal for the push-rod to mount to.
ok, so long time no post. My primary driver (the 80 series land cruiser) blew it's head gasket and that combined with work took away from 715 wrenching time. I was finally able to dig back into it again tonight for a bit. I messed with the fuel tank mounting some more but I need some material before I can make any more progress... I notched the cross members where the new sending unit / pump sticks up but it's so tall that I still need to space the tank down 2". I'm definitely going to need to make one heck of a skid plate for it.
In the meantime, I was able to bolt down my storage box and fiddle with the wiring some more. I couldn't get my code reader to work the other day and determined that it wasn't getting power. So I rerouted some 12v power and now the computer can talk with my scanner!
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...66&oe=5DFA15BF
It's throwing an evap purge solenoid code but that's not a big deal since it's no longer there. Now I just need to figure out what to do with the rest of the mess of wires... I'd love to get rid of that distribution block but I'm not sure I can. I might tuck it all up into the dash and strap it down out of the way.
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...27&oe=5DF74F8B
While I was contemplating where to run the wires, I had my head in the footwell and pushed the pedals out of frustration. To my chagrin, it looks like when the clutch gets depressed, the firewall deflects... I should probably brace that soon. This project feels like the definition of "so close, but so far" right now...
Is your hood going to close with the radiator sticking up high like that?
It should. the final height is the same as the OE radiator. We test fit the hood earlier and it looked okQuote:
Originally Posted by plumas.placer.miner
Ok, so I was finally able to get the fuel tank mounted in the truck! I had to clearance some of the cross members as well as weld in some spacers so I could sneak the fuel module in and tuck the tank up as high as possible. The downside is the bed is now a touch weaker. But the upside is that the tank doesn't drop below the frame much and the fuel module is ~1/8" away from the bottom of the bed!
just snuck it in there
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...f8&oe=5E2A45C9
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...9d&oe=5E3AA07C
After getting that sorted, I changed gears to install my new 12V gauges. I decided to do that before rebuilding the rear axle because I clearly have my priorities straight... plus they're shiny!
Original
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...87&oe=5E32CC4F
I used Stewart Warner gauges for the ancillaries and an Autometer GPS speedometer. I had to paint the chrome bezel on the speedo but other than that, it was all plug and play.
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...1b&oe=5E2E14DF
One of the Stewart Warner gauges did have a mounting post pull out after I accidentally over-torqued it...
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7e&oe=5E39E6F1
I tried to solder it back on but I think I need to use epoxy.
https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...50&oe=5E2976EC
Next, I guess I do the rear axle while I avoid the rest of the wiring... Or I'll muscle up and do the wires. The axle sounds good. haha
Ok, after a long hiatus, I was able to resume work on the 715! I started with getting the fuel tank hooked up. The new filler neck with nice, fuel rated hose was a touch short so I had to extend the fuel tank inlet.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...11&oe=5E430D3C
I used a piece of 3" exhaust extension, some sealant, and tapped it on.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...3d&oe=5E18511C
The fuel system is now 98% done! I just need to rebend the fuel line a bit.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...80&oe=5E50CE80
Next I added in a reinforcement plate to the firewall for the clutch pedal. I noticed the firewall flex when I pushed the pedal so something had to be done. I used a plate of 1/8" metal and welded it in. It doesn't seem to be bending anymore now!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...dd&oe=5E53238A
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...28&oe=5E568734
After that, I attached the pedals and the steering column and wheel finally! It's so nice to have the steering wheel in and wiggle the tires!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...36&oe=5E47B59E
Next I'm going to start on the rear end and suspension. I want to remove leaf #2 from each of the spring packs. I just need to figure out how to reattach the spring retainers to #3 or something.
I made some pretty good progress today. I was able to get one of the rear leaf packs off and it was much easier than expected.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...3f&oe=5E624B3C
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...77&oe=5E40F5C8
From there, I undid the leaf pack to knock the rust off and paint them.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...87&oe=5E537CA0
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...2a&oe=5E5EC387
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...a4&oe=5E40F371
After the paint dries, I'll keep spring #2 out to see how much that softens up the ride. I've got new spring clips and some leaf spring insert material to hopefully reduce friction between the leafs and allow the suspension to flex a bit more. While I waited on the leafs to dry, I cleaned and painted the rear end.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...70&oe=5E5EFBD2
We'll see how far I get tomorrow but I hope to have the rear basically done by the end of the day.
Ok, so I got the rear leafs back together and the shocks installed. It looks really good and now the rear of the truck moves a bit when you put weight on it!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...7e&oe=5E56913A
From here, I started to take the axle apart so I can install my Detroit locker and 1410 pinion (thanks to Treepusher's install guide). When removing the hub nuts from the studs, a handful of them pulled out. Oh well.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...60&oe=5E893988
Other than that, I had just enough room between the truck and the garage wall to remove the shafts.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...c8&oe=5E57B467
Pulling the diff was easy enough (crowbar and plywood against a ring gear bolt) as was removing the spider gears. I labelled all the bolts from the case just to make sure everything goes back exactly where it came out of.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...2b&oe=5E50BCAF
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...a1&oe=5E48F880
I initially reused the thrust shims from the back of the spider gears with the locker since they weren't expressly mentioned in the instructions. I decided to call Eaton today and they told me to NOT use those shims. It would cause extremely premature failure. So out they came.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...19&oe=5E3F874C
Now the diff is ready to go back in. Just waiting on new carrier bearing bolts.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...14&oe=5E586CD4
Alright, after a busy week, I finally got the rear end back together! Switching out the pinions was easy enough but cutting gaskets for the axle hubs and reinstalling the studs that pulled out took time. But it's finally together!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...39&oe=5E872627
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...34&oe=5E4D4B10
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...bf&oe=5E485CAE
Hopefully the 10 spine pinions can hold up to the V10 torque. I also added a 1/4" plate diff cover for some added protection. I was hoping for a darker red but oh well, this will work. The rear driveshaft went in easily as well!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...18&oe=5E8758F5
I've now moved onto the front axle. I got the driver's side spring out but I need to figure out how to degrease the axle enough to paint it.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...31&oe=5E7D20BE
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...c2&oe=5E78BD3F
Once I do that, I'll add the lock out hubs, 1410 pinion yoke, and 1/4" diff cover. I'm going to remove the #2 leaf up here as well. Hopefully I can make good progress this week.
Alright, so the advantage of Thanksgiving is it allowed me to take the week off! Which means lots of work to do on the truck. Yesterday I took the seats out to get reupholstered. We'll see how they look when they come back wrapped in leather that's like an old baseball glove!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...95&oe=5E4C2C8F
Today I focused on the front axle cleanup effort. After hours of wire wheeling, degreaser, and acetone, I was able to clean up the front axle enough to have the paint stick well. This stuff was grotë.
before:
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...01&oe=5E414F1C
after:
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...56&oe=5E7D24FD
After cleaning the axle, I broke apart the passenger side leaf back so I could knock all the rust off of them. I'm leaving leaf #2 out of these packs as well. we'll see how the truck likes it.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f1&oe=5E814038
So tomorrow, I'll paint everything that's cleaned and think about changing out the pinion yoke. Then switch to the driver's side to do the same thing.
While waiting on my chassis paint to arrive, I swapped out the front axle drive flanges for the lockout hubs. It went really easy and I only pulled 3/12 studs! I didn't change out the tall studs or trim them, I'll leave them for now. They're not that big of a problem at the moment.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f3&oe=5E48A1E3
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...c3&oe=5E4142DF
I was able to get the axle and leaf springs painted today so while waiting on that to dry I turned my attention to my door panels (since the GF is in town and can help. Plus I want to get her involved in the truck). I've been acquiring the material for the past two weeks. When I removed the passenger door panel, I found a large mouse nest. I'm not even sure how it got in there...
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...77&oe=5E410EF5
I used some fleece for "stuffing" and a "home decor" plaid for the panels. I think the first one turned out really nice!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...23&oe=5E3EF34C
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...6e&oe=5E8658DB
carefully trimming...
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...1e&oe=5E7D7513
1st panel done!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...36&oe=5E490F4D
And installed to see what it looks like! I love it!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...25&oe=5E798087
Alright, so I'm a little late to posting this but it's been a busy couple of weeks. I was able to get the front axle 80% finished but when removing one of the eye bolts for the driver's side leaf spring, the spring pack fell and crushed my finger. Between doing that and traveling for work, I haven't been able to work on the 715. But here are the last pics before I started traveling.
The first is the axle. I have the lock out hubs done, 90% of the axle painted, armored diff cover installed, and driver's side spring pack 90% removed.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...bb&oe=5E6CB5EC
All that's left do do is clean/paint the spring pack and axle then bolt back together and it will be good to go.
I also got my badge in for the grille and was able to paint it. I spent a couple hours sanding the grille and I think it turned out well. Not perfect, but good enough for what I'm capable of. I held it in place on the truck and found out my repop piece only lines up 2/6 mount locations. I'm going to have to get a bit creative.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...7c&oe=5E762692
I choose the Rumble Bee from a Scat Pack since this truck has significantly more power than it would have originally and I have lost count of how many wasps and wasp nests I've found in this thing. I think there are still some paper wasp nest piece stuck in the bed. I figured it was fitting.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...d1&oe=5E77F557
So next up is to finish the front axle, get the grille mounted, finish plumbing the cooling system, mount radiator fan, fab exhaust, throttle cable, tcase linkage, p-brake linkage, wiring, fluids, then test drive! Also, my new wheels and tires are on the way and hopefully I'll have them early next year. 37's on re-purposed Humvee wheels from Trailworthy Fab.
Nice touch on the emblem.
Christmas came early! My new wheels and tires finally came in for the truck and not a moment too soon!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...8f&oe=5EA6F7BA
I've got 37" Humvee takeoffs with custom 12 bolt wheels from Trailworthy fab. They look really good and will make me feel a lot safer on the road now that the 50yr old tires are done. I'm curious to see how they ride and how balanced they feel. They should work well in the dirt too.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...5b&oe=5E789F74
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...0b&oe=5EABD740
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Dude.... looks f%#$ing awesome! Really cool project .
Thanks man!Quote:
Originally Posted by jhartings
VERY nice!
Alright, So I've had a couple solid days to jam on the truck this past week. First, I was finally able to put the front suspension back together after it tried to take my finger off. Luckily it went together with no drama this time. All I need to do now is swap out the pinion yoke.
putting the leaf pack back together after paint
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...54&oe=5EB26E5F
all buttoned up
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...4c&oe=5E9C408F
next, I moved onto wiring and routing everything; including the fuel line. This took a lot of patience but I have everything where I want it now. I was even able to get the body harness and the engine harness work together off of the same power source!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...87&oe=5E9AAC6D
The trickiest bit was figuring out what to do with the Ram's dash fuse panel. After some pondering, I decided to make a couple brackets and mount it behind the dash facing down. That way I will have access to the fuses easily.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...48&oe=5EA3C06C
After cleaning everything up, I decided now was a good time to bed line the cab. I've been wanting to do this for about 2 years so I'm happy that I was able to finally lay it down!
Before
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...00&oe=5EA617D3
After!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...55&oe=5EA38BDE
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...1d&oe=5EA86FD0
Now I just need to hook up the cooling system (and fan controller), throttle cable, parking brake, oils and fluids for everything, bleed brakes, and I could feasibly test drive it! too bad I have to travel so much for work this week or I've be trying to drive it sometime in the next two weeks.
Alright, so after the bedliner and topcoat dried, I insulated and reinstalled the trans tunnel cover.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...5b&oe=5E9F8169
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...8b&oe=5E931314
I need a new cover plate for the shift sticks but it's 98% done. I was able to get the tcase shift linkage to come out of the original opening but I still had to open it up a bit. I used the original connector rod but cut it and refit it to work with the NP205.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...67&oe=5EADDF96
I also was able to hook up the original heater cables to get the heater box to work. While working on the dash, I installed my toggle switches for engine harness on, radiator fan override, and aux lights. While doing the wiring, I spliced in new pigtails for the headlights and installed new 12v bulbs.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...ef&oe=5E9A7D56
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...a2&oe=5EA0E73A
In addition to all of the small stuff, I painted and reinstalled the battery box while making a new battery tie-down and ports for aux power sources.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...1f&oe=5EAD99D4
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...39&oe=5E972A20
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...c8&oe=5EA69316
The truck is really coming along and I think I should be able to drive it after my next work trip!
I am excited for you...cant wait to find out how it does!!
Thanks! I can't wait to drive it again! It's been a while.Quote:
Originally Posted by brute4c
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by glenn
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!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...fa&oe=5ECDB5EF
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f0&oe=5ED4D566
I also got a blackout light mount so I can mount an aux light. I've always wanted the hood light. haha
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...93&oe=5ECED91B
I also ran by the surplus store and snagged some jerry cans for water and fuel.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...6f&oe=5E99F0E0
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...49&oe=5ECF57F6
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.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f6&oe=5ED41589
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.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...61&oe=5EDC27F2
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.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...bd&oe=5ED14D8D
Can't wait to to see this running!
Me neither!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikel
So I've been making good progress the past couple days and my list is getting shorter!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...7f&oe=5ED3E961
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!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...29&oe=5EC69303
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.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...ab&oe=5EC71B71
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").
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...67&oe=5E90A7DE
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...9a&oe=5EDAFE04
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.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...4c&oe=5EC83572
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.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f2&oe=5ED279ED
Final note, here's how she's sitting currently. Almost ready to go!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...e0&oe=5EDA7CD0
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by 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...
I was only chased off by a live wasp once. the rest of them have been dead or I sprayed with the insecticide. The truck has received the nickname "Rumble Bumble" from my girlfriend. I might keep it.Quote:
Originally Posted by brute4c
So the back half of this week was a bit of a roller coaster of emotions. Thursday I received my official Easter Jeep Safari guide book and registered for the event. I was getting excited reading through it and picturing what we'll get to do as well as adding some things to my build list to satisfy Utah road rules. After that, my friend (John) came over to help fabricate the exhaust for the truck. We went out to the garage and I discovered coolant on the floor under the engine... I really hoped it was from a hose but it wasn't. It looked like it was leaking from a freeze plug on the front of the engine as well from under the intake plenum... And the freeze plug is conveniently blocked by the timing cover so that has to be removed...
So after going through the five stages of grief in as many minutes, we got to work. John started on the exhaust while I tore into the engine. Everything came apart easily since I just put it all together and I've been anti-seizing what I can. So now the engine is sitting apart while I wait for new gaskets to arrive.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...02&oe=5EC4AB6F
Here you can see the suspect freeze plug. I tried to install it two years ago with the timing cover on and that clearly didn't work.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...2d&oe=5ED0A74D
On the plus side, as of last night, we have the whole exhaust welded together it just needs to be assembled onto the truck.
(I only have a pic of the front section at the moment)
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...00&oe=5EC2CDB8
While I was waiting on John to weld the tailpipe, I installed my electric wiper motors that I got from Tom's Bronco Parts. I think they look very appropriate and they seem solid. I was worried that they might be on the cheap side but they look stout.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...33&oe=5EC9A386
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...d6&oe=5ED38846
The plan now is to reassemble the engine early next week, assemble the exhaust, wire in the wiper motors, install my windshield sprayer system, wire the gauges, install my stereo, etc etc. I still have 3 weeks to work on the truck before work takes me away from it again but I think I can still make EJS!
Ok, We've been hard at work on the truck and we've made better than expected progress! Even cooler, we made a video of ourselves and we're going to try to keep making updates as we go. Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdq6KyZip0Y :rocker:
So here's how it all went down. I was able to get the timing cover apart and replace the freeze plug on the front as well as a new gasket!
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...18&oe=5ECB2A85
Next was the intake manifold gasket. I got new Felpro ones and used silicone on both sides and a bit more in the corners to try to prevent any more coolant leaks.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...8c&oe=5ED5266A
At that point I was able to reassemble the engine and let the silicone set overnight.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...96&oe=5EC0E8A9
The next day, I pressure tested the cooling system and found an additional leak from the thermostat gasket. I pulled the housing and found some debris. So I cleaned it, put a little more silicone down for good measure and reinstalled it. At that point, we had no more coolant leaks. At least not coolant leaks...
Apparently when I reinstalled the fuel rail I tore an o-ring pretty badly. Bad enough that when I primed the system, fuel started spraying out everywhere... Oops. So the upper intake manifold had to come back off so I could replace the o ring(s).
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...08&oe=5ED6ABF2
While all this was going on, my buddy John was working on the exhaust. We were able to get all of it setup easily enough. It's 2.25" from the factory downpipes to a Y-pipe. There it goes to 3" and a high-flow cat and onto a Flowmaster 70 series muffler. It all looks pretty sweet and I like how we did the tailpipe.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...99&oe=5EB76DB1
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...0c&oe=5ECF89B6
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After all this, we were ready to fire up the engine and hear how it sounded! Plugged everything in, filled all the fluids, annnnd crank but no start... Awesome. Plugged in my code reader and saw that the ECU wasn't receiving voltage. So after a bit of trouble shooting, we found that I blew a fuse. I think I accidentally shorted the system when unplugging the alternator (I was lazy and didn't unplug the battery. don't do that kids). Oops. After that, we were able to run the engine! The truck sounds good for a large displacement V10! I'll have a video soon of the exhaust and hopefully a test drive soon!
It looks great. I was shocked to see how much space the engine took. I had to reread to discover it was a V10. I wish mine was that close. Great job!