January 30, 2011 - Progress Update

The project is moving forward, albeit slowly. I expect a couple more weeks before noticeable changes will be made. Here is a summary of all that has gone on recently.  The broken rear spring leaf shackle was removed and I ordered the replacement part from Alex, a "Stovebolter" that is selling parts from a spare frame.  Also got a running  board bracket.

After several weeks of deliberation I ordered new front and rear leaf springs from Posies. Both are lowered 3 inches.  The front ones were in stock and the rears had to be fabricated to fit the 3/4 ton configuration. I am starting to get a feel for the logistics of reassembly. It will be eight weeks before the rear springs get built and shipped.

The next issue to resolve was what type of blast media to use. After much research we decided that sand was just too dangerous and are going with Black Diamond coal slag, much safer and about as economical as sand.

I ordered a 10x16 carport canopy to use for weather protection of the truck, a blast room, and paint room. Once is comes and we get a couple of 65 degree days, the frame will be blasted, primed with an epoxy primer, and painted.  Deep Red, of course.

I did build some new shelves and everything is put up and out of the way.  See the pictures of the disassembled truck.

The next post will be big progress.

Brimmer

January 16, 2011 - Rebuilding!

Not much happened this week, too much snow, too cold, and too much work.

  I did get the engine on an engine stand so I can get it out of the weather and into the crowded garage.

Finally made the decision on how to lower the truck. Since the front right leaf spring was broken and has to be replaced, I am going to buy all new leaf spring, front and back, lowered 2 or 3 inches.  If I use 16" rims and a lower profile tire I should get another 2 inches.  The truck really sat up high so I have at least 5-6 inches to work with.

Am also tracking down the running board bracket and rear/rear shackle mount that I need. See the pictures of the ones to be replaced.

January 9, 2011 Finally, shackles gone and removed bell housing!

 The weekend started out with frustration but in the end the goal was accomplished.  I had two rear shackles to remove and had been trying to knock them out or use a bolt in the Zerk fitting to twist them out, but could not make any progress.  Dale came over and used some manly force to knock them out. Nothing like experience. Finally everything is off the frame and we are rebuilding from this point.

Bought an abrasive blaster from Eastwood and blasted a small area of the frame. This is great tool.  I need to build a frame around it to capture the media and hope the compressor can handle it.

WhooHoo, we got the clutch bell housing off.  It took me several days to realize that the clutch plate and flywheel had to be removed to get to the bell housing bolts.  Live and learn.

January 3, 2011 Still Working the Rear Suspension

Followed the instructions in the shop manual. Two shackle bolts came off easily but two are not moving. Took a break and removed the transmission and PTO, next is the clutch unit.

The decision to make is how much to lower the suspension and how to do it. I figure smaller rims and tires will get a few inches.  Since one of the front leaf springs is broken I am looking at a new front suspension that is 2 inches lower and am looking to see what the options are for the rear.

Will need to replace this shackle mount.

A nice 4 speed transmission.

December 31 the end of 2010

Almost done with the removal process. The front suspension was removed without much effort. 

All the other miscellaneous attachments to the frame are gone. All that is left is the rear suspension, which is giving us some problems.  The U bolts and top springs came off, but the rear shackles are giving us a problem.  Stay tuned to next week for an update.  Close!