77 Blazer - The Beast build

[ZombieK5]

Started work on the Dana 60 and attempted to remove the lower king pin bearing races. WTF, those things are in tight and there isn't a simple/basic extraction method. Needed to use my MAPP gas, extra long punch and 5lb sledge. Finally got one side out. Was. Hoping for easy steps leading up to shimming the carrier but that didn't happen. Good times!

 

[Truckman4life]

Run a bead around the bearing surface if you have a welder. It will shrink them.

 

[ZombieK5]

Run a bead around the bearing surface if you have a welder. It will shrink them.

I have heard about that before but I always figured the heat would cause it to expand, rather than contract.

 

[Truckman4life]

Nope it shrinks it right up, pretty cool. I've done it on wheel bearing races on semis the most. Way easier than driving them out.

 

[ZombieK5]

Broke down and just media blasted the whole axle. Tractor Supply hasn't had coal slag for months which is cheap! Had to use 80grit glass bead. Got it done but used alot of glass bead. Ready for paint (for the most part).

 

[ZombieK5]

Got the knuckles sand blasted today, They were mess!

 

[ZombieK5]

Got the carrier out. It was NOT COMMING OUT. Did some searches and found an EXCELLENT method. I tried prybars and all sorts of stuff. This method was dead on.

"The preferred method is the spreader, but you csn get the carrier out by taking the carrier caps off, positioning a 13/16" box end wrench on one of the ring gear bolts and cranking the pinion nut (1 5/16") until the wrench contacts case and then using the wrench as a lever just crank the carrer out while turning the pinion nut. I have re-installed the carriers by carefully tapping on an aluminum block against the bearing cups with a small sledge and seen no damage. You just have to be patient. The chain and truck method is stupid."

Got all the races out - Easy!

I'm set to make my setup Bearings and races. I have the cheap version of the bearing removal tool comming tomorrow and I'll start painting it over the weekend.

Overall it was a good day.

 

[ZombieK5]

Paint Day!

1. POR 15 Metal Prep
2. POR 15 Rust Preventative

Those are done so far Next is Black Top Coat for Axle Body and Red Caliper paint for knuckles.

I'm just happy to MAYBE making positive progress.

 

[1300obo]

Looking nice, I wish we would known about removing the carrier, we towstrapped the carrier to the shop ceiling and hammered the axle, lol

 

[ZombieK5]

Looking nice, I wish we would known about removing the carrier, we towstrapped the carrier to the shop ceiling and hammered the axle, lol

It was so easy that way. 13/16" wrench, big pipe wrench on the yolk... Twist... Carrier out!!

 

[ZombieK5]

My first try to remove carrier and pinion Bearings. I was advised to buy "The Tool" and Holy F**K was that the best advice ever. Would taken me 3 months and a miriad of tools to get these off.... You ever have to remove carrier and/or pinion Bearings this should be your next tool. Literally took be 3 minutes to remove all three Bearings!!!

One side of the carrier had only 1 shim... The other side (side with the bolts) had NINE SHIMS...wtf???

 

[swettysblazer]

That tool is worth its weight.

I've also stuffed a shop rag in between the pinion and ring gear. That works as well.

 

[ZombieK5]

Another task done. Got the knuckles painted.

Tomorrow we will be putting the frame on two engine stands to make it easy to roll over.

 

[ZombieK5]

Big Day for getting sht done! Got 14 Bolt off the frame, removed drums and backing plates. Big pain in the ass that was.

Got the springs off the frame. All went easy until last bolt... Needed torch and a Sawzall.

Got the frame mounted on two engine stands for a makeshift rotisserie. Came out pretty good if I say so myself.

Very happy with the days work.

Bob the skeleton was wore out too!! Red Stripe's all around!!

 

[swettysblazer]

Hooray Beer!

 

[ZombieK5]

Hooray Beer!

The neighbors think I'm nuts

 

[ZombieK5]

Back at it today. Degreased the hubs and spindles (gas and brake cleaner). Media blasted them next in prep for POR15 and cover paint. Step after media blasting was Metal Prep. At the same time I media blasted the front half of the frame on the driver side (outside only). Getting ready to weld on the frame braces. Got the frame painted with POR15. Welding braces on Sunday I hope. Painting hubs Sunday too.

Slow progress....

 

[ZombieK5]

Started fitting and welding the frame braces. Honestly, the first brace is done and went horribly. My Hobart took alot of work to get setup right. Using 0.035 solid wire. I could not determine if it was a wire speed problem, amperage or another setting. I installed a new roll of wire and I thought I had the tension set up correctly but that may have also been an issue. I ended up welding, badly welding, about three-quarters of the first brace before I finally got the settings dialed in. A lot of grinding and rewelding several sections. The second, and subsequent, section should go easier.

 

[swettysblazer]

Is the frame painted? What's on it?

 

[swettysblazer]

If it's POR15 there's no way you're gonna be able to weld through it