'86 Jimmy 4in Lift, 40’s, tons, 8.1 Swap- 700r4 said PNNNNN

[GWeakland620]

New PSC full hydro ram came in today. 2.5” bore by 8” stroke. Much larger and should move this steering like it should.

Might have to redo some mounts as this body is larger and already contacting the tie rod.

 

[GWeakland620]

Cut off the old mount and ground down the welds. Got everything tacked on to check clearance. Last full assemble and check lock to lock with the ram installed.

Steering locked left.



Steering locked right.



Clearance at the spring.



Clearance on the diff cover also.



Taking the tierod to work tomorrow so I can paint indoors with the metal warm. Test drive tomorrow after work.

 

[GWeakland620]

Thoughts on adding a small brace/skid here to protect the ram?



Or do I go full width and make the diff cover accessible?

I do have a new DIY cover that’s ready to go on too.

 

[Truckman4life]

Don't see you hitting it too easily with it mounted that high.

 

[GWeakland620]

Don't see you hitting it too easily with it mounted that high.

Yeah true. Perhaps I’ll leave it alone for now.

 

[skunked]

You should be OK with the ram in that position.
PS- You're missing some bolts on your engine crossmember.

 

[GWeakland620]

You should be OK with the ram in that position.
PS- You're missing some bolts on your engine crossmember.

Yeah they are in my checklist lol

 

[GWeakland620]

Paint and final assembly. Tested it immediately by locking the hubs while in 4wd and turning. Worked perfectly!

Then took it on its first official parts run. Street manners are way better. Next run my be Frost Bite in February at KSRocks.

 

[GWeakland620]

Got 14” of snow on Saturday. Been working 14hr days pushing snow for the school district. Finally got a few minutes tonight to do some snow wheeling in my back acres.

 

[Truckman4life]

I love that tire and wheel setup. What size?

 

[skunked]

I love that tire and wheel setup. What size?

37's

 

[GWeakland620]

I love that tire and wheel setup. What size?

37's

37x13.50r17 and H2’s

 

[GWeakland620]

Small update.

Right after I did some snow romping in my last post, the power steering got extremely difficult to the point I could barely turn the wheel. I put the front end on jack stands with nothing 4x4 locked in, and it was steering very slowly and stiff almost.

Pulled the pump out tonight to inspect it. Definitely found my issue.





I have another pump to toss in with my ported insert. Hopefully that’s not what caused this, but no money wasted if it pops again. Just have to figure out a different plan at that time. This pump has been on the truck for years even back to the non hydro assist days, so it may have just been its time to go.

 

[Truckman4life]

Did you bottom out a bolt in that hole?

 

[Chickntrk]

Is the frame cracked between the engine crossmember and the steering box or is that an optical illusion?

 

[GWeakland620]

Did you bottom out a bolt in that hole?

Nope. Probably another 1/4 inch before it bottoms out.

Is the frame cracked between the engine crossmember and the steering box or is that an optical illusion?

That’s the weld on frame repair.

 

[GWeakland620]

Got the truck back together yesterday before a big cold front moved through.

Everything is working great!

View attachment IMG_6866.mov

Decided to toss the 40’s back on as I’m going to Frostbite in a few weeks. Should be able to test everything pretty well.

 

[GWeakland620]

This thing is coming together exactly like I was planning. Steering is great, and the 8.1 literally does not care that the 40’s are on now. I’m so happy with how it’s looking and driving!

Flex test and the 40’s clear perfectly. 95% ready for Frostbite in a couple of weeks.



This shot made my pants feel funny…

 

[AgDieseler]

Looking so very good.

David

 

[82355]

Needs a grille.

Martin