CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

'89 R3500 Crew Cab 2wd to 4wd conversion & beyond

Started out with 2wd TBI350 with SM465 to current 4wd with 454, 700r4, NP241
High Angle does the "ultimate yoke" but it looked like it still needed the little tab.
 
Replaced the carrier bearing bracket today. Here's the replacement versus the damaged piece: :haha:

2016-12-08%2014.17.18.jpg


Changed it from a nice U shape to a tear drop shape. Below is a picture of the rubber surround that fits in the bracket.

3d39f259-0853-45fe-86b6-b6ab272a9ff7.jpg


You can see looking at the flange the bottom hole in the picture must have been the last one to let loose. I'm guessing that based on the damage.

2016-12-08%2014.30.34.jpg


Had to chase a couple of the threads with a tap to clean them up.
 
I may be late to the game to be asking this question, but...your carrier bearing is on top of your cross member and not hanging down below it like most carrier bearings. Is there a reason for that? The cross member does not look stock.

2016-12-06%2016.26.59.jpg
 
I see some casting flash in those oil drain back valley's. That means no one has ever de-burred that block.

20161115_132754.jpg
 
I may be late to the game to be asking this question, but...your carrier bearing is on top of your cross member and not hanging down below it like most carrier bearings. Is there a reason for that? The cross member does not look stock.

2016-12-06%2016.26.59.jpg
I moved the carrier bearing back towards the rear axle about 12" to get a steeper angle on the driveshaft to attempt to keep it out of harms way.
 
I see some casting flash in those oil drain back valley's. That means no one has ever de-burred that block.

20161115_132754.jpg
Never noticed that but I see what you're talking about now that you point it out.
 
I moved the carrier bearing back towards the rear axle about 12" to get a steeper angle on the driveshaft to attempt to keep it out of harms way.

OK. I figured there had to be a reason for the carrier bearing being on top.
 
Well the 2 steps forward, 1 step back tend is continuing. Got the driveshaft and new yoke installed successfully. Went to go for a test drive and almost didn't get the trick to start.

Had to crank with the throttle partially depressed before it would finally fire. Then it would barely run at more than an idle. If I tried to accelerate, the motor just sputtered and stumbled. It finally improved once the motor warmed up. However it was still running rough.

I think the problem is the truck was in the shop and saw the 454 and it's ready to be rid of the tired old 350. :haha:

Speaking of the "new" motor, it's a good thing I pulled the oil pump.

20161211_152324.jpg

I know it's not super critical but it's still best not to have plastic pieces hanging around in the motor.
 
Last edited:
Looks like a great engine. I think this will be a good turn-a-round point for your truck. Moving forward, 2 steps forward.
 
Thank you. I do feel like it will be more worthy to wear the factory 3500 badges. Still the biggest improvement will be not having the embarrassing plume of oil smoke every time I start the truck.
 
We thought it seemed to be a bit more slop than it should so I put a new one in. Seemed like a no-brainer when they are so cheap. Did that yesterday. Spent quite a bit of time double checking the alignment marks.
 
Last edited:
We thought it seemed to be a bit more slop than it should so I put a new one in. Seemed like a no-brainer when they are so cheap. Did that yesterday. Spent quite a bit of time double checking the alignment marks.

I set mine up wrong the first time, too many marks :D
 
Top Bottom