dieselndixie
1/2 ton status
are all manual hubs created equally?
do I just pull off the autos, and bolt on manuals?
do I just pull off the autos, and bolt on manuals?
CK5
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"Gredda's" Build / WTF / Help Me! Thread
- Thread starter dieselndixie
- Start date
scottsdale86
1/2 ton status
No not all manula hubs are not created equal. I prefer Superwinch mine have no plastic in them, some lower end warns and milemarkers do.
DrkZide
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I might need to sub this thread just for the links LOL
As far as what you are doing for the most part any manual hub will do, I prefer superwinch hubs have had good luck with them on both my half ton stuff and my one ton stuff.
And those auto hubs will fail you trust me they suck, that should be one of the things you do very first.
The auto hubs come out a bit wierd but yes just pull them out and put manual locking hubs in their place
dieselndixie
1/2 ton status
Well, after some research and talking with 77_Jimmy, I decided that since the PO put brand new tires on before I bought it....I am going to wait, save up, and do a lift, wheels/tires, 3/4 ton axles at the same time.
So, I decided to go ahead and just get new shocks. I got some Pro Comp ES3000 (set of 4)
Pretty easy install. I didnt go with quad shocks again in the front, but I just replaced the long one...and left the old short one. Long one is the one straight up and down (I hope)
I also picked up a pair of warn premium manual hubs. I got out the door for $300, so I think it was a decent deal. I prolly should have passed on the shock boots, but oh well.
I havent installed the hubs yet, but they are in the truck in case I have issues. I am taking it to the ranch today for the weekend, so I should learn alot about her.
So, I decided to go ahead and just get new shocks. I got some Pro Comp ES3000 (set of 4)
Pretty easy install. I didnt go with quad shocks again in the front, but I just replaced the long one...and left the old short one. Long one is the one straight up and down (I hope)
I also picked up a pair of warn premium manual hubs. I got out the door for $300, so I think it was a decent deal. I prolly should have passed on the shock boots, but oh well.
I havent installed the hubs yet, but they are in the truck in case I have issues. I am taking it to the ranch today for the weekend, so I should learn alot about her.
dieselndixie
1/2 ton status
Took Gredda to the ranch. Was a 3.5 hour drive there. And a 3 day weekend of no roads, no phones, no nothing. Solar powered cabin, and filtered rainwater tanks for water. She drove great on the way there....but steering was pretty bad and loose on the way back. What can i start checking to get this steering fixed?
She did pretty good considering she is stock. Small bend in the bumper, broken front grill!, bent rear bumper.
nothing major, just coming down some hills that took a few tries but some scars on her. And dont forget all the new texas pinstripes (mesquite tree scratches)
I had some issues taking the hard top off because there was a bolt under the back of the camper top, and not one on the other side. took me a while to figure it out.
any tips on the top? differnt bolts to use, tools, tricks?
got a leak now, very small....will get under it and get some pics to help identify it.
new shocks worked out great, electrical updates coming up next. I really need a working cig lighter, and a roof rack of lights.
here are a few before and afters...
She did pretty good considering she is stock. Small bend in the bumper, broken front grill!, bent rear bumper.
nothing major, just coming down some hills that took a few tries but some scars on her. And dont forget all the new texas pinstripes (mesquite tree scratches)
I had some issues taking the hard top off because there was a bolt under the back of the camper top, and not one on the other side. took me a while to figure it out.
any tips on the top? differnt bolts to use, tools, tricks?
got a leak now, very small....will get under it and get some pics to help identify it.
new shocks worked out great, electrical updates coming up next. I really need a working cig lighter, and a roof rack of lights.
here are a few before and afters...
Most just ditch that last bolt that goes from the bottom up.
The leak............................hmmmm thats an expensive fix, new soft top
Probably just needs some weather stripping really.
As far as the steering goes you need to address this man. I have seen some pretty scary wore out parts on late 80s early 90s Chevys. Like factory parts that have been on there forever. Start with the linkages under the truck.
Drag link, tie rod, check for slop in the ends
Actually first you should check to see if your frame is cracked at the steering box. It happens alot to these trucks.
Then of course AFTER all that is done and fixed worry about the XJ shaft it will help too. First is to make sure all your normal components are in good working order
The leak............................hmmmm thats an expensive fix, new soft top
Probably just needs some weather stripping really.
As far as the steering goes you need to address this man. I have seen some pretty scary wore out parts on late 80s early 90s Chevys. Like factory parts that have been on there forever. Start with the linkages under the truck.
Drag link, tie rod, check for slop in the ends
Actually first you should check to see if your frame is cracked at the steering box. It happens alot to these trucks.
Then of course AFTER all that is done and fixed worry about the XJ shaft it will help too. First is to make sure all your normal components are in good working order
dieselndixie
1/2 ton status
...leak is not under the top actually, its under the truck!. It slung around during a 3.5 hour drive, so i cant quite tell where it started yet...but i think my spline is leaking.
also, im gonna need more details on how to check for steering issues. I can check the frame, but how would i know if a ragjoint is bad, or if linkage is actually bad?
also, im gonna need more details on how to check for steering issues. I can check the frame, but how would i know if a ragjoint is bad, or if linkage is actually bad?
dirtygoat
1/2 ton status
Probably shot tre's... Have someone get in the truck and turn the wheel back and forth with it off... You'll be laying under looking at every part of the steering... Anything that has play in it is what your looking for...
We should start a video section showing these kinds of things...
We should start a video section showing these kinds of things...
That is a good idea. i have a 90 with classic white knuckle K5 steering right now. Maybe on Wednesday I'll get my daughter to saw on the wheel while I video each component.
I'll prolly be rockin this 10 bolt for a while yet, might as well make it a little less exciting to drive in the meantime.
Rene
dirtygoat
1/2 ton status
As soon as I typed it all kinds of things started popping into my head...
My Blazer isn't even close to stock, so I can't be much help...
dieselndixie
1/2 ton status
video section would be amazing. some of this stuff may seem like common knowledge to most, but I second guess myself alot when it comes to this stuff, so video pointing out the different parts, and how to check them would be awesome.
after reading up on the XJ steering mod, I like it, and want to do it. for my 89 K5, what years will work, and any tips on getting one out of the cherokee?
after reading up on the XJ steering mod, I like it, and want to do it. for my 89 K5, what years will work, and any tips on getting one out of the cherokee?
We should do that. My steering in the Jimmy is pretty good maybe I will vid it and Rene can put up the bad
Steering is pretty easy to diagnose. You want to watch the TRE (Tie Rod End) as the steering is being wiggled back and forth. You are looking for sloppiness between components, The whole system should appear to be connected nearly as a solid piece, it will have some movement but very slight. Any extra movement or delay in between components will indicate a worn part.
Start with the pitman arm and drag link and work your way down the system. It is more than likely a couple of problems rather than just one.
Also this is a good time to upgrade to a beefier tie rod. No need to upgrade anything else really just replace.
Even if you go crossover later, you will still be able to use your beefy tie rod
Steering is pretty easy to diagnose. You want to watch the TRE (Tie Rod End) as the steering is being wiggled back and forth. You are looking for sloppiness between components, The whole system should appear to be connected nearly as a solid piece, it will have some movement but very slight. Any extra movement or delay in between components will indicate a worn part.
Start with the pitman arm and drag link and work your way down the system. It is more than likely a couple of problems rather than just one.
Also this is a good time to upgrade to a beefier tie rod. No need to upgrade anything else really just replace.
Even if you go crossover later, you will still be able to use your beefy tie rod
dirtygoat
1/2 ton status
Sorry to stomp all over your thread...
I really think we should do this... A video tech sub-forum... It could be broken up into steering, axle, flips, 52/56s, fender cutting, fuel systems, interior and so on... This could be a great source for everyone new and old...
I haven't seen this type of a tech area on any other forum... This could be huge...
I really think we should do this... A video tech sub-forum... It could be broken up into steering, axle, flips, 52/56s, fender cutting, fuel systems, interior and so on... This could be a great source for everyone new and old...
I haven't seen this type of a tech area on any other forum... This could be huge...
mrwilliamsburg33
1/2 ton status
I second the video idea... that'd be great...
dieselndixie
1/2 ton status
I couldnt agree more. Even the simple stuff. I would love to see a video of someone draining and opening the rear diff to clean, inspect, check what gears I have, and refill. I know its prolly easy, but I am too afraid to F something up on this thing. I dont quite have the confidence to just go for it and do it the way I think it needs to be done. Same with steering.
Speaking of steering. Everything looks like it moves in unison, but my rag joint does look kinda beat up and worn out. I like the idea of the XJ steering shaft swap. Mainly cuz I used to love the steering on my old XJ!
I learn by watching...sometimes when you guys start telling people how to do stuff, you refer to parts or techniques that some people dont know about. A video would clear it all up. Maybe I should start video-ing everything I do, since I am starting out. They may not be perfect, but atleast yall could see what i did and correct any mistakes I made.
Speaking of steering. Everything looks like it moves in unison, but my rag joint does look kinda beat up and worn out. I like the idea of the XJ steering shaft swap. Mainly cuz I used to love the steering on my old XJ!
I learn by watching...sometimes when you guys start telling people how to do stuff, you refer to parts or techniques that some people dont know about. A video would clear it all up. Maybe I should start video-ing everything I do, since I am starting out. They may not be perfect, but atleast yall could see what i did and correct any mistakes I made.
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dieselndixie
1/2 ton status
so back to the "build?" thread
I got a Coga PA system that I want to install. I dont have a working cigarette lighter, so I decided to start down an electrical path. get the worst part out of the way.
1. what should I look for to see why my cig outlet doesnt work.
2. should I bypass it anyway and run my own lines where I want? I eventually want to end up with auxillary ports in the back for spotlights etc?
3. If so, what about a 2nd battery for lights, etc? how do you guys set that up?
4. Take a look at my diagram below...these are the lights that I got working. Am I missing any? (1989)
thx
I got a Coga PA system that I want to install. I dont have a working cigarette lighter, so I decided to start down an electrical path. get the worst part out of the way.
1. what should I look for to see why my cig outlet doesnt work.
2. should I bypass it anyway and run my own lines where I want? I eventually want to end up with auxillary ports in the back for spotlights etc?
3. If so, what about a 2nd battery for lights, etc? how do you guys set that up?
4. Take a look at my diagram below...these are the lights that I got working. Am I missing any? (1989)
thx
Dieselwarrior here did a 25 or 26 part Video epic on his Blazer. Each "episode" was the full youtube 10 minutes. i thought it was entertaining...
Rene
Rene
shovelbill80
1/2 ton status
nice truck.....it's good to jump in and start wrenchin, best way to know your rig. goode call on waiting on the tires, i'm doing the same thing for now. since you'll be driving her and towing make sure you have a good tranny cooler.
do you have the RPO sticker in the glove box? fix things as they become evident and upgrade parts when you can. it sounds like you want to build a very similar truck to the one i'm in the process of doing too.
lookin forward to you wearing out your tires for the next phase.
do you have the RPO sticker in the glove box? fix things as they become evident and upgrade parts when you can. it sounds like you want to build a very similar truck to the one i'm in the process of doing too.
lookin forward to you wearing out your tires for the next phase.
Don't run your own wires. That is probably 90% of the previous owner complaints on this board, owner didn't take the time or effort to track down the real problem which is usually fairly simple, but did take the extra effort and time to run brand new wires for something that doesn't work.
do it the right way, get yourself a wiring diagram (Haynes manual might be good enough) and do wiring the right way
do it the right way, get yourself a wiring diagram (Haynes manual might be good enough) and do wiring the right way
