CK5
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Project "Might as Well Make it Right this Time"

I got the transfer case side mount brackets all drilled Friday and two spacers made. Also got the drop down bracket that my carrier bearing mounted to cut off. I'm ready to install the transfer case for the final time and then I can figure out the layout of the driveshafts. Good progress yesterday.

Looked at a buddy's truck last night and his carrier bearing attaches to the bottom crossmember while mine attached to the top crossmember with a large drop drown bracket. Very eager to get the NP205 back in place so I can figure out the rear driveshaft.
 
No progress to report, but just gotta say, I love the sound of my bbc - I had to cut the exhaust off so I have open headers right now and I find myself firing it up about every time I step into the shop just to hear it roar. :laugh:
 
I don't want to alarm anyone but yes, I've actually found/made some time to work on this again. About time, I know, I know. Since last working on it my website has gone down so all my prior pics are down until I figure that out.

Anyway, got the NP205 bolted up and now addressing the rear driveshaft. As you can see from the pics, the upper crossmember that the carrier bearing hung from is in the way and of course the driveshaft is too long now.

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My local driveshaft shop was nervous about making a single driveshaft 61" long - I see from looking at Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts website that they will make a 3.5" driveshaft that is good for up to 70" with a maximum operating rpm of 3,000. That would be one option. The other is to just make the existing work - I'm inclined to do that as the carrier bearing and u-joints are basically brand new.

Right now I'm leaning towards moving the upper crossmember back and hang the carrier from it, then have the rear portion of the driveshaft cut to fit. That does increase the operating angle of the driveshaft, but I think it will be okay.
 
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I thought you were trying to give me a run for my money in the "longest project" category. :D
Definitely stick with the two piece drive shaft. Yeah, a one piece can be done, but why re-invent the wheel when you already have the heavier duty unit on hand. I'm actually converting mine to a two piece just to make sure there is no problem with whip or twisting.
 
Last few nights have gotten some stuff done but nothing really picture worthy. I should be putting the interior back in next time I get to the shop! That is a great step in the right direction.

Last night I sanded and painted both shifters since they were a bit rough looking. Also got around to installing an electric speedometer that I've had for quite some time. Will be awesome to finally know how fast I'm going :-)

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Buddy modified the carrier bearing hanger for me last night and I should be picking it up tonight. If I make it to the shop tonight I'll get the carrier bearing in place and then it's time to put the interior back in - can't wait!

The short portion of the two piece driveshaft has 5" of spline. After shortening that portion it looks like about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2" of spline will be sticking out. Is 2 1/2" to 2 3/4" of engagement sufficient? The driveshaft shop indicated the more engagement the better - he was wanting it to have about 1 1/2" of exposed spline so more would be engaged.
 
Here are a couple shots of the carrier bearing support reinstalled. From the factory it hung from the crossmember located at the top of the frame but due to how high the NP205's rear output is, I had to hang it from the bottom crossmember.

np205carrierbearingmounted1.jpg


np205carrierbearingmounted2.jpg


As you can see from the second pic, the splines are about half engaged in the sleeve - about 2 1/2" to 2 3/4" engaged. The driveshaft shop said he'd like to have about 1 1/2" of exposed spline so there is more engaged spline - anyone have any thoughts on this issue?

Last night I spent some time getting the interior back into place. Seats are in but not bolted down - hopefully get that done tonight.

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Truck has gotten awful dusty from sitting for 1 year and two months

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Hopefully be driving to the exhuast shop in a few days :laugh:
 
I did the interior about 4 years ago when I tore the truck apart for paint - I like the carpet but it is a pain as the seats had to come all the way out to get the tranny hump cover off.
 
Made it to the exhaust shop this morning - had to lose the x-pipe for the way we routed the exhaust - but no big deal. I really can't tell any sound or power difference, course, it's been over a year since it last ran so no way to really compare it.

Hit the car wash and got the cat paw prints and dust off to. Definitely different driving this as opposed to the K5. Can't recall getting any thumbs up or waves while driving the K5 but got numerous waves, thumbs ups and stares. Pretty funny actually.

Got to take a run to buy some straw for our garden - nice to have the truck running again!!!
 
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