The RedBurb

[AugustDiesel]

Want to see if I can gather some feedback from y'all as I begin to turn my focus towards completing my Dana 60. Again, it's a 92 Dodge kingpin 60. Pretty solid axle, gears in great shape, needs to be cleaned up, regeared, and it's missing the hubs, brakes, and steering linkage. I have done a lot of research on where to find parts, and the most comprehensive source is ORD. They literally have everything I need to finish the thing. The perspective I want to have as I go into this project is this: to buy the right parts for the right price, the first time. As expensive as these things get, I don't want to have to do something over. I also don't want to replace something if it is not yet necessary. All that being said, I am also on a limited budget, so it will likely take me some time to collect all the parts, and I don't want to purchase something if I don't need to, but I also don't want to cut corners. Nice little balancing act I'm trying to do here. So here is the list of parts I have developed, all sourced from ORD, along with fresh photos of the axle. If you think I have something in here that I don't need, or could find an equal-quality part cheaper elsewhere, or even something that I am missing, please let me know. This list assumes an open diff, although I do plan on including a locker when the build finally starts (following the whole 'do it right once' mentality):







Thanks in advance,

Andy

 

[stan1688]

Are you dead set on using that axle? It would be cheaper to get a different axle that's more complete, even if it meant a higher purchase price. But then again, I don't know the market or availability for those axles in your area.

Either that or watch the classified on here and pirate and you might be able to find some of your missing/needed parts.

 

[AugustDiesel]

Good advice, thank you. I’m not dead set on it, but availability in my area is pretty slim. Most people are asking just as much for a complete 60 ad it would take me to finish this one.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Check hardline crawlers classifieds as well, they are mostly south east guys.

 

[AgDieseler]

If you wanted to defer crossover and save, I have a 3” steering block you can have and do front/back steering for a bit longer.

David

 

[AugustDiesel]

Check hardline crawlers classifieds as well, they are mostly south east guys.

I’ll make sure to check them out, thanks!

If you wanted to defer crossover and save, I have a 3” steering block you can have and do front/back steering for a bit longer.

David

I may take you up on that, but I would still need a drag link. Unless I can use the one that’s on my 10bolt, which I don’t think I can. But if I can find a cheap drag link somewhere I’m willing to put off the crossover for now to help get the axle under the truck.

What about the kingpin rebuild? Is it necessary? I added it to the list as a preventative maintenance type thing, but they’re all there, and pretty stiff.

Ultimately, if this is what it takes to finish the axle I’m fine with it. Just may take longer than I like.

 

[AgDieseler]

The steering block just raises the kingpin arm to correct the angle. You should be able to use the same or similar drag link.

Kingpin rebuild is worth it - maybe polish the upper cone only, but definitely inspect throughly and maybe replace the lower bearing.

David

 

[AugustDiesel]

The steering block just raises the kingpin arm to correct the angle. You should be able to use the same or similar drag link.

Kingpin rebuild is worth it - maybe polish the upper cone only, but definitely inspect throughly and maybe replace the lower bearing.

David

Thanks. I will keep that in mind as I get closer. That is very helpful. #eager.

 

[AugustDiesel]

Went out to get started on removing my valve covers and I got side-tracked...




Andy

 

[AugustDiesel]

And no more fangs. Still need to clean up the cuts but it turned out pretty good for about 3 minutes of work...







It gets dark early here so I had to play with the lighting, may take some better pics tomorrow. Figured this will force me to start learning to weld and build a wannabe bumper, or “frame cap” as I so affectionately call it.

Andy

 

[AugustDiesel]

Not that y’all need to know what defanged fenders look like but I did promise better photos and just wanting to keep up to date with my happenings.



Andy

 

[AugustDiesel]

Another family project done and in the books. New headlights for that GMT400

 

[AugustDiesel]

So I got tired of the back of my truck flooding every time it rains hard, so this afternoon I finally pulled out the box of new weather stripping and got it installed:





Tonight I should be able to get my new-to-me drip rail painted up and I’ll install it tomorrow:



Here’s my problem though. The driver side barn door is misaligned. I messed around with the hinges and hinge bolts numerous times and get the same misalignment every time. It is not a result of the new weather stripping because it had the same problem before. Any tips or tricks to getting this door aligned properly? I’ll get back at it tomorrow morning.





Thanks in advance.

Andy

 

[AugustDiesel]

Also, while I’m at it, I might as well get these other 4 drip rails painted up and ready to be installed. Any tips for painting these chrome pieces? I’m thinking probably scuff it up with some fine sand paper to give the paint something to stick to.

 

[campfire]

Also, while I’m at it, I might as well get these other 4 drip rails painted up and ready to be installed. Any tips for painting these chrome pieces? I’m thinking probably scuff it up with some fine sand paper to give the paint something to stick to.

View attachment 292300

Do you want them painted? Why not just leave them in the stainless/chrome color?

 

[AugustDiesel]

Do you want them painted? Why not just leave them in the stainless/chrome color?

Yes sir I want them painted. Since I repainted the truck and the top half of the truck is black, I think the drip rails would look out of place if they remained chrome. I really like the driprails that match the body color. The in laws suburban is like that and looks really good.



A very minor detail, I know, but it matters to me.

 

[bix]

nice burb, got all caught up. Good work so far!

 

[AugustDiesel]

nice burb, got all caught up. Good work so far!

Thank you I really appreciate it. It’s mind-boggling how much work this truck has required but I think it’s proving worth it in the end.

 

[bix]

Thank you I really appreciate it. It’s mind-boggling how much work this truck has required but I think it’s proving worth it in the end.

Yeah it's always worth it. Somehow, some way it's never a bad thing.

 

[AugustDiesel]

Well I got the rear drip rail installed, the front pass and driver drip rails, then realized the 2nd can set I have doesn’t fit over the rear side doors. Don’t know why I thought they would. Oversight on my pet. So I am now on the hunt for 2 suburban or crew cab rear side door drip rails. Time for some lunch, then it’s time to tackle these valve covers.





Still need to get the rear barn door aligned but I think I’ll save that for another day.