Project Big Red

[stealth13777]

Trip report time. Took the truck across the mountains. No issues. Got about 16-16.5 mpg. Hauled a load of drywall. Nothing too crazy. Just trying to get some miles on her. I think we have officially made it to 10k miles since recommissioning. Still have some bugs to work out but I’m trying to just drive and enjoy it for a while.

I’m about halfway through re-reading your build thread (you just got it started in that thread haha), partly because you’re teaching me a lot, and partly because it’s just cool to read. This post had me confused for a minute haha. Great to see it going strong

 

[laserjock]

I’m about halfway through re-reading your build thread (you just got it started in that thread haha), partly because you’re teaching me a lot, and partly because it’s just cool to read. This post had me confused for a minute haha. Great to see it going strong

This is why I documented so much. To help me remember and to help others not fall prey to my stupid mistakes. Hope it helps you out.

 

[laserjock]

Finally starting to turn my sights toward the truck for the rally. There’s a few little things I want to do and one big one if I have time.

Started on this today.

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Picked up a Borgesson 980 steering shaft this spring to get rid of the sloppy intermediate shaft. Cut it to size and just doing a quick fit, it feels great. I wiped it down and shot some primer and paint on it to keep it from rusting.

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I think that will take care of the last of my steering issues. The D shaft had a lot of shop in it. The new one is good and tight.

I’d hoped to have it cut and buffed but that’s not looking likely right now. Making a good run at rally stuff now because I know I’m busy the end of the month.

Need to rainex the mirrors. I cleaned them tonight.

Got some parts coming but I won’t spill the beans on that just yet.

Need to get the windshield leak fixed (if that’s what it is... I’m all but certain it is though) but that probably also won’t happen.

The dome light quit working. It’s not a huge issue but it kinda sucks at night if you are looking for something.

Then the truck needs cleaned good inside and out.

Need lube everything and check fluids. Only a thousand miles or so on the oil change so it’s good for now.

Longer I sit here and think the more I’ll come up with so I’ll just leave it at that.

 

[no mufflers]

hay we can have a cut and buff party at the rally. as long as we keep drinking it will keep looking better... until the next morning .

 

[catbird7]

hay we can have a cut and buff party at the rally. as long as we keep drinking it will keep looking better... until the next morning .

Best stay clear of that "wobble water" if your runnin a buffer!

 

[laserjock]

Got the shaft installed. OMG. Totally worth every penny. My daily has more slop in it. I have a hard time with it because I’m used to having to anticipate.

Borgesson steering shaft. Just do it!!

 

[chillman88]

Yeah that's probably what mine needs. I'll just keep complaining about it and spend the $200 on fuel and pizza

I'm very glad to hear it did the trick though!

 

[jrollf]

The Borgesson steering shaft and red head steering gear really tightened up the steering on my truck, drivers MUCH nicer now.

1993 F350 Crew Cab Dually
XLT
7.3 Factory IDIT w/Banks Sidewinder
5spd Manual

 

[laserjock]

Got a couple things checked off my list.

I messed with my fan clutch and decided I’d disconnect the thermal spring. I think what should happen is that the fan will stay locked. It’s hot. AC will be on. I’ll give it a go and see what happens. There are some pictures in one of the fan clutch threads for reference.

In the mean time I decided to plug up this gap.

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It’s a little hard to see but there was about a 3/4” gap between the core support and the front of the radiator. Don’t know if it will make a difference but I don’t think it will hurt.

I wanted to pull the grill and put my new to me grill ornament in (thanks @IDIoit). Pulled the grill and start looking as I’m trying to get more air through the radiator.

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I notice there’s a big hole there toward the headlight. Hmmm. Wonder if I can do anything with that.

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That looks complicated enough.

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There we are. Nice air scoop to divert air behind the AC condenser from the sides of the grill.

Cont.

 

[laserjock]

And the other side.

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They are almost duplicates. The clamp on the drivers side IC pipe is clocked a little different and it was too much work to adjust it for the tiny bit of trimming it was going to take.

I also noticed while looking at the grill that the center hole is blocked off partially.

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There’s really no reason for it.

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There we are. Every little bit helps right??

So at this point I’ve messed with this all evening and now I’m ready to put the emblem on. An hour of looking for where I had “put it away” and we have this. [emoji2959][emoji2959][emoji2959][emoji2959]

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So that’s where we ended up. Tomorrow I want to change the starter and hopefully the grease boot on the pass tie rod end. Grease everything and check fluids. I think she’ll be about ready enough to fly.

 

[laserjock]

Powermaster starter installed.

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Totally worth the money so far.


Took the truck for an ice cream run tonight. I think releasing the spring on the clutch has locked it. It will pull a paper towel right against the grill now. It sure seems like the AC works better and I’m pretty sure I can hear it now but it’s not too obnoxious. Think this will be the short term solution. We’ll see how she does with the fan actually locking up.

Still need to change the grease boot and rainex the mirrors. Then it’s fluid checks and I think we are ready to pack and roll.

 

[chillman88]

Where did you track down the right grease boot? Mine need it but I've been putting it off.

 

[laserjock]

Well, I am pretty sure I got them from Amazon. I’ll let you know if they fit. I had a universal one on there and it did not fit well at all hence it coming apart. I wish I knew what happened to the one that came with it. Don’t know how I managed to loose it. It was a brand new component.

 

[laserjock]

Changed the air filter. Had a 6637 on there. Went with the Donaldson equivalent. Seems to fit good.

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I think it was ready.

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[emoji15][emoji15][emoji15][emoji15]

 

[Thewespaul]

Next time try the blue 6637, flows about 200 cfm more iirc.