Project Big Red

Reggie f250

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I just finished reading this build. WOW!!! I am impressed with all the detail. So many great things you have done. There are so many things I want to do to my truck. Thank you for documenting all of this.
 

laserjock

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I just finished reading this build. WOW!!! I am impressed with all the detail. So many great things you have done. There are so many things I want to do to my truck. Thank you for documenting all of this.
Thanks. I put a lot of effort into the documentation. It’s as much for me as you guys. Hopefully you stay away from the stupid things I did and learned along with me. I love my truck but I’m itching to do something else just a little different. I’ve got some work to do on the house first but stay tuned. Big Red may be getting a bit of an upgrade or dare I say a garage mate??? Not sure yet.

[emoji15] [emoji23]


Don’t hold your breath. This will not be happening soon but.... I’m starting to work on the feasibility. Don’t tell the wife.

LOL
 

laserjock

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I’ve been wanting to mess with the timing a bit for a while. I’ve got the tools I just really hate this job for some reason. Mainly the pass side but that’s damn near impossible to get to but I digress. this is where we started.

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Pretty much what I remembered. This is where I set it.

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I was shooting for 6.5 but close enough. The big observation is the noise level. I can’t believe how much quieter it is. I think it’s boosting a little sooner too and there seems to be less smoke when I get on it but it’s like a different truck. I haven’t went back through to find my readings but I think I was well over 90 dB at cruise on the interstate. Here’s where we are now.

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That’s 75 + going down the highway. At idle now in the cab.

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So at this point I can have a conversation. I’m below the time weighted average for hearing protection. It’s mostly wind and turbo noise now at speed. Even would you to 2500 rpm I’m still just at 80. At this point I don’t care if it runs better so long as it’s not much worse. This is game changing honestly because noise has been one of my biggest complaints.

I even broke down and gave her a quick bath.

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laserjock

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It’s been a while since I’ve updated this thread because, well I haven’t done much. I drive it occasionally. I’ve got a couple winter upgrades going on that I’ll share as I get them completely sorted. For now, I am just working on making her ready to do truck things.

She got a new BW turnover ball hitch for Christmas. The install wasn’t too bad. Hardest part was screwing up the nerve to cut the hole in the bed.

LOL

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Hoist held everything in place while I put the bolts in and torqued them.

cont.
 

laserjock

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And here is the finished product.
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like it’s not even there. Just what I wanted. I was going to drill and add extra bolts in the remaining slots in the frame mount plates but the fuel and brake lines were going to make that extremely difficult so I went with just what the instructions said. Drilled the front hole. 1” bolt through the hole in the frame. I’m sure it’s more than adequate.

Stay tuned. This story isn’t quite over yet!
 

no mufflers

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good choice with the BW. thats what i got for my dodge to haul my camper. good thing is you can get the companion 5th wheel and it will slip right in that hitch mount you got. its expensive but there was no way in hell i was gonna build something and have stupid rails bolted to the bed.
 

Selahdoor

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I’ve been wanting to mess with the timing a bit for a while. I’ve got the tools I just really hate this job for some reason. Mainly the pass side but that’s damn near impossible to get to but I digress. this is where we started.

You must be registered for see images attach


Pretty much what I remembered. This is where I set it.

You must be registered for see images attach


I was shooting for 6.5 but close enough. The big observation is the noise level. I can’t believe how much quieter it is. I think it’s boosting a little sooner too and there seems to be less smoke when I get on it but it’s like a different truck. I haven’t went back through to find my readings but I think I was well over 90 dB at cruise on the interstate. Here’s where we are now.

You must be registered for see images attach


That’s 75 + going down the highway. At idle now in the cab.

You must be registered for see images attach


So at this point I can have a conversation. I’m below the time weighted average for hearing protection. It’s mostly wind and turbo noise now at speed. Even would you to 2500 rpm I’m still just at 80. At this point I don’t care if it runs better so long as it’s not much worse. This is game changing honestly because noise has been one of my biggest complaints.

I even broke down and gave her a quick bath.

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Stupid question, I know. But which direction did you turn the IP for that change?
 

Slicknik

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BW makes a great kit I just don't store the ball in the system upside down too close to the sensor on the axle for me, I have about 2-3" of clearance. Takes the flex out of the frame some too, helps when you have a camper or weight in the bed. I had drilled holes in the bed already for the camper kit so drilling for the ball is no big deal.

any interior updates @laserjock ?:)
 

laserjock

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Well, an unexpected upgrade happened. That’s what I’ll call it. I put new ptfe fuel supply hoses on the truck. I started it up the other day and found a massive fuel leak coming from the line. The CPE rubber lines had gotten hard and the one from pump to filter split. So much for being fuel rated.

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So in the mean time, I’ve been chasing a small coolant leak for a long time. It drips off the inner fender right behind the pass front tire.

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That is running down the firewall. So I’m thinking heater core right?? Well, heater box is dry. Can’t see anything on the heater core.

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The only thing I can see is a some pitting on the nipples. I had it all apart so I changed the core anyway. I snipped the ends off the heater hoses and put it all back together. Changed the coolant filter while I was at it.

Also while I was at it, I changed from a 7lb radiator cap to a 13. I’ve had the long standing issue of the truck running okay while in OD towing but if I have to downshift it gets hot even though I’m not pushing it hard and egts drop instantly. It dawned on me that maybe the rpm was causing the water pump to cavitate and not circulate. So I just put the fresh heater core in figured why not give it a try. Hopefully I’ll get to go somewhere this year and try it. I’ve got at least one trip across the mountains planned. I’ve got a couple more cooling system upgrades on tap but I’m not sure I’m going to get to it. We shall see. Hope I do because I think it will be a significant upgrade.
 

bbjordan

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laserjock, does the lower rad hose have the spring in it? If it doesn't, it could be collapsing causing cavitation in the WP. Just a thought...
 

laserjock

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laserjock, does the lower rad hose have the spring in it? If it doesn't, it could be collapsing causing cavitation in the WP. Just a thought...
It should have. I’m 99% I put it in there. I’ll give it a squeeze next time I’m under there to be sure.
 

catbird7

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I'm not "sold" on the aluminum heater cores. Ordered a replacement for my old 74 highboy and they Shipped an aluminum one, first time ever installed one (that was several years ago now), and ever since each time the thermostat opens on that old truck, I get a wiff of antifreeze. Just my two cents, next time it's apart I'll replace with brass.
 

laserjock

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I'm not "sold" on the aluminum heater cores. Ordered a replacement for my old 74 highboy and they Shipped an aluminum one, first time ever installed one (that was several years ago now), and ever since each time the thermostat opens on that old truck, I get a wiff of antifreeze. Just my two cents, next time it's apart I'll replace with brass.
The one that was in it was aluminum but it looked stouter than the one I put back, hence not throwing it away. I need to pull the one out of the parts truck. Not sure what it is.
 

4drocket

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hey mike amazing build, thanks so much for documenting that journey. im glad u still have big red :) i read an equally long build thread on fte (racinndrummin) and at the end he gave up and moved on to another project. funny how it felt at the end, like watching the last episode of the sopranos all over again. lol.

i was wondering how far over your goal of spending 12-15k did she take u? i know the sweat equity is priceless

i have the same problem with high water temp when towing on a grade, my truck didnt have a motorcraft thermostat and when i changed it that helped but didnt fix it, new water pump, new hayden fan clutch, got a front bumper with cutouts (craigslist $100 w/bullbar), same outcome. i have read a lot on it and talked with a few guys on fte and they have the same issue with a much more built motor than mine (more like yours). so i guess its just going to be that way. eventually i may venture into the aluminum radiator and electric fan realm.

one thing i did and not sure if you did this already, its similar to the air dam u made to get around the intercooler i made an air dam under the front bumper vents to force more air thru bottom of radiator but alas it has not fixed it either :( i saw that you mentioned not having the plastic air dam at the top of the radiator, wondering if you ever fixed that?

thanks again.
 
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