The PackRat gets new legs...

[PackRat]

Got an 81 Chevy crewcab dually, for pulling the motor & tranny for the owner. The suspension is going under my '49 1 1/2 ton. I've also got a TBI350 that uses some oil(perfect motor to abused with flamethrowers), and a 700R4 from a 91 Caprice. I'm going to throw a Speedway dual pass aluminum radiator in front of that, with a BIG stackplate tranny cooler.

The big bonus is hydroboost brakes.

The back end is going to be fairly straightforward. Move the spring perches an inch, and it will bolt right in. The brake line is even on the correct side.

The front is going to be a challenge. I need 3/4"-1" spacers for the front cradle, steering gear, and idler arm.

Then all I have to do is knock out the old mid-mount crossmember, and mod the dually tranny mount.

Pulled the lift cylinders out this evening, for cleanup & new seal kits.

Wish me luck.

 

[Mike]

Cool Tom, take some pics of the progress for us.

 

[PackRat]

Cool Tom, take some pics of the progress for us.

Dangit. I knew there was a catch somewhere.

Surprise! All the u-bolts, front & rear, came loose without any applied heat.

Not bad since they haven't been turned in 60 years.

Didn't want to leave it immobile, in the shop, on Monday. Instead, I chained up the boom, & pulled the lift cylinders. They are the original, 2-stage, hoist cylinders, and leak like a seive. I was amazed to find they are o-ring sealed, instead of rope packing, or rawhide. Cutting edge technology, for 1949.

 

[PackRat]

Made the first roadtrip, last weekend. Valley Rods Unlimited 34th Father's Day Rod Run.

Hays, to Osborne, to Ord NE, and back. 3000rpm@60mph, 256 miles, each way. I CANNOT wait to get the 350/700r4 installed.

It was A Lot of work, just for a couple good hangovers. Also won a Budweiser beer bucket, and a Bud Light folding grill, in the doorprize drawings. Not a total loss, as it turns out.

The old 250 6-shooter ruled the flamethrowing, as usual. The stacks went from chrome, to blue, to orange, back to blue. I never liked chrome, anyhow.

Finally remembered to download some refit pics from my phone, too.

Had to move the perches out 1" on each side.
Yes, that's the stock leaf stack!
Those are temporary fender extensions, until I get the bedsides ready.

Next is the big jump! Front suspension, hydra-boost, 350/700r4. All or none, I'm afraid.

 

[PackRat]

Long overdue update, but not much to say....

Still haven't gotten the ton front end under it. No garage sucks, large. Did, however, find that early 3500HD, 1st gen Superduty & P series motorhomes run 19.5" wheels, with 10 on 7.25" bolt circle. The old PackRat Wrecker now has radials on both ends. Had to adjust the drag link to clear the wheel. Probably should adjust the ptiman arm, before I'm done, just for safety's sake.

FWIW, still no internet at home & still pirating WiFi from the bar.