Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've ran my cable back and mounted the camera. Going to have to pull the radio and dbl check the connections, it goes to the backup screen when I put it in reverse, but I dont have a picture.
I mounted the bumper on first, obviously, modifying the original brackets so I could use the extra two bolts for my hitch. Changed out the license plate bulbs with led light while I was at it.
I still have to decide on the lights to use in my front bumper and find a factory auxiliary switch to use too.
My plan is still to finish up the few more things I need to do before I swap engines.
Its getting there.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Camera was an easy fix. Apparently I needed to hook the power up directly to the power terminal under the hood. Once I did that I had a camera.
I'm going to center the bed up and bolt it up today, still just has 2 bolts in it, and button up a few things before starting on my front bumper lights.
I threw the sunset gmt400 pic just to brighten everyone's day!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Much better than the may pops I had on.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Time for another medical post. A lifetime in the great outdoors should include a big straw hat, long sleeve shirt, and sunscreen apparently. Had a basal cell carcinoma cut off today. I did get home in time to clean and install the truck storage box I picked up last week, however, with the heat still on around here I didn't really do much else today.
Cover up out there folk and if you notice a spot that bleeds for no reason, even if it doesn't resemble what you typically picture as skin cancer, get it checked!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Off nights this morning and had a chance to check out the pick and pull. I scored a fog light switch with the pigtail, a 3/4 ton jack plus all the accessories, and an ash tray for the back for 12 bucks.
They had a set of Escalade panels minus the drivers side I thought about, but didn't know how hard that would be to find or the switch inserts that were gone.
The steering wheel was there, but less than stellar.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Cool
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Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

https://youtu.be/fUoPmhuP6NU

Finally got a chance to do a little more on my truck. Following 88 GMC's instructions I made a harness to make my tow mirrors work when the parking lights are on as well as turn signals.
I took a short video of them working and uploaded it so everyone can see if they'd like.
I still need to tuck the harness out of the way, but I'm happy how they work.
Next on the list is mount my lights in the bumper and wire them up to my Escalade fog light switch.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

This is online, but I'll add the diagram for the harness I used here too.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...ns/1930/12977/

These are the lights I ordered for my bumper. 15% off is always nice too.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

My lights finally came in, they were on backorder.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Back on my truck after being pretty tied up with Christmas and family.
I took most of the day making brackets out of some reasonably heavy for the task aluminum.
I'm going to go back and paint the brackets black, I don't like them showing through the bumper.
Also, one of my distractions has been the planter I bought. I've been wanting a 2 row planter and had the chance to buy an 8 row cheap. A friend of mine and I are going to make 2 planters from it.
I cut it in 3 sections and hauled the first load off yesterday.
Really could have used the ton truck.🙄

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I still have to hook them up in the cab, but I wanted to see how they looked after getting the harness ran. These things are bright.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Made its 1st trip to the farm yesterday. The starter went out on my other truck and since I had to get the last of this years trees planted, it was pressed into service. I did pull the new tires off the front before I left, still need to align them and I didn't want to wear the new ones. I'll see about that next week.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

It looks good Mingo! I have always though the 95-98 GMC front end looked sooooooo good!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Glad you're putting it to use!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Rainy day here, seems like a good time to get that alignment.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

2k and a rebuild later and we have overdrive!
Planetaries and the input shaft were shot.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Right in the fat spot of the power band!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Absolutely love this truck. I had a 96 white dually new. One of my favorite vehicles to date.. minus the spindle issues.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks Liz!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've been checking my mileage and it has been consistently 9mpg.
I suspected my fuel pressure regulator diaphragm was leaking too, it randomly would stall while driving, sometimes starting back sometimes requiring several hours, so I ordered new injectors from 5O Motorsports and a new AC Delco fpr.
Spent half a day changing them out, I didn't break any of the tabs on the rail thankfully.
Got her back together and sounded awesome. Ran to town for gas and a test ride then noticed a lope at idle when I pulled into the station.
On the way home it died the same way as before.
Suppose I am going to have to buy a decent code reader.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Good pick on the injectors.

Are you sure its not a bad/dying fuel pump?

For a code reader, I use the TorquePro app on my phone with a bluetooth elm reader that plugs into the OBDII port.

My 454 'burb with 4.10s gets around 11.2mpg, back and forth to work. I did make 13.12mpg the other day running up the interstate to Iowa with a generator in the back at 72mph.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'll check into the TorquePro app, thanks!

I did install a new Delco fuel pump while the bed was off, but I'll check the pressure just in case. Sure it wouldn't be the first time a new pump is bad.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

That sucks. Do you have any codes being set though?
The only time I ever got 9mpg with my 97 454 (4.10’s) was puking a trailer with the surge brakes sticking on.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've not had a chance to check yet. I just started the first of 6 nights. I'll check them when I'm off next and post what shows and hopefully a fix.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

x2 on the 5-oh injectors, great choice. I've witnessed two sets of them fix rough running/starting 454s. I have a set waiting to go in mine. Also a 0411 w/Blackbear tune. Just need the time.

You may have solved any fuel issues you had and now something else is showing, the distributors on these things will notoriously wear out and cause the timing to jump around. There is a procedure for setting them, I'd have to look it up if you're not already familiar.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I could tell a difference in the short time I drove it, seemed more responsive plus the rpms were lower as compared to what they were running at the same speed before changing out the injectors.
Just have to chase down the gremlin now.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'm sure you meant pulling, but man that sounded awful, haha.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'll have an update soon. Both of my in law's passed away within a month and a half of each other plus my wife and I caught the Wuhan flu.
It's definitely fuel pump related I just haven't had a chance to pull it.
I should have changed the in tank harness when I installed the new pump or maybe a bad pump. It was a Delco however.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Sorry to hear about your losses, and hope you and the wife are doing well and fully recovered from the virus also.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks! We're both fine now. She was a pretty sick girl for about 10 days while I only ran a fever parts of three.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Condolences for your loss, glad you guys are on the mend!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Puking pulling it's all the same isn't it?
At least when the phone spell incorrector steps in to say what I'm really trying to say.
It was pretty awful either way.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Glad you both are doing well now.

Not trying to pry but was that the cause of passing for your in-laws? :(

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks! It wasn't covid, my mother in law had colon cancer. My father in law went in for what was supposed to be routine gallbladder surgery, but I guess when you're in your 80's no surgery is routine.
He was a vietnam vet and a great guy. Until the last few years he was always ready to pack up and go whenever I asked him. We made a lot of swap meets and such.
My mother in law was wonderful too. I don't believe she cared for me that much 41 years ago, but I grew on her.😅

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

That’s awesome and hilarious!
I know life is too short but at least you got to spend a good many years together.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've had her up and running for a while now. I changed the whole fuel pump and sending unit assembly out and no more problems.
Having some fun in the ❄.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Sweet! Glad you got it sorted out.