Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Dude the Hassayampa is cool. Glad you guys stayed there.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Yep. Super cool place.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

The second day of the journey we headed north out of Prescott towards Bill Williams Mountain.

We came across this motley crew of sheep:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-768x1026.jpeg

Before we found our lunch destination, we ran out of waypoints:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...7-768x1024.jpg

After a shortcut through the woods, we found lunch:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...0-1024x768.jpg
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...6-768x1024.jpg

Airing the tires back up for some highway duty. This Viair 400P Automatic was fantastic. What I like about it was using the air trigger/gauge attachment as an air down tool. The air hose is plenty long to get around to all the tires. Just worked really well.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...4-600x800.jpeg

During the afternoon we backtracked and made our way into the Skull Valley where Camp Overland was setup:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1-1024x768.jpg
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...5-1024x768.jpg

I hung out with the mechanics into the night as they repaired a Series I Landrover with a bad steering pump setup:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...7-1024x768.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Cool stuff Cameron!! Looks like a great time! 👍

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Yep. Super epic experience.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Started the morning out with a walk to the showers watching shooting stars. The Moon and Venus gave me this show:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

The rising sun gave me this shot after breakfast:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...R-1024x768.jpg

More of the same epic landscapes with our continued trail work:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...6-600x800.jpeg

Ah....My favorite photo I've seen so far. This is on a ridge south of Seligman as we worked our way towards camp. I almost forgot the YETI tumbler when we were loading up.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1280x9161.jpg

The catering provided by Sierra Bonita Grill & Catering was world class. These ladies and gentlemen worked harder than just about anybody out there:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1-1280x960.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Oh man.. Keep em coming!

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

The last night we enjoyed some cowboy story telling and singing:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1280x960.jpeg

I documented the end condition of the interior in the In & Out drivethru...not bad:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...R-1024x768.jpg

The exterior has minimal scratches but a lot of road rash on the lower panels:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

On the trailer headed home:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x576.jpeg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

More epic photos. These were all shot by the talented Christian Otjen. You can find him with his Instagram handle @cvotjen or his website OtjenPhoto.com

Working the trails on Day 2:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1600x1068.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1280x906.jpeg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1600x1100.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1600x1068.jpg

Across some ranches on Day 3:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1600x1068.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1-1280x853.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1600x1068.jpeg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I did supervise one upgrade this past week to the Blazer. With the added weight of the tires, bumpers, etc., the brakes were not up to the task of locking down on the rotors. I was thinking hydroboost, but after a quick call to Chris at Offroad Design, I learned that there was a bolt on upgrade. Apparently the mid-80s 3/4 ton trucks had larger piston calipers for the higher GVWR trucks. It's a direct bolt-on upgrade that gives you 20% more clamping force. So for under 100 bucks I can stand this truck up on its front toes. I ordered brake lines from Offroad Design that have the matching 10mm banjo bolts, but if you're 79 and up, you already have the right brake lines. It's awesome. Feels good.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

That's good to know! Ours stops well but always good to put in the back of my mind. Thanks for sharing!

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Is the brake upgrade just for 4/4s or will it work on 4/2s also?

Thanks
Rick

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Based on Rockauto's cross reference, it works for both. There's a big piston caliper (JB7/JD7 - 13" - 3-5/32" piston diameter) and a smaller piston caliper (JB6/JD6 - 11" - 2-15/16" piston diameter). Starting in 1979, they started using the 10mm banjo bolt. Earlier than that, the banjo bolt was like 7/16".

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Sorry to hear about the new road rash. It must've been hard for you to take such a nice rig "out". Glad to see you did. Really cool to see these rigs on the road. What's the next adventure?

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

No big deal. I had some touch-up paint to dab on it. I don't want this rig to be too nice. It needs to live. Me and my running buddy are putting our efforts into organizing a local 4x4 club for vintage iron. There's enough of our types around to get organized. I'm totally game for another adventure like this.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Keep me in mind when you guys organize a trip. My wife and I usually reserve Jan/Feb every year for trips south where it's warm.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Duly noted. :) Thanks brother.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

A few more:

Crossing our first bridge on Day 1
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...azerbridge.jpg

Relaxing after Day 3
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...um/smiling.jpg

B cleaning the windshield before Day 2
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...windshield.jpg

B and I at the campfire on Day 2
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...ndcameron1.jpg

Us leading the way down the trail on Day 2
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...navigating.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

My tailgate switch stopped working. Opened everything up and decided to replace the key switch.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...R-768x1024.jpg

Here's the GM Part # for the key switch. It comes with two pre-cut keys to operate the switch.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...R-768x1024.jpg

The existing key switch was a little gunked up, but didn't look broken.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

Ultimately, I'm an idiot. This electric tailgate setup was retrofitted in the 90s. Once I replaced the key switch, it still didn't work. I followed the power wire directly to the power junction on the right front fender where a 30 amp fuse was blown. Always check your fuses, idiot. That said, the replaced tailgate switch didn't have a proper rubber seal to keep the water out. Perhaps the switch was shorting due to water and that burned the fuse. I've cleaned the replaced switch, and I'm gonna re-key the tumblers to the new key as a handy spare. I've also made sure I have the proper spare 30 amp fuse in the glove box.

As a note, I was able to pull the whole guts out of the tailgate without removing the glass by propping it up while rolled out and just removing 4 bolts for the window glass cam channel and the 4 bolts for the window regulator assembly. It really is an easy thing to work on.

Of course, I have removed the safety switch, but you can bypass that by hooking a cordless drill to the drive for the window regulator.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Remember the front driveshaft I roasted on the trip? Well the repaired unit sucked for balance. I got tired of dealing with our local half-ass driveshaft outfits. Went with the Godfather.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...4-1280x960.jpg
Now the driveline is docile and silent. I so love good quality parts.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

The rebuilt TH350 was leaking from the shift shaft output seal. You can just see a little dab of red there.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...R-1280x960.jpg

And here is the 20 dollar tool and seal to fix it. The tool works for tons of GM transmissions.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...2-1280x960.jpg

It is so much fun learning to wrench on these things. There's so much joy doing it yourself, saving some time/money and knowing it's done right.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Thanks for the update!

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

The rubber transmission cooler lines looked a bit rough and leaky.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

That's better. Finally found a use for those 3/8" FI hose clamps.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...6-1280x960.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Man someone went gorilla on those old hose clamps!! That hose is cut bad!

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

"If it's leaking just tighten more" has its limits.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Nice thread. I had a black 79 back in the mid 80 that I raced and wrenched on all them myself. Good times for sure.
I just picked up a 91 Jimmy that will be my daily driver, can't wait to get it.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Thanks Zook. It's a never-ending project of fun.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I installed a vintage Rancho Front Axle Truss I purchased from Jeff. Used some POR15 to give it a decent finish. The second picture shows how the attachment works. I upsized the u-bolt a tad for some more strength. With the truss installed, you can still remove the diff cover and pull axles. There's no scenario I can see that would require removal. There's a lot of tension in this thing.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1600x1200.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1600x1200.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I've been fixing little leaks as I find them. One curious leak that I've noticed on these old axles is gear oil leaks at the plug welds on the pumpkin. I've found three separate leaks this way. Weird.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

X2, very annoying. I decided next time I take it apart that problem is getting welded shut...at least I hope it's that easy.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Wow truck looks incredible. I have the exact same plaid on the seats on my 78 jimmy but the driver seat needs to be re upholstered. I saw you said they were new 40 yr old seats. Did you order the cloth somewhere and take them in? Want to get mine repaired too. Any info on how to go about that would be much appreciated.

Great job love to see these trucks look original.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Hi Denslo: Thanks for the compliments. The company is called SMS. They're out of Oregon I believe. Expensive stuff, but original and awesome.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

The original (I think) blower motor started to make an awful squeal on start-up, so I hunted down a NOS blower motor and installed. Problem solved.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I was at the Buffalo Wild Wings the other night and the Blazer refused to start. Usually starts as easy as pie. Wires are fresh, good grounds, just starter turning and no spark. Came back the next morning and after a few tries, started up fine. No problems since.........I don't trust the coil. Out you go.



Doesn't look bad:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1200x1600.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1200x1600.jpg


These are getting harder to find:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1024x1365.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Oh how do I hate intermittent problems! Hopefully all is well now.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I ruled out everything I could think of. I don't think the computer would be dying on a cold engine. I expect to see problems for computers when they're hot. Let me know if you have any ideas. Me and Brian have our first vintage 4x4 event at the end of May.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Replaced the leaking steering stabilizer. The bolt connected to the tie rod was the most stubborn thing in the world. Finally succeeded with heat, PB Blaster, ball joint kit, and a BF hammer.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

I've found a good shop here in Longview that can be as OCD as I desire. They installed the ORD frame repair kit, went through the front axle and are currently replacing the birdnest of 40 years of accessory wires into something not embarrassing. I was starting to have an issue with my wife observing a unreasonable time investment in non-family related items like the Blazer. Sometimes its best to let someone else do the work.

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Well, about two months ago, I went out to start the Blazer and nothing. Starter turned, just no spark. Towed it in to my mechanic friends. They found that the ECM was tied into the interior fuse panel with a bunch of random things. The auxiliary cruise control lever was shorting on the steering column and knocking out the ECM. Powerfully stupid. I asked them to strip all the 40 years of random wiring out and do it like a smart person. They did a great job. But here's something funny. While working the RamJet harness, they found a plug not going anywhere. After a little research, they realized that the original installer just failed to plumb in the IAT sensor. The ECM, without the sensor, reads -40F for intake temperature. So.....I was running a tad rich. Here is the solution:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1336x1002.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...-1336x1002.jpg

Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
 

Excellent! so how does it feel now?