Quote:
Originally Posted by Ivan D.
I'd suggest that you install a set of numerically lower gears in the rear axle - for a tranny with a 1:1 final ratio (no overdrive) I think 3.08 gears will work out good, I had them in my old '79 halfton with a TH350 slushbox and with my 33" tires at 65mph my engine speed was a bit around 2200 rpms, which is still well before the opening point for the carburetor's secondary barrels so you should be getting decent fuel economy (I was getting 18-19mpg freeway at 2000 rpms). Also, you having a bolt-action tranny means there will be no torque converter losses, so more of what your engine makes will go to the rear wheels, and your engine speed will be a bit lower as well.
Energy Suspension (aka ENS) are well known for their polyurethane suspension components, I got a set of bushings in my Lincoln Town car and with the stiffer springs and road race shocks that 4500lb landyacht handles scarey good - I think you will like the ENS bushings on your truck as well, as a matter of fact that's what I was planning on using on my '79 c10.
I would replace the brake lines as well as rust gets to them eventually, and hoses like to collapse internally and cause a caliper to freeze and overheat the brake. Also, if you want to be able to out-brake good 50% of what's out there on the roads, think about swapping the vacuum assist with a hydroboost unit from a diesel or 1-ton truck, those use the power steering pump to run the brakes and are able to achieve much higher line pressure and work especially good on halftons - now that pretty much requires that you replace the steel lines, I blew first the front then the rear on my halfton when I was testing my hydroboost in the carport.
|
What about putting in an overdrive, or are they just for automatics? I don't want to lose power at the wheels if I can avoid it. I bought this truck for hauling.
Good to know thank you.
Yeah Break lines are on the list. I was just replacing the rear shocks and I checked out the lines, they looked good but I figure on replacing just about everything. I don't think I'll get the hydroboost though. It stops just fine and I have a trailer break for when I hall so I'm not going to worry about it for now.