1965 C10 LWB Project Build Thread

[JohnIL]

I really hate that this is Part 7 of the brake conversion. It REALLY shouldn't have been this hard. In any case, I think I can finally call this project done.

Front Spring Clearance Issue
Following Scoti's advice, I drilled a hole through the bottom of the driver side lower spring cup and installed a 3/8" grade 8 bolt to act as a stop to keep the spring in place, turned 90 degrees from the factory position. This rotates the spring away from the front edge of the upper spring cup. The truck sits level and rides great. Best of all, there's no more spring noise.

Brake Pedal Feel Issue
After scratching my head for a couple of weeks, I called the Speedway Motors tech line for advice on fixing the spongy brake pedal. After I described the work I've done and how the pedal feels, the tech line guy (I think his name was Jim) said, "I'll bet your rear brake shoes need to be adjusted out further." It turns out he was right. I thought I already had the new brake shoes tight, but there was still room for improvement. I adjusted the shoes out until there was drag on the drums. That took a lot of the play out of the brake pedal.

I took the truck for a 20ish mile drive with lots of opportunities to test the brakes. The brakes worked well and nothing got hot. I'll call that a win.

Combination Valve Weirdness
While trying to solve the spongy pedal mystery, one of the many possible causes I investigated was the combination valve. I thought maybe the shuttle had tripped and was cutting off brake pressure to the rear brakes. The rear brakes are working, so it sure seems like the combination valve is OK. BUT, the brake warning light circuit in the combination valve is grounded, as though the shuttle is tripped. I'm not sure what's going on.
Maybe I got a defective valve? These valves are cheap, so I've ordered a new one, just in case this one gives me any trouble in the future.

What's next?
Now that the truck is drivable again, it needs an alignment to get all the new front suspension bits coordinated with each other. I hope to get an appointment at the alignment shop in the next week or so. After that, the C10 goes into winter hibernation. The expanded use antique license plates go dormant for the months of December, January, and February. Really, that's for the best, considering the amount of road salt we see during the cold months. I'll be back soon with alignment specs. I'm eager to see how much caster I'll end up with.