69 GMC "Ol' Blue"

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

I cant find them in Rock auto..

I have hopes on a 383 stroker that will run on mid grade, but right now the bank account says to just run what ya got, especially if its still running strong.. I rebuilt my engine back in 96 went with a 30 over, RV cam and some other standard stuff keeping in mind that trucks need torque, and the operating rpm range which i drive ect. The machine shop that did the balancing of my rotating assy said with all the parts he estimated about 335 hp, nothing too wild but that's fine, i don't want wild, but i haven't pulled a heavy trailer since then ether so when the time comes i figure it will be because i'm not happy with the power pulling a trailer or heavy load up the pass..

What can't you find on Rockauto? I really wish I could have just slapped my 327 back in. You would think the thing would have been a dog, but the gearing was so low that it actually towed very well. But, you know, it's a damn shame to have to upgrade

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Oh, Blue printing is a lot of labor hours working up a piece of paper documenting all the particulars., I think its more important to put that money into having a machine shop balance the rotating assembly and buying good parts.

The company is called "Blueprint Engines" which is where I was looking at picking up a fully dressed 383 for $3,600 shipped. That seemed like a really good deal at the time, but I'm just not willing to roll the dice on whether they built mine correctly. They use all remanufactured parts to keep the costs down, which would be fine if it were a local shop that I could just tow it to and tell them it broke. I'm now on the path of determining what I'm going to build. I'm back to finishing my 400, or build a 383. The only real advantage I have with the 400 is that the block has already been bored 30 over and I have the pistons and rods. I'm still unsure about the crank, as the journals have surface rust that I'm not sure can be polished out. I still plan on calling my local shop to get their opinion, but I've been spending weeks researching so that I know what questions I should ask.

[swamp rat]

I couldn't find the spindle prevailing loc nuts, 3/8 NF, 6 per side.... But that's ok because i found them at my local hardware store for $0.40 each today.

[mjensen]

Awesome! I'm glad you found what you needed.

[mjensen]

Got a little done today. Engine and Tranny are back in. Engine will need to come out again, but the trans is good to go.

[swamp rat]

Cool!

BTW: You didn't say what brand the splitter is in your prior post, i'd like to look it up.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=243

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Cool!

BTW: You didn't say what brand the splitter is in your prior post, i'd like to look it up.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=243

Thanks! It's called a Ranger III and made by Advanced Adapters. They have an overdrive and under drive model. This one will give me the same final drive ratio as having a 5 speed in it.
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[mjensen]

Well, I decided to mount the transfer case...when I was tightening up around the input shaft...crack went the rear bearing plate. Not cool! Apparently with the new input shaft bearing, I should have double checked that.

[mud.man.rj]

Man Mike, that is not cool at all. Things just go wrong sometimes don't they.

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by mjensen

Thanks! It's called a Ranger III and made by Advanced Adapters. They have an overdrive and under drive model. This one will give me the same final drive ratio as having a 5 speed in it.
Posted via Mobile Device

Pretty cool stuff, long time back i was driving a 10T crane truck at my work that had a 4 speed and a browning 2 speed splitter, it was an old one with a manual shift lever similar to your setup.

If i remember correct it went like this: start in 1 low clutch and shift browning to high, clutch and downshift the browning back to low then up shift to 2nd and let out clutch, clutch up shift the browning to high, clutch and downshift the browning to low and up shift to 3rd..ect.. .

[mjensen]

That's what this one is going to be lol! It ought to be fun to drive :-)

[swamp rat]

Just curious, when you posted that it moved the tranny back 7" did you check clearance of your shift lever at the bench seat before you took the cab and seat off? it was my first thought so figured i'd throw it your way. There is always a torch to bend the lever if need be.

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Man Mike, that is not cool at all. Things just go wrong sometimes don't they.

Seems like it's every time now

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Just curious, when you posted that it moved the tranny back 7" did you check clearance of your shift lever at the bench seat before you took the cab and seat off? it was my first thought so figured i'd throw it your way. There is always a torch to bend the lever if need be.

Because I moved the motor forward 2", it only moves the shift lever back 5'1/2". I think that it will barely clear the seat, but with a quick flick of a torch, it should clear with no issues. The 4wd lever is a different story. I will have to come up with some creative solutions on that one.

[swamp rat]

Like a custom frame notch in the seat? Yea moving the engine forward helps, i didn't realize you did that.

[mjensen]

Ha...I don't quite know what the solution is going to be yet. I'm hoping that's something I get to worry about in the spring (I hope I get that much done this winter)

[mud.man.rj]

Might just have to stare at it and think for a while, I solve a lot of my problems in my sleep, funny but works for me.

[rgunlock]

But for some odd reason, sitting and staring at it while drinking beer doesn't seem to spur any actual good ideas, at least for me To bad on that t-case, but hopefully not too tough to find a replacement part.

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Might just have to stare at it and think for a while, I solve a lot of my problems in my sleep, funny but works for me.

Originally Posted by rgunlock

But for some odd reason, sitting and staring at it while drinking beer doesn't seem to spur any actual good ideas, at least for me To bad on that t-case, but hopefully not too tough to find a replacement part.

Well, I thought the drinking beer was a requirement if you're just going to stare at it Yeah, I'm hoping but so far no luck. Oh well, it will work itself out soon hopefully.

[mjensen]

Didn't do a ton this weekend. Got the tie rod hooked back up, and started the rebuild of my steering gear. I'm going to file that one under too stupid to be scared





Well, if it doesn't work, at least it will be pretty

[swamp rat]

Lol!

[rgunlock]

I'm impressed that you got it apart I haven't even tried yet - too scared I guess!

[mud.man.rj]

I rebuilt a steering box once a few years back, a lot more to it than a person would first think. Nice job.

[mjensen]

Well, tearing apart is one thing...putting it back together and having it work will be a true accomplishment

[mjensen]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

I rebuilt a steering box once a few years back, a lot more to it than a person would first think. Nice job.

Yeah, there are definitely some tricks one should be aware of Thanks!

[mjensen]

I made some very minor progress this weekend. I got my steering gear reassembled, but I rushed the paint prep, so most of the paint flaked off. What's that saying about if you don't have time to do it right the first time...

I also mounted my 4wd lever so I could see how it fits. I'm definitely going to need to find a way to move it forward. I can't wait to drive this beast!

[mjensen]

Ok, recovered from my paint issues on the steering gear and got it mounted up. One more piece done, 352 million left