64' K10 Project Long Bed

[aotte1]

MG,

It was all pretty easy. Did both apart and parts labeled for Dana 44 and 12 bolt in a little less then 2 hours.

It was not hard, all the hubs stuff came out easy, and carrier was not hard. Used impact to get pinion nut loose. It was kind of tight, however, gave up and came loose after a bit.

Now putting Dana back together will likely take some time to get it adjusted?? Maybe lots of trial set-up, this is first Dana 44.

Les

[61K10]

Les--are you gonna use the org ring and pinion? pinion bearings? there are shims under the pinion bearing races to adj the pinion and behind the carrier bearings. put back together the same if using the org R&P. the 44 isn't fun if replacing everything.

kimble

[aotte1]

Kimble,

In the latter category, replacing gears, and likely bearings too. Have not cleaned all the bearings, yet to decide? Both Spindles, as bearing were run to loose and they are worn. I call them spindles, not sure if correct name. Photo of them in post 190.
Did you set yours up with new parts, or get to use original parts?

Have you R/R ed your rear springs yet? Plan to get back to you with questions on parts used to rebuild rear shackles e.g. Bushings and pins. These parts described in your build, Ron may have provided some comments.

Need to see if LMC parts are compatible, as Eddie is sending me some LMC parts.

Thanks,
Les

[61K10]

Les--I used used spindles and they aren't perfect (not worn like yours though) bearing surface was ok. there is new ones out there after-market but $$$. I couldn't find any new hubs either, so used ones off e-bay.

not gonna mess with my rear stuff for now, should of did it when the frame was bare. I was trying to save some coin, always bites me in the end lol!

Eddie said he had the LMC parts installed for awhile?

[aotte1]

Rear Brake and Axle

Photos of the '65 rear 12 bolt axle and brake parts.

In the last photo the axle vent hose is long and attaches to the frame on the right side. Also you can see the composition/style of hose. The spring clamp is a black color. You can see the long wheel cylinder bleeders in first photo too.

[aotte1]

Photos of rear GM wheel cylinder, and some older looking parts, like the bleeders.

[aotte1]

Rear Axle brake lines and connectors. The length of line armore used can be seen, along with the fitting. These lines look to be original. However, they are bent some from their original shape.

[aotte1]

A few more rear axle brake lines with clips, and emergency brake cable.

[RANDY COX]

That's one good thing about Chevy a lot of yrs are a simple bolt on...It's going to be a beast when you get it done...Keep on Truckin

[61K10]

Hay Les--Don't you just love cleaning parts!! looking good---

kimble

[j.kirn]

YEP the ole leaky rockwell

[aotte1]

John,
Thanks for the complement, things are going a little slower with the cold winter weather.

Les



Randy,
You are right about working on chevrolet trucks , as they keep thing simple and consistent.

Les


Kimble,
You are right about cleaning the parts, no fun, but you learn to take the time needed to get them clean.

Another question, did you change out the bushing in your front springs? If so, how hard to remove and insert new ones? Redoing mine now.

Les

J,
Rockwell is new to me, so will learn to deal with its characteristics.
Les

[j.kirn]

Make sure you clean the vent on the Rockwell also your rear axle tube should have 1 like the 1 on the rockwell

[aotte1]

J,

Thanks for suggestion, will do.

The 12 bolt is getting totally rebuilt, have it all apart, just had it steamed cleaned. It has a vent hose that connects to right side of the frame.

Les

[aotte1]

Springs Front and Rear including Shackles, Pins, and Bushing

Working on the front springs first, got them cleaned up and painted. After checking the bushings and bolts for the front spring, front eye. Both bushings will be replaced, they are worn on one side/end. Bolts do not seem to be worn much, measured them after cleaning. Will post the bolt dia. I measured them at the bearing/wear surfaces. The last photo shows these bolts.

The front spring, rear eye, shackle bushing on one side is worn in a small area and it will be replaced. The four steel bushing at the rear of front springs are threaded on the inside and much thicker ( two in spring eyes and two in frame). The other side has the pin stuck in the bushing. Working on getting the pin loose. The third photo shows this bushing with the pin still in it, removed from the spring eye ( you would only remove if replacing the bushing). The second photo shows the front spring rear eye/frame shackle, pins, nut, washer, seal.

I cleaned the shackles, pins and bolts, other parts to get the 50 year old dried grease out. Used a heated sonic cleaning machine to get grease out of the passages inside of pins and bolts used to lubricate the bushings. Following about an hour or two in heated sonic cleaner used compressed air to blow remaining grease out of passages. Forth photo shows this.

Hope this is not too confusing?????

Les

[61K10]

les whats the length of the bronze bushings? maybe the length in the difference between the 60-63 and 64-66. mine were to short by about 1/2". I think they were 2 1/2 " long.

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Just measured the new front ( bronze) and rear ( steel) bushing ( for the front springs and frame shackle) and they are both :
Length 2.5"; and
Outside diameter 0.88" plus or minus .002"

Les

[61K10]

how wide are your front springs?

[aotte1]

The front springs are 2 1/2" wide.

[aotte1]

Just got the call today that most of all the parts, frame, body, and others are cleaned and ready to go for power coating or epoxy primer. Just need for the weather to be nice.

The rest of the parts have been cleaned and some rebuilt. The axle housings and associated parts, along with the engine accessories, were taken to be powder coated. The axles were steam cleaned and several of the engine parts were media blasted with aluminum oxide 120 grit which provides a nice finish.

Photos of them on their way.

[aotte1]

The front Dana 44 axles were rebuilt with new U-joints. In the photos below it looks like they were originally painted semi-gloss black. You can also see red inspection paint marks in places.

Have not cosmetically cleaned them yet. Also will be adding grease fittings to the U-Joints.

[_mg]

Looking forward to the pictures Les. Especially interested in the powder coated housings.

[61K10]

Les--ck your new open knuckle axle tube size. my 61 closed knuckle was 2-3/4" if your new one is 3" you need 2 new u-bolts? I have 3 new 3" u-bolts free, just pay for the ride. I also put a aburn posi in my ft dana and found one for $275. I cant remember who i bought it from but i can probably come up with the seller. looking good!

[aotte1]

61K10,

Thanks for the heads-up on the U-bolts size for the newer Dana 44. I will let you know on their size. Also have the rear shackles too, if you need them.

How do you like the front posi?? use it much? Wet roads? Still thinking if need one.

Les

[aotte1]

Picked up a lot of the parts from being cleaned. They were soaked to remove the paint, etc., then on to another tank with electrical current to remove all the rust. Final third tank for dip of rust proof short term coating. The metal looks like new. Found very little rust rockers all solid.

Took about 2 hours to load it all up, everything is full of part, bed of truck under the bed sides and box on trailer.

Les