"Project ShortHaul" The Build Journey

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by ShortHaul

So I checked for play... and there was PLENTY! Not the U-joints, but in the pinion. Thing was LOOSE, a good 1/8' of movement in all directions.

So I dropped the driveshaft and sure enough the pinion nut was loose as could be. I was able turn it by hand no problem.

I did a little research on torque specs for the pinion nut, looks like its a bit more complicated than that. I'm going to snug it up and hope it gets me home.

I'm going to bring it by my local rear end shop and see what they say, might be in the market for something a little more stout, and with POSI

Glad you found the problem.

I would probably look for a Limited slip rear end for Your Set-Up.
Ask me why I Know.

[jonmc56]

We need updates!

Also, question about your rear wheels. Did you happen to measure the width of the rear end in your truck? Wondering how it compares to the width of my '69 rear end. Also, can you say more about the problem with the rear big drum brakes? They were larger diameter? Width? I'm thinking about wheel options....

Thanks! Jon

[ShortHaul]

Originally Posted by jonmc56

We need updates!

Also, question about your rear wheels. Did you happen to measure the width of the rear end in your truck? Wondering how it compares to the width of my '69 rear end. Also, can you say more about the problem with the rear big drum brakes? They were larger diameter? Width? I'm thinking about wheel options....

Thanks! Jon

Thank you for keeping me honest! its been a while since I posted here...

Snugging up the pinion nut seemed to fix the problem... its been a few hundred miles with no problem, I check it from time to time.

So I haven't measured the width of the rear, but I can do that for ya when I get home. Mine is out of a squarebody, but I assume its the same or nearly that of the earlier rear ends. The issue I had was with the rear brake drums. The later models (starting in 75-76 I think?) had larger drums
11 5/32 x2 2/3 where the earlier models used 11x2.

this thread has Pics and details. Basically the size and shape of the drum is completely different and wouldn't mate up to the Wheel Vintiques steelies I bought.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=766038

If your rear end/brakes are stock for a '69 you shouldn't have any issue, the earlier model drums have a nice smooth flat mounting surface, its the later ones that have this weird lip on them. Check the thread above, it has the details...

[ShortHaul]

In other news, I took Otis to the track for our Wednesday Night Drags. Sonoma Raceway (formerly Infineon, formerly Sears Point)

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

It was a fun night! Made about 8 trips down the 1/4 mile. ET was pretty dismal, fastest of the night was 16:20. I'm thinking the 3.08 gears and complete lack of traction aren't helping much. Plus I was leaving it in Drive, instead of shifting it through. The column shifter isn't too crisp, and I'm not willing to risk throwing it in R at full speed... lol.

My reaction times were good though! And as the night goes on they start Bracket racing. I was fairly consistent, so I dialed in a little slower number and won 4 rounds before being beat by a pro racer who ran .005 over his time. Fun times over all!

[ShortHaul]

Also recently re-sealed my intake manifold. I had been getting pretty steady oil leaks through the bolt holes and off the rear of the manifold, so I figured it was time. Pulled it off and cleaned up all the mounting surfaces.

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

I got a new set of gaskets, laid down some solid streams of gasket maker on the ends and torqued it all down with some new ARP bolts


Also tidied up some wiring on the oil pressure sender, swapped to a nicer alternator bracket and refreshed the distributor gasket. All in all it runs about the same, no noticeable difference, but no more leak which is a success!

[jonmc56]

Thanks man, appreciate the info. I double checked that I have 11x2 brakes in the rear, so that should be good.

The 'width of rear ends' question is funny, I spent a ton of time searching here. The question has been asked dozens of times, and the answers are mostly incomplete. Here are my notes on the best info I was able to find:

Rear end width apparently changed mid year in 1970.

67-69 (and some 1970 models) 6-lug is 55.5" wide - from backing plate to backing plate. 30.5 long axles.

71-72 (and some 6-lug 1970 models) 5-lug is 57" wide - from backing plate to backing plate. 31 5/16 long axles.

Square-body: The width of a stock 10 bolt rear end in a '84 C10 will be 63.5" WMS to WMS (Wheel Mounting Surface) - obviously this is not the same measurement as above.

So.... I think my rear end is a little more narrow than the one in your truck, which may be a good thing, I think my truck is a couple of inches lower in the rear also, a little worried about rubbing the outer fender with the same size wheels/tires.

Anyway, appreciate your help. Glad the pinion issue seems resolved.

[ShortHaul]

Originally Posted by jonmc56

Thanks man, appreciate the info. I double checked that I have 11x2 brakes in the rear, so that should be good.

The 'width of rear ends' question is funny, I spent a ton of time searching here. The question has been asked dozens of times, and the answers are mostly incomplete. Here are my notes on the best info I was able to find:

Rear end width apparently changed mid year in 1970.

67-69 (and some 1970 models) 6-lug is 55.5" wide - from backing plate to backing plate. 30.5 long axles.

71-72 (and some 6-lug 1970 models) 5-lug is 57" wide - from backing plate to backing plate. 31 5/16 long axles.

Square-body: The width of a stock 10 bolt rear end in a '84 C10 will be 63.5" WMS to WMS (Wheel Mounting Surface) - obviously this is not the same measurement as above.

So.... I think my rear end is a little more narrow than the one in your truck, which may be a good thing, I think my truck is a couple of inches lower in the rear also, a little worried about rubbing the outer fender with the same size wheels/tires.

Anyway, appreciate your help. Glad the pinion issue seems resolved.

Gotcha, I'll take a peek under there tomorrow when I get off shift. probably be easier to measure backing plate to backing plate. Additionally, Wheel Vintiques will build your wheel with whatever offset you desire. So no doubt a 295 on a 10" wheel will fit nicely up in that wheel tub, just a question of proper offset.

[ShortHaul]

@jonmc56 my best measurement (on my back under the truck avoiding the pumpkin) is 58” backing plate to backing plate. Pretty darn close to 57” on the later 71-72’s

[jonmc56]

Thanks! I really appreciate you going to the trouble to do that. You have the standard backspacing on the Wheel Vintiques wheels, right? (4.5" rear, 4.25 front)

From the pics, it looks to me like your tires are right to the outer edge of the rear fender, maybe with the sidewall bulge they are a little outside the fenders?

Again, appreciate your help.

Jon

[ShortHaul]

Originally Posted by jonmc56

Thanks! I really appreciate you going to the trouble to do that. You have the standard backspacing on the Wheel Vintiques wheels, right? (4.5" rear, 4.25 front)

From the pics, it looks to me like your tires are right to the outer edge of the rear fender, maybe with the sidewall bulge they are a little outside the fenders?

Again, appreciate your help.

Jon

Yeah 15x10 rear 15x8 front, standard backspace.
They are nearly flush in the rear, with a good 1.5" of clearance on the bed side.

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

[ShortHaul]

Otis lost some weight over the new year...

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

Also fixed the awful grind on start up. Probably should have done that a long time ago lol. Oh well, its better now!

[Getter-Done]

Otis will notice a big difference.
I like those type starters.

[ShortHaul]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Otis will notice a big difference.
I like those type starters.

Affirm. I replaced the big boat anchor starter on my 62 Impala with a nice little hi-torque model a while back. Huge improvement. So far I'm really happy with the starting power of the truck. It is aligned much better as well. I used two shims.

[ShortHaul]

Well... Otis is gone...

Untitled by awesome_adawson, on Flickr

Sold yesterday to a man up in Oregon. And down the road he goes. Long story short is it was a great truck but I need something more useful for hauling, more capable of living outside and less hot rod, more pickup truck. So the hunt continues... By Otis!

[Getter-Done]

Bitter- Sweet .
I can't wait to see what you pick for your new (Old) truck.

[ShortHaul]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Bitter- Sweet .
I can't wait to see what you pick for your new (Old) truck.

Indeed. Can't guarantee I won't regret that sale... (add it to the list!) but, yes, looking forward to what's next. That was my first C10 (not counting '89 stepside in high school) so I'm definitely going at it with a more experienced viewpoint, thanks largely to this site and its members.

[ShortHaul]

Well it didn't take long... picked up a new member of the Chevy family. Stop by and say hello to Sweet Pea

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...00#post8477900