Steering done... Finally!!!

[79gmcsierragrande]

Well I finally got the truck put back together. It’s been on jack stands for almost 5 months now, I’ve been busy. It started because of a drifting problem but I wanted to replace everything anyways. I’m not done with everything yet but I’ve got it to where I can take it to get it aligned. I’ve spent $2144 just on the steering and suspension. Oh and I also put new tires and rims for about $815.


Water Pump
Radiator and heater hoses
Belts

Front bearings
Wheel studs all around
Lug nuts all around

Battery

PS pump
Steering Damper
Tie rod sleeve
Tie rod ends
Idler Arm
Ball Joints
Pitman arm
Control Arms
Control Arm bushings
Control arm shafts
Control arm U bolts
Bumpstops

Front & rear sway bays
Shocks
Leaf spring bushings

I still need to install the sway bars and leaf spring bushings.

I already had a couple of threads started on this with pictures and what not.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=309218
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=308744

[vern350]

Nothing like a tight front end. I hate wondering and sagging. Checked the other treads out and looks like good quality work and craftsmanship. Keep up the good work. Where did you get the rear sway bar from?

[old Rusty C10]

nice work looks great... so whats next?

[79gmcsierragrande]

Thanks for the compliments.

They are Addco Sway bars I bought them from Summit.

For the next project I’m rebuilding the carb and replacing all the vacuum lines. I’m also going to build a Hydrogen booster to improve fuel mileage. And I’m going to replace all the components in the doors.

[79gmcsierragrande]

Ok well I thought it was done. I replaced everything accept the gear box and rag joint and guess what the problem was. I got the truck back from the alignment shop Friday morning and it was still drifting so the last thing left was the gear box. I bought a new one from Napa and Saturday I took the old one off to swap them, the worm drive shaft on the rag joint side had ¼” of play in and out and about ¼ turn of play from side to side. The only problem is the gear box I got from Napa was the wrong one, any one having problems with Napa lately because they’re batting about .600 for me right now? I took the old and new one back in, with the rag joint, and played lets compare for an hour till they figured out that I need the one out of a 76 instead of a 79 and they don’t have it and can’t get it till Tuesday. Oh well the truck was on blocks for 5 months what a few more days.

[boatpuller]

steering box luck sucks.i hate having to do it twice because some dork screwed up.but when you get it going it will feel like new.tight and no rattles and clunks.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Thats awesome man sounds like you have been busy. Looks good though I bet it drives a ton better now.

[79gmcsierragrande]

Ok, now it’s done. I just got back from test driving her and she drives nice. I took her on the highway and let go of the steering wheel for over a mile and she was straight as can be, even at 80mph. She responds great and turns smooth. Money and time well spent.