A Couple Random Questions

[blown240]

I searched, but didn't find any solid answers. I have a few random truck questions.

61 Panel, 350/700r4

1. I need a bumper for the back of my panel. Looks like a front bumper is the closest thing I can get. Will front bumper brackets work in the rear, or should I make my own?

2. My truck turns really really easily now that I lowered the front about 4 inches. I haven't lowered the rear yet, but plan to in the next week or so. I assume ackerman angle is too steep now and thats why the steering is so light. How big of a problem is this?

3. Im adding an expansion tank to the radiator because its been hot and about 3" of coolant had burped out. Will a basic Dorman overflow tank allow the coolant to be sucked in when the rad cools down?

Thanks!

[PGSigns]

The caster in your truck is what is making it light on the steering. Can't help on the bumper and the coolant will expand to a point that it is full when hot and low when cool. Should cool just fine. It will never be full cold.
Jimmy

[chevy_mike]

Rear bumpers are similar but not the same regarding the holes and the two dimples they have. Front one could be used if you don't mine drilling new holes for it and the brackets. If a painted bumper, no big deal as you can fill the old holes and paint but chrome, you're SOL on.

As for the radiator, the stock one should have the fluid level about 1.5" below the top of the radiator, to allow for expansion when hot. If you fill it all the way, it will puke out and it will puke more than amount it should be at. Make sure you have a radiator cap that is 12-14 psi rated. This will help keep it from overflowing.

You can use a recovery tank step but make sure you mount the tank high (about the same level as the top of the radiator if possible).

[blown240]

Thanks Mike and Jimmy for the info.

I will add the expansion tank and make sure I have enough air in the radiator to allow for expansion.

And I will add front bumpers to my search and just make my own brackets if necessary.

And once I get the ride height dialed in I will get the truck aligned, Until then I won't worry too much. I doubt ill put more than 20 miles on it between now and then.

[blown240]

Ok 1 more question. Am I going to have issues with the exhaust exiting in front of the rear tires? It's probably 6" or so from the tire and the pipe should stick out about an inch past the body.

[blown240]

I went out and measured. The exhaust tips are only about 3" from the tire. Is this going to give me problems? Here are some pics:










It sure is a lot quieter inside having the exhaust point out instead of down!

[markeb01]

It isn't going to hurt your tires, but it will make a mess out of your wheels over time. Just give them more attention when washing the truck and you'll be fine.

[blown240]

Washing wheels doesn't bother me at all. As long as it doesn't overheat the steel belts, or melt the rubber then I'm good with it!

[chevy_mike]

No problems with that. Just extra cleaning. Oh and if you blow the engine and pour oil all over the tires, that could be exciting. LOL

[siggyfreud]

Heat won't be an issue on the tires. If your motor is loose though excess oil might give your tires a small friction advantage .

[61ChevyPanel]

If you need any photos of my factory rear bumper brackets, let me know. I think the rear outer brackets are different from the front outer brackets but it's been years since I dealt with that.

[blown240]

Thanks Daryl. Depending on what bumper I end up with I'll get that from you.

[jonzcustomshop]

the frame is narrower in the front than the rear by about 2 inches on either side...

if you look at the pic of the stock sub/panel bumper, the dimple is where the upper hole would be for a front bumper. GM just did not stamp this hole , and stamped the new holes farther out for the subs/panels...

so all you would probably have to do is narrow the front bumper braces a little bit to get them to fit.

the other 2 pics are a couple different subs that just have the front bumper installed using the factory front bumper holes--notice the license plate holes--, not sure how they did this, but with the work done on both, they probably just modified the frame, or made a bracket.- the blue one for sure is on a modern 2006 4X4 frame.


last pic- also notice that the 60-62 has an even wider rear frame , the bolts are really spaced out on these...

[blown240]

Thanks for the pics!!!

Seems like my best bet is to get a front bumper and make my own brackets for it. The I can use the holes, and make it fit my frame!

I love this place. No matter how dumb my questions are, you guys answer them! And in a polite way! THANKS!

[64shortbox]

3) a Doorman recovery tank should work fine. I ended up using a Radiator Recovery Tank/Windshield Washer combo unit from a 96 Ford F150. I got mine from Pick N Pull but you can get them brand new from Rock Auto for $30.79 and for another $9.82 you can get a brand new washer pump for it if you wanted everything brand new.
The cut of the tank fits our 60-66 inner fender wells almost perfectly. Again I'm cheap and bought mine at a 1/2 day at Pick N Pull and spent an hour or so cleaning it up. Then there's the time spent going to the wrecking yard and pulling it out. Here's some pics on fitment. It's been quite a while since I've been on this site. Time to get back to working on my 64 C10.

[blown240]

Thats a great option on the expansion tank! Thanks for posting that 64shortbox!