1978 Russet Metallic 4x4

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Failed to mention it. I finally got a few minutes to meet Karl at the event back in October. It was so joyful to meet another squarebody lover. Karl is a super cool guy. Look forward to more meets.

Yup,

Real good guy.

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Yup,

Real good guy.

With some really cool trucks.

[buffydores]

Time for some updates.

The kids are getting bigger, so time to swap the low hanging modified steps for a set of original height, refreshed GM accessory steps. Here are the used ones as I'm dropping them off to get powdercoated.



There. Better.



Then I spent time pulling the steering column apart to tighten things up and to swap out the cruise multi function lever for a non-cruise version.



I replaced the front output flange for the NP203 to address a small forever leak.



And then finally, I installed ORDs Sway Bar kit for Crossover Steering.



I'm so happy to eliminate the annoying lean at every turn. It gets old.

A little side note. I'm beginning the process of preparing this thing for some new adventures. Our initial run will be next summer into Montana. I have a buddy with a Squarebody Suburban that's driving along with us.

I still have a traction bar I want to install, need to tune the shift points on the TH350, add new tires and play with a few odds-and-ends. This truck continues to amaze.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Failed to mention it. I finally got a few minutes to meet Karl at the event back in October. It was so joyful to meet another squarebody lover. Karl is a super cool guy. Look forward to more meets.

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Yup,

Real good guy.

Originally Posted by 68Timber

With some really cool trucks.

It was great to meet you too. Really dig this blazer. And to the others that replied, thanks for the props. I try to do my best at putting together some cool trucks, my '65 really needs my attention, so be on the look out for updates on that one soon.

[buffydores]

Still working on this sucker. I've been focusing on drivability at 80mph in the summer. Love the traditional look of these new Toyo AT3s.



I installed Noico 80 butyl sound deadener and overlayed that with acoustic foam sound absorber in the door panels. I sprayed Boom Mat spray in the fender wells and underneath the lower panels. I also filled the space between the interior rear vinyl/particle board panels and sheet metal with Van Insulknop wool insulation. The floors were already covered in mass loaded vinyl. All together, this has made a substantial improvement in the sound profile at speed. Also, really working on the side vent glass rubber to ensure a good seal is important.

From there I needed to work on the TH350 transmission shifts. It has shifted way early on both the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts since going to 35" tires in 2014. So, out with the governor.



Using one of those weight and spring kits, I only needed a single weight and spring to get my shifts to the right RPMs.

I also wasn't super happy that the guys that originally installed my 12 bolt diff cover overtightened the drain plugs. I was fed up with it, so I just replaced the whole thing with an anodized cover and installed a LubeLocker gasket to boot.



Here's some good ole fashioned overkill. How do you kill exhaust sound when you're cruising at 3,200rpms down the highway?



I used RockAuto and a tape measure to figure out the largest mufflers with 2.5" openings I could fit in the space. These two stainless units come out of an early 2000s 4.6L Expedition. Then engine doesn't roar at speed anymore.