Project 1966 K20 adventure rig

[72cs20]

I have read that by design the straight cut gears make noise. Some say it isn't bad, some say it is. I'm not done working on making it easier to live with.

As you said, adding more insulating material or maybe a heavier weight oil could help. I like this thing. it's fun to use and I want to find a happy medium.

And by the way, Advanced Adapters told me over the phone that the reason they discontinued it was because of the noise complaints.

[350TacoZilla]

Oh yeah straight cut gears whine for sure. Muncie M20 & M21 are way quieter in car than M22 for that reason though straight cut gears are also stronger if all other things are equal.

I meant mechanical fault more like its not eating a bearing or something, the turn the radio up more till the problem goes away solution that ends up costing you 10x more to fix later.

[72cs20]

There is now a bit over 1100 miles on the odometer and the testing phase is going well. In order to flesh any issues I drive the truck whenever possible and so far only the rear driveshaft has needed immediate attention. A vibration between 50 and 60 mph. It took a few tries but the driveshaft shop finally got it balanced properly.

On the to-do-list was to fix the overdrive unit leak. I decided to take the whole trans and t-case as one unit and back it out far enough to apply the necessary amount of sealant. A solid quarter inch bead around the tranny front bearing retainer and shove it back into the back of the od unit and it's good! No more drips. Unfortunately I got so busy with this I didn't take any pics.

Fixing the od leak required removing the seats and flooring. A good time to install the rear of cab covering before the seats go back in.

And after the flooring went back down, install the permanent shifter boots.

The front axle needed a new pinion seal. I removed the yoke only to find it in bad shape. Ordered a new one. The pinion shaft itself has a lot of play in it so it looks like the front diff will need some attention.

[GottaK20]

Hey man, this is one of my favorite builds on here, any updates?

[72cs20]

Originally Posted by GottaK20

Hey man, this is one of my favorite builds on here, any updates?

Wow! Time has flown by this year. Thanks for the reminder. Work on the truck continues. I'll get an update posted this week.

[72cs20]

It has been about 8 months since the last update on this build. There are now 4200 miles on the clock and the drive train is performing well. Steering, braking and overall handling are good for this type of vehicle. But, respect must still be shown to curves in the road.

The electrical system, lights, and wipers are working flawlessly.

The winch got 150 ft of new 5/16 cable with new hook.

I had a new windshield and gasket installed. Much better fitment now.

Of course, nothing is perfect and there have been a few annoyances. I had to replace the radiator and fan clutch again. The Vintage Air system has a leak. It won't hold refrigerant for more than a week.

With all the rain we're getting, I've got water coming in from under the dash at each end next to the doors. I don't think it is coming from the windshield.

On the restoration side, I went through both doors with all new latches, relays, window regulators, door checks and window scrubbers and felts. They got new paint too.

I'll get pics up asap. Having trouble posting them right now.

[72cs20]

I think my posting issues have resolved. My apologies to anyone still interested in this thread.

I finally decided to settle on a tire and wheel combo for the dirt. Dorman 16x7 steel wheels with 255/85-16 Falken Wildpeak M/T's.

Before -


After -



Much better!

[mattbert56]

Lookin slick man. I've been on and off this forum for years after finishing my 65 k20. So cool seeing folks still building old iron. I fit up a slid in pop up camper in my k20 this summer. Neat seeing others like that look too. 👌

[72cs20]

Thanks! I've been through your thread. Nice work. That camper is a good fit for these trucks.

[cwcarpenter98]

Welcome back! I like the new wheel and tire setup. It fits the look of the truck much better in my opinion

[72cs20]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Welcome back! I like the new wheel and tire setup. It fits the look of the truck much better in my opinion

Thank you! And I concur!

[straight6chevyguy]

Looking good!

[joesscamaro]

Great choice on the tires & wheels!

[72cs20]

Thank you fella's.

[350TacoZilla]

Definitely suits the truck! I like the old 9.00-16 tires but those are near hens teeth now so I have also started using 255\85R16 or 255\80R17's when I can find them. Currently both my wifes 1500 ram and my dad's ram 2500 are running the 255\80R17 mastercraft CXT's and they have been a good tire for us but kinda ridiculous that they cost more than a larger tire of same brand\model.
I really wish there was a redneck millionaire out there that would invest in a company to start remaking the old size's and tread patterns again, maybe even be a decent person that doesn't price gouge lol you know while I'm dreaming.