Minnesota Daily Driver

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Close up of the “little mud on the tires”.

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The dog enjoyed the ride too.

[LT7A]

What a great rig. I like how you always tackle whatever goes wrong and update, upgrade, and fix it. Still looks really good.

[MTCK]

Truck looks great! Time to drive her more with the cheap gas!

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Originally Posted by LT7A

What a great rig. I like how you always tackle whatever goes wrong and update, upgrade, and fix it. Still looks really good.

Thanks!

Speaking of fixing...

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I noticed a bit of variable rear steer a couple years ago. Found the forward bushings on the rear springs were shot.

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ORD had the poly bushings and greasable bolts to make for a lasting repair.

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This year it was time for cab bushings. 5 of the 6 bolts came out with little fuss. Then the inevitable result of wrenching on a Minnesota truck.

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With some luck and skill, I was able to use the inverted drill press and some old fashioned machinists tools to drill out the 3 + inches of remaining bolt and retap it.

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I previously saw someone post this method of lifting the cab to get them in.

Worked quite well.

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Originally Posted by MTCK

Truck looks great! Time to drive her more with the cheap gas!

Thanks. It’s definitely nice filling the tanks at $1 something a gallon.

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Finally installed my ORD HD front shackles. Luckily all the hardware cooperated. The frame side bushings were definitely shot.

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Thinking about changing up the front end again. I need a front receiver for my winch and want to make a jib pole. Easiest way to mount that I can figure is off the plow frame I took off.

I never liked how the frame pushed the factory bumper out. It never looked quite right. I’ve got an old piece of c-channel that happens to be the right width I’m looking at using for a bumper. I can also mount my receiver to it and some shackles.

[400/400]

I made a mini jib pole for the rear. It comes in handy.

[MTCK]

Bumper will look tough. I also hate how this vintage Meyer mount shoves the bumper out. My plow will actually contact the bumper if I’m pushing snow with it hard over. Might be worth checking clearance on that channel.

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Originally Posted by MTCK

Bumper will look tough. I also hate how this vintage Meyer mount shoves the bumper out. My plow will actually contact the bumper if I’m pushing snow with it hard over. Might be worth checking clearance on that channel.

Good point. Mine had hit the bumper too at stock height based on the paint marks on the old bumper. I never had a problem with it after the 4” lift.

I’ll have to check the clearance. I could probably chamfer the bottom corners of the channel if needed.

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Bumper installed.

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With the winch.

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Not a lot new. Just been using as a second truck.

Decided to change up the steps.

[MTCK]

Looks good do they bolt to the pinch weld or the frame?

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They mount to the front cab mounts and by the rear spring hanger to the frame.

Good thing I took care of the body mounts earlier this year.

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Out of hibernation. 1st drive of the year.

[calvin78612]

What did you do with the old step bars ?

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Originally Posted by calvin78612

What did you do with the old step bars ?

Got ‘em stored away. Have a couple more squares I could use them on.

They seems to multiply...

[LT7A]

So funny, thought it was black until the last picture in the sun. Like it with a canopy on there.

I went back through your thread and realized that you initially got this truck just for the plow. And then with the work you and your dad put into it, it's turned into a really nice rig.