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12-19-2017, 05:46 PM | #1 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
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01-03-2018, 06:13 PM | #2 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Nice thread. I had a black 79 back in the mid 80 that I raced and wrenched on all them myself. Good times for sure.
I just picked up a 91 Jimmy that will be my daily driver, can't wait to get it. |
01-03-2018, 07:23 PM | #3 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
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02-17-2018, 12:57 PM | #4 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
I installed a vintage Rancho Front Axle Truss I purchased from Jeff. Used some POR15 to give it a decent finish. The second picture shows how the attachment works. I upsized the u-bolt a tad for some more strength. With the truss installed, you can still remove the diff cover and pull axles. There's no scenario I can see that would require removal. There's a lot of tension in this thing.
Last edited by buffydores; 02-17-2018 at 01:03 PM. |
10-23-2018, 07:32 PM | #5 | ||
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Quote:
Quote:
Breeze Liner doesn't make their liner clamps smaller than 3/4" or so. That's why I recommend the Fuel Injection Clamps or Rotor Clip type spring band clamps. My 1994, 1998, 2000, and 2005 GM trucks use(d) a lot of the spring type clamps rather than Jubilee worm clamps. No extrusion. You can put a quick and dirty bubble on the end of the steel lines with a brake line flare tool and then you only need one clamp.
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And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful. Last edited by hatzie; 10-23-2018 at 07:38 PM. |
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10-26-2018, 10:17 PM | #6 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Pretty sharp looking:
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11-22-2018, 03:58 PM | #7 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
That is sharp looking. Nice touch that isn't over the top.
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1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials...
And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful. |
11-22-2018, 06:39 PM | #8 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
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02-18-2018, 09:17 PM | #9 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
I've been fixing little leaks as I find them. One curious leak that I've noticed on these old axles is gear oil leaks at the plug welds on the pumpkin. I've found three separate leaks this way. Weird.
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02-19-2018, 10:47 AM | #10 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
X2, very annoying. I decided next time I take it apart that problem is getting welded shut...at least I hope it's that easy.
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05-03-2018, 03:12 PM | #11 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Oh how do I hate intermittent problems! Hopefully all is well now.
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05-03-2018, 06:29 PM | #12 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
I ruled out everything I could think of. I don't think the computer would be dying on a cold engine. I expect to see problems for computers when they're hot. Let me know if you have any ideas. Me and Brian have our first vintage 4x4 event at the end of May.
Last edited by buffydores; 05-03-2018 at 06:34 PM. |
05-05-2018, 12:20 PM | #13 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Replaced the leaking steering stabilizer. The bolt connected to the tie rod was the most stubborn thing in the world. Finally succeeded with heat, PB Blaster, ball joint kit, and a BF hammer.
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07-26-2018, 01:28 PM | #14 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
I've found a good shop here in Longview that can be as OCD as I desire. They installed the ORD frame repair kit, went through the front axle and are currently replacing the birdnest of 40 years of accessory wires into something not embarrassing. I was starting to have an issue with my wife observing a unreasonable time investment in non-family related items like the Blazer. Sometimes its best to let someone else do the work.
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09-29-2018, 12:03 PM | #15 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Well, about two months ago, I went out to start the Blazer and nothing. Starter turned, just no spark. Towed it in to my mechanic friends. They found that the ECM was tied into the interior fuse panel with a bunch of random things. The auxiliary cruise control lever was shorting on the steering column and knocking out the ECM. Powerfully stupid. I asked them to strip all the 40 years of random wiring out and do it like a smart person. They did a great job. But here's something funny. While working the RamJet harness, they found a plug not going anywhere. After a little research, they realized that the original installer just failed to plumb in the IAT sensor. The ECM, without the sensor, reads -40F for intake temperature. So.....I was running a tad rich. Here is the solution:
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09-29-2018, 12:28 PM | #16 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Excellent! so how does it feel now?
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09-29-2018, 12:47 PM | #17 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Faster. More responsive. Quieter.
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09-29-2018, 12:49 PM | #18 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
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09-29-2018, 07:31 PM | #19 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Any input on a 700r4/4l60e setup swap?
Last edited by buffydores; 09-30-2018 at 01:31 PM. |
10-01-2018, 08:33 AM | #20 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Go with a 4L80. To many issues with a 4l60/700r4.
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10-01-2018, 10:17 AM | #21 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
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10-02-2018, 12:23 PM | #22 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
I want to say I'm surprised that they didn't hook up the IAT, however, we once got an install back and it was running terrible. Started poking around and they had just laid the IAT (which was plugged into the harness) on top of the intake manifold and called it good. It was at that point I started learning to do it myself. Cannot believe what people will charge you to do, and then do it terribly. I'm glad you found a reputable shop to take care of this for you!
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10-04-2018, 11:32 AM | #23 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
First off, wow, just made my way through this thread.
Second off, RamJet 350, epic! On the transmission front a well built 4L65e will handle everything that RJ350 can throw at it, just make sure and put a nice big cooler on it. I 100% agree about 1st gear in a 4L80e. When the time comes to LS swap my '89 it will likely get a 65e. Not sure on hooking the 203 up to the newer tranny, however.
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10-04-2018, 12:42 PM | #24 | |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
Quote:
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10-16-2018, 07:52 PM | #25 |
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Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4
I've grown frustrated with the twin stick. The shifting is easy, but the linkage likes to bump the transmission tunnel and I need my little spacer bar to keep the kids from accidentally shifting the levers. So I dug up the old shifter that looked more like a heavy turd and started chiseling away the baked shell of 40 years of mud. Then I worked it with some brake cleaner. Disassembled. More brake cleaner, then soaked it in Evaporust for a day. Reassembled with a bunch of lithium grease, and its ready to go back in the Blazer. Found new bushings for the levers here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-79-All...e7d7%7Ciid%3A1
These little refurb projects are fun. I'm also moving away from the 4-speed auto idea. It just feels like I lose too much identity with that upgrade. Last edited by buffydores; 10-16-2018 at 08:48 PM. |
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