Near Death EXperience - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 12:54 PM

I have just completed the complete suspension/trans/motor rebuild of my '68 LWB and was driving it home from the exhaust shop. I have just added new drop coils all around, new drop shocks, drop spindles and disc brakes. I have yet to take it in for an alignment, so it was driving pretty bad. I was almost home when a ton of smoke started pouring out of the front passenger side and the wheel violently jerked to the other side of the road. Fortunately there wasn't any oncomming traffic. The cars that were comming at me dove to the side of the road and tried to avoid the red beast comming at them. I fought it back and forth across the lanes until i could finally stop on the shoulder and limp it home. When i stopped in a cloud of smoke i checked everything out and found the wheel bearings had come completely off and were squeezed in sideways. Anyways lesson learned here is to always double and triple check your work. I learned the hard way

PS- the new exhaust sounds awesome

matthufham · 08-21-2008, 01:19 PM

wow. what'd you do wrong? glad you're ok.

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 01:26 PM

I'm not entirely sure because I haven't tore it all down yet but i think I either didn't pack them right or didn't use enough grease

MotorSeven · 08-21-2008, 01:31 PM

Wheel bearings squeezed in sideways???? You must be confused, that is not possible. Installed backwards maybe.......a def def definate possibility.......

RD

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotorSeven

Wheel bearings squeezed in sideways???? You must be confused, that is not possible. Installed backwards maybe.......a def def definate possibility.......

RD

Good possibility, but i meant they pushed the dustcap off and started to come off the hub or something

67ChevyRedneck · 08-21-2008, 01:39 PM

That sucks!

What's with the avatar pic? Looks like a badly wrecked 60-66?

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 01:43 PM

Ya *sniff* that was my first project truck, a '62. I had just got the 3 speed floor linkage figured out and was going for a test drive. There was a big van broke down on the side of the road blocking my view, but i pulled out anyways (idiot move) and got broad sided bad by a jeep cherokee. The truck was destroyed. I salvaged all that I could. I was lucky that time too

68 short step · 08-21-2008, 01:48 PM

yikes....take some pics tho....glad you are ok

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 01:49 PM

I will post a couple pics as soon as I can, so you guys can see what I am talking about.

Ackattack · 08-21-2008, 02:05 PM

it sounds like the nut on the spindle may have backed off. Did you use a cotter pin in there?

67ChevyRedneck · 08-21-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

it sounds like the nut on the spindle may have backed off. Did you use a cotter pin in there?

...or overtightened the nut and burned up the bearings?

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

it sounds like the nut on the spindle may have backed off. Did you use a cotter pin in there?

Yes, I had acotter pin through it

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

...or overtightened the nut and burned up the bearings?

That sounds more like it. I'll have to tear it down and see. Thats what it sounds like, with the smoke and everything, something was probably burning

cdowns · 08-21-2008, 06:29 PM

you need to check that spindle very closely it maybe junk now and need replacement

Riveted1 · 08-21-2008, 06:40 PM

I just realized what your forum name was.... Yes you are definitely lucky!

ChevLoRay · 08-21-2008, 08:08 PM

Not to hijack your thread, but I saw a front drum off of a Ford Pickup a couple weeks ago, with which the owner was having a hard time getting the new bearing to seat. Turns out he hadn't removed the old race! No wonder he couldn't get it to seat, huh? He had more problems with it than just that extra seat, though. Seems like the bearing on the other side would just fall out...and it was the right bearing.

But, you and everyone around you were lucky. Glad noone was hurt. Some lessons only come around one time....

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 08:24 PM

Ya I might have to replace alot of stuff. As soon as I am back home I will check it out. I *think* I installed everything correctly, and it was all brand new so it should have been in good shape. I think I got it too tight.
Yes I was very fortunate and am glad I din't hurt any one else

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riveted1

I just realized what your forum name was.... Yes you are definitely lucky!

I got the nickname "Lucky" several years ago because I had a t shirt that said it on the front. Over and over in my life the name proves itself true

CG · 08-21-2008, 08:51 PM

Could you post on the board next time you're going to take something out for a test drive. That way we can all take cover...

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Could you post on the board next time you're going to take something out for a test drive. That way we can all take cover...

I think I need to put big "STUDENT DRIVER" magnets all over my truck so people give me lots of room

Riveted1 · 08-21-2008, 10:46 PM

BTW, when you torqued down the spindle nut to seat the bearings, did you back it off and line it up with the cotter pin hole?

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riveted1

BTW, when you torqued down the spindle nut to seat the bearings, did you back it off and line it up with the cotter pin hole?

Thats where I went wrong, I'm pretty sure. I was just thinking that I didn't back it off, I think I tightened it til I could put the cotter pin through

Riveted1 · 08-21-2008, 11:51 PM

Ya, I just swapped to discs and remember that being underlined or something in the instructions. YES I READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Pretty much a first for me, but I figured they could mean the difference between living and dying.

LuckyHenriksen · 08-21-2008, 11:54 PM

Ya haha this is the first time I have ever done something like this, so i read the instructions like six times (also a first)

. I must have been excited to see it all comming together and forgot the modt important part

08-21-2008, 12:54 PM	#1
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Near Death EXperience I have just completed the complete suspension/trans/motor rebuild of my '68 LWB and was driving it home from the exhaust shop. I have just added new drop coils all around, new drop shocks, drop spindles and disc brakes. I have yet to take it in for an alignment, so it was driving pretty bad. I was almost home when a ton of smoke started pouring out of the front passenger side and the wheel violently jerked to the other side of the road. Fortunately there wasn't any oncomming traffic. The cars that were comming at me dove to the side of the road and tried to avoid the red beast comming at them. I fought it back and forth across the lanes until i could finally stop on the shoulder and limp it home. When i stopped in a cloud of smoke i checked everything out and found the wheel bearings had come completely off and were squeezed in sideways. Anyways lesson learned here is to always double and triple check your work. I learned the hard way PS- the new exhaust sounds awesome __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here Last edited by LuckyHenriksen; 08-21-2008 at 12:56 PM.

08-21-2008, 01:19 PM	#2
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Near Death EXperience wow. what'd you do wrong? glad you're ok. Last edited by matthufham; 08-21-2008 at 01:19 PM.

08-21-2008, 01:26 PM	#3
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Near Death EXperience I'm not entirely sure because I haven't tore it all down yet but i think I either didn't pack them right or didn't use enough grease __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

08-21-2008, 01:31 PM	#4
MotorSeven Restoration Desperation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 373	Re: Near Death EXperience Wheel bearings squeezed in sideways???? You must be confused, that is not possible. Installed backwards maybe.......a def def definate possibility....... RD

08-21-2008, 01:39 PM	#6
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Near Death EXperience That sucks! What's with the avatar pic? Looks like a badly wrecked 60-66? __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

08-21-2008, 01:43 PM	#7
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Near Death EXperience Ya sniff that was my first project truck, a '62. I had just got the 3 speed floor linkage figured out and was going for a test drive. There was a big van broke down on the side of the road blocking my view, but i pulled out anyways (idiot move) and got broad sided bad by a jeep cherokee. The truck was destroyed. I salvaged all that I could. I was lucky that time too __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

08-21-2008, 01:48 PM	#8
68 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: tulsa OK Posts: 3,070	Re: Near Death EXperience yikes....take some pics tho....glad you are ok

08-21-2008, 01:49 PM	#9
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Near Death EXperience I will post a couple pics as soon as I can, so you guys can see what I am talking about. __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

08-21-2008, 02:05 PM	#10
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Re: Near Death EXperience it sounds like the nut on the spindle may have backed off. Did you use a cotter pin in there? __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-21-2008, 06:29 PM	#14
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Near Death EXperience you need to check that spindle very closely it maybe junk now and need replacement __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-21-2008, 06:40 PM	#15
Riveted1 Tasty Cakes! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 2,112	Re: Near Death EXperience I just realized what your forum name was.... Yes you are definitely lucky! __________________ I'm a little and a lot Ground beef: A cow with no legs. ---------------- '66 Chevy SWB "Penny" '67 Chevy Big Window SWB- aka "Pearl" '72 Burb- "Betty" "It's not a hearse dammit" '99 Chevy Ext. cab Silverado

08-21-2008, 08:08 PM	#16
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Near Death EXperience Not to hijack your thread, but I saw a front drum off of a Ford Pickup a couple weeks ago, with which the owner was having a hard time getting the new bearing to seat. Turns out he hadn't removed the old race! No wonder he couldn't get it to seat, huh? He had more problems with it than just that extra seat, though. Seems like the bearing on the other side would just fall out...and it was the right bearing. But, you and everyone around you were lucky. Glad noone was hurt. Some lessons only come around one time.... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-21-2008, 08:24 PM	#17
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Near Death EXperience Ya I might have to replace alot of stuff. As soon as I am back home I will check it out. I think I installed everything correctly, and it was all brand new so it should have been in good shape. I think I got it too tight. Yes I was very fortunate and am glad I din't hurt any one else __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

08-21-2008, 08:51 PM	#19
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,019	Re: Near Death EXperience Could you post on the board next time you're going to take something out for a test drive. That way we can all take cover...

08-21-2008, 10:46 PM	#21
Riveted1 Tasty Cakes! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 2,112	Re: Near Death EXperience BTW, when you torqued down the spindle nut to seat the bearings, did you back it off and line it up with the cotter pin hole? __________________ I'm a little and a lot Ground beef: A cow with no legs. ---------------- '66 Chevy SWB "Penny" '67 Chevy Big Window SWB- aka "Pearl" '72 Burb- "Betty" "It's not a hearse dammit" '99 Chevy Ext. cab Silverado



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08-21-2008, 11:51 PM	#23
Riveted1 Tasty Cakes! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 2,112	Re: Near Death EXperience Ya, I just swapped to discs and remember that being underlined or something in the instructions. YES I READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Pretty much a first for me, but I figured they could mean the difference between living and dying. __________________ I'm a little and a lot Ground beef: A cow with no legs. ---------------- '66 Chevy SWB "Penny" '67 Chevy Big Window SWB- aka "Pearl" '72 Burb- "Betty" "It's not a hearse dammit" '99 Chevy Ext. cab Silverado

08-21-2008, 11:54 PM	#24
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Near Death EXperience Ya haha this is the first time I have ever done something like this, so i read the instructions like six times (also a first) . I must have been excited to see it all comming together and forgot the modt important part __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

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