1958 Suburban - 235 out for overhaul

[JoeSal]

Engine needed complete overhaul. Since I was not planning on doing anything to the engine, I decided to keep the 6 for now. I am asking for advice/suggestions on other things I should be taking care of while the engine and tranny are out. I was going to do some cleaning and paint touch up. Skills are limited. should I be looking at changing some hard to reach wiring, mounts, suspension parts, etc.??? I am going to try and add some pics to this post. If they do not get attached, I will post them in a following post. Thank you in advance for any help. joe

[northerngmc]

When I had the engine out of my 235 I took the starter and generator to a rebuild shop and they gave them the once over. I also had the rad recored while the engine was out.

None of these are really easier to do with the engine out, but the truck was down and parked I thought I would take advantage of the time out to get a few other things done.

[_Ogre]

wow, sweet little 4 eyed apache panel truck.
didn't expect that when i opened the tread

you could always drop it and shave it
but i'd leave it as is

[OrrieG]

Very nice Burb. Motor mount rubber is still available at NAPA. I would clean up everything and look a the wiring. Much easier to replace any on the firewall or behind the engine with it out. Also check the frame for any cracks around the shackle mounts. Easy to checkout the brake lines that run inside the frame too. Do NOT oil the hinges, they need some resistance to stay up! Before you pull the hood mark the hood/hinges for realignment.

[Divine 59]

Be sure to check the shaft the rockers mount to. Common wear on the bottom of the shaft, cant see it from above. Must remove the shaft and inspect. Nice 'burb. Is that an original color?

[JoeSal]

Thanks Guys

I will look for the shaft you are talking about Divine.

Orrie, I do plan on changing the rubber mounts. Cracks around the shackle mounts sounds a little scary. I will take a look.

Northern, it is probably a good idea to go thru the starter and radiator. I am switching to alternator after I get the motor back.

Ogre, I'd love to one day drop it and add wide whites. Paint the rims either red or the color of the truck. I am going to research drop options. maybe something that can be reversed?

thanks again

[magicoolbus]

Here's a punch list of things to consider:
Engine:
*Bore block, have crank ground if needed, resize rods.
*cylinder head will most likely have cracks in or near the exhaust seats, you will want hardened seats on all exhaust. Guide replacement is probably in order too.
*As mentioned above, check rocker shafts and rockers for wear.
*oil galley plugs will need to be tapped at either end for screw in allen plug, dont rely on the freeze type oil galley plug.
*oil, water and fuel pumps may need to be refreshed or replaced.
*looks like you have clifford headers or something like, is the bottom of the intake manifold heated with exhaust bypass?? If not, you will need to do this to ensure proper air fuel atomization.
*Carb rebuild
*new oil lines for oil filter
*get radiator rodded and flushed, that is if the core is updated, if not you should do it!
*expect to spend more on 6cyl rebuild than you would on a crate 350.
*Generator to Alternator conversion, use Alan Grove brackets.
Transmission:
*If it was not growling or grinding and you are happy with it, then nothing. But most would suggest going to a T-5 out of a S-10 truck part number 1352-145. For ease of install I would also recommend a 'vintage Metalworks' adapter. This adapter negates the need to mofify the input splines. Many tech articles on this swap.
Rear End:
*If you do the t-5 c conversion and your rear end doesn't leak or howl, then nothing. Otherwise, in order to drive highway speeds, you might consider an update of the 3.90 to a 3.38 ring and pinion.
Steering:
*Really good time to consider rebushing and replacing bearings and worm ball bearings, kits are available.
*tapered roller bearing on front axles

Anyway, lots more I could list: Enjoy!

[JoeSal]

Wow, big list! Not sure I will be able to get it all this time, but I will keep for reference. I guess eventually everything has to be gone thru. It is definitely a great learning opportunity. thanks again.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by JoeSal

Cracks around the shackle mounts sounds a little scary. I will take a look.

Being in Texas, unless you are on the Gulf you are probably ok.