Tow Pig / Daily Driver Build

[mjonesjr]

ah , ok , thanks for the info

Not a problem.

Diesel (oil) floats on top of water, but until you get water in your system, you won't see any water in that bowl. And unless you tend to get poor fuel, it should take you awhile to accumulate much of any in the system.


This thread is still making me miss my old 250, please keep up with the photos and progress as its nice to see people take care of these truck instead of 'bro-ing' them out.

No broing here.

 

[JohnnyU]

Maurice,

Not sure what validation was done on the other forum, but in new design, we avoid the use of zinc and zinc platings on ALL components in constant contact with fuel. This is for a couple of reasons, primarily to avoid the coating loss and debris shed into the system, but also due to the effects that Zinc has on Distillate fuels (Diesel). If a coating were required for hardness (seat life, wear protection), or for corrosion resistance, we would likely use a DLC (diamond like coating) which is different than a conventional plating.

 

[mjonesjr]

Maurice,

Not sure what validation was done on the other forum, but in new design, we avoid the use of zinc and zinc platings on ALL components in constant contact with fuel. This is for a couple of reasons, primarily to avoid the coating loss and debris shed into the system, but also due to the effects that Zinc has on Distillate fuels (Diesel). If a coating were required for hardness (seat life, wear protection), or for corrosion resistance, we would likely use a DLC (diamond like coating) which is different than a conventional plating.

When I changed the fuel/water separator setup, I also got rid of that 90* fitting you are talking about. All the fittings in the fuel system now are either AN fittings (which are rated for fuel) or are brass.

 

[mjonesjr]

I had a small water leak in the cab above the windshield. I narrowed it down to one of the cab light gaskets. I ordered new gaskets from the local dealership and installed them. The part number is EOTZ-15A402-A and were $6.17 each after tax. If you are going to change out the gaskets, you will need to order 1 for each light. They are sold individually.

Compared to the old gaskets, I can see why they leaked.

 

[mjonesjr]

I scored a Dana 60 from a '94 F-350 this morning for $500. They are going for anywhere from $800-$1500 around here lately.

This one comes with everything to do the swap in my truck, minus the hubs, brake lines, and steering.

Hopefully by this time next week, I will have this bad boy swapped in. I am off until Friday so I have plenty of time.

 

[wahlstrom1]

If you hadn't just bought rubber I'd say now is the time for a shackle reversal and some 37" Humvee takeoff's!

 

[mjonesjr]

Give me time!

I would like a set of H2 wheels if I could figure out what to do for center caps.

 

[mjonesjr]

Got some work done on the axle today. I got the rotors/hubs off so I can get the rotors turned and swap out the bearings.

The track bar bracket and driver side u-bolt plate should be here by Friday. If I get it Friday, I am going to do the swap on Saturday.

I couldn't get the dang spindle off. I beat and beat and heated and beat the dang things and they still wouldn't come off. I need to get a set of torches in and really heat them up. I am going to wait till I get the axle in the truck and do that.

I also got the track bar cleaned up and the new bushings put in.

I got the lower tie rod installed as well. I "think" it is pretty close, but will not know for sure till I get the tires on it under the truck.

All my parts that are left to go in.

I also measured the before ride height of my truck.

Driver Side:

Passenger Side:

More to come tomorrow.

 

[mjonesjr]

I got some more progress done today.

Got the spindles off. AutoZone has a nifty tool that screws on the spindle and a slide hammer that beats the spindle off. As tight as they were on there, there was no other way to get it off. Once they were off, a TON of anti-seize went back before the spindle did. The old dust shields were rotton, so they came off for good. I also got a nice new set of MileMarker Supreme lockouts. With the new bearings installed in the freshly turned rotors, the hubs/rotors, and lockouts got installed. I also got the track bar bracket straightened.

I also got the center section cleaned out, diff cover cleaned inside and out, a new gasket installed, and the diff cover installed ready for fluid under the truck. I don't know what the info stamped on the ring gear means, but I hope it means the same thing the tag on the diff says, that there is 3.55 gears installed.

I have to work again tomorrow (24 hours), hopefully the last 2 parts I am waiting for arrive then (track bar bracket & driver side u-bolt plate). Saturday, unless I have a long incident Friday night or Saturday morning, the swap will happen. More to come then.

 

[railman]

the 43 is the number of teeth on the ring gear.....13 is on the pinion.....so 43/13=3.538.....close enough to say 3.55

l8r, John

 

[mjonesjr]

Sweet, thanks John.

 

[mjonesjr]

Progress.

The old TTB came out VERY easy. I was shocked how easy all the bolts came lose. I had it out in less than an hour. I only had to cut 1 u-bolt, so I will only have to replace that 1. Since I just put new u-bolts on in the summer when I did the add-a-leaf.

The hardest part was getting the bolts on the top of the cross member that held the TTB brackets on. I had to cut them to get them to clear the oil pan.

The new axle slid in and mated up to the springs with ease. Took about 30 minutes to get it all in and buttoned up, all except for 1 u-bolt. I am very impressed with how it looks in there. I can't wait till I get it on the road. It is setting on its own weight now with the jack stands under the axle. The new u-bolt will be here Wednesday.

 

[Bennybooster]

those springs are wrecked

 

[railman]

those springs are wrecked

actually no they aren't.....

Ford used a reverse arch in the front of the F-250/350 stock.....

just looks "wavy" from his front AAL....

l8r, John

 

[mjonesjr]

Got her on the ground with tires on it. I got all the steering on and the tires somewhat in alignment so I can drive it to the shop I use for alignments tomorrow afternoon.

I gained 1" exactly overall height from the TTB with the F-250 springs and add-a-leafs to the Dana 60 with the same F-250 springs with add-a-leafs. I will remeasure after I drive it tomorrow and see if they settle any. I don't think they will.

I am still waiting on the 1 u-bolt to get in tomorrow.

The only thing left to do is install the u-bolt, fill the diff with gear oil, and grease the chassie components (tie rods & ball joints).