Recent content by Bikersmurf

I’d look it over closely. The last UHaul I drove was a few months old and only had 17,000 miles on the Odometer. I hated it so much. It was loud, gutless, handled terribly, and was loud. If UHaul is selling it cheap, expect everything will need to be done. I’d take my 1997 ambulance over a...

I'm leaning towards rebuilding the Dana 70. I'm hoping that the gearset isn't too far gone. I read a writeup on a disc brake conversion using Sterling e-brake components, disc brake brackets, calipers, and rotors. The only unknown would be which application would have the correct rotors to...

Well, made it there and back and the truck performed flawlessly as always. Pinion seal has a very slow leak but is quiet still. So decision time... try to find a Sterling 10.5 axle that is the right width for the Duallys? Keep the drum brake Dana 70, replace the diff bearings, and replace the...

They simply connect the starting batteries to the house batteries once the alternator is charging. If the charging profiles are different, this could cause issues. For LiPO4Fe (or similar) a DC-DC charger will be a better choice.

If you’ve read any of my other posts you’ve likely heard about my rear diff needing a rebuild… and perhaps even a gear set (Dana 70 w/ LSD). While I have everything apart, I’d like to convert to disk rear brakes… while keeping an ebrake for a 10k Ambulance. Given the amount of slop, I may...

If that’s your initial impression, move on. I’ve found that things seldom improve if they don’t treat you well in the first place. We bought a Toyota from a different agent at the same dealership after being treated poorly by a couple of the salespeople. We have always been treated poorly there...

Had some fool cut in front of me on the highway (60 mph) and he then slammed on his brakes. It’s a good thing my brakes are all in good shape and I had recently adjusted the rear drums as well. He still would have been road kill if I wasn’t paying close attention. 10,000 lb+ Ambulance vs...

I mounted in one that was just like yours. This summer I've been putting it through the paces. We have had two trips across the Rockies (both ways) and one up the Sunshine coast, and it has been a real champ and hasn't missed a beat.

The Blue Sea ACR I bought didn't have the Start feature. I still have it and use it now and then if the house batteries are very drained and I want to connect them quickly to the Alternator. I don't remember the exact figures, but if the house batteries are too much lower than the starting...

I've got a '97 Type 3 Crestline Ambulance which has rear Dually wheels. Would your recommendation still be an 06-07 Sterling? Stock is a Drum brake Dana 70 with 8 x 6.5 and 4.10 LSD. If the ring & pinion gears are too worn when I open if to re-bearing it, I'm considering swapping in a disc...

I would... don't wait till it is leaking and things may be worn in weird ways.

I have a type 3 but essentially the same wiring. So... I'll explain what I did. 1st off ditch the diode isolator. It'll lead to a quick death of your batteries. 2nd I connected the lead from the center pole of the diode isolator (Alternator) to the house batteries. Long story short, the...

I’ve thrown it back together with a new seal. The lube was just replaced a month or so back. I’ll top it off so that it’s full and ill keep a close eye on it. Between now and when we leave I’ll put some miles on it to ensure it is still quiet. I’d rather not rebuild it on the road, but I’ll...

I agree that the diff needs to be rebuilt. It all comes down to this… If the diff isn’t making any noise (howling or clunking) will it hold together for a 1200 mile round trip? Or should I somehow get a bearing and LSD clutch kit and rebuilt the rear axle in the next 2 days (with tomorrow...

I unbolted the driveshaft, removed pinion nut, and pulled the flange. The flange is worn where the seal rides, but it looks like it’ll probably seal with a new seal. For the time being I threw it back together and cleaned the housing. After a short drive I found it’s leaking fairly quickly so at...