1983 Chevrolet K10 (Canadian)

[chilliwak]

I obviously managed to get the passenger side block out but went at it half retardly by lowering the differential to remove the block. On the driver's side I will remove the shackle mount/ shackle then I can lift the spring and remove the block should be safer and easier.

One side at a time usually works good sponge. The only way to learn is to get out there and do it. Looks good to me. Cheers, chilli..:wings:

 

[Sponge]

I'm definitely taking your advice, Chili and doing one side at a time.
Out with the old in with the new:


Also have to deal with this:

The leaf pack is 3 5/8", going to need new alignment bolts.

 

[chilliwak]

Where are you located sponge? Rick at Chilliwak spring service makes custom ubolts to your specs and he could ship them to you. Also, if you are going to do new springs look into BDS suspension parts. Great garantee and reasonable prices. Keep up the good work. Cheers Chilli.

 

[Sponge]

Where are you located sponge? Rick at Chilliwak spring service makes custom ubolts to your specs and he could ship them to you. Also, if you are going to do new springs look into BDS suspension parts. Great garantee and reasonable prices. Keep up the good work. Cheers Chilli.

I got a local Alberta guy that seems decent! AND I'm on a time line! My friend will be pissed if he gets back from Xmas and my truck is scattered around his garage!
I just replaced the broken leaf and got two new alignment bolts for $50

 

[Sponge]

One side done(ish). The other side needs the-u-bolts put on and torqued.
Tomorrow's plan is to cut the exhaust of so it doesn't rub, reinstall parking brake cables and tires. Then the measuring starts! It doesn't feel like the diff got pulled forward much which is supposedly a concern with shackle flips. Also interested to see if the pinion angle needs any attention ( I hope not...)

 

[Sponge]

Heights after shackle install and spring repair:
Before After
PR 42.5". PR 43.5"
DR 41.24" DR 43.5"

 

[Sponge]

I honestly don't think this kit moved the tire forward in the wheel well any amount to be concerned with. Looking forward to taking it for a test drive!

 

[chilliwak]

Wow sponge,:Wow1: looks cool. Lets see that machine out taking it for a rip....!

 

[Sponge]

Wow sponge,:Wow1: looks cool. Lets see that machine out taking it for a rip....!

That won't be happening for awhile! It's my winter travel season, between a trip to Cabo Mexico, weekend ski trips to Banff and a month in Australia the old 4x4 won't get much attention the next while.

 

[Sponge]

I was suffering from cabin fever (we had a nice run of -30 to -40C temperatures) and spent too much money at LMC on a gauge circuit board, plastic gauge bucket, and clear lense. :sombrero:


The plan was to scavenge this cluster and redo the faces white but I'm not feeling that look plus the tach won't work like I planned. So I think I'm going to go with a 7K tach from gmsports.com and a small fuel gauge in the left corner.

 

[Sponge]

Coming along...

 

[chilliwak]

Looking good there Sponge... How much did LMC ding you for a new instrument cluster?

 

[Sponge]

Looking good there Sponge... How much did LMC ding you for a new instrument cluster?

I have way to much into it but due to weather conditions and lack of junkyards in the general location I was kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place if I wanted to make any progress.
Without looking it up the lense and blue plastic piece were $50/piece.Same with the circuit board. Then add 30% exchange and shipping....

 

[chilliwak]

I looked into a cable release for my hood that would cost close to $100 locally, $20 from Lmc! So some things are cheaper there. I cant vouch for the quality though...:Wow1:

 

[Sponge]

Does anyone know of a travel website that you can put in the travel dates and departure airport but leave the destination blank? I'm looking for weekend getaways where its not expensive or -30C.

No progress on the truck. Been in Australia watching waterski races.