1991 Suburban 2500

[jscusmcvet]

So I am working on the lock rite install. I am having trouble getting the axle shafts to slide far enough out to get the spider gears out. Even though I released the parking brake (separated where the front cable meets the back cable) the wheels are hard to spin and while I got them to go in enough to remove the c clip, I cannot get them to go out far enough to get the spider gears out.

Help!

 

[jscusmcvet]

Got it. Just took more umpph than I ma used to. Hell. I am learning.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Lock Right installed, amidst some turmoil because I am totally unfamiliar with drum brakes, as you maybe read in a previous post. I spent a good part of last night looking up tutorials on drum brakes and got it all straight, I think anyway.

Came via fed ex bought from Just Differentials, on sale for a good deal $390 shipped

All looked good with the cover off. Also learned that it has 4.10 gearing (whoop!)

Although many people don't like c clips, I have no plans on beating on this rig. It certainly makes the install easier. I had a Jeep Cherokee with a Dana 35... which everyone harps on, but it held up just fine with a Spartan locker.

All came out pretty easy

Locker went in pretty easy... the instructions were a bit confusing to me... but I found this write up on line. It was for a D35 axle but the exact same procedure... http://www.4lo.com/94jeep/lock-right-d35c/install.php

Then it started snowing, so I bolted the cover back on with some RTV and went off to play.... and I have to work later today. Hoping to get gear oil in later this afternoon and give it a good test.

 

[boll_rig]

John great progress on the burb! Just caught up; with the winch on, fridge and locker in and things are looking good! And I think you are right about the long trip capabilities of a suburban, especially with the family. I am comfortable driving 10-12 hours in mine, although it is newer yes, but even in friends old square bodies I find the seating, comfortability and room unmatched. Keep up the progress!

 

[jscusmcvet]

John great progress on the burb! Just caught up; with the winch on, fridge and locker in and things are looking good! And I think you are right about the long trip capabilities of a suburban, especially with the family. I am comfortable driving 10-12 hours in mine, although it is newer yes, but even in friends old square bodies I find the seating, comfortability and room unmatched. Keep up the progress!

Thanks boll rig! I love the pop top you are doing. I have built a few plywood boats over the years and I can feel your pain on working with that much fiberglass... I am really enjoying learning about the rig and getting it ready for a spring and summer of good times. There is much to be done, but, for me it is a balance between upping the capability (winch, locker), adding ammenities (like the fridge and lighting) and I am slowly going through and replacing every sensor, controller, etc... so that I can have somewhat of a baseline.

John

 

[jscusmcvet]

Proof in the putting... or in the dirt... both wheels hooking up...:smiley_drive:

 

[Anthony24x]

Congrats! Man I want this in my dodge!

 

[jscusmcvet]

Congrats! Man I want this in my dodge!

Thanks Anthony! I am by no means a mechanic, so if you want to do this project in your Dodge, go for it!

 

[jscusmcvet]

Update on the Lock Right install -

Working flawlessly and quite invisible in on road operation. I have about 80 miles of road driving in it and really cannot tell a difference in handling. Very happy with the result.

John

 

[justcuz]

You may not even hear the clicking on tight u-turns with the windows up. I can hear the one in the pickup with the windows down on a tight cul-de-sac. That's about it.
I suspect the axle removal was hindered by the brake drums catching on the shoes. I removed the wheels and brake drums before I did mine, because the weight of the wheel and tire does make it harder to move the axles in and out of the side gears.

 

[MTCK]

Nice work on the locker install and good score on the 4.10's! That will be nice when you're trail riding, and another point for the burb

 

[jscusmcvet]

You may not even hear the clicking on tight u-turns with the windows up. I can hear the one in the pickup with the windows down on a tight cul-de-sac. That's about it.
I suspect the axle removal was hindered by the brake drums catching on the shoes. I removed the wheels and brake drums before I did mine, because the weight of the wheel and tire does make it harder to move the axles in and out of the side gears.

You are absolutely right Justcuz. I have never worked with Drum brakes before... or I should say, I have never had an issue before. I was eventually able to free the drum from the pads - It was like a total immersion study session via UofG (University of Google) with side work from Youtube Tech! Haha... So far so good. Another lesson in my toolbox.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Nice work on the locker install and good score on the 4.10's! That will be nice when you're trail riding, and another point for the burb

Thanks MTCK. I am pretty happy with the best at the moment, excpet it looks like I have to track down a vacuum leak in regard to the vent control not working. HEat works fine, just:
1) Cannot change what vent it comes out of... it comes out all of them... floor, dash, defrost and
2) Even though the fan is clearly blowing hard, the air flow is less than stellar.

I have looked on line for a diagram of the vent controls, vacuum lines, etc... with no luck. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jscusmcvet]

First trip in the snow today. Not a big snow or trip but enough for me to start getting a feel for the suburban in the snow. Here are a couple things I noticed:
I prefer the jeep handling in the snow. I think this has to do with weight, being an auto vs. a manual and what I am used to.

Also, being the first time I used 4wd for any kind of extended period, the shifter kept dropping out of 4wd and into no mans land between 4wd and 2wd. Did the same thing from 4lo (just figured I would see if it made a difference). I would sure like someone to chime in and explain it to me or give me a direction on where to start looking for a fix.

John

 

[98dango]

The shift pads on the fork are worn. Easy fix