NorthernWoodsman
Adventurer/tinkerer
...aka The Family Truckster, aka Clark Griswold)
Since I actually bought this thing, figured I'd start my first ever "build" thread. In reality, this will be where I show off my painfully slow and incremental replacement of all its broken bits and its upgrades as I work towards getting this thing ready to haul a camper and myself around the west and beyond (hopefully).
The Bison was built in 1993 - 2/2/93 to be exact, built in Mexico, and signed off by Hector on 8/2/93 for delivery from the factory. I know the truck was in Washington when I bought it, and when at least one other owner had it, but it also spent some time in Colorado Springs, CO. I don't have a lot of service history for it, but I have some sporadic notes dating back to 1993.
In its current condition, I've identified the following issues:
1. Front leaf springs (Collapsed, may replace with Skyjacker unless someone knows a better brand? I have no experience with Skyjacker, but haven't much luck in finding other brands aside from Tough Country (I think?)).
2. Steering gearbox (Totally shot, and I'm looking at a Redhead Steering Gears unit as a replacement at ~$320, but also found AC Delco for $129. Redhead is just down the freeway from me, but not sure how much better they are over AC Delco or similar and whether they're worth the +$200?).
3. Steering shaft (Replacing with a Borgeson as soon as possible).
4. 4WD dash indicator isn't working (Solenoid?).
5. Doors are a bit loose (up/down) (Someone on another forum said I might be able to replace the pins from NAPA for about $8, but not sure if that's the actual issue.).
6. Power steering pump is leaking (Any suggestions on a good, quality replacement? I've seen AC Delco and Cardone mostly online.).
7. Left rear wheel bearing is leaking.
8. The transmission is clunky into D (U-joints on the driveshaft are not that old so I'm skeptical that's the issue. Thoughts?).
9. Sometimes, I get a strange metallic/tinny, spinning sound that sounds like it's either the transmission or driveshaft? (This is baffling me and scaring me a bit. Any ideas on this?).
10. Tires are on their last year (Looking to replace with Coopers in ~ a year in either stock 238/85's or possibly 285/75, 305/70, or 295/75 in the Discoverer AT3 XLT or S/T MAXX.
11. Shocks are old and tired (Swapping in Bilstein as soon as I can.).
12. Auxiliary fuel tank needs to be inspected/cleaned/serviced (Anyone know capacity?).
13. Window weatherstripping need replacing (The'yre cutting up my sleeves and arm, Car ID has them for like $75.).
14. Transfer case is difficult to shift (Is this a known issue or just, hopefully, in need of basic service?).
15. The exhaust brake is an unknown right now.
16. Front air bags won't hold air (Not sure I should even keep these. Were used to level the truck, but good quality springs should take of that. Any reasons to repair and keep the airbags?).
17. Rear air bags are behind the springs and either they or the rear leaf springs are pretty noisy. Or maybe it's a loose spare tire mount. (Not sure if I'll keep these or replace with Firestone RideRite's later on.).
18. Front grille is broken in at least three spots (Plan to pick-n-pull a replacement hopefully and de-chrome it to satin black).
19. Shift indicator needle broke (I want all new gauges any way, the originals have low lighting and are difficult to see at night).
20. Door lock mechanisms either need service or replacement (Doors are kinda difficult to shut and they look old and tired.).
21. Valves needs adjustment or injectors need to be cleaned or replaced (Dealing with white/grey smoke from the exhaust. The webbernet says these or the fuel filter could be the issue. The parts guy at Dodge says it's the aftermarket injectors spraying too much fuel. Thoughts? I don't know the injector brand, but I know they're 250HP injectors...and I really don't want to replace them if I can help it. Two owners ago put on a high performance turbo, but the PO removed and replaced with stock. I'm wondering if there was a smoke issue with the aftermarket turbo?).
22. A/C is unknown at this writing.
23. Factory original stereo is officially dead.
24. Seats need replacing or rebuild.
25. Headliner is coming down and currently held up with push pins. Yes, push pins, and one fishing fly.
The good? No, no, really there is some:
1. The 4WD works.
2. It starts every time perfectly.
3. The power windows are terrifyingly good...as in watch your arm our you might lose it when the windows go up.
4. The ride isn't that bad considering all the suspension issues...and OCD murdering creaks, squeaks, and rattles.
5. The heat is basically a free sauna for me. I'm gonna market the cab to Scandinavians and Air BnB it for extra $
6. Power is decent (But seems like it should be better).
7. All the auxiliary lights on the front work, even if they're weak and nearly ineffectual for the driver. Others will definitely see me coming!
8. The front bumper is ugly, but it has little storage "wings", a winch mount, and large D-rings in place already. Should do the job until $ flow allows for better.
9. Has an exhaust brake.
10. Has a brake controller (I don't know if it works though).
11. 4-inch exhaust (And still in great condition).
12. In the last xx,xxx miles, the PO's had ... done.
13. It fits in compact car spaces (photo below). That counts as a positive, right?
14. Just freshened up the air filter...see that photo down there. Old one was caked in a thick, heavy grey/black grease and the intake tube was coated in the same. This has to be good for at least 50HP, right
15. Interior lighting is crazy bright for 25 year old basic incandescent lights.
16. Nothing dripping on the ground so no other leaks aside from the knowns I think. Everything passes visual too.
17. No major rust anywhere, just small spots of surface rust from scratches and the undercarriage is basically rust free as well.
18. No major body damage from what I can see so far and no signs of any past damage or bodged repairs.
Stopped into the Dodge dealership today and the old timer behind the counter printed out my entire VIN report. Highlights (photos below):
1. Zone 73-San Francisco. Anyone know what that means?
2. AHL - Heavy duty insulation group
3. CHE - Deluxe headliner. See, the photo shows the high end "quilting"
4. DGR - 4-spd. 46RH transmission
5. DHE - Manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case
6. DJF - Dana M210 Wide front axle
7. DMD - 3.55 rear axle ratio
8. DRE - Dana M70 rear axle
9. GAC/GBB/GCB/GEF/ - tinted glass (I'm not seeing that any of it is tinted, at least by todays standards, and all the glass minus the windshield is original.)
10. JJA - Cigar lighter (Just need a liquor cabinet and I'm set!)
11. NBL - Delete EVAP control system
12. NEM - Exterior sound control (Anyone know what this is?)
13. NFE - 24 gallon primary tank (I have no clue what the auxiliary tank capacity is and it's not listed in my report.)
14. NHB - Auxiliary transmission oil cooler (Removed by the PO and currently sitting in my garage.)
15. NHD - Heavy duty transmission oil cooler
16. NHK - Engine block heater
17. NMC - Heavy duty engine cooling
18. Family - AD - Pick-up/Sport utility (It's not a full-size truck, it's a sport utility vehicle!)
19. Trim - TT - Premium cloth bucket seats (You wouldn't think that now. They're worn the ****** out, but somehow still comfortable.)
20. SCE - Alcantara wrapped steering wheel (This is gone I think.)
21. SKE - 2105/2500# PAD/Ground front springs (Totally shot and in bad need of replacing.)
22. SNS - 3250/3650# PAD/Ground rear springs
23. SMA - Auxiliary RR spring
24. TWV - LT235/85 R16E tires (Guy at the dealership said that only dually's came with these tires back then so they must have been special ordered. Current tires are shorter and fatter and hopefully off the truck in a year from now.)
25. PB6 - Dark Spectrum blue (PRI PNT - JB6) & QV4 - Light champagne Met CC (SEC PNT - KV4)
*EDIT* - Guy at the Dodge dealership pointed out that the report said my truck came with 16x6.5 aluminum wheels. However, it also says it came with 16x6 steel wheels. He looked at the report again and said, no, definitely had aluminum wheels. I can't find a single photo of the 250/350 trucks with aluminum wheels, factory that is. Mostly just curious what was on it stock. I plan to remove the junk aluminum 16x8 wheels on it and replace w/steel wheels as soon as I can.
Since I actually bought this thing, figured I'd start my first ever "build" thread. In reality, this will be where I show off my painfully slow and incremental replacement of all its broken bits and its upgrades as I work towards getting this thing ready to haul a camper and myself around the west and beyond (hopefully).
The Bison was built in 1993 - 2/2/93 to be exact, built in Mexico, and signed off by Hector on 8/2/93 for delivery from the factory. I know the truck was in Washington when I bought it, and when at least one other owner had it, but it also spent some time in Colorado Springs, CO. I don't have a lot of service history for it, but I have some sporadic notes dating back to 1993.
In its current condition, I've identified the following issues:
1. Front leaf springs (Collapsed, may replace with Skyjacker unless someone knows a better brand? I have no experience with Skyjacker, but haven't much luck in finding other brands aside from Tough Country (I think?)).
2. Steering gearbox (Totally shot, and I'm looking at a Redhead Steering Gears unit as a replacement at ~$320, but also found AC Delco for $129. Redhead is just down the freeway from me, but not sure how much better they are over AC Delco or similar and whether they're worth the +$200?).
3. Steering shaft (Replacing with a Borgeson as soon as possible).
4. 4WD dash indicator isn't working (Solenoid?).
5. Doors are a bit loose (up/down) (Someone on another forum said I might be able to replace the pins from NAPA for about $8, but not sure if that's the actual issue.).
6. Power steering pump is leaking (Any suggestions on a good, quality replacement? I've seen AC Delco and Cardone mostly online.).
7. Left rear wheel bearing is leaking.
8. The transmission is clunky into D (U-joints on the driveshaft are not that old so I'm skeptical that's the issue. Thoughts?).
9. Sometimes, I get a strange metallic/tinny, spinning sound that sounds like it's either the transmission or driveshaft? (This is baffling me and scaring me a bit. Any ideas on this?).
10. Tires are on their last year (Looking to replace with Coopers in ~ a year in either stock 238/85's or possibly 285/75, 305/70, or 295/75 in the Discoverer AT3 XLT or S/T MAXX.
11. Shocks are old and tired (Swapping in Bilstein as soon as I can.).
12. Auxiliary fuel tank needs to be inspected/cleaned/serviced (Anyone know capacity?).
13. Window weatherstripping need replacing (The'yre cutting up my sleeves and arm, Car ID has them for like $75.).
14. Transfer case is difficult to shift (Is this a known issue or just, hopefully, in need of basic service?).
15. The exhaust brake is an unknown right now.
16. Front air bags won't hold air (Not sure I should even keep these. Were used to level the truck, but good quality springs should take of that. Any reasons to repair and keep the airbags?).
17. Rear air bags are behind the springs and either they or the rear leaf springs are pretty noisy. Or maybe it's a loose spare tire mount. (Not sure if I'll keep these or replace with Firestone RideRite's later on.).
18. Front grille is broken in at least three spots (Plan to pick-n-pull a replacement hopefully and de-chrome it to satin black).
19. Shift indicator needle broke (I want all new gauges any way, the originals have low lighting and are difficult to see at night).
20. Door lock mechanisms either need service or replacement (Doors are kinda difficult to shut and they look old and tired.).
21. Valves needs adjustment or injectors need to be cleaned or replaced (Dealing with white/grey smoke from the exhaust. The webbernet says these or the fuel filter could be the issue. The parts guy at Dodge says it's the aftermarket injectors spraying too much fuel. Thoughts? I don't know the injector brand, but I know they're 250HP injectors...and I really don't want to replace them if I can help it. Two owners ago put on a high performance turbo, but the PO removed and replaced with stock. I'm wondering if there was a smoke issue with the aftermarket turbo?).
22. A/C is unknown at this writing.
23. Factory original stereo is officially dead.
24. Seats need replacing or rebuild.
25. Headliner is coming down and currently held up with push pins. Yes, push pins, and one fishing fly.
The good? No, no, really there is some:
1. The 4WD works.
2. It starts every time perfectly.
3. The power windows are terrifyingly good...as in watch your arm our you might lose it when the windows go up.
4. The ride isn't that bad considering all the suspension issues...and OCD murdering creaks, squeaks, and rattles.
5. The heat is basically a free sauna for me. I'm gonna market the cab to Scandinavians and Air BnB it for extra $
6. Power is decent (But seems like it should be better).
7. All the auxiliary lights on the front work, even if they're weak and nearly ineffectual for the driver. Others will definitely see me coming!
8. The front bumper is ugly, but it has little storage "wings", a winch mount, and large D-rings in place already. Should do the job until $ flow allows for better.
9. Has an exhaust brake.
10. Has a brake controller (I don't know if it works though).
11. 4-inch exhaust (And still in great condition).
12. In the last xx,xxx miles, the PO's had ... done.
13. It fits in compact car spaces (photo below). That counts as a positive, right?
14. Just freshened up the air filter...see that photo down there. Old one was caked in a thick, heavy grey/black grease and the intake tube was coated in the same. This has to be good for at least 50HP, right
15. Interior lighting is crazy bright for 25 year old basic incandescent lights.
16. Nothing dripping on the ground so no other leaks aside from the knowns I think. Everything passes visual too.
17. No major rust anywhere, just small spots of surface rust from scratches and the undercarriage is basically rust free as well.
18. No major body damage from what I can see so far and no signs of any past damage or bodged repairs.
Stopped into the Dodge dealership today and the old timer behind the counter printed out my entire VIN report. Highlights (photos below):
1. Zone 73-San Francisco. Anyone know what that means?
2. AHL - Heavy duty insulation group
3. CHE - Deluxe headliner. See, the photo shows the high end "quilting"
4. DGR - 4-spd. 46RH transmission
5. DHE - Manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case
6. DJF - Dana M210 Wide front axle
7. DMD - 3.55 rear axle ratio
8. DRE - Dana M70 rear axle
9. GAC/GBB/GCB/GEF/ - tinted glass (I'm not seeing that any of it is tinted, at least by todays standards, and all the glass minus the windshield is original.)
10. JJA - Cigar lighter (Just need a liquor cabinet and I'm set!)
11. NBL - Delete EVAP control system
12. NEM - Exterior sound control (Anyone know what this is?)
13. NFE - 24 gallon primary tank (I have no clue what the auxiliary tank capacity is and it's not listed in my report.)
14. NHB - Auxiliary transmission oil cooler (Removed by the PO and currently sitting in my garage.)
15. NHD - Heavy duty transmission oil cooler
16. NHK - Engine block heater
17. NMC - Heavy duty engine cooling
18. Family - AD - Pick-up/Sport utility (It's not a full-size truck, it's a sport utility vehicle!)
19. Trim - TT - Premium cloth bucket seats (You wouldn't think that now. They're worn the ****** out, but somehow still comfortable.)
20. SCE - Alcantara wrapped steering wheel (This is gone I think.)
21. SKE - 2105/2500# PAD/Ground front springs (Totally shot and in bad need of replacing.)
22. SNS - 3250/3650# PAD/Ground rear springs
23. SMA - Auxiliary RR spring
24. TWV - LT235/85 R16E tires (Guy at the dealership said that only dually's came with these tires back then so they must have been special ordered. Current tires are shorter and fatter and hopefully off the truck in a year from now.)
25. PB6 - Dark Spectrum blue (PRI PNT - JB6) & QV4 - Light champagne Met CC (SEC PNT - KV4)
*EDIT* - Guy at the Dodge dealership pointed out that the report said my truck came with 16x6.5 aluminum wheels. However, it also says it came with 16x6 steel wheels. He looked at the report again and said, no, definitely had aluminum wheels. I can't find a single photo of the 250/350 trucks with aluminum wheels, factory that is. Mostly just curious what was on it stock. I plan to remove the junk aluminum 16x8 wheels on it and replace w/steel wheels as soon as I can.
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