Luckily it didn't really mess anything up. I'd love to go and beat the ******** out of the guy, but I have a house to finish remodeling so I can get it sold and get the hell out of here, I don't have time to mess with this nonsense. I'll just let Kharma take care of him :coffeedrink:
The Lunchbox Build... 4x4 chevy shorty van
- Thread starter Lunchbox2
- Start date
Luckily it didn't really mess anything up. I'd love to go and beat the ******** out of the guy, but I have a house to finish remodeling so I can get it sold and get the hell out of here, I don't have time to mess with this nonsense. I'll just let Kharma take care of him :coffeedrink:
Look'n good. I agree, A/C is important in a van... after 2 years, a lot of parts, and a large wad of cash, I've got mine working. If I don't add up the cost it doesn't seem so bad... besides, the Clutch fan, Water pump, Rad Hoses, Tensioner, and idlers really needed to be replaced anyways...A/C cost me as much as the rig did (if not more).
It's only money right?! haha
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Trouble with this sort of project is that you've likely got time to work on it, or money to pay for it.... Seldom to we have both at the same time.
Ain't that the truth!
So I ordered up a couple of conversion u-joints for a driveshaft that I found out at my buddy's place. The driveshaft fits perfect, and it has a long slip-spline, but it's not a c/v or anything. I just figured for $55 I can get the lunchbox moving under it's own power.
I also picked up some new straps and u-bolts while I was at it...
This one is a 1330 to 1310 conversion joint.
This one is a 1330 to 1350 conversion joint.
It fits perfect, and doesn't vibrate at highway speeds (more on that in a minute), so I'm going to run it til it breaks!
I also picked up some new straps and u-bolts while I was at it...
This one is a 1330 to 1310 conversion joint.
This one is a 1330 to 1350 conversion joint.
It fits perfect, and doesn't vibrate at highway speeds (more on that in a minute), so I'm going to run it til it breaks!
I had to do a little trimming on the front fenders, it was starting to cut up the tires. So I broke-out the old grinder/cut-off wheel and got to it. The bumpers will wrap around so I will probably cut more out later, but at least the tires won't rub for now.... I'm ready to go for a cruise!
So then I gave the van a once over, to make sure nothing was going to fall off, set the tv cable for the tranny, and took off around the block! I got back, tightened all of the suspension bolts up, re-adjusted the tv cable, and went around the block again. I got up into 3rd gear, it tracked nice, steered well, stopped well, so I took a couple more laps. Then parked it for the night, it was time to make dinner.
The next day I came out and gave it a once-over, topped off the fluids, and drove it down the street to put fuel in it. People flocked to it at the gas station, that was funny. Then we took off out to my buddy's place where I built it. It's about a 18 mile trip, so long enough to put her through her paces, and there's tools and a wrecker on the other end in case anything happens.
It has more power than I thought it would, it really pulls itself around well. The brakes work perfect, the tranny shifts all the way up through overdrive and the torque converter locks up like it should. With no alignment, it still tracked straight cruising 70 down the highway. The suspension is SUPER kushy though, it rides like a cadillac. I may have to add a leaf up front by the time I build bumpers and hang the winch, but it could use a little stiffening up anyway, so I'm not worried.
Over all, I'm happy as a pig in ****. My son and I were out cruising until the sun went down, both of us with a grin from ear to ear.... I still have a long way to go, but HOLY CRAP, I actually DROVE the Lunchbox! LIFE IS GOOD today.... :wings:
The next day I came out and gave it a once-over, topped off the fluids, and drove it down the street to put fuel in it. People flocked to it at the gas station, that was funny. Then we took off out to my buddy's place where I built it. It's about a 18 mile trip, so long enough to put her through her paces, and there's tools and a wrecker on the other end in case anything happens.
It has more power than I thought it would, it really pulls itself around well. The brakes work perfect, the tranny shifts all the way up through overdrive and the torque converter locks up like it should. With no alignment, it still tracked straight cruising 70 down the highway. The suspension is SUPER kushy though, it rides like a cadillac. I may have to add a leaf up front by the time I build bumpers and hang the winch, but it could use a little stiffening up anyway, so I'm not worried.
Over all, I'm happy as a pig in ****. My son and I were out cruising until the sun went down, both of us with a grin from ear to ear.... I still have a long way to go, but HOLY CRAP, I actually DROVE the Lunchbox! LIFE IS GOOD today.... :wings:
I do have to add though.... I kind of wish I didn't go so aggressive when I was putting the tranny together, it shifts a little harder than I'd like. Chirping the tires while bangin the gears was cool in my hotrod trucks, but with 35's and a rear locker, it's not as much fun in the van...lol
The Yukon Grizzly in the 14 bolt makes a lot more noise than I thought it would too. It definitely works though, so I guess that's the trade-off. Both fairly minor problems in the grand scheme of things, just thought it was worth mentioning.....
The Yukon Grizzly in the 14 bolt makes a lot more noise than I thought it would too. It definitely works though, so I guess that's the trade-off. Both fairly minor problems in the grand scheme of things, just thought it was worth mentioning.....
chiliVANilli
Adventurer
Nice! It looks awesome, too. Great job.
Most excellent.
On the front fenders, you can trim the downward angle straight level with the front valance. I've seen it somewhere, but Google was no luck finding a pic.
Insulation and interior bits will mellow the road noise. Many options to insulate; I use butyl sheets, bargain ensolite off-cuts, reflectix, and harbor freight neoprene flooring.
Anywho, great job. Looks titties and cream.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
On the front fenders, you can trim the downward angle straight level with the front valance. I've seen it somewhere, but Google was no luck finding a pic.
Insulation and interior bits will mellow the road noise. Many options to insulate; I use butyl sheets, bargain ensolite off-cuts, reflectix, and harbor freight neoprene flooring.
Anywho, great job. Looks titties and cream.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
DylanBCS
New member
WHOA
I have been following this thread since before I was a forum member and it is awesome to see the Lunchbox cruising around! Very nice work, indeed. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for your build. I may even have some questions for you down the road as I start my 4x4 conversion. In the mean time, keep up the great work :Wow1:
I have been following this thread since before I was a forum member and it is awesome to see the Lunchbox cruising around! Very nice work, indeed. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for your build. I may even have some questions for you down the road as I start my 4x4 conversion. In the mean time, keep up the great work :Wow1:
Corneilius
Adventurer
Congrats! Nothing beats a first drive.