Shakedown

[timcos]

I am sure if you have read my "Newbie from Utah" in the welcome section....I have picked up a K10 that was a single owner...Euphoria over.

I am shaking down this baby one section at a time.

So far...

I have replaced engine with a Jasper reman, rebuilt Q-Jet, new starter, new fuel pump and new water pump.

Seems pretty good so far. Seems to have good power and torque. I do not seem to have great acceleration...of course that could be due to the NP205 and 4WD. I never owned a 4X4 before so not sure exactly what to expect. I think my next upgrade to the engine will be a electronic distributor (still have the old points and condenser stock type). My mileage sucks (5 MPG) and I think I am going to go to the shop that rebuilt the rochester to tune the carb. The exhaust may be the problem as well as I have dual exhaust but two really crappy mufflers on it (55.00 installed for both.) I will be repiping and installing some Flowmasters.

I had the transmission (TH350) power flushed. Was very clean on the inside when they removed the tranny pan. So at least I know that is good.

Next is the driveline. Here is where my lack of knowledge, experience and wisdom hurt me.

When I am moving slow (like in or out of a parking spot and am turning the wheel sharply I get this tuk, tuk, tuk sound from the front end. Sounds like something is grinding/jumping kind of...sort of hard to explain.

Also...after backing out of a parking place and I am turning the wheel sharply and accelerating in forward gears my driver side rear tire/axle shudders a small bit for about a second and a half...then all is good.

I seem to really have these things happening when I am going slow.

What should I be looking at?

Cheers,

Tim

[2wdBlazer]

Do you have lockers in the axles?

[timcos]

The front hubs have locking hubs...they are dialed to Free right now.

Are you asking if the rears have hubs...I am thinking not as they are always "locked in".

Thanks,

Tim

[2wdBlazer]

No I meant lockers as in all wheels spin when locked in. A factory 4wd usually is not a real 4wd where all 4 tires will spin. Power will transfer to the wheel in each axle which needs the most traction. If you have a locker installed it could caouse noise or clicking on corners on the street even when it's not in 4wd.

[timcos]

This is pretty factory. If I have it on the lift I cannot freely turn the rear wheels...of course it was in Park when I tried that.

How do I know if I have lockers?

[1969k10stepside]

Pull the diff. covers off,you can tell by looking.

[timcos]

I am sure you can tell by looking...I would go..."Wow cool..look! it is the inside of my differential."

LOL

[vtblazer]

Check the inner u-joint's on the front axles.

Wheel bearings good?

Any loose parts/pieces on the brake assembly?

What year is your truck? 70/71 was the split between drum and disc front brakes.

[timcos]

I will do that.

Nothing seems loose. as a passing glance...I think it will take a deeper inspection.

Mine is a 72 and disc front drum rear.

Cheers,

Tim

[kylejamers]

the rear noise you mentioned
sounds like it could be a shifting leafspring?

[boundstaffpress]

If your front shaft is turning, but your front hubs are unlocked, then it could be the CV joint on your front shaft is worn out. Maybe even just a u-joint or two on that shaft are worn. Get under it and try to shake it. It should not move or make any noise. Check u-joints on the rear shaft as well. When I got my truck the u-joint at the rear axle didn't have any roller bearings left. It would drive, but it made some racket, and was hard to get rolling.

If you have lockers instead of an open differential it should be noted on your glovebox door. Positraction or limited slip would also be noted. That is if they have not been added by a previous owner.