1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 - Page 9 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**buffydores** · 12-19-2017, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillipm

Man someone went gorilla on those old hose clamps!! That hose is cut bad!

"If it's leaking just tighten more" has its limits.

Zook75 · 01-03-2018, 06:13 PM

Nice thread. I had a black 79 back in the mid 80 that I raced and wrenched on all them myself. Good times for sure.
I just picked up a 91 Jimmy that will be my daily driver, can't wait to get it.

**buffydores** · 01-03-2018, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zook75

Nice thread. I had a black 79 back in the mid 80 that I raced and wrenched on all them myself. Good times for sure.
I just picked up a 91 Jimmy that will be my daily driver, can't wait to get it.

Thanks Zook. It's a never-ending project of fun.

**buffydores** · 02-17-2018, 12:57 PM

I installed a vintage Rancho Front Axle Truss I purchased from Jeff. Used some POR15 to give it a decent finish. The second picture shows how the attachment works. I upsized the u-bolt a tad for some more strength. With the truss installed, you can still remove the diff cover and pull axles. There's no scenario I can see that would require removal. There's a lot of tension in this thing.

**hatzie** · 10-23-2018, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores

The rubber transmission cooler lines looked a bit rough and leaky.

That's better. Finally found a use for those 3/8" FI hose clamps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillipm

Man someone went gorilla on those old hose clamps!! That hose is cut bad!

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores

"If it's leaking just tighten more" has its limits.

The clamps don't loosen up... The fuel and oil hoses tend to extrude through the slots in the old fashioned Jubilee worm clamps. For some reason fuel and the various flavors of oil cooler hoses are much worse than coolant hoses.
Breeze Liner doesn't make their liner clamps smaller than 3/4" or so. That's why I recommend the Fuel Injection Clamps or Rotor Clip type spring band clamps. My 1994, 1998, 2000, and 2005 GM trucks use(d) a lot of the spring type clamps rather than Jubilee worm clamps. No extrusion.

You can put a quick and dirty bubble on the end of the steel lines with a brake line flare tool and then you only need one clamp.

**buffydores** · 10-26-2018, 10:17 PM

Pretty sharp looking:

**hatzie** · 11-22-2018, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores

Pretty sharp looking:

That is sharp looking. Nice touch that isn't over the top.

**buffydores** · 11-22-2018, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatzie

That is sharp looking. Nice touch that isn't over the top.

Thanks hatzie.

**buffydores** · 02-18-2018, 09:17 PM

I've been fixing little leaks as I find them. One curious leak that I've noticed on these old axles is gear oil leaks at the plug welds on the pumpkin. I've found three separate leaks this way. Weird.

mickeykreg · 02-19-2018, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores

I've been fixing little leaks as I find them. One curious leak that I've noticed on these old axles is gear oil leaks at the plug welds on the pumpkin. I've found three separate leaks this way. Weird.

X2, very annoying. I decided next time I take it apart that problem is getting welded shut...at least I hope it's that easy.

phillipm · 05-03-2018, 03:12 PM

Oh how do I hate intermittent problems! Hopefully all is well now.

**buffydores** · 05-03-2018, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillipm

Oh how do I hate intermittent problems! Hopefully all is well now.

I ruled out everything I could think of. I don't think the computer would be dying on a cold engine. I expect to see problems for computers when they're hot. Let me know if you have any ideas. Me and Brian have our first vintage 4x4 event at the end of May.

**buffydores** · 05-05-2018, 12:20 PM

Replaced the leaking steering stabilizer. The bolt connected to the tie rod was the most stubborn thing in the world. Finally succeeded with heat, PB Blaster, ball joint kit, and a BF hammer.

**buffydores** · 07-26-2018, 01:28 PM

I've found a good shop here in Longview that can be as OCD as I desire. They installed the ORD frame repair kit, went through the front axle and are currently replacing the birdnest of 40 years of accessory wires into something not embarrassing. I was starting to have an issue with my wife observing a unreasonable time investment in non-family related items like the Blazer. Sometimes its best to let someone else do the work.

**buffydores** · 09-29-2018, 12:03 PM

Well, about two months ago, I went out to start the Blazer and nothing. Starter turned, just no spark. Towed it in to my mechanic friends. They found that the ECM was tied into the interior fuse panel with a bunch of random things. The auxiliary cruise control lever was shorting on the steering column and knocking out the ECM. Powerfully stupid. I asked them to strip all the 40 years of random wiring out and do it like a smart person. They did a great job. But here's something funny. While working the RamJet harness, they found a plug not going anywhere. After a little research, they realized that the original installer just failed to plumb in the IAT sensor. The ECM, without the sensor, reads -40F for intake temperature. So.....I was running a tad rich. Here is the solution:

schpeen · 09-29-2018, 12:28 PM

Excellent! so how does it feel now?

**buffydores** · 09-29-2018, 12:47 PM

Faster. More responsive. Quieter.

schpeen · 09-29-2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffydores

faster. More responsive. Quieter.

yahtzee!!!

**buffydores** · 09-29-2018, 07:31 PM

Any input on a 700r4/4l60e setup swap?

aggie91 · 10-01-2018, 08:33 AM

Go with a 4L80. To many issues with a 4l60/700r4.

**buffydores** · 10-01-2018, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggie91

Go with a 4L80. To many issues with a 4l60/700r4.

Hate the first gear on the 4l80

phillipm · 10-02-2018, 12:23 PM

I want to say I'm surprised that they didn't hook up the IAT, however, we once got an install back and it was running terrible. Started poking around and they had just laid the IAT (which was plugged into the harness) on top of the intake manifold and called it good. It was at that point I started learning to do it myself. Cannot believe what people will charge you to do, and then do it terribly. I'm glad you found a reputable shop to take care of this for you!

OutlawDrifter · 10-04-2018, 11:32 AM

First off, wow, just made my way through this thread.

Second off, RamJet 350, epic!

On the transmission front a well built 4L65e will handle everything that RJ350 can throw at it, just make sure and put a nice big cooler on it. I 100% agree about 1st gear in a 4L80e. When the time comes to LS swap my '89 it will likely get a 65e. Not sure on hooking the 203 up to the newer tranny, however.

**buffydores** · 10-04-2018, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

First off, wow, just made my way through this thread.

Second off, RamJet 350, epic!

On the transmission front a well built 4L65e will handle everything that RJ350 can throw at it, just make sure and put a nice big cooler on it. I 100% agree about 1st gear in a 4L80e. When the time comes to LS swap my '89 it will likely get a 65e. Not sure on hooking the 203 up to the newer tranny, however.

They make a short shaft kit to adapt the 203 to the 4L60. Thanks for your compliments.

**buffydores** · 10-16-2018, 07:52 PM

I've grown frustrated with the twin stick. The shifting is easy, but the linkage likes to bump the transmission tunnel and I need my little spacer bar to keep the kids from accidentally shifting the levers. So I dug up the old shifter that looked more like a heavy turd and started chiseling away the baked shell of 40 years of mud. Then I worked it with some brake cleaner. Disassembled. More brake cleaner, then soaked it in Evaporust for a day. Reassembled with a bunch of lithium grease, and its ready to go back in the Blazer. Found new bushings for the levers here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-79-All...e7d7%7Ciid%3A1

These little refurb projects are fun. I'm also moving away from the 4-speed auto idea. It just feels like I lose too much identity with that upgrade.

01-03-2018, 06:13 PM	#2
Zook75 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Waggaman, La Posts: 63	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Nice thread. I had a black 79 back in the mid 80 that I raced and wrenched on all them myself. Good times for sure. I just picked up a 91 Jimmy that will be my daily driver, can't wait to get it.

02-17-2018, 12:57 PM	#4
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 I installed a vintage Rancho Front Axle Truss I purchased from Jeff. Used some POR15 to give it a decent finish. The second picture shows how the attachment works. I upsized the u-bolt a tad for some more strength. With the truss installed, you can still remove the diff cover and pull axles. There's no scenario I can see that would require removal. There's a lot of tension in this thing. Last edited by buffydores; 02-17-2018 at 01:03 PM.

10-26-2018, 10:17 PM	#6
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Pretty sharp looking:

02-18-2018, 09:17 PM	#9
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 I've been fixing little leaks as I find them. One curious leak that I've noticed on these old axles is gear oil leaks at the plug welds on the pumpkin. I've found three separate leaks this way. Weird.

05-03-2018, 03:12 PM	#11
phillipm Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 465	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Oh how do I hate intermittent problems! Hopefully all is well now.

05-05-2018, 12:20 PM	#13
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Replaced the leaking steering stabilizer. The bolt connected to the tie rod was the most stubborn thing in the world. Finally succeeded with heat, PB Blaster, ball joint kit, and a BF hammer.

07-26-2018, 01:28 PM	#14
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 I've found a good shop here in Longview that can be as OCD as I desire. They installed the ORD frame repair kit, went through the front axle and are currently replacing the birdnest of 40 years of accessory wires into something not embarrassing. I was starting to have an issue with my wife observing a unreasonable time investment in non-family related items like the Blazer. Sometimes its best to let someone else do the work.

09-29-2018, 12:03 PM	#15
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Well, about two months ago, I went out to start the Blazer and nothing. Starter turned, just no spark. Towed it in to my mechanic friends. They found that the ECM was tied into the interior fuse panel with a bunch of random things. The auxiliary cruise control lever was shorting on the steering column and knocking out the ECM. Powerfully stupid. I asked them to strip all the 40 years of random wiring out and do it like a smart person. They did a great job. But here's something funny. While working the RamJet harness, they found a plug not going anywhere. After a little research, they realized that the original installer just failed to plumb in the IAT sensor. The ECM, without the sensor, reads -40F for intake temperature. So.....I was running a tad rich. Here is the solution:

09-29-2018, 12:28 PM	#16
schpeen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: fort lauderdale, florida Posts: 511	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Excellent! so how does it feel now? __________________ 1991 K5 Blazer 4x4 "9 ball" 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss 4x4 2018 Chevy Colorado 2 door ZR2 4x4 1988 23' Mako Marine 2005 Harley Davidson Road King

09-29-2018, 12:47 PM	#17
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Faster. More responsive. Quieter.

09-29-2018, 07:31 PM	#19
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Any input on a 700r4/4l60e setup swap? Last edited by buffydores; 09-30-2018 at 01:31 PM.

10-01-2018, 08:33 AM	#20
aggie91 I'm just glad to be here! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 4,788	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 Go with a 4L80. To many issues with a 4l60/700r4. __________________ Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square

10-02-2018, 12:23 PM	#22
phillipm Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 465	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 I want to say I'm surprised that they didn't hook up the IAT, however, we once got an install back and it was running terrible. Started poking around and they had just laid the IAT (which was plugged into the harness) on top of the intake manifold and called it good. It was at that point I started learning to do it myself. Cannot believe what people will charge you to do, and then do it terribly. I'm glad you found a reputable shop to take care of this for you!

10-04-2018, 11:32 AM	#23
OutlawDrifter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Northeast KS Posts: 1,775	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 First off, wow, just made my way through this thread. Second off, RamJet 350, epic! On the transmission front a well built 4L65e will handle everything that RJ350 can throw at it, just make sure and put a nice big cooler on it. I 100% agree about 1st gear in a 4L80e. When the time comes to LS swap my '89 it will likely get a 65e. Not sure on hooking the 203 up to the newer tranny, however. __________________ 1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop

10-16-2018, 07:52 PM	#25
buffydores Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 757	Re: 1978 Russet Metallic 4x4 I've grown frustrated with the twin stick. The shifting is easy, but the linkage likes to bump the transmission tunnel and I need my little spacer bar to keep the kids from accidentally shifting the levers. So I dug up the old shifter that looked more like a heavy turd and started chiseling away the baked shell of 40 years of mud. Then I worked it with some brake cleaner. Disassembled. More brake cleaner, then soaked it in Evaporust for a day. Reassembled with a bunch of lithium grease, and its ready to go back in the Blazer. Found new bushings for the levers here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-79-All...e7d7%7Ciid%3A1 These little refurb projects are fun. I'm also moving away from the 4-speed auto idea. It just feels like I lose too much identity with that upgrade. Last edited by buffydores; 10-16-2018 at 08:48 PM.



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