Project: Papa’s Dodge, stage one.

[Lonesome7.3]

Due to losing my take home car, I am a bit more motivated toget this done. I went ahead and drilled out the old brackets. I cannot say I amthrilled, but it will do until I tear the truck down and swap cross members. Igot new strut link bushings and fought like hell to get the driver side assembled.I have not got the spring in yet because the control arms put up such a fight. Tomorrow,I will hopefully get that wrapped up.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

A little headway made. I got most of the passenger sidedone. I also re-installed the old parts on the donor truck. I want to e able tomove it around. I still get a kick out of how much bigger the later model oneton parts are.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Found some cheap shocks and new brake lines. Those shockshave been sitting ona shelf for a looooooooon time.

I was going to replace just what needed to be so I can getthe truck on the road sooner. However, I have found some many things in need ofreplacement I am just going to do full frontal on it. All new bushings, balljoints, seals, brakes, and whatever else needs attention. I am going to borrowa friends truck so I can take the time and get this old Dodge done right.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I had to step away from this build for a little while.Between both of my jobs, school, and getting incorrect parts I have had a hardtime moving forward. But I am hoping to get this truck back on the ground soon.Thanks to Six Gunn I now have the correct upper ball joints. I work part timeat a parts store and could not for the life of me get the correct parts in. Ifinally came to the conclusion that Master Pro only offers one part number for ½,¾, and one ton models. Well, that was not going to work.



Getting the correct ball joints was one problem, gettingthem in was another. After removing the old ball joint I cleaned the threadwith a rag and brake clean. I did it several times and the ball joints stillwould not thread in straight. So I used my Dremmel and a wire wheel to clean upthe treads even more. With the help of a little 3 in 1 oil it threaded itperfectly. I am hoping to get a full half day to get the rest of it done in thevery near future.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Getting closer.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Every step is a step closer.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I started the day with the intention of making a big dent inthe Dodge build. But first I had to cut my grass. I was starting to hearmonkeys when I went out side. Did not even get going when the lawn mower broke.So at least the first half of the day involved working on that. Got most of itfixed but I still had to order parts. So it sits in the garage, in the way.And, my yard is still a jungle.



When I finally did get to the Dodge I started by pulling theknuckle from the passenger side. My dumb ass thought the lower ball joints werethreaded in like the uppers. Imagine my surprise to find out they are pressedin. Of course, no tool on hand to get them out. The good news though, it looks like the hub bearings were gone throughright before they took the donor truck out of service. They had fresh peanutbutter backed in. The brake pads look new and have no wear on them. It wouldhave been nice if they turned the rotors though. They are rough. Back to thebad news. The calipers are paper weights. I bench tested them and they are seizedup like a nun’s…err… umm, they do not work. I will take the rotors to my parttime job and turn them.



The passenger side did not come apart as easily. The good newsis the upper ball joint looks great. I am going to clean it up and keep it as aspare. But the lower ball joint will not let go of the knuckle. I beat thatthing like it owes me money and nothing. I finally ran out of time and had tocall it a night.

 

[OldCracker29]

It sure does suck that you keep bumping into walls. I reckon you can expect it from a vehicle that has sat out in the elements for so long.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

What I do not get is for such a low hour vehicle, the donor truck sure has a lot of bad parts.

 

[Nick The Great]

At least when you're done you'll have almost a brand new vehicle!