First Project Truck!! 1998 Z71

Wish they did that with coolant temps

Very cool the ECM knows to cut fuel on low oil.

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It's been a while since I've updated the thread here. The truck has been doing it's thing admirably, other than a few hiccups--namely the oil cooler line issue, and the coolant randomly disappearing one day. I've put over 5000 miles on it since December, though, and I really can't say too much other than I love this truck!

Since I last checked in, i have fixed a fw things, like the 4x4. It was literally just unplugged. That's all it was! One stupid plug on the top of the transfer case. Plugged 'er in, and it worked like a charm!

This weekend things will get a little hairy, though. I noticed that I had a brake wheel cylinder leaking on the rear wheel, and when I tore it down I discovered there was play in the axle bearing on the passengers side. I'm hoping that's what the whine has been this whole time, though I'm not looking forward to changing it!!

On that note, does anyone have any tips for removing axle shafts?

Pull the c clip out of the carrier and slide er out

JakeZ71 said:

It's been a while since I've updated the thread here. The truck has been doing it's thing admirably, other than a few hiccups--namely the oil cooler line issue, and the coolant randomly disappearing one day. I've put over 5000 miles on it since December, though, and I really can't say too much other than I love this truck!

Since I last checked in, i have fixed a fw things, like the 4x4. It was literally just unplugged. That's all it was! One stupid plug on the top of the transfer case. Plugged 'er in, and it worked like a charm!

This weekend things will get a little hairy, though. I noticed that I had a brake wheel cylinder leaking on the rear wheel, and when I tore it down I discovered there was play in the axle bearing on the passengers side. I'm hoping that's what the whine has been this whole time, though I'm not looking forward to changing it!!

On that note, does anyone have any tips for removing axle shafts?

Click to expand...

There are several how-to videos on YouTube if you need some guidance while doing it. Pretty straight forward job.

EDIT: Now after reading through your whole thread, why not swap the 14 bolt out of the '99 parts truck you got your engine and transfer case from? I'm sure the guy would cut you a deal after everything you bought from it.

98BlackSierra said:

There are several how-to videos on YouTube if you need some guidance while doing it. Pretty straight forward job.

EDIT: Now after reading through your whole thread, why not swap the 14 bolt out of the '99 parts truck you got your engine and transfer case from? I'm sure the guy would cut you a deal after everything you bought from it.

Click to expand...

I would've done that already, but the problem was that truck had 3:42 gears in it, and mine has 3.73's. I would've had to change the front axle too, and that didn't look like any fun!!

JakeZ71 said:

I would've done that already, but the problem was that truck had 3:42 gears in it, and mine has 3.73's. I would've had to change the front axle too, and that didn't look like any fun!!

Click to expand...

Are you sure about that? I thought all of the F44 optioned trucks came with 3:73's? I know mine did.

Goofing around with the truck today. Can't drive it, because it has a wheel bearing out and i'm waiting for a shop bay to open up, so I did the next best thing--I pretended to wheel it!

IFS... Why you no flex?!?



Also, photobombing beagle!!

So.. it has been forever since I've updated this tread. The reason is simply because the truck has worked. Not flawlessly, granted, but it's work.

Things I've done since the last update:
Redid the rear brakes a second time, after the shoes delaminated (under warranty)
Replaced the door locks
Replaced the radiator
Added a new hitch

A couple of things still need addressed, however:
The alignment is fubar'd--I suspect the truck had it's torsion bars cranked and was never aligned. As a result, the truck also needs tires. Any one have a preferred budget all-terrain?
Finally, the rear axle is toast. It whines baaaaadly. I'm trying to decide if I should chance replacing the bearing in the rear axle (because of the new brakes and axle shaft), or try to find a new axle to swap in. If i look for a new axle, should I go with a 10 bolt, or upgrade to a 14 bolt? Decisions, decisions.

Oh! So, I did one other thing this summer that bit into the truck budget....



Yeah. I bought a Cavalier.

So yeah.. life goes on. It's gone from project to truck to daily to weekend toy.

And occasional farm truck.



Keepin' it classy, friends.