Searching for My Dad's 1979 Chevy Suburban

[TheHoundsman]

Yep, a 12 point head bolt. Snap-On sockets are thin enough. Or just take a bunch grinder to a junk socket like a Craftsman or Husky.

It might have to come to that. I’ll give it a try tomorrow

 

[TheHoundsman]

Here are some pics of the cruise transducer @Oldschooler Sorry I could not get them to send to you directly.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Cruise transducer photos 2

 

[TheHoundsman]

It might have to come to that. I’ll give it a try tomorrow

I got a cheap set off of Amazon (next day delivery) and I was able to get the bolt out with an 11mm socket. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Cruise transducer photos 2

Yes I remember those.... lots of vacuum lines and cables. Now they do it all electronically.... My OBS trucks have a box on the firewall with a plug and a cable to go to the throttle body. New trucks, it's probably all in the computers....

 

[TheHoundsman]

Sorry I fell like I am going to this group every day with another issue. I am having a really hard time getting the adjusting sleeve out of the drivers side ball joint. I have heated it, PB Blaster and impact wrench nothing. I read that I do not actually have to take it out I can hit the top of the upper ball joint with the castle nut on it and that with a few good sacks from a sledge it should fall out. Slightly nervous to try this. Any thoughts on that method. Full disclosure it was on a “whispering” Ford Bronco forum!!!

 

[idahovette]

As long as the castle nut is right at flush with the top of the threads, you can smack it with a hammer......BUT don't wail on it. A couple of fairly hard whacks should do it and not harm anything. That should take the tension off, but if it's been there for a while, some kind of penetrant may be needed?

 

[TheHoundsman]

As long as the castle nut is right at flush with the top of the threads, you can smack it with a hammer......BUT don't wail on it. A couple of fairly hard whacks should do it and not harm anything. That should take the tension off, but if it's been there for a while, some kind of penetrant may be needed?

Thanks I gave it a try and happily it worked. Got it off and now have both new knuckles installed. Tomorrow I will be installing the new steering box and the support brace.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Sorry I fell like I am going to this group every day with another issue. I am having a really hard time getting the adjusting sleeve out of the drivers side ball joint. I have heated it, PB Blaster and impact wrench nothing. I read that I do not actually have to take it out I can hit the top of the upper ball joint with the castle nut on it and that with a few good sacks from a sledge it should fall out. Slightly nervous to try this. Any thoughts on that method. Full disclosure it was on a “whispering” Ford Bronco forum!!!

These trucks are like that sometimes, especially if you're fixing one that's been neglected. Most of us have been there at some point in time.

 

[edgephoto]

Working on old vehicles from the rust belt is no cake walk. Torches, big hammers, chisels and a lot of swearing are all tools you will use daily.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Working on old vehicles from the rust belt is no cake walk. Torches, big hammers, chisels and a lot of swearing are all tools you will use daily.

You are so right. I was telling my wife everytime I think i have figured something out and I move on with confidence undoubtedly within a few steps I run into the next problem. All the things I learned from doing the passenger side first I did not have to use when I was doing the drivers side. That was great however things that went well or came off easily on the passenger side did NOT on the drivers side so it was a whole new set of issues that I had to research and come on here and ask for answers on. With that side the knuckles on both side are done. The steering box is off so today I need to drill out the center hole for the steering box bolt on brace mount it and the steering box and then I can replace the steering shaft and pout it all back together. I am a little nervous about the reinstall of the calipers and break pads they look like they are touching the rotors. I am hoping that this will correct itself when it’s all back together. I’ll post some pictures when I can get them (it got to dark last night) and see what you guys think. As always thanks again for all the help and advise. I am really leaning on the knowledge from this group and it has really paid dividends for me.

 

[TheHoundsman]

These trucks are like that sometimes, especially if you're fixing one that's been neglected. Most of us have been there at some point in time.

This poor boy did not get much love over the last decade or so but truthfully that is a big part of what makes this so rewarding a project. I want to try to do this right so that as we take care of it going forward it will be in the family for a LONG time.

 

[edgephoto]

It is fun to read these kind of threads. Seeing you go from "what is this?" to a major rebuild is fun.

 

[TheHoundsman]

It is fun to read these kind of threads. Seeing you go from "what is this?" to a major rebuild is fun.

Ha, I am not sure I will ever tackle a major rebuild. I think I am doing more of the "Glamour" work. I can't see myself ever having the courage to do engine or transmission work, but I guess who knows? I don't think I would have ever thought I would be pulling the front-end steering system apart either.