STATUS REPORT!!!
I finally took the truck on the shake down cruise Monday. Hauled 4000 pounds of steel to the scrap yard. Run truck on batteries because I still haven't gotten my pulley on the new alternator. Here's the report:
Drove it about 58 MPH a few times. Seems to ride well and I couldn't notice any vibration or anything abnormal from the wheels and tires. I did notice at a crawl I could feel the tread on the tires. Or maybe I've lost my mind. You decide.
The truck weighs 11,000 empty. The rear springs (former front springs) squatted with the 2 tons on the back. I was a little surprised with that. It still drove pretty well though. The home make dump hoist lifted the 4000 pounds, so I am now satisfied it will perform what I want it to.
Developed a fuel leak around the filter on the passengers side. I have not had a chance to investigate. I also forgot the camera so there are no pictures to post. I did start to spray Gillespie 319 on the truck today. I like that color. I also like the amount of paint I can trow out there with the gun. Forget the spray can. I have 4 gallons of 319 and I don't plan to put it on the scout car or half track for a long time, so the truck will have a thick coat before the Georgia gathering. I mounted the forth tire last week and it does look sweet with 14.5's all the way around.
Yea, Haw,
Joe Trapp