620 KC project

[datzenmike]

Hopefully the tension rod bushings are rubber and not poly.

[Edm620]

Yup, initial joint done early June in Mexico (fantastic surgeon) but got infected, 2 surgeries in attempt to clean out without success so a temp joint put in that didn't last at all so another joint put in. Still working on rehab

[Edm620]

Actually I have gone with the poly bushings - why do you suggest going with rubber? These are not the torsion rods to be clear

Hopefully the tension rod bushings are rubber and not poly.

[datzenmike]

At long last I have been able to get back out in my garage and get back to work on the project, yesterday I spent a few hours cleaning my space up and then completed the installation of the new tension rod bushings which had arrived back in June. My triple hip replacement had really beat the stuffing out of me so I can finally smile and get my hands dirty again .

Today I plan to get the axle shafts reassembled in preparation to stuff into the housing along with the freshened-up pumpkin. It's been so long since I took it all apart I may actually have to read instructions! Next to-do is figure out the rear sway bar mount-up as I expect the fuel tank will be somewhat in the way. I'll post pics once I have that figured out.

Tension rods form a triangle with the LCR so when you hit bumps or the brakes the wheel does not get pulled to the rear. However the tension rod must swing freely up and down with the wheel at the outer end of the LCA. Rubber will compress, poly not so much, so the rod is forced to bend back and forth. This can lead to catastrophic failure from metal fatigue.



You might drill several holes to allow some compliance but best of all is to stay away from any poly suspension parts all together. Rubber is far superior for wear, and vibration isolation and they don't squeak.

[Edm620]

OK thanks for the tip Datzenmike on why the rubber. I'm going to stick with the poly for now but I will definitely keep that advice in mind.

[Edm620]

Today I plan to get the axle shafts reassembled in preparation to stuff into the housing along with the freshened-up pumpkin. It's been so long since I took it all apart I may actually have to read instructions!

Turns out I wasn't really joking! Had a big brain fart today during reassembly and totally missed a step, started installing the axle bearing BEFORE I put the backing plate on. Thankfully I got that brain cell functioning again before I got it driven all the way on.

[Edm620]

Today I got the aftermarket rear sway bar mocked up in a "reverse" mount due to the fuel tank being in the way to mount it the "normal" way. Now to weld up the mounting brackets to the axle housing plus fabricate mounts for the frame ends of the bar.

[Edm620]

Rear sway bar now complete, made a much better mount-up and improved the angle of the bar ends.
Next big task is to install the pumpkin and axle shafts

[demo243]

Cool to see another 620 on here! Keeping an eye on this thread.

I am working on a '78 Single Cab

20200311_173505 by devon M, on Flickr

[Edm620]

Got a little more work done today, made the new rear brake lines and cleaned up the splitter block. Tomorrow I plan to get the differential installed so I can put the axles in and finish the rear brake reassembly.

[Edm620]

Cool to see another 620 on here! Keeping an eye on this thread.

I am working on a '78 Single Cab

20200311_173505 by devon M, on Flickr

Good looking truck. Body parts seem the hardest to find.

[Edm620]

Getting some work done on a daily basis, have completed the install of the differential, axles, and rear brakes minus the park brake cables as the ones I received seem to be for a reg cab shortbox. Should be ready to make my new fuel & brake line bundle soon, will also be making new retainers for the lines.

[SteveEdmonton]

What a great project! You're doing a super job. I'm here in Edmonton too-- wouldn't mind coming to see what you're up to, when all of these restrictions ease. In the meantime, keep plugging away! That's going to be one terrific truck when you get it done.
Cheers,
Steve

[demo243]

Good looking truck. Body parts seem the hardest to find.

Thanks! The floors are rough... but the rest of the body is pretty good.

Keepen an eye on this thread to watch yours come together

[Edm620]

Good looking truck. Body parts seem the hardest to find.

Thanks! The floors are rough... but the rest of the body is pretty good.

Keepen an eye on this thread to watch yours come together

Floor rot isn't uncommon, I'm going to have to do some lower body rebuilding once I get to that stage. The rockers were pretty much rotted through and I did see some re-pops listed on Ebay long ago but I didn't buy then, guess I should have. Pretty much anything mechanical is easy enough to find though. What are you planning to do with yours?