'93, W-250 Tie Rod

[GHarman]

Progress

Have to fab the threaded heat sinks, in the shop. You folks that actually are machinists will laugh at my efforts:-laf. Single point threading is time consuming and requires real focused effort, hand/eye coordination and rhythm. I was able to get the right hand threaded plug threaded, todayOo. . Next is the left hand threaded plug. Heres some pictures. Did a little TIG practice, as well. My body doesnt work like it did, only a few years ago. I am no longer marketable, but I can still squeeze out a far less that perfect weld, about once a day. (picture is a root pass on 1 1/2" tube) It hurts to do much more than that. Pain just shows that I am still alive and kickin'Oo. . GregH

 

[GHarman]

Got the left hand plug threaded this AM as well as a little welding practice. Tacked the threaded inserts into place on both ends of the tube. Ready to weld. Going to make another practice weld and go fer it. Just need an afternoon without other commitments and no T-storms.

Once the tierod is completed and installed, the plan is to swap out the front drive shaft from "Old Ugly", change the serpentine belt, Oil and filter change on motor and transmission, modify the air intake system from the filter to the turbo. The vacuum pump needs to be resealed also. I'm not gonna tackle that one. Found somebody that will do it in a couple of hours. It would take me several weeks to get that done. Time is running out on this project, for this year. GregH

 

[GHarman]

Tierod ready to go

Today was the Day to Git-er-done! Was feelin pretty frisky this AM so I went over to the shop and tore into it. The weather was cool and damp so I felt the need for preheats on the parts, before welding. The temperature was around 200*F plus er minus. Just enough to see the moisture form on the parts and evaporate. Before assembly, I cleaned the weld joints with alcohol. The threaded plugs were assembled into the threaded inserts with High Temp Antisieze. I am glad the inserts had those plugs. There was definitely some shrinkage. The heat was a little to much on the first one. Just couldnt seem to get my hand with the torch to move like I wanted it to do. However, we (me and my hand:-laf) worked through the problem. Heres a couple of pictures fer yer amusement. Nothing like Dave ValentineOo. or CoalsmokesOo. work, but useable, fer this old man GregH

 

[DValentine]

Looks good Greg. You are the man. I would have just bought new parts.

 

[GHarman]

Thanks Dave! I did try to get another tierod from 3 different truck specialty scrap yards in the Denver area. None to be had. One truck scrap yard had access to an internet network across North America and found only one for the Dana 60 application. That one was in Eastern Canada:--). Greg

 

[rbattelle]

Greg, you're a machinist too?! What kind of lathe is that? Nice little project here. I love making things rather than buying them.

Ryan

 

[GHarman]

Ryan, The lathe is a Taewan copy of a Clausing Cholechester. 13" X 40" with the gap bed. As far as me being a 'chinist, NAW! Just goofin' around with hobby related stuff. I do have other interests Makin the tierod, was a necessity, just to get the truck back on the road. I'm not as gifted as you are. Greg

 

[Coalsmoke]

However, we (me and my hand) worked through the problem.

Hahaha :-laf



That is very nice work my friend. I have always wanted to learn how to machine stuff like that, especially threads. Maybe one day I'll have to bug you for some lathe lessons.



It's good to see people still willing to get their hands dirty to make their own parts and pieces as needed. This morning I had the chance to help my father make some 5th wheel hitch brackets up, goofy shaped bends were needed to clear the frame rails. Took a couple hours in the blacksmith shop and we had 8 done, had fun doing it, dad got to learn how to use the forge and he saved $160 at the same time.

 

[GHarman]

Coalsmoke, Be glad to show you what I know. It wont take long:-laf. Stop by, if you get down this way. Just P. M. Me with your travel plans. GregH

 

[GHarman]

Blacksmithing

Coalsmoke, That is another trade that is really useful in metal working as an art form and practical use. I am personally interested in obtaining a Knifemakers Forge. I have seen some beautiful Damascus blades and feel that it would be something that I would like to do. GregH

 

[GHarman]

Got some help today and removed the old tierod, installed the new one, set the toe-in with two square aluminum tubes as measuring points as well as a short punchlist of other items.

Replaced the serpentine belt, removed the front driveshaft and replacement of airfilter housing, using the one from "old ugly". I did cut away alot of the air box but left a structure that allows a secure boltup of the airfilter. I'll need that on rough twotracks.

The front drive shaft from "old ugly" does not fit the '93. I will have to take it down to Drivetrain Industries to have it rebuilt. Its pretty wobbley (woogidity, woogidity:-laf).

My grease gun would not work on the new tierod ends, so, I have to get another with the ability to grease the open grease zirks. I was hoping to drive it home today. Not to be, still got loose ends:{. GregH

 

[Coalsmoke]

Thanks Greg. One day the missus and I want to do a big US trip, I think heading down the Oregon coast to California would be fun, and then back up through Colorado, Nebraska and the Dakotas.



I enjoy blacksmithing, its a good stress relieving hobby :-laf If you ever have any questions feel free to ask. I'm not a master, but I've been at it for close to 8 years now. Its nice when you get to the point that the learning curve flattens off and you can just go out and have fun.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Hey, I forgot to ask, what happened to Old Ugly, and now you're working on New Ugly, you've got me curious... what happened? Sounds like a story must be in all this somewhere

 

[GHarman]

Coalsmoke, We were in a wreck, on 26 February. The truck was totaled by the insurance company. Bent the front axle, trashed one hub, bent the front driverside spring and the drag link, destroyed a tire and rim. I got sandwiched between a casino bus and a guardrail. The bus won:{! I retained the vehicle and am using it for parts. GregH

 

[DValentine]

Greg, what is the difference between the drive shafts? Glad you are close to getting her running again..... the snow will be flying before we know it.

 

[GHarman]

Hey Dave! The front Driveshaft on the '93 has a larger u-joint and yoke assembly than the front driveshaft on the '91. The GAWR on the '91 is 4050# and the rating on the '93 is 4500#. Hows your Summer? Any big jobs coming up? You have Riley certified yet! I'll bet he has grown by leaps and bounds . GregH

 

[Coalsmoke]

Sorry to hear that. At least you're not letting it get you down.

 

[GHarman]

Coalsmoke, It's just "old Iron". There's always something to fix. Hopefully, it will be ready for fall and snow and possible moving and hauling chores. I have about 8 dead Aspen trees than need to be hauled away to my firewood stash. I'll do them one at a time:-laf.

 

[Coalsmoke]

There's something nice though about old iron that the new stuff just doesn't have.

 

[GHarman]

Coalsmoke, Aint that the Truth! I sure get stares when I take the white monster into town. I dont know if its the environmentalists or those that really wished I wouldn't bring that noisy thing into town:-laf. And I really try to me nice and not smoke out anyone. GregH