Build update 2

[Ifitaintbroke]

I couldn't move the pulley, so that must be good! Really wanting to put the core support and radiator back in, but I know I should wait until I get the gearbox back  in. Everything is easy with no front clip.

[Ifitaintbroke]

Gearbox is in! As are the lower shaft and column. Sadly, when removing the drag link from the pitman arm the boot got cut. I've tried but cannot find a replacement. Might just replace the whole link as it is original and not very tight at the gear box end.

[ArdWrknTrk]

You can find a universal boot, but when a Moog ds1069 is under $56 delivered tomorrow Prime it's hard not to just replace it.while the box is new.

[Ifitaintbroke]

I'll probably go that route.

[Ifitaintbroke]

I went that route! And decided to replace the rest as well while I'm in there. At work, Moog is being phased out, but Precision is the same product rebranded. So I got one of them. Can't tell you my price as that is "classified information", but it was cheap so well worth it. On another note, I spent 3~4 hours in El Junkyardo today, and got quite a haul of stuff. Most was parts for the Danger Ranger, but some for the F250 also. I got a steering wheel in pretty good shape from an 87 F150 for $20. I also found a very new Whelen roof mount spotlight atop a 99 F350, paid $15 for it, and it WORKS(led and stupid bright). Also some working fog lights on the 87. $15. They will be going on the F250. I cleaned up the steering wheel and was about to put it on, but then I remembered that my turn signal cam is broke. Again. This one is brand new with basically zero miles, and only a few uses. I hope there is some permanent fix to that. I noticed that the Bricknose one feels much more solid. I'll search the forum for a fix or mod for that.

[Gary Lewis]

Good haul!  And replacing the joints is a good idea.  

[Ifitaintbroke]

Correction- Precision is NOT a Moog part. Moog matches factory;Precision is about 1/4 inch smaller diameter. Went with Moog.
Anyway, radiator support is in, engine has oil, and cooling system is filled. Exhaust is next. Might fire it off this week.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Oh that's exciting!  
Christmas comes early for you.  😉

[Ifitaintbroke]

It is exciting, but I don't celebrate Christmas. Hopefully I can figure out how to get the power steering system to draw fluid in. I filled the reservoir, and tried turning the pump by hand, but it only drew a little bit. Maybe not turning fast enough? Either that or I didn't put the pump back together correctly.

[Gary Lewis]

I had to start the engine to get my Saginaw to draw.  And when it got low it made horrible noises.  But it wasn't out, just low, and topping it up quietened it again.

[Ifitaintbroke]

That's what I figured. It's going to be difficult trying to do that while breaking the engine in. I'll probably just take the belts off and do that after I can let it idle. Oh, how I wish I had a roller cam!  But the only blanks available were Callies and $500 BEFORE GRINDING.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I'm celebrating solstice Thursday night.
(I guess I'm a pagan?)

[Ifitaintbroke]

Uh, yes, Jim, I think that would qualify. Personally I try to stay away from all of it.
BTW, my name is Bradley. I saw someone type out my username, then realized no one knows my name!

[ArdWrknTrk]

Bradley, I used a hex bit in a battery ratchet to try and prime my pump, but I'm with Gary in that it will be okay as long as there's something in there even if it isn't completely full or purged.

I'm not dancing naked around a fire or sacrificing an animal, just greeting the coming of winter.  

[grumpin]

Hi Bradley, you're name in the signature will help those of us with bad rememberers!

Jim, glad to hear that! The dancing around a fire thing!

[Ifitaintbroke]

I completely forgot that there was a hex in there. Jim, did it work?

[ArdWrknTrk]

It did seem to work, but I wasn't able to be under the hood and turn the steering wheel lock to lock to entirely purge the system.

It certainly worked enough that I didn't fry my pump

[Ifitaintbroke]

Considering that my steering wheel is off right now that won't be easy. Guess I'll just have to wait.

[Ifitaintbroke]

Well, my radiator is leaking. I want to go with a solid aluminum one, but I'm very wary of the quality. Summit-China, Champion-China, Frostbite-China. Even Cold-Case is made in China. I'm not going to spend that much money for something not US made. That being said, the only American made rad I can find is Be Cool, and they're $600!(Well, theres Griffin, but they're $800+). I REALLY don't want a parts store replacement, which is bad considering I sell them. . The heavy duty cooling version is $450 and it has PLASTIC TANKS.

[ArdWrknTrk]

It was a sad day when Modine got sucked into becoming part of Visteon...

It is what it is, I guess.  🤷‍♂️