Update: I've been wanting to get some miles on my truck. Couple weeks ago set a goal to drive it 200 miles that week. I know, sad that I'd need to set a goal to drive my truck. Anyway drove it to a buddy's place 75 miles away. Took all back roads there and back. Ran great. (plus another 50 miles bumming around the area here) I did hit a nasty set of railroad tracks that shook the truck pretty good and shoved the rear vertical arms of the shocks into the bed. Bent em pretty good. I shoulda took a picture of that, didn't think of it at the time. Clearly I miscalculated the installation of those. Anyway I pulled them out, straightened them, then cut 2 inches out of the middle, welded them back together with some reinforcement. I think they're good to go for now.
Last week I drove it 180 miles to the Detroit area and back. Took it on the expressway about 70 miles total. Ran great. Got it up to 75MPH. At 75 it's turning about 2500 RPM. Seems perfect to me. The truck felt a bit floaty at that speed. The sweet spot seems to be 67 MPH at 2100 RPM.
Planning on taking it up to Coleman Michigan to pop in on the guy I got the motor from. He was a nice guy and wanted me to show him the truck when it was up and running. Of course that was pre-pandemic. Seems like a good place to turn around and head back. Looks like about 90 miles from here. I recall there was a stovebolter or two from that area. If I can remember who and where they are maybe we can meet up.
Planning to change the steering grease. Got new grease from fellow 'bolter DrDoug. I also ordered an anti-sway bar from CPP. Should be here in another day or so. Not sure when I'll do those projects.
Changed the shifter knob. Barb liked this one! The crappy plastic thread insert stripped out so I made up an aluminum one.
