Jeff Balazs

I will check it over when I get time. Thing is it turned the engine over that way from the time It got back from the rebuilder. The starter that is in it now was rebuilt in the same shop and the same time. Night and day difference in how each turned over. That was the point I was trying to make. Jeff

Another thing that comes into play is that not all starters are created equal. When I built my truck I had two starter professionally rebuilt because I wanted a spare. They were identical. The one I used to begin with worked ok but it didn't turn the engine over that quickly. I just assumed that was normal for 6 volt. Ran it that way for years. It always started....but sometimes not easily. Fast forward to last year. A pro mechanic buddy mentioned to me that he did not think my starter was turning the engine over quick enough. A few weeks later I dug my spare out and installed it. Holy crap!!! What a difference. Now it seems like I converted the system over to 12 volt. Turns out what I thought was normal really was not. Jeff

There is a gas dryer I have used a few times in other vehicles. It is called Sahara gas treatment. If there is just condensate in the tank this should work. If you have a big slug of water it there then it needs to be drained out. You probably did not do any engine damage but you may need to pull the carb and change filters. I have found it best to do a treatment on every other tank of gas due to ethanol blend wee have. I dose 4 0z. of MMO in every other tankful. Has worked well in my daily driver. Jeff

One thing we have to consider when talking about this subject is what the actual condition of this particular distributor is? It could be fairly worn and perhaps the advance mechanism needs attention? Might make sense to find someone who has the necessary equipment and skills and have them check it over. This is somewhat specialized service and needs to be looked at carefully. Sometimes I think we tend to forget that this stuff is getting fairly old and may require more than just some tune up parts. The overall build quality of these trucks continues to amaze me. I still am impressed at how reliable and trouble free my truck has been for the last 5 years. But even that doesn't eliminate the fact that certain things do wear out and need attention. Jeff

I did not notice that you truck is a 1 ton. Makes changing the rear axle to something easier on the revs more difficult. I think the reason that the factory eliminated the vacuum advance on heavier models was to help prevent them from over revving. A real potential with very low gearing

to the op There are probably a couple of contributing factors in regards to speed. Gearing and perhaps your distributor. As far as gearing goes the a 3.73 rear axle is probably optimum. Many of us have changed out rear axles and there is much to be gained from doing so. I have a 3.55 in my daily driver and it will do well over 70 on the freeway. That said I think these trucks are always happiest and more enjoyable at speeds of 45 to 60mph. You may have a distributor off one of the industrial engines. These were meant to run long periods at fixed rpms.....so no vaccum advance. You can do as one of the other posters suggests or simply find a correct model distributor with V/A used. I have a 6v positive ground Pertronix module in my original distributor and it has performed flawlessly for about 7 years. Just be sure to make certain whatever distributor you use is in good working order and has little or no slop in it. Hth, Jeff

There are some other differences as well. Different badge on the dash for one. Also the rear fenders may not be a 100% identifier as I am pretty certain the cycle style fenders were still standard on the express models. On the subject of wiring ........ there shouldn't be any real significant difference between the 2 years. Accessory items like heater fans and turn signals probably have much more effect on it than a years difference. Jeff

? Honestly the guy who designed that really isn't at fault. Pretty typical for the day. Fwiw I managed to get mine out without breaking anything. So not everyone has had an issue with this item. Not bad for something made close to 70 years ago. If you were to take a close look at most of what is being made today you would find quite a bit that won't last 10 to 20 years let alone 70. Mark's fix looks pretty easy and will probably last at least 50 years. Relax and have fun with the truck. They have a lot more going for them than against them. Jeff

Brad; Well for me insulation was an important part of the build. When I decided to build this truck it was always going to be my daily driver. I have been in plenty of older vehicles like this that looked good but fell short when it came to reasonable creature comforts. I made my mind up this truck was not going to be noisy or smelly or any of the things that make for an unpleasant driving experience. What I did has worked well for me. It is very quiet as old trucks go and does not get too hot or too cold. I know I was over the top on my efforts with this but 5 years of daily use has made me glad I was. Jeff

You know what you probably can fit that type into a stock set up without any worry. I have an aftermarket Pilothouse interior in my truck and I insulated the living daylights out of my cab. Also have speakers for the stereo system in the kick panels. Thinking back I recall going way over the top on insulation. So much so that it made fit up somewhat difficult. It all worked out in the end though as many of my passengers have commented that they expected squeaks and rattles and instead it is nice and quiet. Jeff

Brad; As I recall the kick panel needed to be in place prior to installing my Mopar Truckmaster heater. I know I had mine in and out 3 or 4 times during the build. Sometimes I shoot from the hip...and pay the price. Jeff

If it is just weeping I wouldn't worry too much about it. There will be other leaks....? Probably the only good permanent fix would involve removing the pan and having the perimeter of the connection brazed. Jeff

There is really nothing all that tricky... or for that matter fussy ...about using 6V positive ground in these vehicles. It works just fine!!. The aftermarket accessory turn signal units that clamp on to the steering column work well, I got one off Ebay that looks period and it has been in daily use for 5 years. It does require a 6V flasher relay. These seem to have a lifespan of about 2 years...so get extras. Other than that I think it is a good idea to have this feature. You would be surprised by how many fools follow too closely. And it gives you an Emergency flasher should you experience car trouble or get behind an accident. Jeff

Have you done the adjustments as outlined in the manual? I was worried about my trucks steering gearbox but I was able to adjust the play out of the wheel by a simple adjustment on top of the box. As far as a leaking gearbox goes I found that if you pack the box with synthetic wheel bearing grease you won't have to worry about it leaking. I have put close to 25,000 miles on my truck and it steers like a champ. Sometimes the "fix" is much easier than you would think.... Hth, Jeff

Jim; You are probably right. I just thought I would throw this idea out there. Electronics devices like these modules can be sensitive to all sorts of things......like increased resistance etc. I have found it doesn't pay to take chances. Sounds like you are on track with the fuel delivery system. Jeff

Jim; Not absolutely positive.....but the tach might not be compatible with your Pertronix module. I could never get mine to work correctly so I ended up leaving it disconnected. Others have had similar issues. I found I can live without the Tach.....and do not want to take a chance damaging the module. Jeff

Very....very purdy! Have fun with it! Jeff

So I have to ask......maybe I missed something here? If the cylinders got so heavily washed by fuel that the compression dropped that low wouldn't a bunch of that excess fuel have wound up in the sump? That might be worth looking at. Jeff

Ain't nothing at all wrong with my Pertronix conversion. I have been running the 6V positive ground unit in my truck for going on 5 years. It is a daily driver that lives outdoors so it has been more than adequately proven. Extremely simple and reliable....... Jeff

This is almost certainly a sign that you have either got a blown head gasket or a crack.

What kind of oil pressure do you see typically ? At Idle and at speed? Kind of sounds like some sort of blockage or perhaps the oil pressure relief valve is sticking. Is the breather cap functioning? I am sure others will chime in. Jeff

Well I drive it every day........and it is my only ride......so it has been fairly easy. I generally put around 100 to 125 miles on it a week. It is funny but once you get used to driving one of these you don't really enjoy driving other stuff. Jeff

Brad it does get real close. Probably within a 1/4". My set up might be slightly different than yours as I have a fluid drive 4 speed and the bell housing is different. I think you could remove some metal from the underside of the brake pedal . As I have said mine has functioned quite well for over 20000 miles. Jeff

Hey Guy's; Here is a photo of the M/C in my 52 3/4 ton. It is a stock 2002 Grand Cherokee m/c. I made an adapter plate and added a Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve. I did have residual valves in the initial build but they were causing the fronts to drag. Also I needed to shorten the original adjustable rod a bit. Initially the linkage needed some fiddly little adjustments to prevent brake drag. Once I got that where it should be I was good to go. Btw my axle is a Dana 35 3.55 ratio with 12" discs. There is nothing wrong with these axles as long as the seals are replaced and the gear lash is set correctly. You certainly don't need a beefier axle with our L6 powerplant. These brakes and the higher ratio rear axle are without any doubt the best upgrade I could have done during my build. I drive this truck every day in relatively heavy and fast moving street traffic. The truck itself is no hot rod but when it is up to traffic speed I don't have any worry about it stopping quickly if needed. And believe me I have put them to the test. We have more than our fair share of crap drivers here in Southern California. Hope this helps. Jeff

I thought I would share this as I am pretty certain it is still the worst one anyone has ever seen. ? The opposite of the grass is always greener type of thing...... Jeff