Chevy & GMC Vans

Probably doesn't belong here but steering columns just suck!!!

Likewise, ill fitting power steering hoses. Although, I've read about steering columns and they look tricky.

Today I bought some fuse boxes, various antenna components, Lund hood deflector, Wade window deflectors and a OBDII signal splitter. I'm also eyeballing a 300A alternator. Gonna have to turn a few more trix before the day is over.

Wait, was the previous post today too? Wow...

Also today, I bought a spider gear set for the diff, new bearings and seals for the axle ends, pinion adjusting tool, new door pins and new spring hangers. I figure I'll use the spring hangers to make my mods to so they're ready to go come lift time, or use them as a template for making my own.

More parts to find room for.

krsowles wrote:Probably doesn't belong here but steering columns just suck!!!

Yup. What did yurs do?

I was looking for my electrical gremlin. Probably not the correct issue but I knew I had to replace turn signal cam and turn signal rod was broken. Not anything bad enough to warrant jumping in but my mechanic friend said don't overlook it as it could cause my symptoms. I had the parts on my parts van so it didn't cost anything but the headaches learning all the fine nuances drove me nuts! Got it all together now and it works great but short in electrical still there. Today I will look for more grounds I may have missed and swap alternator out of parts van. It SHOULD be good as well! May need to put full coverage on it and roast weenies!

97CargoCrawler wrote:Today I bought some fuse boxes... I'm also eyeballing a 300A alternator.

I'm interested in these for my dual-battery setup. Please post pics/info.

I'm eyeballing these:

https://www.dcpowerinc.com/category/hig ... &year=1997

Not exactly cheap. I have not really shopped around much yet though.

If anyone has something better in mind please let me know.

Hmm... that one doesn't show you the back of it, or the performance curves. I'm suspicious of any websites that make wild claims of squeezing 3x the amps out of an OEM size case/stator. It's asking for heat issues.

I'm thinking about a modestly improved AD244. I also heard mention of the DR44G in newer GMs, but I know little about it.

There's a little bit more info in their "Tech Info" section with pix of the backsides and internals. Nothing scientific though. I wouldn't trust any scientific output graphs from any manufacturer though. They know you're not going to test it yourself and even if you did you would not be able to replicate their testing conditions without environmental chambers, etc.

Maybe I'll just wind my own. 1kA Alternator Build...

I just hope it will fit. The rad hose, heater hose, and dipstick tubes look like they might interfere with a bigger alternator.

Got some goodies in the mail today:



A decent amount of coverage:



I have Wade deflectors on my Land Cruiser and I love them. These ones have 3M adhesive tape which I'm not thrilled with since they will be a biotch to remove later when I want to paint my van.

I also bought 7 cans of spray paint at the hardware store. Cost $35. Then the cashier asks if I want to buy a bag for 10 cents.

Did my right ball joint the other day.


Needless (?) to say it was a major PITA.....


Here are some pics. Anyone interested in a write up and why you might wan to leave this one to the shop?????



Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr

WD40 to the rescue

Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr

tied up and out the way


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr

pin was too big for the press we had so we cut it down


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr


lots of swearing and hitting later.......


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr

what was left of the ball joint after the whole ordeal


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr

This is the shop i usually get to work in...


Untitled by leadtrombone, on Flickr

Among other things I unwrapped these goodies...

Stuff to aid with my upcoming lift from Ballistic Fabrication:









Yeah, I know the plate is upside down.

Relays, sockets, fuse boxes and an OBDII signal splitter:

Grumpy: On Saturday I changed its registration address to my parents house, which is outside of Illinois' emissions zone. Then drove it to the Chicagoland and Beyond - Expedition Portal meet and greet.