Chevy & GMC Vans

I noticed, while under my 89, that there was a second parking brake cable
bracket under there, not being used. You know that little L shaped bracket on the driver
side that holds the cable? There's an identical one on the passenger side that's
just sitting there. So if you're piecing together a budget front end lift kit, you can
pull the spare one off, drill a hole higher on it's "business end", and you'll have
a free replacement/relocate bracket.


Lumpy

You were the "OPERATION" game voice?
Yes. Take out wrenched ankle.

http://www.LumpyMusic.com

Lumpy wrote:I noticed, while under my 89, that there was a second parking brake cable
bracket under there, not being used. You know that little L shaped bracket on the driver
side that holds the cable? There's an identical one on the passenger side that's
just sitting there. So if you're piecing together a budget front end lift kit, you can
pull the spare one off, drill a hole higher on it's "business end", and you'll have
a free replacement/relocate bracket.

Gotta pic?

astroturf wrote:

Lumpy wrote:I noticed, while under my 89, that there was a second parking brake cable
bracket under there, not being used. You know that little L shaped bracket on the driver
side that holds the cable? There's an identical one on the passenger side that's
just sitting there. So if you're piecing together a budget front end lift kit, you can
pull the spare one off, drill a hole higher on it's "business end", and you'll have
a free replacement/relocate bracket.

Gotta pic?

I don't have a pic of the xtra one. Here's a pretty crummy pic of the
"real" one. The xtra one is in the exact same place but on the
passenger side instead of the driver side. There's no cable or
anything going through it.

E-Brake bracket in the pic at 1 o'clock. The thing with the
cable and spring attached.

While I'm here with this pic, anybody have this much
"open space" on their drive shaft between the front
U Joint and the output shaft housing?

Lump

Thanks Lumpy. Jim

not sure about that, I'll have to check in the morning. that does look like a rather wide gap there.

Those brackets are supposed to limit the rearward movement of the subframe in a front end collision. I'm not real confident that they actually would do anything, but if this is a concern for you, make sure you put one back on each side. Aren't the ones in the lift longer?

Your driveshaft is out of the trans quite a ways. If the rear axle is hanging (no weight on it) this is normal. If the wheels are on the ground, I'd lift the van by the frame and let the axle hang, and make sure that at least 1/4 of the yoke is still in the trans. If not, you need a longer driveshaft or to adjust the axle forward, which is not as easy as it sounds.

You just did a lift, correct? That will cause it to "poke out" more since the axle moved down and is a further distance from the trans.

rlsllc wrote:Those brackets are supposed to limit the rearward movement of the subframe in a front end collision. I'm not real confident that they actually would do anything, but if this is a concern for you, make sure you put one back on each side. Aren't the ones in the lift longer?...

I don't think we're talking about the same brackets.
This is simply an L shaped E brake cable hanger.
Nothing to do with rearward movement of the subframe.

The one in the lift kit is the same size as stock.
But the hole for the cable is higher. The cable now rides
ABOVE the cross member instead of the original BELOW
(because of the lift).


Lumpy

You were the Tidy Bowl Guy?
Yes. I'm cleaning your bathroom bowl.
www.LumpyMusic.com

rlsllc wrote:Those brackets are supposed to limit the rearward movement of the subframe in a front end collision. I'm not real confident that they actually would do anything...

Ok, I looked some more. I guess you're right. They might kind of limit the
rearward movement in a crash. Bolts aren't very stout. But I guess it
would help slow things down.

Lump

Lumpy wrote:

rlsllc wrote:Those brackets are supposed to limit the rearward movement of the subframe in a front end collision. I'm not real confident that they actually would do anything...

Ok, I looked some more. I guess you're right. They might kind of limit the
rearward movement in a crash. Bolts aren't very stout. But I guess it
would help slow things down.

Lump

Lumpy, You oughta know by now... Without a Pic, It didn't Happen...

I know, I know. I will get off of my lazy butt and go have a look for myself. Thanks, Jim

Lumpy wrote:

rlsllc wrote:Those brackets are supposed to limit the rearward movement of the subframe in a front end collision. I'm not real confident that they actually would do anything...

Ok, I looked some more. I guess you're right. They might kind of limit the
rearward movement in a crash. Bolts aren't very stout. But I guess it
would help slow things down.

Lump

Yeah, they're kind of wimpy if that is their intended purpose. My only guess is that it limits the deflection the rubber bushings would allow in a collision, 'cause if those 6 big subframe bolts don't hold it back, those 4 small bolts in the 2 brackets ain't helping either.

de n0eq

Thanks for the pix Lumpy. What have you found on your driveshaft to trans spacing? Thanks, Jim

astroturf wrote:Thanks for the pix Lumpy. What have you found on your driveshaft to trans spacing? Thanks, Jim

I haven't found anything (haven't been looking).

How about that custom racing exhaust!


Lump

My 94 has a similar exhaust, roofing metal and stainless band clamps in two 12" sections right after the cat and before the muffler. Been that way for a year. I used orange RTV also, let it cure overnight, and it is quiet, no leaks whatsoever.