Chevy & GMC Vans

Check out the how-to section on the new hydraulics I am installing into the SPB. This is a project that will take until the end of April or early May to get running, but it will be done! It is on page 3 of the how-to section.

Here is a teaser pic:

That thing is absolutely Gye-normous, lol

You had hinted in chat that you had a place for it picked out?? I know your also doing the OBW so where is the "BEAST" going to live?

Good pics btw, looking forward to seeing this develop.

Added more pics to the how-to.

Spent today finishing the bracket and getting it mounted in the SPB's engine bay!



Ended up adding an idler on one of the alternator mounting bolts to be sure I would have enough wrap with the belt. I then had to find a correct tensioner. After going through about 50 boxes of tensioners I ended up going with an Auto Zone #305264 which is the same as Dayco #89264. I used a 110.5" length belt. Once I get the power steering lines, OBA lines and the rest of the engine bay back together, I'll be able to start it up to see how it works!

Nice fab work Dean
=D>

I truly hope you never have to change that belt on the side of the road in the dark,LOL The regular belts are tough enough.

Great work Dean. Can't wait to see that thing in action.

It's ALIVE!!!!!! =D>

Had to modify my original design. Removed the 2nd idler, put a stock diameter alternator pulley on and rotated the tensioner a little bit. In the end it is very smooth, the belt is tensioned right and the alternator doesn't slip!

I had an "L" shaped tank made to fit where the battery is, but It would have required way too much modification to make it worth while. So, I am having a 12" x 12" x 18" tank built to sit between the front seats! I will mount the valve(s) right on the tank and I will eventually move the t-case shifter to the same elevation as well and shift it with a cable.

Look for pics in the next few weeks.

Hopefully the new tank will be done tonight! ](*,) Once done, I will be installing it into the van, fabbing a bracket for the valve and get the plumbing done. Then it's time to test!

I'm anxious to see that thing up close, Deano. Just keep the crazy lady away from the horn while I'm looking, k?

ROFLMAO.........................Well Peter if you want to see it you will have to stop by our place before you go to NECO because the 03 will be pulling the pop up and taking us to NECO. SPB is great but the gas mileage on it sucks.

I might just have to sneak into the van and blast the horn again. That was priceless.

I finally got a new 10+ gallon tank made at work and positioned between the seats to see how it looks...

Looks like I will need to move the 4x4 shifter and connect it with a cable type shifter. I hope to have something good shortly after the NECO!

Finally spent some time mounting the tank, valve and return filter.



I then needed a place to mount a new dual battery and winch control unit as well as a few gauges and switches. Soooo....

I still need to measure and make and install the hydraulic hoses and make a new 4x4 shifter mount and linkage. Our next wheeling trip is August 16th so it needs to be done by then!