Howdy,
My name is Wolfgang Kuettner. I am the very proud owner of a 54 3/4 ton
called Col Austin. I've had it since '85 and have spent very little on it.
Besides regular maintenance, I've had an electric fuel pump added because of
a vapor lock problem I was having, had it painted a Mariner blue (beautiful
green)and had the bench seat reupholstered. I use it for trash hauling,
furniture moving, and Sunday driving. It did not come from a farmers field,
but was bought and used by the local school district before the previous
owner had it. Here in the high desert of Central Oregon we get snow but
don't use salt, so it has very little rust, only surface rust
I've decided to start on a more serious restoration. Have all the books
mentioned on the list. I want to keep it as original as possible. I happen
to like that it drives and rides like a real truck. I plan on using the
truck for road trips but do not want to do a frame off restoration. I will
be asking for lots of help from you all. While lurking for the past week,
I've learned more about this truck than I knew in the past 15 years. This is
my first American vehicle so I now feel more American than when I gave up my
green card for citizenship.
I've enjoyed the saga of Leah and Gator.
I call him Col Austin because it is one bionic truck. It has double springs
in the rear, four on the floor, and a heavy duty iron, school district made,
rear bumper that will take down any SUV or F**d.
Question 1: Since I want to take road trips with this truck, I want to
replace the rear ring and pinion. It appears the Patrick's and others only
have kits for 1/2 tons. Art Houser's Rear End Service & High Performance
Parts at www.rearman.com/truck.htm advertises ring and pinion sets for 3/4
ton Chevy trucks, two ratios available: 3.90 & 4.10. Has anyone had
experience with this company.
Question 2: Which ratio is better, 3.90 or 4.10.
Question 3: Where else would you start with rehabbing the mechanical
systems.
Wolfgang
54 3/4 ton driver
Bend,(Please visit but don't move here)OR
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