Run to the Hills! - Jason's Completely Stalled Colorado GTFO Build

Talked to Micah at DSM and ordered a set of shock shafts with welded rod ends for my rear shocks. Shoulda done that out of the gate, but oh well. Regardless, they should definitely help give me some flexibility with my mounting options and maybe help keep the lower mounts up a bit higher.

Still need to find the time to get everything done, but I’m one small step closer...

 

how do you get ahold of him i need to ask him somthing.

 

Either PM him on here @Downsouth Motorsports or give them a call and ask for him directly. He was super cool to work with and very helpful!

 

Hey, @Squeaky Penguin, didn’t you and Old Brett re-arch your springs before you moved up to the new Alcans? How much of an ass pain was it?

I’m pretty sure my heavy ass and my failure to relocate my bumpstops not only led to my bent axle flange, but also flattened out my driver side leaf pack quite a bit as well. When I got my Expos, the truck sat perfectly level and now I’m Taco leaning like crazy.

I’d like to see if I can re-arch the springs prior to my shock relocate and get my ride height closer to the midpoint of the travel again. If that’s even possible...

 

It's not difficult at all, just break down the spring pack and re-arch the leaves. You'll need a press. Do not arch the center by the centering pin, they will snap. I usually stay 8" or so away from the center and arch out to the ends.
I think there is a pic somewhere of us in my garage with a leaf being bent up.

 

That would be awesome. I’ll check out your build later on! Thanks!

 

the pic might actually be in @Squeaky Penguin build.

 

Old Brett's spring arching.

 

I need to clean the garage...

 

Einstein had a cluttered desk as well...

 

Turns out bent axles shafts are bad for axle seals. Who knew?

 

so what did you decide to do? are you going to use the full float kit?

 

So that's what blown axle seals look like. If you don't get them done this weekend I'll be avaiable next weekend to lend a hand. Plus it would be a good learning experience before I do the tundra axle.

 

Shiity man.

 

What’s up, Jake!

I went back and forth a few times with the full floater kit, but ultimately, I went with the semi-float chromo axles from LROR. Maybe down the road after the krol bawks is finally installed I’ll go FF and discs. Maybe.

Thanks, Ray!

Yeah, it hasn’t gotten bad enough to puke out onto the tire, but that would have been a matter of time. I’m hoping to get the new axles in after church today, but if it slips, I’ll definitely let you know, man!

Thanks for stopping by, Tim!

Yeah, I wasn’t too stoked to be shelling out for new axles, bearings and seals as well as tools, but at least I’ll be doing a slight upgrade by going to chromo steel shafts.

Once I got the drum off, I spun the axle and it’s got a good amount of both radial and out of plane runout. It’s bent good, for sure. Should be good as new, if not better, here shortly, though!

 

Probably should replace the brake shoes while you're at it if they're covered in gear oil.

When my seals went bad the shoes were soaked and had to be replaced.

 

Yep. Got a new set of shoes for both sides. I’m just assuming the current ones are soaked.

 

shit that doen't look so bad. The axle seals i've seen nuke where way more spectacular. So good early catch!

 

‘Sup, Monte!

Yeah, I’m glad I’m finally getting around to this. Coulda been a lot worse.