'75 J-20 service truck

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jaber
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'75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

Attempting to move my build thread...
This all started 10-04-2009-

'75 J-20 304 T-18 D-20 Broken leaf spring, hacked up interior and wiring, beer case roof patch, this one has it all. The guy even destroyed the cross member over the rear axle....

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Heres the rest.


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4fmzqztz65qs ... kMeya?dl=0

Battery and gas and it drove off the trailer....

The shifter on the t-case is broken, but thats just an excuse to twin stick it....
Also just got done changing out the rear springs, one was broken and they tried to weld a fish plate on it to fix it...

I'm going to put a utility bed onto it and use it for a work truck.

The PO told me it was a 360. When I picked it up, the first thing I did was crawl under it to correct him that it is a 304. The VIN says it was a 360.
The GVW on the sticker says 7200# and its a "p" code.

I think it'll make a strong work truck. I wont have to worry about scratching it.....
Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:02 pm, edited 10 times in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 11-18-2009-

OK, I have an update....

I changed my plans when this one showed up. It had the t-18 I've been searching for for several years. I went ahead and pulled the engine, trans and t-case and put them into the wrecker. My goal for that one is "close" to original, eventually...

After the engine came out, I found a lot more work that needed to be done to make this thing usable. I cant believe all the stress cracks I've found on this frame...
So far, I have swapped out the wiring harness with an '85 GW, that gives me power everything, wiper delay, digital clock, etc. I have Hydroboost installed, waiting for hoses. The Caddy engine is in, mated to a '71 TH400 with Nailhead pattern and a D-20. For running down the hyway to work, I swapped out the 4.10's and now have 3.73's in it. I'm hoping this thing will not be screaming down the road.
Next on the list is to put a 454 TBI unit onto the Caddy 425.

Heres the pics....

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 12-21-2009-

Working on the TBI. Trying to merge GMC to Caddy to AMC....

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 01-05-2010-

Heres my first attempt at a video. This is the first time its been started using the TBI.

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Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 01-05-2010-

So far, I'm just putting pieces together. I only have about $200 total into this at this point. I've always heard that the Caddys had great low end torque stock. At this moment, it'll be the 425, TH400, D-20, D-60 rear, HD44 frt with 3.73 gears. I am hoping to get better then 12 mpg full of tools, but it could be just a pipe dream, we'll see.
I have been working this beautiful J-10 to death and dont want to run it into the ground, when I have all this here to play with. At the very least, I'll have one stout work horse.

This was 01-12-2010-

Well, got enough of it together today to drive around the block. I got almost home and the tranny lost pressure. Walked the 2 doors to the house, put another qt into it, fired it up and drove into the yard. swung around the back yard and stopped to reverse, but the tranny would not engage.. Its @ full on the stick??? The fluid is foamy also.

Engine purrs like a lion, LOUD. Theres no muffler on it yet. The Chryco 16" elec fan is doing great. I reversed the polarity and mounted it on the outside of the rad. Just wired it to on with key. Keeps it @ 190*, not bad for a Jeep 3 core. Then again, it is the middle of winter. Also found out the Caddy alt was the same as the '85 Jeeps, I just pluged it in and hoped for the best. Its showing 14 at idle.

Guess I'll need to figure out the tranny before I can do anything else. I might be looking for a different one. guess I'll see soon.
Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:18 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 01-16-2010-

Been busy on it this week. I fabed up a mount for the main fuel tank. I also started in on the floors. Its just going to be a work truck, so I'm not worried about apearance. Good thing too, this Harbor Freight wire feed SUCKS big time. I have been spoiled buy the best and having to borrow this POS is irritating... I also fitted the drivers side Grand Cherk seat. Its out of a '93. The back outer hole lined up, I had to make 2 90* brackets for the front and had to drill new holes for the inner 2 mounts.
Heres the pics. I would have got more pics, but the batts ran out and I wasnt going to wait for them. LOL

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 03-22-2010-

Just thought I'd catch the thread up. Mostly doing the little things, wiring the elec fan, built a battery box, wired the oil pressure switch into the ECM, etc.
I did get the tranny swapped and this one seems to be doing much better after a filter and fresh fluid.
I had 4 cans of BBQ flat black, so I made it look better. It will be a snap to touch up and no glare to worry about...
I also got Historic Plates for it.
Heres some pics.

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:23 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 04-17-2010-

Got the bed set on the truck. It took me 4 days to cut the welds on the floor sheet so I could square up the bed. Corner to corner was out 3"...
Still have to reweld the floor in and then drill it and mount it to the frame.
I have been battling with the fuel delivery. It just dont want to feed enough fuel to run right, and I have no pressure from the pump in start mode?
But I have been moving it around the yard under its own power. If I can get the bed attached and the fuel issue fixed, It'll go into DD service next week. Then I get to find out what I missed...

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 05-05-2010-

Got the bed all squared up and firmly attached. Refabed a Chrome step bumper with receiver hitch for towing.Wired tail lights, but the AZ heat has trashed the turn signal switch in the column. Will have to replace that so I have signals. Did the shakle flip to the rear springs to level it out.
Put a tune into the ECM and now its all about putting some miles on it to dial it in. For me, this is proving to be the hard part. Putting this together and doing the wire harness was the easy part. The programing is killing me. I have probably over 60 hours into reading on the Tuner Pro program and dont feel I'm any closer to understanding it.
The power in this engine is great so far. Is seems to like to get up and run. I am also going to have to do something with the speedo. It says I'm doing 45 when keeping up with 65 MPH trafic. I have it pluged into the d-20, but the Caddy TH400 still has it's speedo port, so I'm going to try that one and see if it is any closer to correct.
I am also going to get a gal of John Deere flat black tractor paint and do the whole truck. Will turn out similar to the hood.
Heres the latest pics from yesterday.
Thanks for reading and following along....

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 09-18-2010-

I finally got her to the point that it was time to use her for what I built her for. Nothing like breaking her in right.

I have been getting encouraging results from the fuel injection. This thing is slow off the start, but once you get it building, she continues to build momentum. The Hydroboost is awesome at slowing her down also.
Been doing little things, Electric fan chewed into the front of the rad, so had to swap it out. I did get to put a 4 core into it and got it to run a little cooler, but 215 is still a little high for my liking. I am going to do a t-stat and flush and see if that helps it.
Fuel tank was building pressure and blew 1/2 tank of fuel out past the JB Weld patch. NOW they tell me JB is not good on fuel tanks. Some friends...
The mileage has been very encouraging. I dont have #'s yet, but my first taste was twice the # of trips to town then my 360 J gets. That would put my mileage at the lower 20's mark, but want to verify first.

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

On 04-10-2011 I started a new thread, here are its high lights.

Truck runs, but over heats instantly. Flushed the block out 3 times and it is still boiling over.

Runs a little rich on the program its on, but the tuning hardware is 20 miles away. The stock engine does not have much power. not in the set up I have at the moment. I'll update when I get time to play with it more.

This was 04-18-2011-

After doing some reading on the Caddy forum, I have decided to do the head gaskets and see how this helps. They were saying that a bad HG would pressurize the cooling system and it would explain what is going on here. Just wondering if I should through an RV cam into it while its apart?

This was 05-26-2011-

I found an RV cam through a guy on the Caddy forums. $115 to my door. I'm now getting ready to order the lifters and figure out how to haul this beast the 23 miles to work where I have a full shop to work in. Its getting VERY close...

The guys at the Caddy forum are telling me I should find the intake and exhaust from a 472 to help this one breathe better. And here I was trying to keep it cheap.

This was 05-30-2011-

Towed it the 23 miles to the shop yesterday and spent today tearing it apart. Had to use a 3" prybar to get the heads to pop off.
Dont think the oil had ever been changed before I got it, there was sludge everywhere. Should have it back together and broke in by this weekend, I'm hoping.

This was 06-05-2011-

Well, the sad part is the farther I tore this engine down the farther it told me to go.
Turns out every bearing surface in the engine was pitted. Had to cut about a .020 ridge out of the top of the cyls to get pistons out. Everything is apart now, so I'm gathering parts and plotting my course.

Whats the old fable, free will cost you more....
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 06-22-2011-

I got the engine back together and installed and broke the cam in. I'm still having heat issues, so working through that.
Pics...

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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jaber
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 06-23-2011-

Just got my 4 core rad back from the shop. Had the ports switched for the GM configuration. Now I just have to figure out what I'm doing for a fan.

This was 07-02-2011-

Well, lets see, I got everything back together last week end and used it 4 out of 5 days this week. I had to pull the t-stat out, as it was doing stupid things to the rad pressure. With no stat, it held about 200* at 70 down the hiway. Tues after work, it decided the fuel pump was not enough and was running crappy. I got it warranted through the Zone. It is running good for now.

I have a patch cord from the Custom EFIs kit I bought way back, but was not able to get the laptop to recognize the ECM. I think I am doing something wrong. Any advise is welcome. I have TunerPro on it.I can tell its running rich, and it bogs hard when you stomp on it. I have to turn the fuel down.

Best of all, IT LIVES AGAIN.........

This thing is wild to drive. I have only gone to 3K and it jumps right to speed.

Yes, its the 7747 GM computer. The whole system came from an '87 Suburban and I got everything. It did not have a knock sensor from the factory.

There is an ad in the home grown section for chips burnt to your specs and it has me in the ballpark enough, that I am DDing it 23 miles one way to work. I think I'm going to cut the other fender for a cold air set up.

I'm lost when it comes to the programing. I am going to have to do a lot of reading...

I did a stereo install today, and changed the rear output seal in the transfer case. I also noticed that the seals between the two are bad and they are swapping fluids.

From here it was a lot of learning curves in programing. I have a very good tune going right now. I am getting about 10.98 MPGs and runs strong. :-bd
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 12-25-2011-

It has been my DD for the last 4-5 months. She is running well. Most of what I have done is little things. Stereo, amp, woofers, cut the rack off, I built parts to reinforce the rear of the bed so it dont flop around. Just have to get the time to do it. The program is still needing work, but I do up to 70 - 75 MPH twice a day. Shes running about 3K RPM @ 70, so I'm going to try a set of 37's to bring the cruise revs down. The calculator says about 2500.
Did a twin stick Yesterday for it. Nothin special, just functional. Still have to get pics of that.
I can tell you, she may be ugly, but she loves to run...

This was 12-26-2011-

I twin stick'd it this weekend and you guys are about the only ones that know what I'm talking about. I even had to explain it to my boss.

Its been a slow build, but it has definitely been fun. I have a front bumper design I cant wait to start on. Need to do an overlay in aluminum so I can mount a guage set.

The saga continues...

Got a couple of crappy pics of the twin sticks. I just took a tube and drilled a couple of holes in it.

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Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 8:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

This was 05-20-2012-

I have not done much but drive this, so theres not been anything to really update. I wish I could afford to regear these axles, but that is not possible at this time. My average has been steady at 11 MPG.

I painted a set of 16" rims for a set of tires I got. 255/85/16's. They are in better shape then the 16.5's, so I threw them on and now have a spare. I am liking the look. It makes me want to finish painting it. Its also screaming for a set of moons. Anyone have a beat-to-crap set they are willing to donate.


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Theres more pics in the link in the first post.
That is where its at, still my DD and still runnin the crap outa it. :twisted:
Last edited by jaber on Sun Jun 10, 2012 8:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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hutcho
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by hutcho »

I forgot all about this thread....that PO stuff was SCARY!! Its looking good now! :cool:

There's no thumbsup on tapatalk....boo!

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by lindel »

Looks good so far Jeff.
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by Stuka »

What gears does it have?
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

3.73's I have 285/75 r 16s on it right now.
How hard would it be to adapt my D-20 to a 700r4? Are the 2wd rear yokes splined the same as a TH400? That would make it VERY easy. I have been seriously thinking about doing a bell swap like Ristow did. Might have to dig it out this weekend and see. :ympray:
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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Topic author
jaber
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Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 5:24 pm
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Re: '75 J-20 service truck

Post by jaber »

So I took a little out of the ICT refund and invested in my mobile repair business. Still thinking hot rod flat black, just bought a gallon. updates soon, but heres some teasers...

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Last edited by jaber on Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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