1970 Gladiator Restomod

[Yeller]

Just returned from an 800 mile road trip. Truck ran flawlessly, cruise control was fantastic, was comfortable running 75mph and returned 14mpg. Couldn’t be happier.

Did have a couple of issues arise, not earth shattering but will be addressed asap. The transfer case has a leak on the speedometer housing. There’s a really odd leak on one of the transmission cooler lines at the rubber/hardline transition under the radiator and a rear axle seal leaking around the OD of the seal. The rear brakes need adjusted, they are getting seated finally.

[BaldBeardedBastard]

That's great news man! Well done!

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Yeller]

Thanks BBB!

Stopped at the coop and weighed it yesterday. It’s gained 220# at 4680. Goal is to be less the 5000 when complete. Still have to add winch, rear bumper and rock sliders.

[rocklaurence]

How'd I miss the front coil spring conversion? Nice job and I like the way you mounted the upper link.

[Yeller]

How'd I miss the front coil spring conversion? Nice job and I like the way you mounted the upper link.

Thanks Rocklaurence! It sure is a pleasure to drive, drives and rides like a Cadillac.

Here’s something I’ve been meaning to document. Here’s the original paint and trim data plate.

Paint - 431 Avocado mist metallic

Trim - 347 Buckskin

Truck was repainted in 1990 to near original color. The seat was recovered at the same time in a buckskin vinyl, I’m assuming the dash pad was replaced at that time as well since it is black but I really don’t know.

[Yeller]

I've been chasing shakes and vibrations since I got the truck. I've been through and replaced every piece of the drive train, each step made noticeable improvement, but none were the silver bullet. I finally got down to where I checked the runout on the tires and wheels. I found I had 1 wheel that was true, one that was maybe OK and 3 that were terrible. The ship had sailed to try to work with the supplier, I bought them a year ago and have about 6000 miles on them. So I started asking around and a friend said he had an old set of slots he'd sell. So I went to look at them, assuming the were from the 70's with old mag style lug nuts, which would be an issue but not insurmountable if the price was right. I got there and they were an older set but had normal conical lug nuts. They are 15x9 with 4-1/2" of back spacing, which was a perfect fit for the truck. Vibrations are gone and I'm a happy camper

The dilemma with the old mag style lug nuts is my axles. The rear has 9/16" studs so I was either going to have to see if I could find a 1/2" stud that fit or swap the front to 9/16" and machine the wheels to accept a larger diameter lug nut. This was a simple throw it on there solution.

[Yeller]

Change the oil pan today from the factory aluminum one to a steel one and hopefully fix a fairly significant oil leak in the process

[TurboJ4000]

I've been chasing shakes and vibrations since I got the truck. I've been through and replaced every piece of the drive train, each step made noticeable improvement, but none were the silver bullet. I finally got down to where I checked the runout on the tires and wheels. I found I had 1 wheel that was true, one that was maybe OK and 3 that were terrible. The ship had sailed to try to work with the supplier, I bought them a year ago and have about 6000 miles on them. So I started asking around and a friend said he had an old set of slots he'd sell. So I went to look at them, assuming the were from the 70's with old mag style lug nuts, which would be an issue but not insurmountable if the price was right. I got there and they were an older set but had normal conical lug nuts. They are 15x9 with 4-1/2" of back spacing, which was a perfect fit for the truck. Vibrations are gone and I'm a happy camper

The dilemma with the old mag style lug nuts is my axles. The rear has 9/16" studs so I was either going to have to see if I could find a 1/2" stud that fit or swap the front to 9/16" and machine the wheels to accept a larger diameter lug nut. This was a simple throw it on there solution.

Man I love slot mag wheels on these trucks. I might have to find myself a set. All the 8 lug version were 16.5" unfortunately, which is about a completely dead tire size.

Sweet truck I love the color.

[Yeller]

Man I love slot mag wheels on these trucks. I might have to find myself a set. All the 8 lug version were 16.5" unfortunately, which is about a completely dead tire size.

Sweet truck I love the color.

MHT makes a 17" 8 lug

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/usm-u10117008245

I actually spoke with MHT several times to get them to produce an 8 lug for a different project that I own. at the time they kept telling me "no we aren't going to do that" about a year later, here they were. I guess I wasn't the only one asking LOL. Of course well after I went a different direction......

[Yeller]

Been continuing to chase vibrations. Got the tire shake resolved but still had a driveline vibration. Got to digging into it and the pinion needed to rotate up 3 degrees. Couldn’t find any 3* shims but did find some 2-1/2*. Got them installed and the truck is super smooth now

Don’t know if I just missed the pinion angle that far when the spring perches we’re welded on or if it changed that much with the drivetrain swap, either way it’s all good now.

PS: Still no oil leaks! Woohoo

[rocklaurence]

I like those Mags and Im glad they're back. Werewolves, Vampires and Leak-less FSJ, No-Nope Dont believe it

[Yeller]

Was a mild damp day today so the needed outside project was a no go. So I completed the winch installation that I’ve been gathering up parts for. I dug through my pile of winches looking for one that would fit. The only one I had that fit between the frame rails was an 8000# Ramsey that was on my Bronco. So I swapped it out with a 9500# Ramsey that was known to work well and built this mount. Unless your really paying attention you don’t even see it. The hooks are some weld on hooks for a tow truck.

[Yeller]

More stuff going on

[Stuka]

The front hidden winch is pretty neat. Very stealthy. How do you reach the lever to change it in and out of gear?

[Yeller]

Thanks! I was mostly after not having it stick out in front. To tuck it in close you have to cut the grill and I didn't want to do that. It makes me a little crazy that it is not symmetrical, off set to the passenger side due to clearing the steering box but it fits and doesn't hurt anything so I'll adjust.

The gear lever is reachable if you get down on a knee. Most of the time its only pulled out a few feet so powering it out isn't a big deal. If I get to where I feel its a big deal I'll put a morse cable on it and will be able to activate it from under the hood or in the cab depending one where I put the other end.

[Yeller]

Ordered these up today.

I have the same seat in my bronco so I mocked one up and drove it around for a couple of days to make sure I liked feel. Not the look I was wanting but it sure checks the all day happy butt and back box, price was less than redoing my bench and I gain some interior space.

[devildog80]

Ordered these up today.

I have the same seat in my bronco so I mocked one up and drove it around for a couple of days to make sure I liked feel. Not the look I was wanting but it sure checks the all day happy butt and back box, price was less than redoing my bench and I gain some interior space.

How much for the seat?

Might work in my 1984 Grand Wagoneer, until I can get the big $$'s to replace with original. Maybe a little modification, but might bolt right to the electric frame.

[Yeller]

I’m not sure what it’s worth, it looks nice but does have 2 broken springs on the drivers side so it’s a bit of sitting in a hood. I’d probably throw in the brackets too. Where are you? Freight might be an issue from a cost stand point. Shoot me a PM with you number and I’ll call so we can discuss if your interested.

[Yeller]

Been busy. Should finish it tomorrow.

[devildog80]

I’m not sure what it’s worth, it looks nice but does have 2 broken springs on the drivers side so it’s a bit of sitting in a hood. I’d probably throw in the brackets too. Where are you? Freight might be an issue from a cost stand point. Shoot me a PM with you number and I’ll call so we can discuss if your interested.

Ok,

I thought you bought these somewhere new, maybe online.

I am in AZ so probably not worth current freight cost to get shipped.

Thanks but will look local, and figure out something here.