Newbie Owner - 84 B2200

[margie]

Hello All, 

Just registered my 84 B2200 - 284,000 miles. Now begins the rebuild.

I'd appreciate any help that the room might offer regarding parts, possibly a shop manual / parts manual, etc. 

The truck's a beater, but she runs smooth as silk. Starts right up and chugs along with nary a hiccup. I plan to take the slow boat and address various mechanical duties at an easy clip. First I'll be rebuilding the braking system ('before you make her go, be sure she'll stop'). Mostly I'm could really use a shop manual. The truck came with one that had been stored under the seat. Apparently got wet (a number of times) and is now glued together. I'm afraid to try prying it apart. I'm thinking I might build a steam box and attempt to loosen it up. But if anyone has one I'm more than happy to compensate for the kindness.

As well, there's a junker at a local Pic & Pull. I've been pulling parts for the last couple of weeks. If anyone's looking for a particular piece, I can possibly get it to you. It was a complete truck when dropped on the lot. I've taken a few parts, but there's plenty left. 1984 is its year. 

Look forward to meeting with you all.

Best,

J

[rob]

Welcome Margie.
I replaced everything in my braking system except the steel lines running along the frame. Rotors, drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, springs, shoes, pads, flexible hose lines and master cylinder. I got everything at O'Reilly's. They still have this truck on their books. Most of the body parts are the same as the B2000 gas trucks.
You might want to replace the clutch master and slave cylinders while you're down there.
How do the boots on your ball joints look?
Keep us posted,
Rob

[margie]

Hey Rob,

Good to know parts are available. Thanks for the info. As for the 'boots', they're shot. After the brakes, I'll be addressing the suspension and steering. What's your experience with the 'boots'. As your specific, I'm guessing this may be a matter of concern.

Best.

[rob]

Feb 28, 2024 10:55:28 GMT -5 margie said:

Hey Rob,

Good to know parts are available. Thanks for the info. As for the 'boots', they're shot. After the brakes, I'll be addressing the suspension and steering. What's your experience with the 'boots'. As your specific, I'm guessing this may be a matter of concern.

Best.

Those boots seal the bearing surfaces keeping dirt out and grease in. Cracked or torn boots let grease out and dirt in. That greatly reduces the life of your front suspension system. I replaced everything on mine from the pitman arm to the upper control arm bushings. All the ball joint boots were shot. It would be financially impossible for me to pay someone to do this job. I did it myself and had the front end aligned. I do this kind of work for a living so make sure you're able to tackle this yourself or you might find yourself traveling down the road with no steering or control.

Rob

[margie]

Got it, thanks. As soon as I've completed the brakes, I'll jump on suspension. I had the clutch professionally done (outside my bailiwick). I have an engine (also an 84) that I dropped off at our local diesel guru. He's gonna open it up, have it cleaned and let me know if it's worth a rebuild. Yeah, I'm going whole hog. I plan to rebuild the mechanical to show room standard, then address the aesthetics, I do body and paint.

The junker I found at P&P has a reserve gas tank with all the hardware. Holds 40 gallons. I'm considering installing it as a dual system so I can run on Vegi as well as good old #2. Here in California, diesel going for $5.75 currently. At one point it was up to $7. So any little bit helps.

Were the suspension components readily available?

[rob]

Feb 28, 2024 11:23:11 GMT -5 margie said:

Were the suspension components readily available?

Yes. Can't remember where but it was local here (NAPA, Advance, etc.).

[margie]

Thanks

[mazdadieselsroool]

Is the alternator still on that truck and if so would you be able to buy it and ship it to CT?