- Replaced intake - PCV passage on old one (from another vehicle) was intentionally blocked off and almost cemented shut, original had several snapped off bolts from when I tried to desmog so I purchased a used one. Actually learned something interesting: Apparently there are differing intake types for 22R's...one I had on originally came from an '82, the thermostat recess was different...on the 82 intake it sat in to a recess that fit the thermostat perfectly, on the 84 type there has to be a rubber gasket around the thermostat to fill a bit larger of a recess. Also there seems to be minute differences with the throttle linkage, I noted some binding on the 82 intake whereas this newer (like the original 84 intake) has no binding at all.

- Removed and replaced lift springs: I think what I had on before was a 4 or 6 inch procomp lift, I had some older NWOR springs lying around I purchased a while back...the price was right so I used them. I fought some issues where the spring mounts had been over tightened and therefor narrowed...had to get creative to spread them back a bit for the leaves to fit. Also had a heck of a time finding something to use as a bushing...I ended up cutting some pieces of pipe to act as bushings between the leaf spring bolts and the urethane bushings on the springs...they seemed to fit in the "Goldilocks zone"...JUUUUUST right. We'll see. I'd like to buy an OME setup here in the next year or so. I'll need to replace the dropped drag link that's still on there with a stock one as the springs are the 2" soft ride springs (and I think OME should work with a stock drag link as well). I also need to figure out how to get a torque rod in there as well...I think I have an extra one lying around but fitment may be an issue as there's obviously SOME sort of lift on the truck now...I also need to find out what shocks to use. Any ideas?

- Got a great deal on some like new 33x10.5 BFG AT's and installed them (two of the wheels need to be sanded/painted)

Pics to follow

 

As it sits now

 

Love the Gig'em maroon! You need an Ol Sarge decal for the tailgate or doors!

 

looking great man, love the color of it, if you decide to keep 5.29s they go great with 36s, I had 36s and 5.29s in my 86 and speedo was dead on and had plenty of get up and go, could hold 65 or 70 on the interstate as well but it was at 3,000 rpms, been toying the idea of trading my z71 for a runner....

 

Heck yeah man. Get it reliable and enjoy!

 

Awesome find, love those 1st gen runners

 

Thanks, all! I appreciate the encouragement!

This weekend I'm hoping to knock out a few items (as cramming for finals permits)

- Swap dropped drag link for a stocker

- Ad front sway bar and torque rod

- Ad leaf spring retention bolts (I THINK that's what they're called...the small U/C shaped retention clamps secured with a single bolt on each of the leaf springs) the used springs I sourced didn't have them for some reason)

- SHOCKS! I think I'm going to go with the Rancho RS9000XL: I know some hate Rancho but they're reasonably priced, have pretty decent reviews (that I've read), are adjustable, and carry a lifetime warranty from Ye Olde Local Parts Store...I like that. Besides, they're specific to a 0-2" lift (currently have NWOR 2" springs) so I can run them with these or the OME springs which I REALLY want down the road.

I think I've also narrowed down the source for a rebuilt engine when I decide to pull the trigger on it. Probably go with Sunwest out of Washington state...they have been great over the phone, prices are super reasonable, and they offer an RV cam etc with same warranty as a "normal" rebuild. They seem to be VERY familiar with 22R's which is also a major plus in my eyes.

Hopefully I'll have some updates/pics soon!