Gary Lewis

You are, quite literally, on the map!

I LOVE the “my family member bought it new” stories!! And, especially since I’m a grandfather, those stories. But when you add in two more generations this is a really special story! And I’m particularly partial to the 81’s as that’s what Dad’s truck is. So I’ll be following the story closely. I’d recommend starting a thread/topic about your truck in the main section, and let us know what your plans, questions, and needs are. We like to help, and I’m sure you can help us as well. So, where’s home? Perhaps you are close to one of us? We have a Member’s Map that shows the hometown of many of our members, and I’d be happy to add you to it.

Welcome! Glad you found us. Tell us more about yourself? Pics of your truck?

Ok, thanks for the input. That makes one less issue I have to wrestle with if I can just go with what I have. But, I'll consider the interior as well. As for the extra 100 miles, I think that's icing on the cake.

I agree on all points about Black Bear. That one's off the list, for sure. We are going for fun - fun for both of us, and I don't think it would be fun for me and I know it wouldn't be fun for Janey. And I have seen the videos of Death Road. Not a chance I'd try it.

A fresh built ZF ~shouldn’t have any play... I’m just wondering how long it stays like that. The ZF that I gave to Jan didn’t have any play, but the throw out bearing had seized and destroyed the quil tube. I bought another one for it, and a seal kit. We had to remove the main case to put the new quil tube in from the back side. Upon re-assembly the input shaft would not even turn. We had to take it back apart and re-seat the seal and oil slinger. It is amazing how little it took to seize it up, and I’m thinking the amount of wiggle that I have may be acceptable for a “broken in” transmission. There is an end-play pre load adjustment that is critical for case expansion with heat, and too tight is not good either. If I am off base, please stop me, but it just seems like this may be normal for a used copy. My diesel ZF is truly bad. The shaft moves maybe 1/16” off axis. I call that sloppy and in need of new parts but this one is very little. Maybe 10 thousandths? I don't have a clue what is acceptable play. And, I've not seen the inside of a ZF. In fact, from what I've been told it takes special tools, but maybe that's to take the gears off the shafts. However, the guy that rebuilt several transfer cases and differentials for me said he doesn't have the tools nor expertise to do a ZF. But, you do know that I have ZF manuals here - right? Driveline/Transmissions/Manual Transmissions/ZF5.

An idle speed that is all over the map is sometimes because of a worn throttle shaft or carb housing. It lets the throttle plate stop at different places depending on where the shaft is in the carb. And, it lets more or less air in around the shaft as well. You can try spraying brake cleaner around the throttle shaft and see if it sucks it in and speeds up the idle. Or see if the shaft will wiggle - after taking the return spring off. As for 80 MPH, Big Blue would be turning 3100 RPM. Who needs to turn a 460 that fast??? And basically 16 MPG in those conditions is nothing be ashamed of. But, with some tuning maybe you can bring it up a bit?

If I get out to the shop tomorrow I'll check the rebuilt ZF for play in the input shaft. It has never been run, so is as tight as it was after the re-build.

Yes, that kitchen stove certainly is beautiful. Man, they put flair into things back then. Might that be art deco? And, I'll ask Scott about the burner grate, but he may suggest you bring it. Also, that's a good find on the ZF. Is it a 42 or 47? And, it is the 4wd version I see.

Are you checking the voltage to ground? I'll see if I can find the correct procedure.

Now we are on a roll. Clueless ebay seller #2 for the morning. That's an '85 only, and then only with a manual tranny, and not with a diesel engine.

That's actually only for 1980 - 81 trucks, as shown here: Exterior/Name Plates. And, for whatever reason, it is listed as part #9850398-B. Now we've found the typical ebay seller. Plate name (rear corner panel) Type 6 "XLT" (1980/81) •EOTZ 1050398-B R.H. and L.H.

Catalog says: 80/84 U150 EOTZ 9275-D Use with 32 gallon fuel tank-incl. (1) COAF 9276-A gasket

And, this one is right as well - 1983 only for F & U series.

That's actually a 1983-on switch, just as it is listed on ebay. What do you know, the seller was right!

That's interesting! That Bronco seemed to be pretty well balanced, and the TTB was working well.

Yep, that's right.

Looks good!

Well, that's a different subject. But while on it, I do have t-shirts planned for those that help with the show, which I think will include the travelers.

I need some help. I need to get the trophies on order very soon, and want to ensure I have the right classes/categories before I do. What we had last year were these: Are these the right classes? Should we have more? If so, what? Do we want a category for the farthest someone has come in addition to driven? Please share your thoughts soonest as we really need to get this nailed down ASAP. Thanks!

Ok, it has been ~10 days so I assume all of the feedback is in. And, I think the current name fits most people's desires in some way. By having Gary's Garagemahal above it retains the original look for the most part By having the Bullnose bible below in paren's it captures the "Bullnose bible" idea that I wanted to capture since no one else has. And, in fact, Google is finding us under that name as well as Gary's Garagemahal. And, by having "bible" in lower case I hope it doesn't offend So, I think we have a winner. Thanks for the input!!!

Yup. And, there isn't supposed to be contact between the rotor and the terminals. If they touch you'll have problems. But, they are supposed to be really close when the spark jumps.

Glad you got in. And welcome!

That's a nice looking Rosewood bezel. And, a nice price.

That engineering/ID number is wrong. It is for that white piece, not the bezel itself. The actual ID # is E0TB 10045C90-B. And that appears to be the 1985/86 Center Medium Gray Metallic Finish w/o Brite Bead.