Random Tech Questions

[Fredo]

I've done probably 10+ intake gasket changes on different vortec 350's and the gasket has been the failure every time. The part of the intake that coolant came in contact with was slightly eroded in some cases, but no more so than what i've seen in a traditional smallblock with a steel head and intake running normal green coolant. The intake gaskets they used on these from the factory are ****. Felpro sells a redesigned intake gasket for these. Use those, and slightly coat the coolant ports on the head and intake with RTV before reassembly, and you won't have a problem again.

[BroncoJo]

Anybody used these? Seems too cheap to be true type deal, but I've been seeing plenty of good reviews.

http://brakeperformance.com/about-us.php

[JB]

I've done probably 10+ intake gasket changes on different vortec 350's and the gasket has been the failure every time. The part of the intake that coolant came in contact with was slightly eroded in some cases, but no more so than what i've seen in a traditional smallblock with a steel head and intake running normal green coolant. The intake gaskets they used on these from the factory are ****. Felpro sells a redesigned intake gasket for these. Use those, and slightly coat the coolant ports on the head and intake with RTV before reassembly, and you won't have a problem again.

ANyone remember the picture I posted of my lower intake on my 98 Tahoe? It looked like the coolant had eaten away at one of the passages. Kinda looked like a bullet hole. Had 106k on it and had never done the gaskets. Had always topped off with Dex cool or water but probably had never done a full coolant flush.

[/random entry into GM intake gasket talk]

[Hot Pocket]

How do you know when bearings have gone bad
(serious question haha)

[JB]

Loud noises?

[Hot Pocket]

My truck is full of those, can you be more specific?

I'm most concerned about the bearings in the 9 inch. Tomorrow I'm going to replace the pinion seal, but I am concerned about all the bearings inside the axle. Also, since I'll be changing the fluid, I'll have the chunk out and can "inspect" it for damage. Only problem is I have no idea what I'm looking for. Can someone link me to some videos/pics/anything useful?

[BroncoJo]

My truck is full of those, can you be more specific?

I'm most concerned about the bearings in the 9 inch. Tomorrow I'm going to replace the pinion seal, but I am concerned about all the bearings inside the axle. Also, since I'll be changing the fluid, I'll have the chunk out and can "inspect" it for damage. Only problem is I have no idea what I'm looking for. Can someone link me to some videos/pics/anything useful?

What makes you think a bearing is going out? when on jacks can you shake the wheels?

[bcolman]

search youtube, i am sure there is a vidoe or two on there that would be helpful, or take the third to a reputable shop and see if they will take a quick look at it for you

[TdmayfieldIV]

by the way, don't lose the little brass washers that go in between the third member and the housing. Actually, they're probably pretty torn up, so get some new ones.

[Hot Pocket]

search youtube, i am sure there is a vidoe or two on there that would be helpful, or take the third to a reputable shop and see if they will take a quick look at it for you

Checked out youtube last night. Learned about backlash and how the axle is put together, but nothing really about bearing replacement.

Who is a good, reputable, local shop who can take a look at it?

[BroncoJo]

Checked out youtube last night. Learned about backlash and how the axle is put together, but nothing really about bearing replacement.

Who is a good, reputable, local shop who can take a look at it?

Bring the third to Dowling

[TdmayfieldIV]

any info on a 05 superduty front axle?

http://houston.craigslist.org/pts/2343958195.html

[Sparling]

Unit bearing hubs. Look up how much the conversion kits cost

[TdmayfieldIV]

Travis you were right. They made a 2wd version just for jumping

[tigweld]

05+ would be one of the more desireable unit bearing 60's as is has 35 spline outers and some came with real manual(warn knock-off) hubs. people bash unit bearings but just about every spidertrax and currie axle i have ever seen has em.