Missouri State "Inspection"

 Okay, so got the call from the shop today. As the truck is subject to Missouri State Inspection, I have to get the front end rebuilt.

Far be the inspection to have fair and equitable rules for what constitutes safety - the trucks brakes are not really operative. As in brake booster is toast. But, I have a hard brake pedal, so that passes inspection.

Upper and lower ball joints, 1 tie rod end, some new lugnuts (full new set) and a new serpentine belt, tensioner and idler are on their way. I will probably get shocks front and back to round out the suspension redo, but will probably wait until I decide if we need to redo the rear leaf springs and shackles. Rust isn't a factor, but we are talking about almost 30 year old springs at this point. Maybe when we look at adding a rear sway bar.

As far as the drivability issue, the truck severely needs a tune up, as well as the new brake booster air check valve (which should come with the brake booster). This check valve is wide open, so the motor is just hemorrhaging air. Throttle body to intake gasket is shot, but that is a cheap part to add. Thought about adding a TB spacer, as those have been shown to improve midrange power, torque, and fuel efficiency. But, for the sake of cost, we went with the Fel-Pro Throttle Body Gasket at $2. Adding a space is a quick bolt on and I can add it later without issue. The plugs in it now were not gapped properly and because it was driven for an extended period of time without being looked at, needs to have the whole enchilada done. The regulator on the pump is bad, so it's consistently running rich, basically blasting too much fuel pressure through the lines. 

Giving Rock Auto a try on this parts list, as well as the stuff from Summit. Heard good things about them, but have never ordered from them. We'll see how it goes. Lehman doesn't mind if I grab my own parts for most of the work I have them do. What they don't make in parts markup, they make because I have them tinkering on my stuff a lot.

Side note - was looking around online tonight and found 69-70 Road Runner horns. Chatted with the daughter, who makes a mean Beaker Face and meeps when she gets startled, we are going to add a meep meep Road Runner horn to the truck.

Classic Industries has one that is authentic, and will be fun little add on for the truck.

Until next time, Meep Meep ya'll!