Re-mounting the cab

Now that the rear suspension is done I was able to mount the cab back on the frame. I used Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings with new grade 8 hardware. It was a little tricky moving the cab by myself but I was able to do it with two jacks and several blocks of wood.

Back on the wheels

Rear suspension final assembly

Drivers side brakes are complete

Drivers side brakes.	Brake line bent and flared.

Drivers side rear brake tear down

The drivers side seems to be more of a mess than the passenger side. The seal was definitely leaking because there was oily gunk covering everything. The parking brake cable was completely rusted solid inside the housing. Since I am replacing the cable I just used my big bolt cutters to cut out the old one. I also found the e-clip that holds the parking brake lever in place was nearing falling off. I bet that would have been fun if it came apart inside the drum while I was driving! Pulling the bearing and seal was a breeze with the proper tool. I was able to pull the seal and the bearing at the same time. It only took four or five smacks with the slide hammer.

Passenger side axle reinstalled

So the '65 seals ended up being the correct part. I installed the new bearing, seal and re-installed the axle. I also installed my new Lokar parking brake cable.

Axle bearings and seals

Since I had the axle shafts removed I decieded it would be a good time to replace the outer axle bearings and seals. I ordered the parts for a 1964 C-10 from LMC. Unfortunately when I went to test fit the seal it was way too small. It is the correct part for a '64 but I have now discovered my truck has a newer rear-end. After doing some measuring with the calipers and research on Timkin's web site I found out I need a seal for a 1965-1979 12 bolt. The bearing I bought will work because Chevy used the same bearing from 1962 through 1989. I was able to pick up the correct seal at Autozone and take advantage of their free tool rental. I rented a nice 5 lb side hammer and bearing puller attachment. It made quick work of pulling the old bearing.

	The black seal is the '64 and the red seal is the '65.

First brake line for the rear axle

I finally got to use my double flaring tool and my brake line bender.

Rear brakes - before and after

Tearing down the axle housing

Maggie pulling the diff cover.

Cleaning up the axle

I gave the big kids a couple scrapers and set them to work getting the
big chunks of gunk off the axle.

Frame painting done

The final coat of Eastwood chassis black has finally dried. I am
starting to reassemble the rear suspension.

Frame painted with primer

Cleaned the frame with Eastwood Pre and painted it with Eastwood Rust
Encapsulator primer.

Back down to the frame

I have torn the rear end back down to the frame in preparation for
paint. I need to reinforce the cab mounts a bit first and then it's
time to paint the frame.