'91 Centurion Classic C350 7.3 IDI 4x4 -= aka =- My Name is Lycanical, and I have issues...

[M Rose]

OK, so I've had the truck in the shop since after the new year and this is what I know so far...

• The noise / vibration issue around 60mph that we as a community believed to be the passenger side hub lockout has been replaced (as has the drivers, since they are sold in pairs) and that issue is resolved.
• There is another noise / vibration coming from the rear of the truck when you get into the mid-60s which I didn't know about because I always backed off from the first issue. The shop claimed it was the driveshaft, so they pulled it off and took it to a specialist company that did some magic and handed it back. Now they are saying some of the issue is resolved, but they noticed when installing it that the yoke / splines are not correct and that's causing slippage / power loss and likely the root of the drive shaft issues. I believe that from Ford, this would have been a 29-spline unit, but apparently, they are seeing 31? At this point, they aren't sure what is going on, and suspect that maybe the rear end isn't from Ford. Apparently, they can't identify it and are considering just putting the truck back together and making it my problem??? I have no idea, but I did some digging and found that Yukon sells Ford yokes with 31 splines for this year / setup. I passed that information over to the shop and I guess will see where that goes. They are closed on weekends, so I'll try to follow up next week.

My Bronco has a 8.8 with 31 spline yoke, and was stock. Get a Spicer 31 spline yoke. Jeff’s Bronco Grave Yard sells them, but shipping is very slow.

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

OK, so I've had the truck in the shop since after the new year and this is what I know so far...

• The noise / vibration issue around 60mph that we as a community believed to be the passenger side hub lockout has been replaced (as has the drivers, since they are sold in pairs) and that issue is resolved.
• There is another noise / vibration coming from the rear of the truck when you get into the mid-60s which I didn't know about because I always backed off from the first issue. The shop claimed it was the driveshaft, so they pulled it off and took it to a specialist company that did some magic and handed it back. Now they are saying some of the issue is resolved, but they noticed when installing it that the yoke / splines are not correct and that's causing slippage / power loss and likely the root of the drive shaft issues. I believe that from Ford, this would have been a 29-spline unit, but apparently, they are seeing 31? At this point, they aren't sure what is going on, and suspect that maybe the rear end isn't from Ford. Apparently, they can't identify it and are considering just putting the truck back together and making it my problem??? I have no idea, but I did some digging and found that Yukon sells Ford yokes with 31 splines for this year / setup. I passed that information over to the shop and I guess will see where that goes. They are closed on weekends, so I'll try to follow up next week.

My Bronco has a 8.8 with 31 spline yoke, and was stock. Get a Spicer 31 spline yoke. Jeff’s Bronco Grave Yard sells them, but shipping is very slow.

Appreciate the feedback, but I am honestly out of my element here, and I don't have access to the truck to try and get pictures and compare things. Maybe if the shop gives up and hands it back I can do some of my own sleuthing.

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

I got a call from the diesel / Ford shop today.


Apparently they went back to the drivetrain shop that repaired the driveshaft and not only did they confirm it was a Ford 10.25", but decoded the markings and confirmed it's a ' 91 so likely original. The shop also went to the effort of sorting out all the parts for my shop so I should have it back Friday, pending parts arrive tomorrow as indicated.


As for the comment about the surprise with the diesel shop. Honestly, I am not sure. I have been leasing new vehicles for about the last two decades and the last shop I used is on the other side of the country. They did a great job with the engine work I asked them to help out with. One of the reasons I picked this place was the high online ratings, age of business, and how far back the two main Ford certified master mechanics that founded the shop experience should be given they were already working at a dealership service center before my truck rolled off the lot. They also seem to charge fair, and they offer a great warranty. Who knows. Maybe the fact it's not a text book Ford is messing with them...

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

Got the Centurion back!!!

Holy crap what a difference in the drive quality! I had just tossed a bunch of it to "old truck" and moved on. I took her all the way up to 75mph a couple times just because I could. It was awesome, I wish you all could have been there.

In summary:

• Driver and passenger hub lockouts replaced
• Driveshaft removed and serviced
• Rear differential yoke replaced
• Passenger outer tie rod end replaced
• Alignment
• Rotated tires

It might all be in my head, but I swear it feels like it's got more power and a smoother power band. I know that the mirrors aren't shaking so bad that everything is blurry now, and I was able to use my wireless Bluetooth handsfree system to make a call while at 65mph.

Unfortunately, without all the drivetrain vibration, I can plainly hear the air noise due to all the crapped-out seals around the doors, windows, and bronco top... Guess I know what I'll tackle next!

 

[M Rose]

Got the Centurion back!!!

Holy crap what a difference in the drive quality! I had just tossed a bunch of it to "old truck" and moved on. I took her all the way up to 75mph a couple times just because I could. It was awesome, I wish you all could have been there.

In summary:

• Driver and passenger hub lockouts replaced
• Driveshaft removed and serviced
• Rear differential yoke replaced
• Passenger outer tie rod end replaced
• Alignment
• Rotated tires

It might all be in my head, but I swear it feels like it's got more power and a smoother power band. I know that the mirrors aren't shaking so bad that everything is blurry now, and I was able to use my wireless Bluetooth handsfree system to make a call while at 65mph.

Unfortunately, without all the drivetrain vibration, I can plainly hear the air noise due to all the crapped-out seals around the doors, windows, and bronco top... Guess I know what I'll tackle next!

Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard has all your weatherstripping needs.

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

Got the Centurion back!!!

Holy crap what a difference in the drive quality! I had just tossed a bunch of it to "old truck" and moved on. I took her all the way up to 75mph a couple times just because I could. It was awesome, I wish you all could have been there.

In summary:

• Driver and passenger hub lockouts replaced
• Driveshaft removed and serviced
• Rear differential yoke replaced
• Passenger outer tie rod end replaced
• Alignment
• Rotated tires

It might all be in my head, but I swear it feels like it's got more power and a smoother power band. I know that the mirrors aren't shaking so bad that everything is blurry now, and I was able to use my wireless Bluetooth handsfree system to make a call while at 65mph.

Unfortunately, without all the drivetrain vibration, I can plainly hear the air noise due to all the crapped-out seals around the doors, windows, and bronco top... Guess I know what I'll tackle next!

Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard has all your weatherstripping needs.

Oh yeah. I already have a cart of stuff queued up. Just waiting for the right time to pull the trigger financially. Original plan was to tackle the stuff in my cart for Christmas break but decided I should get that road noise and vibration addressed to avoid higher costs down the road. Probably sort it out in February - I'm also not planning to do much work on it since it's been in the teens and 20's around here.

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

I keep getting asked for pictures, so here is one of Lycanical safe at home after a trip into town for breakfast and groceries:



And here is one of this awesome little cheap Bluetooth FM-Transmitter (RoadTripper Sound) I bought to listen to music and have hands-free calling:

 

[Adventuring Slipper]

I keep getting asked for pictures, so here is one of Lycanical safe at home after a trip into town for breakfast and groceries:

View attachment 221060

And here is one of this awesome little cheap Bluetooth FM-Transmitter (RoadTripper Sound) I bought to listen to music and have hands-free calling:

View attachment 221061

Those sliding A/C controls bring back memories of my moms 79 F100. Lol! Love what your doing. Keep it up.

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

Those sliding A/C controls bring back memories of my moms 79 F100. Lol! Love what your doing. Keep it up.

My first vehicle (in my name) was a firetruck red 1992 Mazda Navajo, so when I got the Centurion it was like a blast from the past with the majority of the controls / radio / temp controls being the same. All I need now is a Sony Discman with one of those cassette adapters and I'm back in my teens HAH.

 

[tjZ06]

What a cool rig, I never knew about those.

-TJ

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

Little update on the restoration efforts. We had a bunch of snow and ice drop on us recently so I decided it would be a great opportunity to test out 4x4. Well, as luck would have it, the transfer case shift lever was not behaving - just slipping forward to back without feedback.

Some folks on the forum suggested peeling back the boot to see what was going on since the weather made it impractical to get under the truck. More fun! The screws on the boot bezel are rusted, so that's a project for another day..

Flash forward a week and the weather improved so I could get some pictures from the underside:

After some lubrication and gentle encouragement, a few colorful new words out to the neighborhood, and...

Bingo! We are in business!

It sounds a little gritty while in motion, but it also seemed to be improving as I drove. Probably some grime from not being used in the god knows how long or may need some servicing. TBD...

 

[M Rose]

Little update on the restoration efforts. We had a bunch of snow and ice drop on us recently so I decided it would be a great opportunity to test out 4x4. Well, as luck would have it, the transfer case shift lever was not behaving - just slipping forward to back without feedback.

Some folks on the forum suggested peeling back the boot to see what was going on since the weather made it impractical to get under the truck. More fun! The screws on the boot bezel are rusted, so that's a project for another day..

Flash forward a week and the weather improved so I could get some pictures from the underside:

After some lubrication and gentle encouragement, a few colorful new words out to the neighborhood, and...

Bingo! We are in business!

It sounds a little gritty while in motion, but it also seemed to be improving as I drove. Probably some grime from not being used in the god knows how long or may need some servicing. TBD...

Servicing the BA1356 isn’t very hard… I would check the lubricant level and condition at a minimum… the BW1356 uses Ford Type F transmission fluid… so if it is brown and/or smells like bacon… change it… if it looks red, the fluid is probably still good.

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

Servicing the BA1356 isn’t very hard… I would check the lubricant level and condition at a minimum… the BW1356 uses Ford Type F transmission fluid… so if it is brown and/or smells like bacon… change it… if it looks red, the fluid is probably still good.

So one of the things that was done when I first took the truck in after bringing it home was about $800 worth of service to the transfer case because it was leaking (among other things). Maybe I need to take it back to them under warranty. I'm trying to imagine how it was disconnected and serviced, technically twice... The second time I took it in was to replace the hub locks. Yet nobody noticed the shifter was disconnected? How was the system tested after the repairs? Hmmm....

. Transfer Case Leak Repair $797.16

LABOR​

• Remove the transfer case and replace the input and output seals
• BG Transfer Case Service
  • Utilizing state of the art equipment, our technicians removed all of the old oxidized fluid and replaced it with up to 2Qts of BG Syncro Shift II

PARTS​

• Ford Transfer Case Input Seal 1.0 @ $21.10 $21.10
• Trans Output Shaft Seal 2.0 @ $35.74 $71.48
• Syncro Shift II 2.0 @ $34.99 $69.98
• Transmission Housing Gasket 1.0 @ $13.78 $13.78

 

[M Rose]

Yup you’re right it should have been addressed at least twice by this point in time

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

You may have seen us today.

Took Lycanical out to the Disney Oklahoma Big Meat Run today. Nomad, my service dog enjoyed his adventure with us and a meal at Mooney's Sunset Bar and Grill.

Oh yeah, we had some family and friends with us too ;)

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

• Transfer case seems to be working fine after some use.
• Washer Fluid Sprayer Motor Replaced (it's the little things in life...)
• Headlights have been reconditioned and see twice as bright.

Some interior photos (yes, my truck is a bit rough... working on it)

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

Anyone know of a place that makes custom torsion springs in small batches? I had two break, which I believe are made of galvanized steel. They are from the door lock / latch assemblies inside the front doors.

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

So, my vehicle has been in the shop for about 5 weeks, and I finally decided to go collect it since they admitted they have only put about a half hour into looking at the lock actuators. Their statement is that all four of the brand-new actuators for the power door locks are shot. With the temp floating around 100, it's too hot for me to do anything with it.

The shop also said it would cost no less than $20,000 just to paint my truck, add more to repair the body damage. Since this is just a fun vehicle I think I'll be going to Maaco... I got a quote from them for about 25% of that which included repairs to the body.

 

[M Rose]

So, my vehicle has been in the shop for about 5 weeks, and I finally decided to go collect it since they admitted they have only put about a half hour into looking at the lock actuators. Their statement is that all four of the brand-new actuators for the power door locks are shot. With the temp floating around 100, it's too hot for me to do anything with it.

The shop also said it would cost no less than $20,000 just to paint my truck, add more to repair the body damage. Since this is just a fun vehicle I think I'll be going to Maaco... I got a quote from them for about 25% of that which included repairs to the body.

I know there is a paint shortage, but wow

 

[WareWolf MoonWall]

The quote from that shop had nothing to do with a shortage. They are a top tier place that does restorations from around the world for people with way more money than I care to spend.

They will only use certain brands and processes because they have an image to uphold. I believe for their paint service they take the vehicle apart and sand blast etc .. they don't have a tape and spray option.

MAACO keeps telling me $4500-6000 with repairs to the body damage, using their premium paint and all the upgrades options.