Dropping and replacing the entire front axle. Everything was BAD.

[@WatchWesWork]

If they made a brand new square body exactly as it was built in 1980 I'd buy one today! It's a lot better for them to make a $60,000 truck and sucker people in with 99 month financing and a 100,000 mile warranty. The average new vehicle is now more than 2/3 through it's usable life (around 12 years) before it is paid off. Most people never pay them off before jumping onto a new debt treadmill.

[@stevemosier]

So true and so sad. I needed a PU and all the local used trucks (Bloomington,IN) were rust buckets. I started searching Craigslist in Dallas, TX and found a 2000 F250 w/o a trace of rust and got it for $3200, this is in 2018. Cost $900 to have it trucked up. $200 to my friend in Dallas who did all the face to face and test drive. My retired Ford mechanic went over it and replaced needed parts, $1000. So for $5300 I now have a smooth running and dependable truck. Dallas truck don't rust, they just paint fade. I need it in the summer, so it's resting in my barn during the winter.

[@erikjgreen]

Yeah. The problem with just selling the old model is that the law doesn't allow it any more - fuel efficiency has to meet a certain number, it has to have safety features up to date, etc. To put those things in they'd have to significantly redesign/lighten the truck which would take away a lot of the reason you'd be buying it.

[@TomokosEnterprize]

I have been shaking my head for years about the practicality of todays vehicles. These old square body's are really nice when given the "Steve" treatment.

[@SteveSummers]

I agree, Those payments keep coming long after the new is worn off. I love the new trucks like most people but I can't see paying as much as they are asking for them. Talk about a bad investment for the average person.

[@gabewhisen3446]

Iv had really good luck with f150s my first was a 95 4.9 then an 05 4.6 now a 15 with a 5.0 all got to about 280k before any big repairs the 05 took a trans at 280k got totaled at 320k the 95 took fuel pump and a shift fork at 120 made it to 300k when I sold it. The 15 is still running at 220 and knock on Wood iv only put brakes tires and a belt about to do shocks

[@stevemosier]

"Bolts can't stick if they're liquid" so says Andrew Camarata. I always chuckle when I see folks working with stuck bolts and remember that quote. Of course it doesn't work in all circumstances, but anyway this project has been a very fun trip for Saturday mornings. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@josimon6229]

Is there anything more American than a well used old Square Body Chevy pickup truck being held up by a couple pieces of firewood log? I think I just shed a tear of joy.

[@SteveSummers]

That nice alternator that showed up was from my buddy Al. Surprise 😁 Thanks Al👍

[@frankinpattaya]

Steve,, many years ago I had a new K5 Blazer,, they where very vague in the steering at the best of times, so dont be disappointed when you drive it again regards Frank

[@NathanOkun]

Another advantage to fixing it yourself: Few surprises. You have examined at least and fixed/replaced a lot of the truck and IKNOW its condition. Can't say that about a used truck you buy from somebody else, no matter what you inspect from the outside without taking it apart.

[@SeanBZA]

Yes buy a used vehicle expect to spend at least half the price again, doing repairs and the deferred maintenance on it, to get it up to some sort of standard.

[@eastunder55]

I never bought a new pickup. My first pickup was a '73 Toyota 2WD for $1200 around 1980. My "latest" one is a '04 GMC Canyon 2WD for $7000 in 2007, it now has 105,000 miles. I just saw a 2007 GMC Canyon 2WD advertised for $12,000 with 150,000 miles. It is insanity. I admire your work on the square body Chevy. Your labor is adding a lot of value to your truck.

[@bcbloc02]

Don’t forget you have the best warranty in the industry on that truck!! No matter what breaks bumper to bumper you are guaranteed to get to fix it!!

[@ronwhite6719]

Being in engineering for 40+ years you learn about ROI, return on investment. Although you can't consider your labor, you can reclaim the replacement value. And the best part is the memory of Elizabeth and you dad working with you. God bless you and your family Steve 🙏

[@SteveSummers]

Good morning Ron😁👍

[@lynnwalsh1392]

Excellent video. I totally agree with the minimal features comments on trucks AND cars. You can not find a simple minimal frills car either. I'd rather keep my eyes on the road instead of a touch screen menu. Dashboards like jet cockpits are crazy. Quality components, simplicity and easy to maintain would be my preference.

[@markregler2164]

Minimal frills car - Dacia. Don't know if they're a thing in the states though.

[@sthenzel]

Menu is the key point, those are Replacing the mechanical gauge cluster with a screen is a smart move, though. Those panels are jelly bean parts now and have gotten insanely cheap, as well as electronics. Wheel sensor for speed (with ALB already there) and simple sensors for temps and such which are already there anyway, and a screen with some chips behind it can do exactly what classic gauges did, but much cheaper. A car manufacturer could even use the same screen in all their vehicles and just use different display designs and features depending on the model and trim package without the need for dozens of different hardwares --> highly cost effective.

[@drewscruis]

I cannot stress this enough. Pull the steering gearbox off the frame and inspect the frame around all the mounting holes. They are known to crack there, they make a reinforcement plate that can be welded in to strengthen that area.

[@dannyl2598]

Thanks Steve. I bought my first pickup in 1982, it was a 1979 with 40K miles on it and it was $4500. I was making $5 an hour. I personally put a quarter of a million miles on it.

[@garymurt9112]

Holly cow he has the same jack stands I have. Best dam stands, extra wide base, can hold tons and tons. Only one really inconvenience. They are only adjustable in one direction and requires a chainsaw.

[@crichtonbruce4329]

And if they ever do wear out somehow, you have fuel for the wood stove!

[@robertwatsonbath]

Ah the blue wrench - it always wins in the end. I'm glad you fixed the shop before starting on the truck! Here's hoping some kind viewer donates you a nice crate motor to save you some hassle :)

[@mdouglaswray]

That front end is looking sweet! I agree with you about the wheels - clean em up and they'll do FINE. Interested in your logic for the motor route - what make/break points drive the decision. Thanks Steve!! The new shop looks so much more pleasant to work in! But you deserve a good creeper to go with that lovely concrete floor!!

[@mikeburton7077]

We owned a fleet of coaches and I spent the last 50 years fixing them ,so seeing you replacing the springs brought back memories when it took 2 of us just to lift them , very pleased when air suspension arrived !

[@TomokosEnterprize]

I have driven these square body's for the best part of 35 years and still do. I literally drive for free as you say we can repair them, parts are numerous and they are simple. No computers, no fly by wire and they always get there and bring me home. Plus with some extensive work to the small block 350's 28 mpg is attainable.

[@MaturePatriot]

You have jacked it up and driven a new one under it! That is the way gifts should be given, without attention. Great work my friend. Can't wait 'til she's running the roads again.

[@andydelle4509]

Another thing to consider restoring that truck is the fun, satisfaction, and experience you gain from doing it. Put a price on that! I'm being serious here. DIY can be very rewarding to those who enjoy it.

[@timw4561]

Totally agree on keeping those Rally Wheels, Steve. Always have been a fav of mine. The old farm truck is going to be sweet when you finish!

[@waynep343]

TIP. Seized spring bolts and control arm bolts. Tighten the nut and loosen the bolt. This grips the bushing inner sleeve while the bolt turns inside breaking the rust bond.

[@tomp538]

Old leaf springs are knives in waiting. Paid 7k for a new Chevy 1/2 heavy duty short bed, 2w/d, with Cheyenne package in 1977. Sold it for 4k 10 years later with 40k miles. Wish I still had that truck... Lately been considering a Ford Maverick but to get one with what I would want would cost 30k plus.

[@Pilotltd]

Sits noticeably better on that new front end, good job done there Steve.

[@Sapper21b10]

It's called sweat equity. It's also taking ownership of a vehicle and doing the maintenance to keep it on the road. You're going to be just as proud to own that truck when you're done, if not more so, than you would have been with a new one. Keep it up. I love watching the work!

[@Farm_fab]

Steve, years ago I made some short digging irons for work and used spring steel for the cutting end. I cut into the spring about 1"x2" with the torch, left it cool, then welded both sides to the round stock. By cutting the spring, it annealed the steel, and made the weld hold better. This tool soon became popular with the whole crew as we did mechanical demolition, and it was enough leverage for many jobs. This might be something you could do with the old springs.

[@qivarebil2149]

Those old leaf springs will make great Sheet Metal slappers! Very nice to flatten welds and dents with! Thanks for sharing the video. It's so nice to see the truck getting "overhauled"! 🤩

[@haroldphipps3457]

Also knife makers love leaf spring steel! Actually, bladesmiths.

[@rexmyers991]

I was going to add a comment, but everything has been said! Thanks, Steve

[@peat]

I remember the day my dad picked me up from school in his new ‘86 F150. He talked through all of the reasons why he bought a new truck as we drove home, and how he spent months trying to find one with literally zero optional installs. No fuel injection, no power accessories. It didn’t even have a radio! Less to break, easy to fix, less to spend. I love seeing these old trucks brought back to life. Your channel continues to delight … thank you!

[@marcellemay7721]

Your this deep into it. A new 350 crate motor with headers and dual exhaust would be bad ass. 😜

[@albertwhitehead4849]

I think us fans of your channel would love to see you overhaul that motor.

[@barryboyd7973]

Good work Steve. You’re a great example of how many different things a man can learn and do if he puts his mind to it.

[@argee55]

Making great progress. I think the stock wheels look 10 times better than any aftermarket wheels available today.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Great progress! Jack up the radiator cap and replace the truck! LoL 😂😆 That'll be nice to drive!

[@USM247]

I am no mechanic. My dad was a fair one. BUT, I can marvel at your repair of this truck. You certainly seem to know what you are doing. Hang in there and just keep on going!! I wish you and your family a blessed Happy New Year..... and I do love watching your 'miracles'. :))

[@splinky99]

In the summers of 1977 and 1978, I worked as a summer replacement at the Chevy Spring and Bumper plant where those springs were probably made…..it was a pretty hellish environment, but I was young and fit enough to deal with it……AND I made UAW wages! $9.82 per hour.! It was enough for room and board and tuition at the University of Michigan……those were the days……and the pickups were affordable!

[@Schnellemeyer]

With these Squarebody videos from Mr.Summers I have come to hit the "like" button within the first 5 seconds of the videos. - I KNOW it will be amazingly good!

[@leftturn99]

Greed and glitter for new and woosie spells long term troubles not far down the road, so beware folks you know it, nice work Steve.

[@18twilliams]

I have a 78 that I did over about 6 yrs. ago except I put a dump box on it! Looks brand new! Love them old trucks!

[@stompbox64dtown9]

I look forward to every Saturday morning. Can't wait for you to get the new mill up and running!

[@cranefly23]

Fantastic amount of progress there, Steve. That front end looks great!

[@brianrhubbard]

Those old leaf springs sure do make great kitchen knifes. LOL

[@mitchs323]

In 1984, I paid 12,000 for a new K-5 long bed 4 speed. I had it up until the twins showed up, and then had to sell it because we couldn't fit 4 people in the cab. I'd love to have that truck back today 3.08 gears and all. I'll say that's a good move to keep the rally wheels, it's not a square body without rallys.

[@battleaxefabandmachine]

5.3 LS, nfw-1050 flywheel, $39 ebay mount plates, 01 truck upper and lower radiator hoses, e16020 frame mounted fuel pump, 96+ Chevy truck throttle cable and you will never regret it.

[@andypughtube]

My dad always used to put a wheel (either the one he was taking off, or the spare) under the car whenever he was underneath. (Regardless of how the car was supported). The theory was that it would keep at least some space between the car and the ground if the worst happened. I am guessing this is more of a comfort if the wheels are wider than your head :-)

[@Davefromwisconsin]

When leaf spring bolts don’t come out cut the head off and use the nut with a combination of washers as spacers to pull it out.

[@JimWhitaker]

Good to see someone using the same design of torque wrench as I still have. About the same vintage as that truck!

[@Pappaoh]

I would absolutely buy a cheap, no frills, no backup cam, no flat screens, no bling, legit 4x4 as you described. I would buy it this week, cash, if available as you described. I don't need CAN network lighting modules, garbage "EPA mileage optimized" transmissions that shift like a codependent bucket of jello, always trying to predict what you want, or to tell you what you want like the ghost of Steve Jobs. Thanks for another great vid Steve, and please forgive me for the rant.

[@oldschool6345]

100% truth steve - if gm sold a new '87 squarebody at 25k for new, without any changes, they couldn't make enough of them. All your thoughts and perspective on fixing your truck are spot on. AND you will know exactly what you have when your done. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianp1738]

My wife bought me a base model F150 in 1986 for about $10K, and in 1994 we bought a Ford F150 4x4 crew cab with options galore for closer to $50K. By 2006 the '94 was a pile of rust and nothing worked reliably so it went to the auction for parts. The '86? it STILL is running like a top and has "patina" but no rot. So I vote for simple, inexpensive and well made. Oh yeah, even with emissions there isn't a thing on the '86 I can't work on... the '94 required a tech for anything more than an oil change. BTW, great vids, great family, great critters, and great beard! Thanks for all you do !!

[@elliskinney5731]

I bought a 1981 Ford F-100 in May of 81. Mine was geared for the road with 2 wheel drive. It was completely stripped down with the Ford 300 six cylinder. I still have it with almost 600,000 miles on it. I am on my third engine. No rust anywhere body or frame due to care on my part. If you buy a truck new and are careful it is possible to beat the rust. I live up near Falmouth. Ellis

[@220years7]

Thanks!

[@WilliamTMusil]

Hiya Steve. "Only going to replace the things that absolutely have to be". I hear you. 86 Chevy redone in my driveway, over winter, in a temporary tarp shed, that my town eventually made me take down. Yea, I replaced almost everything, lol.

[@williamparry9314]

As far as I am concerned new vehicles are way to complex, electronically controlled systems, nice when they work, a pain in the arse when they go wrong. What you are doing there is the right way to go. The older stuff was made a lot better than the newer. While it is the shop if you can do the motor, I know that is a lot of work, however when you roll her out, you will have something special. Great vid, stay safe.

[@Shockedbywater]

I did a handful of leaf spring replacements and never considered reusing the u-bolts, being in the rust belt like yourself it was just so much easier to cut them off and have the spring shop bend a new set for me. They were cheap at the time, no idea how much now 35 years later. LOL Nice job though and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@haroldphipps3457]

New U bolts are still cheap insurance! Same with the spring bolts!

[@bennewman5192]

You are doing it right fixing up the old square body. I have had several. You may have done it off camera. On the outer brake pad, pry it up towards the top of the caliper and hammer the tabs down on the top of the pad that bend over the caliper. That tightens them up to keep them from rattling. Also I'm sure you know, check around the steering box for cracks and make sure it has the gusset behind the steering box. For the price of a crate motor now a days, it seems to be the more economical route to just get one if you looking at the value of your time. Get a newer one piece rear main 350 with vortec heads and holley efi and you will have a real nice running everyday driver. Good job fixing up the old truck.

[@CraigLYoung]

Morning Steve! Thanks for sharing 👍 hopefully you'll wait until the snow melts before pressure washing.

[@MikeBramm]

Yep, make sure you've got a good engine. Elizabeth still wants to do those front wheel burnouts. 😉

[@douglasthompson2740]

I can tell you that in 1981 I bought a Ford 1979 F-150 4 wheel drive brand new off a dealer's lot (after the fuel shortage they could hardly give away fwd trucks) for a grand total of $6200. That included them putting in a limited slip in the rear. I do know it listed for around 12k at the time. Now at almost 75,000 for a similar configured truck the value just isn't there. I worked for wages and as I recall they were around $13/hr.

[@d.k.9328]

Totally agree on all the unnecessary fluff on the new trucks. You don't need it on a work truck. A good percentage of these high dollar trucks being sold never haul anything but passengers. Plus they have them raised up so high it would be hard as heck to load and work out of them.

[@ericsugalsku1826]

I think you correct! Auto makers have cut a most of Americans out of the market. Im allmost done with my 1979 K30 4x4. Ive owned it for 24 years. Ive done exactly what you have done with yours in a similar garage space.

[@bitp1mp]

It looked so happy when you lowered it onto it's new front legs.

[@c185pilot3]

Outstanding video...your skills are amazing and your willingness to take on the most complex projects is inspiring.

[@ernestjenkins1855]

Glad to see are using the hillbilly jackstands. I've used the several times myself.

[@jobos98]

Great Job on the Truck Steve. Its coming along So nicely. Thanks for all the videos on your project. Love it. 😁✌👍👍

[@donmedford2563]

I worked at the GM pick-up plant in Ft. Wayne, In starting in 1986 when the plant even before the plant was complete. For the first year no truck off the line had a sticker price of over $20,000.

[@chuirios365]

She'll be like a brand new truck! Nice Steve!👍

[@Ron_EZ]

Steve, you're much braver than myself! I'm 57, when I was a teen, I assisted my brother-in-law to repair a '69 Impala after my sister wrecked the front end. Along with (assisting again) rebuilding the straight-6 out of that car! Granted now and then, I've changed the oil or the brakes, but not much past that! 🤷‍♂️

[@antoniorivera5066]

Good morning steve summer and elizabeth saludos cordiales desde Sonora México saludos amigos ✌️🤠🇲🇽

[@geraldjustice9619]

Love your video I am working on a 1980 4x4 short bed Silverado I bought it new in November 1979 I gave north of $9000 found the paper on it not to long ago so 20,000 bucks would be a steel. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

[@joeylawn36111]

2:40 Walnut the Squirrel would be so proud....

[@jamespayne8781]

I have a 73 square body one ton dual wheel flat bed. I think that was the first year for the square fenders. I asked the lady at Farmers how much it cost new. She said $2300.00. Sounds a little low but she was sure of her source. Interestingly enough I later acquired a 82 one ton for parts and was able to move the rear axle, transmission, cross members over without modifications. Even the fuel tanks fit perfectly. I don’t think they changed the frame since back before the 60’s.

[@craigsmith8217]

Vise Grips might have been the most important tool development of the 20th century.

[@mdvener]

Slowly but surely, you are getting there.

[@jonathangriffin1120]

With you all the way with your policy on the truck, we call it 'Bangernomics' here in the UK, you've got yourself a vehicle that gets the job done and you know all it's foibles and you're not paying interest to 'The Man'. All The Best from not so sunny Somerset.

[@CrimeVid]

Yup the way to go, but emissions laws are getting in the way in Greater London.

[@leighmackay7486]

In addition to your sound reasoning regarding fixing the truck you need grist for the KZbin mill. This is an interesting project to follow. Cheers.

[@MatthewHarrisStudio]

Some people buy a creeper to change the oil one time........... entire truck overhaul........ we all give you permission to splurge on one Steve 👊🏼😂👍🏼

[@matambale]

Pretty fancy, Steve, solid custom genuine walnut jack stands! What a showoff. Although I'll probably never do surgery like this on a truck, I've learned a lot from you, and have enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you.

[@chuxmix65]

Your creeper is similar to mine. Getting angry with inanimate objects, yeah, I'm working on that one too brother. LOL! (Pro tip - getting angry at a bolt won't fix it. Getting cool and collected and logical might)

[@jeremycable51]

Reminds me of what my dad always said a 4x4 truck that runs and drives is worth 1000$ bucks no matter the condition of ya get a winter out of it it’s paid for itself 3 months getting to work in the snow covers a new truck payment

[@mgmnfld3109]

I too am a firm believer in "nature's jack stands"...lol.

[@lennym1273]

Next air hammer you get make sure it's a "long stroke", they are a lot better then the short stoke ones, best of luck to you, Lenny from Mass. USA...

[@adamxsquared]

Honestly I believe the added amenities in a modern truck are not what is making them expensive, it's actually the other way around. The costs to build the truck have gone up materials, labor, CEO salary etc. The extra gadgets are added to make the truck appear to have more value and for competitive reasons.

[@582tird]

I can hear Elisabeth now “Honey I need to borrow your jack stand, the fires about to go out.🤣

[@RoyBlumenthal]

Best ever unboxing video for a budget creeper!

[@shemattakai6558]

Nice job.. always loved dem square body Chevy trucks.. der built to last!!!

[@wrenchoperator6435]

While you have it apart check the frame around the steering gear box for cracking. It's a common failure on these old 4x4 trucks.

[@somebodyelse6673]

You're tired, and its the good kind of tired. You worked hard, did it right, and you can see the payoff shaping up. Carry on, sir.

[@Polar_Ted]

I agree keep the stock wheels.. I dig the rally rims with the trim rings and centers.

[@jonshank9572]

One check box checked! Alot to go but I know that feels good!

[@crichtonbruce4329]

30+ years ago, when I was doing reno. and construction, we always had the most basic of Ford F150's: 6 cylinder, 3 speed standard shift, 2 wheel drive, bench seat... and we always bought them used as we had our own auto shop. Our mechanic loved them for their simplicity and easy access for maintenance. We always threw a piece of 5/8 plywood on the truck bed as a poor man's liner. I loved those trucks! As always Steve, great stuff. You never disappoint.

[@212caboose]

Most of that high vehicle expense is EPA and safety stuff- plus all the computers. Excellent vid!

[@stunnedatsunset7649]

Steve...your argument for repairing the truck is flawless! :o)

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍🛻👍

[@petercoughlan1030]

I agree with you. That is why I keep my 87 250 rolling.

[@j.j.clingman4083]

Awesome video Steve!!! Oh buddy I can tell you that if you did a full body restore on that truck today I’ll guarantee you you would most likely get more out of it then it sold for back in the day!!! They are definitely very popular trucks and have went up over the last few years and more and more people are looking for nice ones every day!! I have several of them and I get people every time I have it out trying to buy them from me!! Definitely very popular and definitely beautiful trucks also!!!

[@donaldross1077]

Okay I take it your Steve Summers? I am a GM Master tech that retired last year at 65 years old. I started in a GM Dealership in 1979. Did I ever do what you are doing, only hundreds of times. I watched as you grabbed the old Blue tipped wrench, cutting torch. Just a couple of notes to pass on. Yes they did make a Quad shock kit, you did have to drill the frame rail to install. On the older high milage trucks with loose front end I found the cross brace between frame rails would start cutting the rivets into! Have someone rock the steering wheel with the tires on the ground and see if there is movement where it is riveted into the side rails both sides {mainly by steering gear box}. I see you have manual locking hubs, techs hated the auto hubs. Really if they were kept free of rust and debris they worked great because you did not have to get out in the mud and snow to lock them in. One last thing as the brakes, steering and suspension mech, very few people knew that the stance {distance between wheels} was 3.5 inches wider in the front than rear?? They were 1.5 inches shorter on the right side? We never could get GM to tell us why they did that! Happy New Year, your project is looking good. {you know I can not let you Jack Stands GO, be Safe} DonR

[@aidongzhang9308]

谢谢你的视频，让我学习很多东西，你的工作认真态度，值得我们大家学习，我是你来自北京朋友，向你表示衷心问候！

[@JamesDedmon]

One thing your correct on is pricing of pickup trucks in general. On of my friends who owns an auto repair business just bought a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive truck that was 3 years old, last summer. This was a gas Chevy that has over 190k “highway” miles on it. He paid 30k for the truck, if the average person purchased it and daily drove this truck, there is no way that it would make it until the financing contract was paid off. My first 2 wheel drive square body 1978 was around $4500 new. The 4 wheel drive Ford I purchased 6 years later was 15k in the mid 1980s

[@philhammond5908]

They make great slappers for body work.

[@winrodnry]

Steve: Keep up the good work.