sickpuppy Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Still driving quite well, but rear-end AND 5-speed transmission definitely starting to cough up blood. I've had the truck for several years. Had 100K when I got it, now about 150K. Not particularly well cared for before I owned it. I do all the work on it myself except tires, alignment, and machining. I've rebuilt carb myself keep everything tuned and mechanically sound. I'm pretty sure I know the state every square inch of this truck. So here's my plan: Get rear-end from junk yard for $90. Get kit from local Transstar for about $130 (with all synchros except 5th) All labour done by me, estimated at least 15 hours total. Profit? Other than that the body ain't pretty but it isn't beyond some pounding, grinding, and painting. Family sez junk it/sell it now, it's worthless, it's ugly, it's an embarrassment. But what does the forum think? I do not want to sell it but what could I expect someone might pay for this thing in it's possible states of repair? I can give lots more info about all the crap I've done to it, and how it's otherwise in such wonderful mechanical shape, but I doubt any anybody wants to read all this crap I've written already. The fate of my precious truck lies in your-all's(?) handses...es... 2 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Welcome to Ratsun Mr. puppy. WE need more information. Did you check the rear end and transmission oil? Has it been replaced? If driven a long time empty the damage is done but if just recently, topping them up or replacing might help. Why do you think the rear end is bad? There are several things that can make noise other than the differential. A bad wheel bearing or a pooched U joint. Vibration can be a U joint or the carrier bearing's rubber isolator has rotted away. Some of this noise can also be mistaken for a transmission. If during shifts it could be the release bearing... not easy to get at but only $15. 1 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Need pics to know. I say junk though. Send me the 5 speed. Scrap weight price. Lol. 1 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 datzenmike: Last 2 times I drained the rear end oil, large chunks of it's innards have come out with it, I was able to pull what looked like a large strip-like piece of bearing race surface through the drain hole. The last time I drained the tranny much muddy pulverized metal was stuck to the magnet, as well as identifiable chunks of bearing cage. I've only just started to notice some new noises. Perhaps I'm a little deaf? flatcat19: I will take some as-flattering-as-possible pictures soon. Everyone: Thanks for replying so fast, I will try to do likewise. Since there seems to be some interest, I'll give a few more details. Engine running better than it ever has. Idles quite smooth at 750 RPM, sounds good,has the power I expect from it. Compression is well within spec though I don't really remember or care much what it was. Quite a while ago the durned thing dropped a seat. I had the head rebuilt with new seats valves and guides. Insignificant leak from the oil pan gasket that I am too lazy to fix. Other than that everything mechanical is right on, brakes shocks exhaust steering ball joints bushings blah blah blah on the other hand, The windshield recently got cracked, I have never once washed it, the body has many rusty spots that need to be cleaned filled painted...this is too much, I'll get some pictures. 1 Quote Link to comment
Dolomite Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 It's a datsun, fix it cheaply and drive the piss out of it. 2 Quote Link to comment
DanielC Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 According to Pick-n-Pull check inventory, there are three 81 Datsun pickups and an 1982 in Sherwood, and a 1981 in Portland south. 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 All 720s have an engine tag that lists the rear end ratio on it in the bottom right corner. It's under the pass side hood hinge on the inner fender. The '81-'82 non automatic gas engine will be 3.889, but check yours. The transmissions are not an exact match for ratios but will work if you swap the front case from yours onto one. Keep in mind that bearings and synchros may not be the only problem with yours. Some bearing let go and gouge up the aluminum case also. 1 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks for all the feedback. The rear end is 3.889. I found some info on what Datsuns have what rear-ends. I did not know that about swapping the front case...that seems like it could be a lot less work. Thanks for the warning about gouging the case, I was about to buy the kit without taking anything apart first...I'm kind of stupid that way. Still working on pics...soon. More info: I work at a shop, we diagnose/replace but don't rebuild transmissions. I have access to lifts press pullers and all but the really specialized tools. I've sort of rebuilt a transmission on my own and torn countless apart for scrap/autopsy. So is $220 in parts plus hours of my time a cheap fix? I promise pics coming soon... 2 Quote Link to comment
arizonajones Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 720 stuff isn't too hard to find at the local yards. keep it on the road. sounds like you're well equipped to do so. Pics! 2 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 I found http://datsun1200.com/modules/mediawiki/?title=H190#720 and use it to select vehicles from Pick-n-Pull I tried to make this info into a table thats easier to read but I cant get the formatting to stick when I post... 1 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 I forgot that I have a new flywheel and clutch kit that I bought a long time ago. I also have the factory service manual, so I am not expecting any too great of technical difficulties. 1 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted August 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Finally...aint she a beaut... 4 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Needs an altitude adjustment. 2 Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted August 20, 2015 Report Share Posted August 20, 2015 Fix all the mechanical issues, slam it and plasti dip her! 1 Quote Link to comment
arizonajones Posted August 20, 2015 Report Share Posted August 20, 2015 Finally...aint she a beaut... Hey! Do you work in NW PDX? I've seen this truck (or one just like it) near Ace Hardware in the Pearl. 1 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted August 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nope, must be a coincidence. I definitely do not work a couple blocks north of said hardware store. 2 Quote Link to comment
kb25t17 Posted August 22, 2015 Report Share Posted August 22, 2015 Give it a visual tuneup as well as fixing the transmission if you want to keep the peace. It is much easier to fix the rust than to fix people's attitudes towards rust. A lot of people are embarrassed to drive in a vehicle with that much visible rust and they also fee embarrassed to have something like that parked out front. Its not just about how much it cost to fix it that is driving their objections. You know it doesn't look good and you don't actually mind that but I suspect your family does mind and minds it enough to put pressure on you to get rid of it. So if you want to get rid of the pressure do something about it. 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted August 22, 2015 Report Share Posted August 22, 2015 Put a car cover over it when not using. Problem solved. 2 Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Or ask the people that are "bothered" by its looks to buy you a newer one or paint yours! 1 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted August 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Yeah I always been meaning to fix the rust and paint, and actually I have fixed a little (like the huge rust spot that was right in the middle of the roof) but I keep putting it off. The inside's really straight and clean and, I've done a lot of other little useful(?) type mods on it that any rational person would think are an insane waste of time (they are not apparent from the photos) But maybe because I spend so much time driving I get pretty attached to my vehicles no matter how shabby because its like my nest, man...and I'm a bird...and I'm like soaring...over the clouds...and woah...far out man...I can see myself...driving down below...I wonder if I can hit my windshield with some- 1 Quote Link to comment
hatch Posted November 29, 2015 Report Share Posted November 29, 2015 time changes everything , do you go get a new wife when her boobs start to sag ? 2 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted November 29, 2015 Report Share Posted November 29, 2015 Ahh the old daily driver. Sure she turns over slower now on some cold mornings and refuses to start, but for the most part reliable, comfortable, get's you where you want to go and no surprises. 2 Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted November 29, 2015 Report Share Posted November 29, 2015 I found http://datsun1200.com/modules/mediawiki/?title=H190#720 and use it to select vehicles from Pick-n-Pull I tried to make this info into a table thats easier to read but I cant get the formatting to stick when I post... Save document as a .pdf and then convert it to a .jpg. 1 Quote Link to comment
sickpuppy Posted December 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2015 Yo yo yo, hey sorry for absence i got kicked off the internet, but im back and gezz wut? she still runnin fine, i got a brand new car tho so i ant been drivin it everyday. still gonna try to fix it when i got time. my new car , a 88 toyo corolla... I know, HOT. your gramma is so jealous. 1 Quote Link to comment
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