The story of the Airstream 310 Jacket

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Did you have any vibration coming from the drive line?

Not that I really noticed, but I have not taking it on an extended trip at various rpms. Just don't like what a slack like that does to the other components. I like preventative maintenance

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

Not that I really noticed, but I have not taking it on an extended trip at various rpms. Just don't like what a slack like that does to the other components. I like preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance is always a good thing!

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Preventative maintenance is always a good thing!

sometimes it turns out to be way past due maintenance, like the ACDelco shocks I just pulled out. They were just decoration, very rusty to boot.


Only the best will do.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

... and getting it balanced. Pulled the parking brake hub, now trying to find the right size rear oil seal

Its called the rear housing seal of the 480Le (even though in my case its at the rear of the US gear)
Part # ACD 24235725
I was able to order it from a Chevy Dealer. Not sure what I will do with the other 2 almost fitting ones

Originally Posted by bkahler

Did you have any vibration coming from the drive line?

Just did a test drive and wow its smooth. So the invoice for $800 the PO was charged for 4 new u-joints was just another theft. And how they could have missed the rotted hanger bearings is beyond me, since the invoice is from 2 years (150 miles) ago.

I am glad to be able to do these things and not have to blindly trust someone.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

Just did a test drive and wow its smooth. So the invoice for $800 the PO was charged for 4 new u-joints was just another theft. And how they could have missed the rotted hanger bearings is beyond me, since the invoice is from 2 years (150 miles) ago.

Maybe they didn't know what the bearing was for......

I am glad to be able to do these things and not have to blindly trust someone.

The fear of breaking down in the middle of nowhere has probably ruined many otherwise enjoyable trips for people.

[PeterH-350LE]

its all in the detail

[bobmiller1]

Looking sharp.....I think you like the work as much as I do. Regards, Bob

[PeterH-350LE]

is anyone using the ram air intake that comes (or once came) with Banks system? If so, how did you place this long intake portion, so it will not restrict the radiator air flow?
I am considering just ditching the extension, since i dont really see a benefit?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

is anyone using the ram air intake that comes (or once came) with Banks system? If so, how did you place this long intake portion, so it will not restrict the radiator air flow?
I am considering just ditching the extension, since i dont really see a benefit?

How does it restrict the radiator air flow, it's sitting above the radiator?

I also noticed that you're missing the rubber sheet that goes from the top of the radiator upwards to the firewall.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

How does it restrict the radiator air flow, it's sitting above the radiator?

I also noticed that you're missing the rubber sheet that goes from the top of the radiator upwards to the firewall.

May concern is the extension tube that came with it (second picture).
Yes the rubber sheet had to be pulled out, because the foam covering was disintegrating and getting sucked into everything. I am debating if and how I can reinstall the cleaned up rubber sheet.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

May concern is the extension tube that came with it (second picture).
Yes the rubber sheet had to be pulled out, because the foam covering was disintegrating and getting sucked into everything. I am debating if and how I can reinstall the cleaned up rubber sheet.

The extension tube is still above the radiator isn't it?

If you can't use the original rubber sheet you might look into the rubber sheeting used for roofing on the RVs manufactured out of wood. Or a good piece of butyl rubber about 1/8" thick. I was going to use butyl on my Argosy until I realized that there was no need for anything.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

The extension tube is still above the radiator isn't it? .....

that location sure would crowd the space and keep me from using the dipsticks on the left or being able to see all the pretty relays on the right

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

that location sure would crowd the space and keep me from using the dipsticks on the left or being able to see all the pretty relays on the right

Do what I did, get rid of the long dip stick and install the standard short dipstick. You have to open the doghouse but that's ok. Easier to fill that way.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Do what I did, get rid of the long dip stick and install the standard short dipstick. You have to open the doghouse but that's ok. Easier to fill that way.

your suggestions sometimes translate into even more work on top of what I already created for myself
I think I will hang the extension on the wall in my shop and call it a day.

[PeterH-350LE]

Little update on mechanical developments.
stuff that happened:
1. The US gear dual range moved it self from hi to lo
2. The 4l80e would not shift to 4th

Unrelated as I finally figured out, but big consequences. the US gear is coming out and I will replace the 4l80e in a few month with a new unit.

I ran all the tests on the US gear (thanks Brad) and finally pinpointed it to a defective electric motor that changes the gears on the unit. Parts are no longer available, so out she comes. Good news for someone is that I have a functioning Control unit, that is NLA and highly desired. So make me an offer if you are looking for one or even the entire gearbox, wiring harness etc.

The lost 4th gear has a broad spectrum of possible causes. All the way from brake switch to solenoids. I fixed the disconnected check engine light and ran the code from ODB1 (big thanks to Brad again on this one, I would have been lost in the jungle) The code came back as 2 long 1 short=21=defective TPS (throttle position sensor) The smart book says, if the TPS is bad, the PCM/TCM disables 4th gear. Bingo. I got 4th gear back. Shifting still is rough, fluid kinda stinks. fluid leak at the harness input. I am going for a new Trans .

I had to find the original E-brake tail housing, that was discarded when the US gear was installed. I am currently in the process of refitting everything and have the first driveshaft extended.

While I was researching the reversal, I also talked to the guys at Gear vendors. They told me they would not sell me a GV for a 4l80e, even though they make it. They plainly do not recommend using the GV's overdrive with a 4l80e used primarily as an OD and only would consider selling me one if i was planning on doing a lot of mountain driving and wanted to split gears. Interesting!

Picture of the US gear, its real heavy and the new E-brake Tail housing.

[Waipio Rim]

Don’t think that you will miss the OD unit, the trans has an OD 4th gear, right? Of course, there are those Texas speed limits....

[ontheroadagn]

Peter - I installed the Banks intake system along with the headers. I can't find pictures right now, (must have left them on a camera, not in my pictures) if I can't find them I will take a couple current to show where I put the air intake. Just behind grille, passenger side, not in front of radiator. Dave

[PeterH-350LE]

I completed the removal of the US Gear and have everything back to stock. It was a pretty big job with many worry some moments. The worse probably was trying to get the E-brake yoke on the trans output shaft. It just didn't want to slide on. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the shaft had a distortion caused by the US gear being used as a slip joint with out a torqued down bolt. I had to spent a couple of hours filing 32 splines until I was able to beat the ebrake yoke onto the shaft.
The other was finding a shorter Ebrake cable. After careful measuring, I finally found one at Autozone. It said ship to home only. I thought great and clicked to order, just to find out it was NLA.
I don't know how he does it, but Brad actually was able to cross reference my number to a ACDelco one and it fit perfectly!! Thanks Brad, I was really at a loss with that one. The number for the 91/92 350 ebrake cable is ACD18P1580

Now my next move is to replace the transmission with a heavy duty version. It will be built by Hughes Performance ( hughesperformance.com )out of Phoenix and i am planning to deliver my core and pick up the new one in mid September. Thanks Chris (CDmaxmadman) for the lead. They were the only company I talked to that knew exactly what I wanted and needed



Here are some of the specs of the trans and Torque Converter, thoughts and comments appreciated.

For the 1992 4L80E transmission behind a 7.4L (454) engine, the part number recommended is 25-1 with a specific instruction for the transmission valve body kit to be built with towing strength. It comes with an aluminum deep pan that holds an additional 3 quarts

The torque converter- this component comes with multiple clutch disc for a stronger application for lock up system. When the transmission is in cruising mode , 3rd or 4th gear the converter applies to give you a better ratio , lube and gas mileage. Normally this converter is in a diesel truck but also is recommended for larger vehicles or heavy weight rv’s. With the weight and 454 engine that you have we recommended this application to be built along side of the transmission.

[PeterH-350LE]

Finally got around to treating my rusted steps and covering them with some diamond plates. As an added bonus, it looks like they will reflect the orange light

[bkahler]

I never would have thought to put diamond plate on the steps. It actually looks pretty nice.

How did you fasten the diamond plate to the step? Inquiring minds want to know