Just saying Hello!!

[Bruiser]

Just wanted to say hello to everyone.<img src="emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smile">

I just bought a 1977 Dodge M880 two weeks ago. From what I can tell it was most recently owned by a Vol. Fire Dept. and previous to that the US Fostrey Service had it for awhile.

It's in overall good shape, except for all the body damage on it. The Driver's side bed is banged up pretty good. It runs and drives, but the little 318 puffs a little smoke.

Here is a pic when I first bought it.
<img src="http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/albums/album168/M880.jpg" border="0">

Here is one trying to get it ready to get rid of that ugly white paint.

<img src="http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/albums/album168/Dodge_Truck.jpg" border="0">


I'm from Longview, Texas so if anyone is close by feel free to drop me a line and come by to visit or just look at the M880.<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_headbanger.gif" alt="Headbanger">

 

[Recovry4x4]

Lookin Good man. Pretty durable trucks with easy to get parts. Wipe off that white paint and you're ready to go.

 

[Bruiser]

Thanks for the welcome!!

Picked up a 90 model 1 ton Dodge (minus axles) for the drivetrain the weekend. It has a 360/TF727/NP205 in it. Going to swap in the 360 and NP205. Take the LF727 out of the M880 and have it rebuilt then the drivetrain will be done.

I've got a front D60 coming that I got for cheap, but it has a few missing parts. So it will be a little while before it goes under the M880. Should have it completed by late winter (at least that is the goal).




So where are all the other M880s owners at???????????


Eric

 

[McGuyver]

I'm here. I'll post more later when I have more time. BTW, how were you able to attach pics to your post? I tried that, and all I got was an error? Is there a size limit on photos?

 

[Bruiser]

<img src="http://www.geocities.com/guyvanhorn/ahnuld18.jpg" border="0">

McGuyver,

I just right clicked on the photo from where I have it hosted then clicked on properties, then copied the URL address. Then once I made the new post on here I just hit the image tag on the format options and pasted in between the <img src=" tags.

BTW, I really like your M880. Sounds and looks like you have done an awesome job on yours!!

Does anyone know where I can get some mirrors like McGuyver has on his M880? Would Saturn Surplus carry them? Both of mine are gone.<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_sad.gif" alt="Sad">

Eric

 

[McGuyver]

I saw a pair of NOS M880 mirrors up for auction on Ebay a few weeks ago. I believe it was powerwagonparts selling them. He may have more. You can get to his web site from a link on my home page. Oh, BTW, thanks for the compliment on my truck. I'm currently working on getting more of the original parts for it. I already got the blackout light setup installed and I recently got the troop seats as well. Next I will be getting the canvas top for the bed and I'm also working on a big block 440 swap that is nearing completion.

P.S. so it looks like we can't upload pictures to this site, but rather we have remote link to them? Alright, I know how to do that. <img src="emoticons/icon_smile_thumzup.gif" alt="Thumb Up">

 

[Bruiser]

McGuyver,

I just emailed PowerWagonParts, I hope he has some in stock. Thanks for the info.

I've changed my mine already on putting the 360 in the truck. I'm going to leave the little 318 in until it goes south. Then I will decide what I want to put in it. Thinking a cummins would be really nice.<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_approve.gif" alt="Approve">

How do you like your Tuff Country lift on your truck? Do they make a smaller lift for it? I'm only wanting like a 2 or 2.5" lift, I don't want any bigger tires than 33s.

Eric

 

[McGuyver]

You could probably fix the "puff of smoke" you get out the tail pipe if you replace the rubber valve seals. I used to get smoke out the tail pipe when I'd start the truck, but I've never seen it again since I replaced those seals. Not too hard a job either. The Tuff country lift is great. However I get a little bit of a shudder some times when I'm braking that I suspect is coming from the block in the rear. I'm thinking of replacing the block and add a leaf with a new lifted spring pack from tuff country. Even if this doesn't solve it I still think it's a good idea since I'm working on a 440 to go under the hood and I don't want to get axle wrap under acceleration. Oh by the way, I think that Tuff country has add-a-leaf springs you can install for both front and back spring packs, but I prefer not to lift a truck this way since it will stiffen up the ride noticibly. I suppose ther may be some places out there that sell a 2" lifted spring pack, but it seems like a waste, may as well go to 4" if you are buying new springs. That and the 33" tires will fit better and look better with a 4" lift. my tires are technically a little under 32" tall and I think some 33's would be just right.

P.S. as an after thought, I think if I were to do it again, I'd probably spend a little more money and go with a skyjacker lift all the way around. Nothing wrong with the tuff country set up, they're great for the price, but I think skyjacker is a little higher quality package.

 

[Bruiser]

When I swap in the D60, I think I will put the lift in then. Would like to do it all at once.

I will have to disagree with you on the Tuff Country vs. Skyjacker. I've had both of them on previous GM vehicles and the Tuff Country are far superior springs IMO. If you really want a nice riding spring and flexy spring for the hwy/trail. Give Alcan Spring co. a call. They can build you a custom spring for your truck for any height and spring rate. Little more expensive, but well worth it.

Eric