Ozz

I still have parts coming from EBay so I’ll get some pictures as I get the column out of the truck and start to get it all configured.

People reacted as if I kicked their puppy. Not many modified mini-trucks existed and certainly very few had V-8s. There is history involved in the swap decision, originally I got the truck from my father in law who destroyed the engine (the 1600). He just gave it to me. I couldn’t afford a new engine, couldn’t find a junkyard engine so since I had a Ford 289 and C4 trans…I decided I could make it work. I put over 100,000 miles on that truck with the 289.

I haven’t posted in a very long time but I still have my 1973 620 truck. It still runs well with it’s V-8 and all the other mods I’ve made over the past 30 years. I am now planning on doing a Prius power steering system to make life easier (I’m 74 years old, “Armstrong” steering is not fun). I have the 2009 Prius steering setup and I will be building a modified steering column with the power assembly integrated into it. It seems like a very good solution without pumps, hoses and belts and all that junk. I will keep you posted on my (very slow) progress. The photos are from my archives, the top one is from 1976 when I just finished a Ford 289 install, the second is from the 1980’s with a 406 Chevy engine. The black and white photo my wife was pregnant with my son…years later my daughter-in-law pregnant with my grandson. I have had the truck for decades and it has had 11 engine changes.

The springs are installed, the truck drives great. Note to self......."don't think you can make drag race ladder bar suspension work decent on the street". Lesson learned.

Got the chassis I needed, an ex-mini motorhome 1978 620. All the components are like new once cleaned up, obviously a low mile vehicle. I'll snap a few photos later today but I have everything I need to put leaf springs back under my V-8 620. I really tried to make drag race ladder bar suspension work...and it does work, just not very well and is rough and noisy. the bare frame will be off to salvage in a week or so, I'll keep the rear diff and some other pieces "in stock".

I had already looked through the classified "for sale" and intended to expand my search with a post there today but it looks like I might have a chassis now.

Thanks Mike, already got a reply. This forum proves to be a valuable resource!!😎

Anyone got a 620 2wd that is being parted out? I really need a good pair of rear leaf springs and hangars plus bolts. I'm taking the ladder bar rear suspension of my V-8 truck and the easiest way to go is stock stuff for now. I had a complete 3 link setup years ago but the components ended up on another project. Maybe someone knows of a supplier of new springs?? Thanks in advance.

FIXED!! The larger 13/16" master cylinder combined with a 7" booster did the trick. The truck stops really great now. I couldn't find a Datsun/Nissan booster (1980 7" type) so I adapted a "hot rod" universal booster with a couple of 1/4" adapter plates and just made sure the actuating rod and the pedal pushrod length were correct.

Cool, another V-8 620. Nice

Ok, I think I see my problem...the booster on the truck right now is the 1973 drum brake 5 1/2" diameter booster with the 3/4" diameter master. I don't have enough fluid movement or boost travel. I am going to use the 1979 620 7" diameter booster with the matching master cylinder which is slightly bigger at 8.10". The stock 1978 620 discs are perfect and now that I have the new rotors and pads on it I know I just need to make the above changes. I have a GM booster and Corvette master on the shelf that is probably real close to that '75 Chevy Monza part that NC85ST speaks of. I can try that if necessary but I think just getting all the matching 1979 620 stuff will be fine. I put new rotors on today, the old ones measured .380"...badly worn from years of drag racing. Nice new .500 rotors and premium pads are much better to begin with. The system should be 100% now. I don't know how my son was stopping this thing from 10 second 130 mph runs????

Lack of vacuum, I don't think so. This engine has a stock GM truck camshaft...very mild with over 16" of vac. at idle, the check valve is doing it's job and the hose is good. I considered an electric boost or a hydraboost. The hydra is a bit messy for me so we'll see what happens in the future. The reason I considered the larger booster is because of the experience I had with my 1935 Ford. For 15 years I had just mediocre brakes. I built it with all disc brakes and used the standard Corvette booster and a 7" dual diaphram "hot rod" booster. A friend of mine borrowed the car and when he brought it back suggested I put a larger booster on soooo......I got an 8 1/2" booster and installed it. I was amazed at how much better the car is now with the change in boost. I want to give it a shot, can't hurt anyway.

I think this is one of their hoods on my 620.

These are 15 X 8 GM rally type wheels. I have run this kind of wheel for many years. Speedway Motors sells them cheap.

Here are a few shots I just took. The clearance is more than enough. If I can just "bolt on" a bigger booster that would be great.