70 Datsun 521 newbie

[Greaser2]

Only thing I plan on hauling is ass.  May take two loads however. 

[wayno]

It's 5th gear that gets ya, I loaded my 521 work truck up with my hanggliders and camping necessities for a hanggliding trip to the Wallaby Ranch near Kissimmee  FL from Vancouver WA, I had 2 issues that trip, my brand new rebuilt head had brass seats and the valves started sinking into the head(6 months later the head had to be rebuilt again with hardened seats), and the transmission started to whine in 5th gear on the way there, now the truck was loaded, but not that bad(it was not a dually yet), but enough to irritate truck drivers ahead of me at night, on the way back I had a passenger, 5th gear started to really howl on the way back, it started to concern me as I was worried we were not going to get back.

I only had an L20b/dual SUs in the truck at the time and to go 70mph on the freeway with the hanggliders on top of the truck(4 or 5 gliders) I had to almost floor it, I irritated truck drivers because I figured out I could go faster in their wake, my headlights were a little high loaded as I was, one guy floored his truck and left me behind after the sun went down, he had to be doing near a 100mph as we were doing almost 90mph till he left me behind(in Texas), I fell out of his wake and had to settle for 75mph again.

 

The point is 5th gear is the weak point on the dogleg transmission, the first 3 were replaced because of all the noise 5th made, the last one locked up solid in first gear, it is the only time in that work trucks life that it had to be towed/flatbed-ed home, it would roll around without an issue, but the engine would not run unless the clutch was pushed in, that is when I figured out how to make a short shaft 5spd for a 521 using a short shaft 5spd out of a 1985/86 Nissan 720 regular cab/short box truck and the L case from the 71B 4/5spd, that transmission lasted me 5 years and I replaced it because it popped out of 1st gear under compression and the 2nd gear synchros were shot from slamming into 2nd gear from 1st gear as by then it was a true work truck and the L20b was just not powerful enough for how I was using it, it has had an LZ23 in it for about 9 years now.

 

[d.p]

10 hours ago, Greaser2 said:

Only thing I plan on hauling is ass.  May take two loads however. 

haha yes. 
 

man I wish I could find a 5 speed for my l20b.  Hate to swap it in with my stock 4 speed. 

[datzenmike]

Fifth is rough on all overdrive transmissions. It's intended for highway cruise speeds only and light to moderate throttle. Even more

so on a truck.

[Greaser2]

My 5speed in my 280z was great. I’m Sure it’s apples to oranges.  My 521 will be more of a run around town vehicle, just annoying listening to the 4 speed hum away. 

[wayno]

It is way more annoying when 5th gear howls, and it slowly creeps up on you till you just notice it one day, but it doesn't stop, it just gets worse as time goes by.

[Greaser2]

Will a L16 timing/water pump cover fit on a L20b?

[mainer311]

19 minutes ago, Greaser2 said:

Will a L16 timing/water pump cover fit on a L20b?

 

No. L20b is taller. It sucks too, the L20b requires a L20b timing cover. All others will not fit.

Edited March 10, 2020 by mainer311

[Greaser2]

What should I be torquing my manifolds too?  Using studs. Seeing mixed numbers. 

[Crashtd420]

30 minutes ago, Greaser2 said:

What should I be torquing my manifolds too?  Using studs. Seeing mixed numbers. 

I was told 20, but I used that remflex gasket..... but I believe 15 to 20 ftlbs is correct...

[wayno]

20lbs is a lot, I can strip the threads out using my small Dewalt impact/driver, and it will barely do 25lbs , takes 20lbs to loosen it(checked with torque wrench).

I use studs on all my intake/exhaust manifold holes, I have stripped out to many holes using bolts, normally I go as tight as I can get it using my ratchet wrench with the palm of my hand centered over where the socket would be if not using an extension, I do not use the handle to tighten them unless I have a leak which only happened when I was using a header.

The only reason I know how tight I can go is because I bought some Milwaukie Fuel M12 tools, they will not even tighten them nuts to 10lbs, I was not impressed with them tools, I expected more for how much I spent for them tools/batteries.

[bilzbobaggins]

14 minutes ago, wayno said:

20lbs is a lot, I can strip the threads out using my small Dewalt impact/driver, and it will barely do 25lbs , takes 20lbs to loosen it(checked with torque wrench).

I use studs on all my intake/exhaust manifold holes, I have stripped out to many holes using bolts, normally I go as tight as I can get it using my ratchet wrench with the palm of my hand centered over where the socket would be if not using an extension, I do not use the handle to tighten them unless I have a leak which only happened when I was using a header.

The only reason I know how tight I can go is because I bought some Milwaukie Fuel M12 tools, they will not even tighten them nuts to 10lbs, I was not impressed with them tools, I expected more for how much I spent for them tools/batteries.

 

 

Not to thread jack, but I am really damn close to pulling the trigger on a Milwaukee  fuel  3/8 ratchet.   Its 2557-20   Which one did you get?  

Edited March 19, 2020 by bilzbobaggins
trying to sound less dumber

[wayno]

23 minutes ago, bilzbobaggins said:

 

 

Not to thread jack, but I am really damn close to pulling the trigger on a Milwaukee  fuel  3/8 ratchet.   Its 2557-20   Which one did you get?  

 

The number on mine is 2457-20, I would suggest that you find someone with one and try it out a couple times, it only takes a couple nuts/bolts and your scratching your head, well I was, I bought the 90 degree driver also and it is not any better, less than 10lbs and the tool shuts off/quits, I talked to some people about this that use them for a living and they use it till it quits and then use it like a regular ratchet and tighten the bolt/nut by hand.

I think the best tool I have even owned in my life is a 18V dewalt driver(DC825) with an aftermarket lithium ion battery I bought on ebay(see link below, I bought 3 from this guy), the regular 18V battery is also great, but that aftermarket lithium ion battery is lighter and lasts way longer, this tool is what I compare everything else to, nothing comes even close.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-0Ah-Li-Ion-Battery-for-Dewalt-18V-XRP-Ni-Cad-battery-DC9096-DC9098-DC9099/143462088925?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item216701c0dd:g:3y0AAOSw5fJeBA4~&enc=AQAEAAACYBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qUFq%2FYwW6khCiR%2F40uriwghSlBjpbynCmxlgq1W%2FUENWcWcihGuW6%2Fj69fv3wEiCE7m7V%2Boo%2F6zYrRSwz08TM2%2F3cm6Rk0%2Bpxrlpkf60SFLyvsa76XVNU2vD%2BBe0i4Es0uwVZnPNHmAcU%2Fudd9vY7%2FCFsxXt6Xzm72s7cdfOc8iSRXSrhHLq7KCDTtJn8a6ZuJBnBr97%2FUbUe%2FpfZ25zXXaSLX3Xu5GaoASk8NKazlrwq6uH6vQ7lGLdkIzwXDS3aaGoppINFLhfBAcanYYCOj8PvwUa%2F5oNN8NpUZ%2BTxqdgZo1Q6pTLdS5lzPqfRMBzG1i22KJtMerbo4zBwH9IwXKeDOgpxOXQxglHAFcDAgwU93AVmPSnowyBZjfNQXrzGSOkOvXGSsJXV%2F%2F1Py28ZDCXiSilbDV3BX93K4iO92syJlvCxdCXXEvNf%2F9hkudMl%2Fq0AujNNkW29zCjxRL13CGxsFdZ5Uf3QSKAdr4nCjJlEQyUr3dV22iDOuZqQpFvei0VeYQvEAFLhY%2FeM%2F4yESzsIpJGgdMT%2FhzaKF30bManPLGSSCKiJ4mBlMzQLu7ILHw%2Btwh4oRb96Ma5p2P9trYO3dpAM1tFWeGyiecP%2BtSqSDW5ALEiyaGtcKNhyYRCD57iKlYQl5RyH%2FuwEqdChzK6I%2FKZnpk%2FcaiNhVqwgjRMEbBUEdNao4dE%2FFqj%2Fg1uN9LpTb8GhTJin8NJ1LlMdPfRS8up5YpCDVaNijTYcFHNmBpAZ%2B9nEn68Ybbx5ULPJ92UDxA4LEEv4E80Mfr3qap&checksum=1434620889250544aceed62545f7a655f7ac1ec1e8c9

 

I have been thinking about buying this tool to see if it compares to my 18V dewalt as I have the batteries and I don't want to ruin them not using them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-2553-20-M12-FUEL-Li-Ion-Brushless-1-4-Hex-Cordless-Impact-Driver-NEW/352995594096?epid=26031092396&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item52302d4f70:g:2SAAAOSwieleY9WM&enc=AQAEAAACUBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qUG45byfiDzTkHwZe9sjAW08tcaqEI7LoyaBGDi2ipUIWpM06%2BLA6NzkhN%2BCNjjxxd9M895VXIYFpff3AqYANqxcSPa4jiv9COZtzAdbmXbpOZnhS3zaT%2FsBzt427e7MFhf%2FQFRV%2BERPs2fnNatWsjZPoKYr%2BZOzz1yn%2Bia%2BN2p8rGSz4Au6lP8cZy%2FOQ8RGxL%2FVDFxJ%2BsB7eCIoRtLHHr5Tab%2Fa%2BloEPDh8lgqu4INxKRbj2bMtlvO%2FOEYiIO6gqv70UNYGX%2B5iCE0XWsVGzuQBcweYefd5stSmtDgoDwnca6theEU%2Frhr0x9MO1VS7wq7MKai761FWUStcg8vYs2Axa0Aar1%2BfbRhLnoUCeTM7zCgUVrQqs9naSWibeyutEdrQxc5XJcx2umNc9GYFm69R9K%2FB%2BLOoMzbiRDt5rfAKNOFeeFqSprNSaqiZv64fWABNcd2oHHQYy%2FCRczQ1O3KSMMr5K6IsY90CLy0wxJcgoJaQSpDg3V5uIQXJ9g8gD7z80WnBRdlQN6PeKomXtmugzFdMLpjraFxzkwxBEHUE4DSMaxOrrAafPqXM9Gb1q1a%2BxT1keKv6uD8m0PJ%2BOVU7m6cOTe1q4mybtEKYlFCfMbxmb8hd9oGNGOIBrUM0InS0P%2BVrOYTzw1cflvuYByo9tlomTyfyVxxaCfIEPuuGJ3dRJOPzhAM0ZYkg0Ub0ipFC0Ao%2BUbj7L%2BhQRG2689RUJxNUvKa07px3h2r1qXJ2jf4%2FQ%2FEHCQzSap2y%2BTPCDw%3D&checksum=352995594096d68d7c66254b47c6b349a432ae5c60d1

Edited March 19, 2020 by wayno

[bilzbobaggins]

9 minutes ago, wayno said:

 

The number on mine is 2457-20, I would suggest that you find someone with one and try it out a couple times, it only takes a couple nuts/bolts and your scratching your head, well I was, I bought the 90 degree driver also and it is not any better, less than 10lbs and the tool shuts off/quits, I talked to some people about this that use them for a living and they use it till it quits and then use it like a regular ratchet and tighten the bolt/nut by hand.

I think the best tool I have even owned in my life is a 18V dewalt driver(DC825) with an aftermarket lithium ion battery I bought on ebay(see link below, I bought 3 from this guy), the regular 18V battery is also great, but that aftermarket lithium ion battery is lighter and lasts way longer, this tool is what I compare everything else to, nothing comes even close.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-0Ah-Li-Ion-Battery-for-Dewalt-18V-XRP-Ni-Cad-battery-DC9096-DC9098-DC9099/143462088925?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item216701c0dd:g:3y0AAOSw5fJeBA4~&enc=AQAEAAACYBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qUFq%2FYwW6khCiR%2F40uriwghSlBjpbynCmxlgq1W%2FUENWcWcihGuW6%2Fj69fv3wEiCE7m7V%2Boo%2F6zYrRSwz08TM2%2F3cm6Rk0%2Bpxrlpkf60SFLyvsa76XVNU2vD%2BBe0i4Es0uwVZnPNHmAcU%2Fudd9vY7%2FCFsxXt6Xzm72s7cdfOc8iSRXSrhHLq7KCDTtJn8a6ZuJBnBr97%2FUbUe%2FpfZ25zXXaSLX3Xu5GaoASk8NKazlrwq6uH6vQ7lGLdkIzwXDS3aaGoppINFLhfBAcanYYCOj8PvwUa%2F5oNN8NpUZ%2BTxqdgZo1Q6pTLdS5lzPqfRMBzG1i22KJtMerbo4zBwH9IwXKeDOgpxOXQxglHAFcDAgwU93AVmPSnowyBZjfNQXrzGSOkOvXGSsJXV%2F%2F1Py28ZDCXiSilbDV3BX93K4iO92syJlvCxdCXXEvNf%2F9hkudMl%2Fq0AujNNkW29zCjxRL13CGxsFdZ5Uf3QSKAdr4nCjJlEQyUr3dV22iDOuZqQpFvei0VeYQvEAFLhY%2FeM%2F4yESzsIpJGgdMT%2FhzaKF30bManPLGSSCKiJ4mBlMzQLu7ILHw%2Btwh4oRb96Ma5p2P9trYO3dpAM1tFWeGyiecP%2BtSqSDW5ALEiyaGtcKNhyYRCD57iKlYQl5RyH%2FuwEqdChzK6I%2FKZnpk%2FcaiNhVqwgjRMEbBUEdNao4dE%2FFqj%2Fg1uN9LpTb8GhTJin8NJ1LlMdPfRS8up5YpCDVaNijTYcFHNmBpAZ%2B9nEn68Ybbx5ULPJ92UDxA4LEEv4E80Mfr3qap&checksum=1434620889250544aceed62545f7a655f7ac1ec1e8c9

 

I have been thinking about buying this tool to see if it compares to my 18V dewalt as I have the batteries and I don't want to ruin them not using them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-2553-20-M12-FUEL-Li-Ion-Brushless-1-4-Hex-Cordless-Impact-Driver-NEW/352995594096?epid=26031092396&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item52302d4f70:g:2SAAAOSwieleY9WM&enc=AQAEAAACUBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qUG45byfiDzTkHwZe9sjAW08tcaqEI7LoyaBGDi2ipUIWpM06%2BLA6NzkhN%2BCNjjxxd9M895VXIYFpff3AqYANqxcSPa4jiv9COZtzAdbmXbpOZnhS3zaT%2FsBzt427e7MFhf%2FQFRV%2BERPs2fnNatWsjZPoKYr%2BZOzz1yn%2Bia%2BN2p8rGSz4Au6lP8cZy%2FOQ8RGxL%2FVDFxJ%2BsB7eCIoRtLHHr5Tab%2Fa%2BloEPDh8lgqu4INxKRbj2bMtlvO%2FOEYiIO6gqv70UNYGX%2B5iCE0XWsVGzuQBcweYefd5stSmtDgoDwnca6theEU%2Frhr0x9MO1VS7wq7MKai761FWUStcg8vYs2Axa0Aar1%2BfbRhLnoUCeTM7zCgUVrQqs9naSWibeyutEdrQxc5XJcx2umNc9GYFm69R9K%2FB%2BLOoMzbiRDt5rfAKNOFeeFqSprNSaqiZv64fWABNcd2oHHQYy%2FCRczQ1O3KSMMr5K6IsY90CLy0wxJcgoJaQSpDg3V5uIQXJ9g8gD7z80WnBRdlQN6PeKomXtmugzFdMLpjraFxzkwxBEHUE4DSMaxOrrAafPqXM9Gb1q1a%2BxT1keKv6uD8m0PJ%2BOVU7m6cOTe1q4mybtEKYlFCfMbxmb8hd9oGNGOIBrUM0InS0P%2BVrOYTzw1cflvuYByo9tlomTyfyVxxaCfIEPuuGJ3dRJOPzhAM0ZYkg0Ub0ipFC0Ao%2BUbj7L%2BhQRG2689RUJxNUvKa07px3h2r1qXJ2jf4%2FQ%2FEHCQzSap2y%2BTPCDw%3D&checksum=352995594096d68d7c66254b47c6b349a432ae5c60d1

 

 

Thanks for the input.  I dont mind the dewalt impact/driver, ours works aces.  I just want something thats compact that I can get in tight places.  I made a commitment to myself to stop buying harbor freight bullshit.  I had to buy a vacuum pump and bought a name brand one, instead of a cheap ass one from them or amazon.  I know I will lose my mind if I buy something expensive and it blows.  Getting your money back does not seem like enough sometimes.  

[wayno]

3 minutes ago, bilzbobaggins said:

 

 

Thanks for the input.  I dont mind the dewalt impact/driver, ours works aces.  I just want something thats compact that I can get in tight places.  I made a commitment to myself to stop buying harbor freight bullshit.  I had to buy a vacuum pump and bought a name brand one, instead of a cheap ass one from them or amazon.  I know I will lose my mind if I buy something expensive and it blows.  Getting your money back does not seem like enough sometimes.  

 

That is why I bought these M12 tools, they are small/compact, but they were not what I expected at all, my first Dewalt 18V is very old and still works great even with the regular Dewalt battery, that technology is over a decade old and it is still a better tool, but it is not small/compact, my 1/4" air ratchet is a better tool but I am tired of dragging a hose around and over my fenders/grill.

[Crashtd420]

5 hours ago, wayno said:

20lbs is a lot, I can strip the threads out using my small Dewalt impact/driver, and it will barely do 25lbs , takes 20lbs to loosen it(checked with torque wrench).

I use studs on all my intake/exhaust manifold holes, I have stripped out to many holes using bolts, normally I go as tight as I can get it using my ratchet wrench with the palm of my hand centered over where the socket would be if not using an extension, I do not use the handle to tighten them unless I have a leak which only happened when I was using a header.

The only reason I know how tight I can go is because I bought some Milwaukie Fuel M12 tools, they will not even tighten them nuts to 10lbs, I was not impressed with them tools, I expected more for how much I spent for them tools/batteries.

 

20ftlb was what was recommended for the remflex gasket, which is why I said it just incase a stock gasket doesnt require that much... no problem getting 20ftlbs using stud.....

Bolts I probably wouldn't go as tight ...

With the studs you get a lot more thread in the head so I think you can get away with a little more torque.....

[mainer311]

 

6 hours ago, bilzbobaggins said:

Not to thread jack, but I am really damn close to pulling the trigger on a Milwaukee  fuel  3/8 ratchet.   Its 2557-20   Which one did you get?  

 

I'm a huge Milwaukee fan. I have their M18 brushed-motor stuff and it's tough as nails. I bit the bullet and bought the $200 brushless impact driver and it's an absolute animal. No more extension cord or air hose to rotate wheels. I learned real quick that it will completely destroy a lug nut/stud if you're not careful. I torque everything by hand now. Also have the drill and driver and the driver works awesome. No problem seating 4-1/2" framing screws like they're nothing. 

[wayno]

6 hours ago, Crashtd420 said:

 

 

With the studs you get a lot more thread in the head so I think you can get away with a little more torque.....

 

I agree and have made this statement myself more than once.

[Greaser2]

Got my carpet done today. 
 

 

[DanielC]

The carpet looks really good.  Did you take the 521 to a shop to have it done?

 

[pidge]

That looks great. Like the door card as well. Nice work. 
-Pidge

[gene knight]

nice looking interior

[Greaser2]

12 hours ago, DanielC said:

The carpet looks really good.  Did you take the 521 to a shop to have it done?

 

I bought a custom cut kit from a guy in Utah and installed.  Had to get green mats as well. FatMat underneath. 

[d.p]

1 hour ago, Greaser2 said:

I bought a custom cut kit from a guy in Utah and installed.  Had to get green mats as well. FatMat underneath. 

Looks great man!  Same guy I got mine from. Note the floor mats will grow and he told me I had to trim them like a haircut.  Something about the material he uses.  
 

Also without a heel pad on the drivers side it will wear real quick.  
 

 

 

[Greaser2]

6 hours ago, d.p said:

Looks great man!  Same guy I got mine from. Note the floor mats will grow and he told me I had to trim them like a haircut.  Something about the material he uses.  
 

Also without a heel pad on the drivers side it will wear real quick.  
 

 

 

Yes. Same guy. I got loop so maybe it will be fine. And yes, I will likely get another mat for driving.