My ambo...

[Baloo]

I am hoping that by using a fully synchronized model six speed, it won't be so bad. I know there will be a learning curve from my little bronco's manual gear box. Being that I am tens years deep into this project, I will stick it out and learn to shift the beast!

 

[highdesertranger]

I was going to comment but didn't. with a synchronized tranny and a properly working clutch you should be able to up and down shift without to much difficulty. I mean there might be little nuances, but it should shift. highdesertranger

 

[masterplumber]

Ah, I'll have to go back and reread. For some reason I thought you had found an Eaton 7 spd. With a synchro tranny you won't have any issues. The one in the service truck I'm pretty sure has no syncros in any gears, so It's like trying to downshift into granny low in an old pickup 4 spd while moving. Now that I've replaced the clutch system and flywheel in my Ram I love my 6 speed, especially when towing in the mountains. I know you have a different make and model, but if the ratios are similar you're going to love it, can't wait to see it all come together.

 

[Baloo]

It is only lacking one piece now! Got the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel back from the shop today. All in need now is a flange yoke for the size u-joints in my truck.







Hopefully it will be installed here in the next week or so.

 

[LeeRevell]

Those shifting problems sound like a 24foot U-Haul truck I drove once when working at the local U-Haul store in 1987.  During college student return, we had to take trucks and trailers to various storage lots around town.  I had never driven a big truck.  Two other guys hadn't either.  They spent an hour practicing in the back lot.  I loaded up and got on the road, 'training' as I went.  Could only find 2nd and 4th gears, and made several trips carrying smaller trailers inside and towing a big trailer filled with small trailers.  By day's end I was getting pretty good with that beast!  Still had only two gears, but we'd come to an understanding.  To this day, you could not give me an ex-U-Haul truck.  I know the abuse they get put through.  

 

[NeedAnEscape]

At least the current uhaul trucks are mostly automatics, so you have less people learning to drive a manual in the truck.

 

[offroad]

Baloo - that is some serious history with customizing every bolt in that truck. Sounds like a love story of man and machine. Hope you keep it rolling forever. Most folks dispose of vehicles every ten years, but you can keep yours rolling for a lifetime.

 

[Baloo]

These strange things showed up in the mail today...



They are boost tube couplings, I have been waiting for weeks for these guys. Time to get that inter cooler hooked up!

 

[Ballenxj]

These strange things showed up in the mail today...



They are boost tube couplings, I have been waiting for weeks for these guys. Time to get that inter cooler hooked up!

Uh oh! That should help a LOT!

 

[rvpopeye]

Baloo

It's great to see that truck going through the transformation into the wonderful RV you're building.
It's going to be (already is) a wonder to behold !

Your mechanical skills will make sure it stays on the road long after my rig and a lot of others are rusting away in a scrap yard !! ( Do they still have those or is everything crushed these days ? Skuh kuh kuh kuh )

Thanks for posting the build here on the forums , truly an inspiration.
Two thumbs up !

If you ever decide to sell , I suspect there will be many fighting over who gets it !

 

[Baloo]

Well there is not intention to ever sell it at this time. Went out for a drive today and put a few miles on it. Stopped by a buddy's house. Made me realize how small the ambo is, and I like it!

 

[Baloo]

Gotta love the Internet for hard to find parts. My cook top was leaking alcohol back through the plunger. Turns out the check valve at the bottom was worn out. All fixed now and hotter than ever!






Yeah, I bought the wrench too, right tool for the job! Didn't want to damage it in the process of trying to fix it...

 

[Ballenxj]

You might want to think about opening a handy man service for RVers & Van Dwellers. I bet you would stay real busy, or at least as busy as you want to be.

 

[Baloo]

No real update, just sitting by the ambo after a miserable week, getting ready for the next one...

 

[WriterMs]

OH NO! I know all of your friends here hate to hear you had a bad week and that you are not looking forward to the next one either.

Wishes for better times and new ambo adventures, Baloo.

 

[Ballenxj]

No real update, just sitting by the ambo after a miserable week, getting ready for the next one...

That's COOL! I'm sitting here enjoying my second shot of Crown. If you were here I'd offer you a couple as well.

 

[Baloo]

Thanks all, and I would take you up on the shots Ballenxj! It has just been one of those weeks where you give it your all, and it not enough for some people. Makes me enjoy the thoughts of the open road even more!

 

[msbarth]

NEVER give up!

 

[masterplumber]

At least you get props for a cool fire pit! I hope this week is better for you.

 

[Baloo]

Well the heater core died the other day, and coolant leaking in the cab is a bad thing. Installed a shinny new one and replace all the hoses too. At lease I will have heat this winter!