Dad,
A bunch of work going on with Ol Bessy, between hunting trips. All of the jobs can be broken down into hours so that I can keep driving her daily.
1. Cut the ears of the top of the 12 bolt differential. They were about 3/4 inch from the floor. I now have three inches clearance and have ordered axle snubbers 4 inches long to cut down to the right size. What ever size Ol Bessy tells me is right. In the long run, since the GM 12 bolt is larger than the original Dodge rear, I may have to either add helper springs, 500 lb capacity ought to do or better, cut out a section of the flat floor under the rear seat and add a new piece of metal that has a hump, to increase axle clearance and movement. A step at a time. No surgery untill i get the snubbers on and load it down again for a ride.
2. The tune increased mileage from 7ish mpg to about 11 or so mpg. Still running very rich, she is easy to start. Starts before the completion of the first rotation with no choke. Plugs are dark grey and fluffy black and the tail pipe is black, sooty. Acceleration is okay, I'd call it lazy though, very little snap. So, before I dive in and start jetting her down for better economy, figured I'd replace the very small and very restrictive air cleaners. This should help some with the rich fuel condition and let her breath easier. There are no oval or even round air cleaners for a dual duece set up, so I had to modify the base plate to fit. But looks decent and should allow up to a 6 inch tall air cleaner depending on how much air Ol Bessy wants. Still some refining to do and the base plate will need a new coat of paint, but she looks good and locks down nicely on the twin carbs.
3. Right front tire is dragging on the right front fender brace in a hard right going thru ruts/bumps and up into steep parking spaces. I measured, the arch of the fender on the right side is 3/4" lower than the left, frame is level though so, I'll have to loosen it up and get the fender brace moved out and up some to pick up the clearance needed at the arch for those turns.
4. I got the front kick panels sealed. Now the hot air off the engine dosn't blow into the cab. I think i'm going to get kydex (gun holster plastic) to make up the fire wall and kick panels, and door panels. I'll also use it for building new rear arm rests. Good stuff. Moldable, holds its shape and immune to moisture. Plus, it'll hold a staple/tack so it can be upholstered over. Once in, it should never warp on us.
