Aug 2024 :

Now that the truck is running great and reliable to go anywhere , it’s time to get the trailer wiring done.  Today I made space in the garage.  Plans are:

1. Repaint the hitch with rust paint.
2. Install new 7 and 4 pin plugs.
3. Run the wire for the back up camera.
4. Push the dents out of the rear bumper.

I have all the parts I need so let’s get to it !

Here’s what I have so far.. There is more on the way. I’m going to replace more than just the lever on the steering column. The high beam part of the switch is not working .. New one coming and a new cam for the turn cancel too.   Above I have a new trailer plug 7 and 4 pin combo, and the adapter. New digital brake controller. Back up camera with a screen.  Key less locking kit. New headlight switch. And the new multi function lever.

Gramps in in the garage ready for all this work to be done.  I have to run the power wire and the camera  wire to the front first.  Here’s the test for that.

Very handy for both backing up and hooking up trailers. It won’t be automatic when in reverse, I’ll have a switch on the dash.  Same thing for the 12 volt power to the trailer plug.  I want control over these things.  Here’s a short video of the progress…

I realized that the wires to the back of the truck needed to start at the front.  So I started taking the steering column apart and the dash too.  I’m still waiting for a few parts and added to the order today.  While I have the dash apart, I’m changing the lights to LED’s. Polished the lens today and now that looks so much better.  Progress has been slow on the truck..  But I got back to it.. Have all the parts I needed and it’s time to get the steering column back working.  I decided not to pursue the locking system at this time. That involves removing a door panel… Nope I hate doing those.  Here’s what I’ve done so far:

• New parts in the steering column DONE. Horn fixed too.
• Cleaned and polished dash parts.
• Installed back up monitor and wires going to the back.
• Running a power wire to the back , with switch.
• Installed new brake control.

The monitor fits nicely here..  works great..

Just need to get the truck up higher so I can run the power and the camera wire.  A jack and jack stands work good. Wasn’t too hard..  And I got the wiring mess at the back done.  We now have a nice trailer system.  With a camera !

I do need to paint that hitch though..  One more thing left to do ..  The old ash tray is getting a makeover.  With a new 12 volt plug and two USB ports for charging stuff.

This will be handy, just need to install this back in it’s place.  I’ve tested all the wiring and it’s all good.   I’m hitting the road in a few days …so the truck will get a good test.  We are good and ready for the road trip.

And what a road trip !  I didn’t get far and the transmission started to act up.  Not serious things at first… So carried on.  Just geared down on the mountain passes and that worked fine.  The overdrive ( 4th gear) was slipping and jumping around on even the slightest hill.  So I put some magic (no slip) in the trany thinking that may work.  Nope !  On the way home after going over the third and highest pass It started to get a knocking sound at slow speeds.  I was determined to get home so I put up with that..  And I did make it home.  Back now reverse is gone..  Looks like a new transmission is coming my way.