Searching for My Dad's 1979 Chevy Suburban

[squaredeal91]

Another thought I had was failing pickup coil in distributor. Or it could have shaft play. If distributor looks old maybe go through it. If it's your ignition wiring sending a random dead signal to distributor you might be able to wiggle wires while running to see if it hiccups any, ruling that out would be good. wiggle the wires under dash to ignition switch and from out of firewall to distributor.

 

[edgephoto]

A backfire is caused by fuel exploding at the wrong time. I doubt it is a fuel pump. As was stated above. Look at ignition. How is the cap and rotor? How are the ignition wires? I assume in NJ you have been having rain all week like we have in CT. You may have water causing issues.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Possibly a bad ignition coil or ignition module in distributor? Or Possibly the hot wire going to hei distributor could be wiggly and causing this? Those are my initial thoughts when reading this.

Thanks. I’ll look into that. Appreciate it

 

[Grit dog]

Similar thoughts as the above replies. Fuel issues dont usually come and go. But electrical issues are much more prone to being intermittent.
And one big backfire when otherwise running with proper timing, IMO suggests a loss of spark maybe, little fuel loading up with no sparkolaters working, then the power come back on and makes the explosion.
Regardless, that burb is lookin good!!!
And while you’re learning along the way, everything so far has been relatively minor considering you bought an old truck that when you bought it didn’t ooze the vibe that the PO had it in tip top condition.
And I’ll say, the undercarriage is lookin pretty damn clean now! A nice set of red n white skyjacker shocks and steering damper would complete the look!!

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[TheHoundsman]

A backfire is caused by fuel exploding at the wrong time. I doubt it is a fuel pump. As was stated above. Look at ignition. How is the cap and rotor? How are the ignition wires? I assume in NJ you have been having rain all week like we have in CT. You may have water causing issues.

We have absolutely had a lot of rain. I’ll see what I can figure out and give you guys an update. I’m out of town for a week so next Monday will be my first opportunity.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Similar thoughts as the above replies. Fuel issues dont usually come and go. But electrical issues are much more prone to being intermittent.
And one big backfire when otherwise running with proper timing, IMO suggests a loss of spark maybe, little fuel loading up with no sparkolaters working, then the power come back on and makes the explosion.
Regardless, that burb is lookin good!!!
And while you’re learning along the way, everything so far has been relatively minor considering you bought an old truck that when you bought it didn’t ooze the vibe that the PO had it in tip top condition.
And I’ll say, the undercarriage is lookin pretty damn clean now! A nice set of red n white skyjacker shocks and steering damper would complete the look!!

You must be registered for see images attach

You and I were thinking along a similar line however I ordered a BDS Suspension with dual Fox 2.0. It just got to the house so I’ll give that installation a swing when I get home as well. However replacing the old RC shocks with some nice Red and White Skyjackers is a good idea.

 

[TheHoundsman]

You and I were thinking along a similar line however I ordered a BDS Suspension with dual Fox 2.0. It just got to the house so I’ll give that installation a swing when I get home as well. However replacing the old RC shocks with some nice Red and White Skyjackers is a good idea.

 

[Grit dog]

You and I were thinking along a similar line however I ordered a BDS Suspension with dual Fox 2.0. It just got to the house so I’ll give that installation a swing when I get home as well. However replacing the old RC shocks with some nice Red and White Skyjackers is a good idea.

Well fancy shocks look great too! Didn’t realize you were replacing the suspension too. Fwiw, I might have done that before or at the same time as the steering work. Regardless. Sick rig!

 

[TheHoundsman]

Well fancy shocks look great too! Didn’t realize you were replacing the suspension too. Fwiw, I might have done that before or at the same time as the steering work. Regardless. Sick rig!

You’re absolutely right and I should have done that at the same time. I just didn’t plan well. What do you guys think of converting rear breaks from drums to disk.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Similar thoughts as the above replies. Fuel issues dont usually come and go. But electrical issues are much more prone to being intermittent.
And one big backfire when otherwise running with proper timing, IMO suggests a loss of spark maybe, little fuel loading up with no sparkolaters working, then the power come back on and makes the explosion.
Regardless, that burb is lookin good!!!
And while you’re learning along the way, everything so far has been relatively minor considering you bought an old truck that when you bought it didn’t ooze the vibe that the PO had it in tip top condition.
And I’ll say, the undercarriage is lookin pretty damn clean now! A nice set of red n white skyjacker shocks and steering damper would complete the look!!

You must be registered for see images attach

That looks awesome

 

[Grit dog]

You’re absolutely right and I should have done that at the same time. I just didn’t plan well. What do you guys think of converting rear breaks from drums to disk.

Eh no worries. Realistically you don’t have to take apart anything you just fixed to swap springs anyways. You didn’t really lose a step.

Personally, I’d consider disk only IF maybe had to replace ALL the brake components, including drums. But otherwise, unless you’re gonna run it in salt (water or winter) I don’t see the practical advantage. Drums work GREAT and they’re not finicky unless they’re old, corroded adjuster, leaky wheel cyl etc.
I have 4 good sets of drums on 3 different old vehicles and they work great. Even after sitting. Form where I’m sitting it would be a waste of time and money for me.

 

[edgephoto]

You’re absolutely right and I should have done that at the same time. I just didn’t plan well. What do you guys think of converting rear breaks from drums to disk.

I would not waste the money.

Every time you make a mod it makes it harder to get parts if you have an issue on a road trip.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Eh no worries. Realistically you don’t have to take apart anything you just fixed to swap springs anyways. You didn’t really lose a step.

Personally, I’d consider disk only IF maybe had to replace ALL the brake components, including drums. But otherwise, unless you’re gonna run it in salt (water or winter) I don’t see the practical advantage. Drums work GREAT and they’re not finicky unless they’re old, corroded adjuster, leaky wheel cyl etc.
I have 4 good sets of drums on 3 different old vehicles and they work great. Even after sitting. Form where I’m sitting it would be a waste of time and money for me.

Well that answers that because they are brand new. The shop did them when they did all the initial “get it safe” work.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Morning all,

Based on your advice, I have ordered an ignition control module and an ignition coil from Summit. They should both arrive this week, so when I get home, I should be able to pick up the truck and try to get them both installed. I am sure this will not surprise anyone who has read anything I have posted, but I have been watching as many YouTube videos on installing both parts as I can find, and fingers crossed, they both seem pretty straightforward. Based on the work that needs to be done, it looked like it would be smart to replace both of them simultaneously. I’ll get some pics before, during, and after, and try to post them early next week. Once again, thanks for the patience and advice. You guys are the best.

 

[ChuckN]

Looks like I need to do some reading! I remember when this thread was first started and you were looking for the truck, and I haven’t happened upon it since.

You Tube can be a great resource. There is bad advice out there, so if something seems wonky, maybe cross reference with a trusted source.

Summit can be a great place to get parts from, especially if you get over the $100 mark for free shipping.