Freshened up the front end by repainting the front bumper, grill and surrounding parts.

 PSC steering pump ended up failing. So, I purchased a steering pump from Trail Gear. I also installed a PS fluid filter from Amazon.

Got the PSC power steering pump (PSC-SP1200X) and PSC 4.5" pulley (PP2401) finally mounted, aligned and plumbed. I had to reroute some lines, add additional JIC fittings (#10 and #6), make some spacers and shim with spacers to make it all work. In the end, I now have a hi-flow PS pump that should work well with my hydro assist set-up. Right before the PS upgrade, I changed my timing belt and water pump.

Next up on the list of upgrades, upgrade the steering system. This includes larger remote reservoir (completed), installing a new hi-flow PS pump from PSC and installing a 4.5" 6 rib pulley from PSC. Also, on the list of things to do; timing belt replacement and continue with the 14 bolt rebuild. For the 14 bolt, I'm installing 4.88 gears and a GM factory gov lock posi.

Was in the process of replacing some ball joints on the HP44 and it ended up becoming a complete rebuild of the front axle. From the seals, bearings to the traction system. Ended up replacing the upper and lower ball joints from AC Delco. This was based on recommendations from members on P4x4. Replaced all the seals, bearings and races. Replaced the lockright locker for a detroit truetrac. Converted the wheel hubs from 6 lug to 8 lug.

Updated pic prior to converting the front axle to 8 lug...

After selling and bartering parts, I was able to finally get a set of 37" Goodyear military OZ tires and 16.5" Weld aluminum wheels. I've had these tires before, but had re-centered H1 steel wheels. They were heavy... I sold them and went back down to 35's. Until now. With 35's I always felt like there something missing and the 37's helped fill that missing gap. Like I did with my previous set, I grooved the center lugs to help with traction on and off the road. On to the pics...