This thread is designed to 2nd gen owners a basic idea of how to install a 14x3 chrome air cleaner on thier Truck.
It isn't a written in stone approach but there shouldn't be a lot of variables.
One thing to consider is that if you decide to use a "flat" base rather than the recessed one I use, you'll be limited to a 2 inch tall filter element unless you have a body lift.
Anyway here are the basic components to my system.
1st is the recessed base with the breather adapter hose that connects to my pass side valve cover. Some owners prefer not to run plumbing and press a regular breather into the hole on the valvecover but I like my pcv system to function as designed by the OEM.
This is one of tricky parts. With a recessed base you'll need an air cleaner spacer to lift up the base enough to clear the T/B linkage and for my pcv plumbing to clear the IAT.
I'm not into plastic spacers, so I purchased this 1 inch aluminum one online. You need to make sure you use an air cleaner to TB gasket on each side of the spacer!
Obviously you must remove the original air cleaner to install the new one. I had to cut and slice in a couple of adapters to make my smog hose work.
There's also a small screw protruding out from underside the cowl. Cut it flush with the cowl to get your clearance for the back of the lid. You'll also have to tie the wire looms back a bit.
The next trick is to slide the base and filter together onto the TB, then slip the adapter in there. A little super glue or setup black rtv will hold the top adapter gasket in place. Snake the smog tube in behind the IAC and under the trans cable. It's tricky but not difficult.
Here's an installed shot.
Here's a better shot of the wire ties and beather tube. Dirty motor in need of cleaning...my bad!
You'll have to make a "S" bolt...about 3/4 inch center to center. Clean the threads with a chaser when done.
Here's the lid...slide it on top, fit it to the filter element and tighten it down with a nut or wing nut. Make sure the AC to TB gaskets didn't move.
One thing you can't see in this photo is the pitting in the cheap *** chinese chrome...this was caused by the cowl rubber seal falling off and rain water collecting on the filter top. Make sure to glue that seal on with some black RTV so you can remove it if you need to.
