'93 80 vs. '97 LX

[ChaseTruck]

'93 - time to tackle the A/C issue... not sure the gasket is supposed to look like this.
The fluorescence photograph is from some time last year, showing the leaks...

Looks like I need better snap ring pliers, and a set of 3/8" drive Allen wrenches...

Rebuild kit procured from 1972FJ55, I believe formerly known as 'Coolstream'...

 

[ChaseTruck]

'93 - continued...

all new seals in the A/C compressor now; no parts left over, had to source O-rings for the lines from O'Reillys, though.

 

[Jeppers]

For a fuse box i grabbed one out of a 90's grand cherokee, has i think 6 relays in it and a bunch of fuses. Came with a mounting bracket that allows you to slide the whole thing in a out , but holds it securely in place. It was cheap and I was able to fill it with relays and fuses when i got it.

 

[ChaseTruck]

Here's the link that was posted earlier:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-...nstall-auxiliary-fuse-box-less-than-20-a.html
I didn't feel I wanted to pick a fuse box apart; we'll see how my panel holds up.

 

[ChaseTruck]

OK. Continued tinkering on the '93. Finally got the winch into the Shortbus bumper...

Wiring on the back side.

I kept the winch clocked one notch froward, and did the lock for the rope as before.

 

[ChaseTruck]

'93...

So. I really, really dislike dealing with A/C systems in my trucks.
New compressor is in. Re-sealed the old one, reinstalled, systems doesn't hold a vacuum. Take it back out, find that I now have a crack in the rear mount . Beno to the rescue, new compressor.

New compressor installed, system doesn't hold vacuum; doesn't hold pressure, either. Dish soap/water sez nothing under the hood shows bubbles when the system is pressurized, Schraders are tight as well. All I hear is a faint hiss in the passenger side footwell...

Evaporator + expansion valve are out now... and I found the leak

 

[ChaseTruck]

...and 4 new O-rings seemed to have fixed it.

Blue foam = bathroom cleaner; more better...

 

[ChaseTruck]

93 - getting there with the radio setup. CB and 2m are powered off the new aux fuse block off the battery. I turned the battery-ground-to-body connection into a stud, and that's where I get ground for the radios. The 2m has an inline fuse in the ground as well. Antenna for the CB is a Firestik; for the 2m, it'll be a 1/4 wavelength whip with a mag mount on the roof - for now.
I need to build a mounting plate, but both radios will fit between the seats back there.View attachment 877846

 

[ChaseTruck]

Well, the plan was to go 'wheeling in AZ today - alas, weather in Houston last nite, no go; stuck in BTR.

So instead, continued fiddling on the '93, and it looks like I've got the radios mounted as planned.

Aluminum plate to fit between the seats, velcro to mount the plate to the console, and an aluminum brace on each side. I think the velcro should dampen any vibrations, and with the braces, it should be relatively sturdy. Doesn't impede the adjustment range of the front seats, and barely intrudes into the rear legroom. I've only had a fully occupied truck on a single occasion, so no problem there.

 

[Tools R Us]

See what happens when you're stuck at home!

 

[ChaseTruck]

See what happens when you're stuck at home!

I have noticed over the past few years that all the interesting trail runs in the Hewitt Station area tend to happen when I'm elsewhere...

I'm beginning to suspect some sort of conspiracy. I'll have to do something about that, and soon...

 

[Tools R Us]

If you weren't lollygagging at home, could have gotten something productive done!

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/even-more-hewitt-station-signing-3-29-2014.800572/

 

[ChaseTruck]

So, got to drive the LX for a change, first up to Payson and back to Phoenix, and then around Mesa/Chandler for some hauling duties.

The LX has a short lift and 285 Yokohama ATs, but no caster correction, so I was curious how it would feel on the long downhill sweepers coming down Hwy 87 from Payson. My perception is that the LX doesn't track quite as straight as the '93 does with a similar lift and yellow bushings, but that to me it really doesn't present a problem that I'd be inclined to tackle right away. Compared to the K5, the LX tracks darn straight...

Disclaimer: the caster correction discussion debacles on this board are enough already - this is just my observation / seat of the pants feedback

I can also report that the LX rides actually a bit nicer with both an NP205 and an NP241 transfer case in the very back ; this was confirmed the next day when the load consisted of 2 NP203 range boxes, some broken Chevy 1/2-ton axle shafts from an adventure in Pritchett, and other assorted metal leftovers that held down the garage floor long enough. So, it's a bit oversprung in the back for now; we'll see if that'll present itself as an issue on any trails. As the FJ40 is getting closer to being the primary trail truck again, I doubt that the LX suspension is going to be a grave cause of concern.

 

[ChaseTruck]

The 80 is a 4-seater again.

Looks nice, smells nice.
But I can't help thinking that taking on the leather project was a mistake.

Someone else will have to do the leather on the LX.

 

[ChaseTruck]

Apparently, we had Emergency Cheerios stashed away in the passenger rear sear

Anyways, rear seats done:

 

[ChaseTruck]

One more...

Leftover parts...

...and unexpected finds under the passenger front seat:

If I presume that this is from the previous owner, then I wonder what excuse Bossman would have for himself...

Anyways, one day later, and I've got the driver's side front done as well.

 

[ChaseTruck]

'93: seats almost done (back caps still missing for the front seats)

'97: turns out four 37x12.5R17 BFG ATs fit in the back just so...

 

[richardlillard1]

Looks great! How do you have your iPad mounted?

 

[ChaseTruck]

This is the mount that's in there now; secured with the seat bolt:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00585CLSQ/?tag=ihco-20

Disclaimer: I don't think this is suitable for use on the trail, it wobbles way too much. But it works for street driving.

 

[DSRTRDR]

I get in the LX this morning and the CEL comes on and stays on

truck runs fine, no time to check for code, gotta make it to the dentist appointment - afterwards I figure out how to read it off the Ultragauge: PO510; and I even manage to clear the light

I was on my way to Tools's shop anyway code turns out to be "Closed throttle position switch" - Tools: "that's pretty rare" - did some electrical testing, the switch is bad - Rosie the parts truck came to the rescue