Let me know if you want to borrow the ratcheting wrench for the rear shocks, I have them. Some have cut holes in the rear to take on/off the rear shocks, but I was able to get it , albeit slowly with the ratcheting wrench.
Back In the Fold
- Thread starter juane
- Start date
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- #22
Thanks! I appreciate that but I've got a set of those things - my favorite tools.
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- #23
Stage 1 complete!
After 9 weeks on jack stands outside in the dead of a San Luis Valley winter.
New suspension (control arms, torsion bars, springs, remote reservoir shocks), brakes, gears (4.8:1), front air locker and a host of maintenance issues.
Whew.
Love the way it rides.
Next: alignment, tires and exhaust.
After 9 weeks on jack stands outside in the dead of a San Luis Valley winter.
New suspension (control arms, torsion bars, springs, remote reservoir shocks), brakes, gears (4.8:1), front air locker and a host of maintenance issues.
Whew.
Love the way it rides.
Next: alignment, tires and exhaust.
The "like" button is too small.
Looks great - get it wrapped up and let's go wheeling!
- Thread starter
- #26
A visit to Slee Off Road is always fun.
Just because one can, doesn't mean one should^^^^^^^^ Holey Moley, that thing is hideous.
- Thread starter
- #28
Nice, even new drawer system. Anything you aren't going to have when you are done?
What are you doing with all those stock old spare parts?
You need to update your signature because it's certainly not 'bone stock' anymore. Plus, I was hoping to see all your mods summarized in one place.
- Thread starter
- #32
Ha! Money in the bank.
- Thread starter
- #33
The dump. Except the torsion bars - those make nice wind chimes.
Need anything?
I don't need anything but I'd hate to see potentially useful parts go to the dump if I can use them.
Solid work. No wasted time. Get back on the horse and rock it.
- Thread starter
- #36
Well, let's see, my goal for this rig is as back country camping and exploring vehicle. My requirements include excellent highway manners and at the same time reasonable off-roading ability -that is to approach with confidence most situations encountered on back roads (no longer interested in actively seeking out challenges
). So, suspension: A comfortable, stable and compliant ride, both on road and off including as much articulation as I can get with an IFS vehicle. Toward that aim I went with aftermarket front upper control arms to increase wheel drop, replaced all the rear control arms, including panhard rod - to gain more articulation, strength (the lowers especially) and improved bushings.
Heavy springs and torsion bars, of course, and remote reservoir shocks for much improved damping over standard aftermarket shocks. And I gained about 2.5 inches of height to fit larger tires (33s). So far, I am impressed with the ride, both on and off.
Then of course, the usual armor - my third Cruiser with Slee bumpers - heavy and expensive but well engineered. Need these for protection, extraction and accessory mounts (winch - ComeUp 12.5 with synthetic rope), gas cans, spare tire and Hilift jack. Plus, they just look so cool!
I am going with different sliders this time, ran into Trail Tailor on Mud and was impressed with the design and Jason's customer service.
Needed to replace that weak front differential - so that meant a locker. I went with the old standby ARB but now wishing I had done some more research and looked at electric. Especially as I intend to wire an 80 series dual locker factory switch if I can figure it out. ARB means air lines, compressor and complication. Oh well. (I have factory rear locker).
I originally thought about 35 inch tires so I went with 4.88s gears. That might have been another mistake. I decided against 35's as not being worth the trouble - the weight, the expense, the component stress and above all clearance issues. And if I'm not looking to rock crawl why do I need such a big tire? I think the stock gearing is already pretty low (4.30) which would have been fine with 33's I suppose. With 4.88s I'll have plenty of power and off-road gearing at the expense of fuel economy. Oh well.
What else?
The drawers. In the past I've built my own shelf systems as a firm believer of doubling the floor space and having secure, out of the way storage for recovery gear and tools I always carry. These were lots of work to design and build so this time I splurged on these ARBs. Glad I did - they are the cat's meow. UPS just delivered some tie-down rails I'm going to mount on the ARB deck to secure an ice chest and other heavy and bulky camping items.
Dual batteries are a must for peace of mind. Have not decided on battery brand or controller.
Roof rack for sure, undecided on vendor.
Other than that....nothing major left except odds and ends and maintenance issues. The sun roof does not work, the AC seems wonky.
Oh, and to fix my Mud signature line!
- Thread starter
- #37
Oh, and what the hell is with with the keys?
I'd seen reference to key problems but did not know what that meant until yesterday.
Snapped right in two.
What's the solution? Beno - do I need to buy new keys from you?
And should I be worried about coil packs?
I'd seen reference to key problems but did not know what that meant until yesterday.
Snapped right in two.
What's the solution? Beno - do I need to buy new keys from you?
And should I be worried about coil packs?
NO solution really, if you want the key/remote features you just have to keep replacing them once a year or two. I generally keep spares, they can be bought cheap, and also keep a plain metal key as well. That way if it breaks, I can use the plain key, and just tape the fob to hold together, and leave it on the keychain.
Other options:
Camry style key, works but you lose remote functions.
A mud vendor sells a 3d printed fob holder, just for the remote, then use a real metal key.
I'm getting sick of it too, I think I am just going to order one of the fob holders: 3D Printed Key Fob - Bye Bye Cracked OEM Shells
Other options:
Camry style key, works but you lose remote functions.
A mud vendor sells a 3d printed fob holder, just for the remote, then use a real metal key.
I'm getting sick of it too, I think I am just going to order one of the fob holders: 3D Printed Key Fob - Bye Bye Cracked OEM Shells
alia176
SILVER Star
It'd be good to run some trails with you Juan. Please post up trail runs in CO and we'll try to join up.
- Thread starter
- #40
Absolutely Ali!
I'll be watching the snow levels and let you know. Lots of day trips from here - some of which I know you have done.
And we have a great place to stage from, centrally located with lovely camping in our yard.
