Best Mods under $50... (2 Viewers)

[freepowder]

What, specifically, does the vac gauge tell you that can impact engine health and/or mileage - that you can do something about?

Where are you measuring vacuum?

I'm desmogged and I'm using one of the nipples on the three way fitting on the manifold just in front of the carb. The other two are plugged Best if you come directly off the manifold--who knows what sorts of weird crap the carb ports are doing.

A vacuum gauge can tell you if (obviously) if you have a vacuum leak, your ignition timing is off, your valves are mal-adjusted (the more expensive gauges will recommend a good shrink), if your head gasket is blown, you oil is diluted or your rings are shot. See the chart

If you drive it so the the vacuum stays as high as possible you'll get better fuel mileage. One example of how it helps--there's meandering road that goes over some gentle hills on the way to my house. I used to chug down it in fourth gear. When I do that and watch the vac gauge I'm pulling about 4" of vacuum. Same rode, same speed in 3rd gear I'm pulling about 13" vacuum. Since I've had the gauge I've burned less than half a tank and have 145 miles on the clock, I'm thinking maybe 18 mpg and that on a rig with 297xxx miles on it. AND the valves need adjusted.

At idle my rig pulls 14-15", rock steady. I'm at about 7000' elevation which accounts for the lower number I think, that and the mileage.

 

[freepowder]

I have been wanting a vacuum gauge for a while now. If you had any vacuum leaks it would be obvious. His vacuum is spot on ~20.

I like the mounting spot. Clever!

I had one on my FJ55 and I could coax 20-21mpg out of it if I drove by the gauge and didn't try to go too fast.

Not exactly spot on at 20" I was coasting down a hill when I shot the pic.
Still I pull 15" rock steady at idle and can get it to sit on about 13" rolling on the level if I'm in the right gear for the speed. Rig's got 297xxx and I'm at 7000'--check the altimeter on the GPS.

I was scratching my head trying to figure out where to mount it, came across some double stick foam tape in the junk drawer and was gonna mount it on the winshield pillar but the angle was all wrong, where it's at was the next place I looked. And no screw ups uh, I mean holes.

 

[freepowder]

I have been wanting a vacuum gauge for a while now. If you had any vacuum leaks it would be obvious. His vacuum is spot on ~20.

I like the mounting spot. Clever!

Didja catch the $27 on Amazon including install kit and bezel? Thought that was pretty righteous. I do have Amazon Prime though, not sure what difference that makes.

 

[klinetime574]

Thats a pretty sweet deal. I have Prime as well. May have to look into that...

That chart you posted is pretty neat too. Saved it to my HD.

I don't have the "gas filter" on the intake. Just an adapter plug thingy (1/8" BSPT to 1/8" NPT)

 

[lovetoski]

Do you ever find that the transfer case lever is too far away, or your right arm is too weak?

Well, maybe it's just that the transfer case lever is too short!

This is the 3" extension. Works great.

Shifter extension - Micro Image - parts and networking for small cars

$20 mod, 2 minute install (which includes finding your keys, walking outside and unlocking the door).

 

[Firephil]

Do you ever find that the transfer case lever is too far away, or your right arm is too weak?

Its called get a gym membership you Nancy

 

[Mountain Goat]

My tailgate carpet panel was trashed by a chemical leak. I replaced it with a rigid plastic panel and PVC "diamond plate". The new panel is trimmed with a self adhesive vinyl edge channel.

Looks .

 

[lovetoski]

My tailgate carpet panel was trashed by a chemical leak. I replaced it with a rigid plastic panel and PVC "diamond plate". The new panel is trimmed with a self adhesive vinyl edge channel.

Looks .

Need a pic!!!

 

[Tapage]

Do you ever find that the transfer case lever is too far away, or your right arm is too weak?

Well, maybe it's just that the transfer case lever is too short!

This is the 3" extension. Works great.

Shifter extension - Micro Image - parts and networking for small cars

$20 mod, 2 minute install (which includes finding your keys, walking outside and unlocking the door).

that's nice .. the only issue I'm seen there it's when in L4 your knob will stick much more closer to your passenger left leg ..

 

[lovetoski]

that's nice .. the only issue I'm seen there it's when in L4 your knob will stick much more closer to your passenger left leg ..

Don't know how big a deal that will be...but will test it next week on a 4 day trip. I got the 3" extension, there is also a 2" one available. From just sitting in the passenger seat I think it's ok, but bouncing around on rough trails will be the real test.

 

[klinetime574]

Tapage I didn't think about that. I think the extension is a neat idea. Twin sticks would eliminate any possibility of bumping. My brother hits the shifter every time were off roading. So I'd probably do twin sticks if I get a 5 speed

 

[lovetoski]

Tapage I didn't think about that. I think the extension is a neat idea. Twin sticks would eliminate any possibility of bumping. My brother hits the shifter every time were off roading. So I'd probably do twin sticks if I get a 5 speed

I like the twin stick setup a lot - but that would exceed the $50 limit on this thread!

 

[klinetime574]

I like the twin stick setup a lot - but that would exceed the $50 limit on this thread!

Doh. You're right haha

 

[Chriedwa]

Adjustable front seat covers. Cabelas Trail Gear. They occasionally run them on sale for $19 and some change each. Throw in about $8 shipping and it's still under $50.

 

[franklin40]

I did the seat cover thing but I'd put it on my worst mod list. they kept bunching up and sliding off. real pita if you ask me. they didn't even really look that good. make sure they have good attachment straps if you do get them. mine are in the landfill now where they belong

 

[freepowder]

I did the seat cover thing but I'd put it on my worst mod list. they kept bunching up and sliding off. real pita if you ask me. they didn't even really look that good. make sure they have good attachment straps if you do get them. mine are in the landfill now where they belong

Go get ye a bag o' those wee small bungee cords. Under the seat run one left front to right rear, one right front to left rear and one center front to the bottom middle of the seat back. Maybe a couple from the bottom corners of the seat back if needed. That'll tighten up the cheapest, crappiest seat covers. Just punch the hooks through the fabric.

With the leftovers you can rig some seat belt bottom holder-uppers, rig one across the gap under the sides of the front seats to keep your WD-40 can from sliding out, rig some hooks and run some on the rear kick pannels to hold your oil and antifreeze cans in place. . . I'm sure there's more.

 

[Chriedwa]

I did the seat cover thing but I'd put it on my worst mod list. they kept bunching up and sliding off. real pita if you ask me. they didn't even really look that good. make sure they have good attachment straps if you do get them. mine are in the landfill now where they belong

Must have been "user error". Mine are firmly in place.

 

[montanaflying]

I just hooked my keys to my wallet..that stopped that...plus its a lot easier to find the keys with a wallet attached to them...

My keys just fall right out, they never get a chance to rattle, if it gets to that point they've already vibrated out right onto the floor mat

 

[jfnall]

I've got 4 sets of these cabelas seat covers on different trucks. The material is tough and lasts a long time. They fit snug when installed correctly. Repel water. They are a little bit of a trick to take off and wash, but once a year usually is fine.

 

[gothodgie]

i could use some inexspensive seat covers... Where are you guys ordering them from?