Builds Big Red Toy (2 Viewers)

[GLTHFJ60]

on a separate note, started my first batch of biodiesel. It's not a huge quantity, just enough to get the process down.

Your brake lines look good, but I'm jealous that you're starting your first batch of bio. I want to do that too!

Here's a question for the diesel guys. My rig usually runs at 190*. With the AC on it can get up to 200* on a hot day. Today with the Texas summer heat at its peak and the ac running and me accelerating hard I managed to get to 210*, but it would go back to 200ish when I'm cruising again. Now I don't feel any change/loss in power or boost or anything, ( yes my EGTs are still kinda high), but I'm wondering what's the normal operating temp supposed to be? I tried looking at 4btswaps, but there are too many different answers and too many other variables. I want to know what the guys with Land cruisers and 4bts are getting. Thanks.

This is going to be a disappointing answer, but it's the only one I've got. I put my factory 2F temp gauge (from the back of the head) into the back of the head on my 4BT. The 4BT ALWAYS runs cooler than the 2F did. I am at the 1/4 mark ALL the time, unless it's >90* outside and I'm off-roading.

What temp does the 1/4 mark on the factory dummy gauge roughly translate to?

My electric radiator fans did not switch on once this past winter. I mean s***, I drove around for the first couple of months without them even hooked up! That's how cool mine runs.

 

[The Phoenician]

Johnny,
Have you noticed it running cooler since you regeared to 3.7s? Are your EGTs lower or the same? Other than slight increase in speed what else has changed since you re-geared?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Johnny,
Have you noticed it running cooler since you regeared to 3.7s? Are your EGTs lower or the same? Other than slight increase in speed what else has changed since you re-geared?

Everything is quieter at speed now due to the decrease in RPMs. I find that my driving style had to change as I was lugging the motor too much right after I put the 3.73s in. I changed so much so quickly that I don't think I can give a good before + after comparison, but I would expect that the motor has to work a bit harder to get up to speed than before, so EGTs should be higher until I'm at speed.

If I'm at speed, then EGTs are cool. Going up hills on the highway (70-75mph), I can easily hit 1200* and if I'm not paying attention, it'll climb right up past 1200*. Got it up to ~1275* once when I wasn't paying attention

Remember, my boost is still limited to ~10psi because I haven't fixed it the wastegate or boost leaks in my crossover tube, nor am I running an intercooler.

 

[davegonz]

I don't think my EGT's changed much when I regeard to 3.73's. The big change was going from the H1C to the HX30W.

As far as engine temps in this heat (105F yesterday). I can't give you an exact temperature since I'm running the stock 80 series temp gauge. It never goes past the half way mark...even when boosting 20 psi up a hill with the AC on.

 

[The Phoenician]

Johnny,
So now I'm thinking maybe I should stay with 4.1 if EGTs get higher while accelerating sine this will affect my off-roading capabilities. I Can hit 1300 easy, but try to keep it at or below 1000. It climbs with hills of course. My waste gate seems to be set at or around 16. You can really feel the boost above 10 PSI, but by then I usually have to let off because the EGTs exceed 1000*.

Dave
Yesterday was freaking hot, and Big Red felt it. But like I said no drop in power or anything, just an increase in temp. So tell me more about the change in EGT when you switched turbos.

I'm also rethinking getting lockers. Last time I went wheeling I didn't need them and I did some challenging trails. I don't foresee myself doing anything harder, and this is more of an expeditionary rig rather than a rock crawler. I will however eventually get a larger inner cooler. The one I have looks better on a civic than a land cruiser.
I have real bills to pay, but this is what I spend my money and time on. I should run for office.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Johnny,
So now I'm thinking maybe I should stay with 4.1 if EGTs get higher while accelerating sine this will affect my off-roading capabilities. I Can hit 1300 easy, but try to keep it at or below 1000. It climbs with hills of course. My waste gate seems to be set at or around 16. You can really feel the boost above 10 PSI, but by then I usually have to let off because the EGTs exceed 1000*.

Dave
Yesterday was freaking hot, and Big Red felt it. But like I said no drop in power or anything, just an increase in temp. So tell me more about the change in EGT when you switched turbos.

I'm also rethinking getting lockers. Last time I went wheeling I didn't need them and I did some challenging trails. I don't foresee myself doing anything harder, and this is more of an expeditionary rig rather than a rock crawler. I will however eventually get a larger inner cooler. The one I have looks better on a civic than a land cruiser.
I have real bills to pay, but this is what I spend my money and time on. I should run for office.

From what I've read, 1200* is safe for small jaunts, not extended usage. When cruising down the road, I try to keep my consistent EGT below 1000*, but I don't see a problem with 1200* for a minute or so. I didn't have any issues doing that driving from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY and back last month, nor did I have issues going from Raleigh, NC to Pine Grove, PA two weeks later.

EGTs are a non-concern when off-roading, unless you're speeding through the desert. You're going too slow to put enough load on the motor to get the EGTs to move much at all. A good cooling system becomes important when off-roading, EGT concerns fall off. I don't think I saw my EGTs above 750* while off-roading at Coal Mine Cruiser Classic last month, and it was 90*+ ambient temp.

Lockers are a good thing when off-roading. Even if you don't think you need them, the one time you find yourself stuck, you'll be glad you invested in the lockers.

 

[davegonz]

Johnny,
So now I'm thinking maybe I should stay with 4.1 if EGTs get higher while accelerating sine this will affect my off-roading capabilities. I Can hit 1300 easy, but try to keep it at or below 1000. It climbs with hills of course. My waste gate seems to be set at or around 16. You can really feel the boost above 10 PSI, but by then I usually have to let off because the EGTs exceed 1000*.

Dave
Yesterday was freaking hot, and Big Red felt it. But like I said no drop in power or anything, just an increase in temp. So tell me more about the change in EGT when you switched turbos.

I'm also rethinking getting lockers. Last time I went wheeling I didn't need them and I did some challenging trails. I don't foresee myself doing anything harder, and this is more of an expeditionary rig rather than a rock crawler. I will however eventually get a larger inner cooler. The one I have looks better on a civic than a land cruiser.
I have real bills to pay, but this is what I spend my money and time on. I should run for office.

My EGT's went down with the HX30W because it now takes less fuel to get up to boost. The H1C needed way more RPMs before I got any meaningful boost numbers.

I'm running an air/water intercooler setup with a dedicated radiator/fan upfront. So in stop and go traffic, my setup is still cooling due to the fan.

 

[The Phoenician]

From what I've read, 1200* is safe for small jaunts, not extended usage. When cruising down the road, I try to keep my consistent EGT below 1000*, but I don't see a problem with 1200* for a minute or so. I didn't have any issues doing that driving from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY and back last month, nor did I have issues going from Raleigh, NC to Pine Grove, PA two weeks later.

EGTs are a non-concern when off-roading, unless you're speeding through the desert. You're going too slow to put enough load on the motor to get the EGTs to move much at all. A good cooling system becomes important when off-roading, EGT concerns fall off. I don't think I saw my EGTs above 750* while off-roading at Coal Mine Cruiser Classic last month, and it was 90*+ ambient temp.

Lockers are a good thing when off-roading. Even if you don't think you need them, the one time you find yourself stuck, you'll be glad you invested in the lockers.

my EGTs were about 700 ish when off roading too, I'll remember to document this weekend. So what temp do you feel safe driving for extended periods, 1000, 1100?
My concern with regearing is, if it's not gonna affect EGT then I rather have the 4.1 for off roading. You're right about lockers, I've only needed to use them once in Iraq, but could have made it across without them ( I think). It's great to have, I'm just trying to justify the expense.

 

[davegonz]

Since this is going to be an expo truck primarily and you live in Texas (long ass drives), I would regear to help lower your RPMs on the highway. The truck has a ton of torque with that engine, so 3.73's shouldn't affect your low speed off-roading performance all that much. Besides, it's an easy upgrade to do if you can source complete third members.

 

[The Phoenician]

My EGT's went down with the HX30W because it now takes less fuel to get up to boost. The H1C needed way more RPMs before I got any meaningful boost numbers.

I'm running an air/water intercooler setup with a dedicated radiator/fan upfront. So in stop and go traffic, my setup is still cooling due to the fan.

Dave you know I like your setup, even with the automatic. My fan runs constantly, in spring it was harder to get the engine to 190. I think with a bigger air inner cooler I should alleviate some heat issues. I don't think I'd be able to hook up an air water inner cooler with mine.

 

[The Phoenician]

Since this is going to be an expo truck primarily and you live in Texas (long ass drives), I would regear to help lower your RPMs on the highway. The truck has a ton of torque with that engine, so 3.73's shouldn't affect your low speed off-roading performance all that much. Besides, it's an easy upgrade to do if you can source complete third members.

You're right, I think I'll do the rear first, drive it around for a week or two and see how I feel about it. If I like it, I'll do the front. In the meanwhile save money for lockers ( if I decide I need them) or a bad ass rear bumper. Hope you change your mind and come out this weekend.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

my EGTs were about 700 ish when off roading too, I'll remember to document this weekend. So what temp do you feel safe driving for extended periods, 1000, 1100?
My concern with regearing is, if it's not gonna affect EGT then I rather have the 4.1 for off roading. You're right about lockers, I've only needed to use them once in Iraq, but could have made it across without them ( I think). It's great to have, I'm just trying to justify the expense.

I think that 1000 is safe for extended use, but you can probably run 1100 extended. I'm definitely not the expert on long-term EGTs though.

Since this is going to be an expo truck primarily and you live in Texas (long ass drives), I would regear to help lower your RPMs on the highway. The truck has a ton of torque with that engine, so 3.73's shouldn't affect your low speed off-roading performance all that much. Besides, it's an easy upgrade to do if you can source complete third members.

The difference between 4.10 and 3.70 gears is not that much with our motor. David is right. The 3.70 gears will make enough of a difference on-road, getting your motor right in the middle of the powerband, that it's worth the negligible hit in final drive offroad.

You're right, I think I'll do the rear first, drive it around for a week or two and see how I feel about it. If I like it, I'll do the front. In the meanwhile save money for lockers ( if I decide I need them) or a bad ass rear bumper.

Good idea

 

[The Phoenician]

I went out with the local guys to Hidden Falls this weekend. We had lots of fun. We had 2 Wranglers and a Gwagen with us. I must say I have an even better respect for Gwagens now, the wranglers not so much as one lost it's front drive shaft. The other wrangler did very well and in some cases the driver helped guide me.

I learned the value of good brakes, will be saving up for a rear disk conversion now. I must admit, I hate all the off camber stuff, my rig doesn't do so well on that. I paid attention to the EGTs, the entire time they didn't go above 450. I guess it's only high when I'm speeding.

This is the first picture we took before heading out. I think we're missing a truck in that pic.


This one is following the pack up a hill, the camera never shows how truly steep the inclines or declines are


At the top


This is the only damage I suffered. The wheel got stuffed in the wheel well pushing it inwards a bit. Nothing that cant be fixed.


Finally my two favorite rigs. The 40 was easily the most built truck there, but the Gwagen with it's near stock set up was able to go anywhere.



Here are a few videos, the other guys also took some and I'm still sorting through mine. Will post as they come available. The first link shows the need for 4 disc brakes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuCmFHP6GkA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pspNpCYj8js

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cclRFc3Q8WA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwxSX7MufO8

 

[The Phoenician]

here's a few more pictures I loaded.


My two dream vehicles


Following Mike's 80 down the trail


Where the wrangler lost it's drive shaft. It's the same spot Big Red Free fell into in the video


The 40 that helped get it out


Easily the best behaved dog and biggest wheeling fan out there.

 

[robustbambi]

sweet pics! that wheeling looks awesome. And i especially like that old G. Id love to have one.

 

[The Phoenician]

There are a couple of videos of that Old G doing some crazy stuff, I'll eventually post them once I'm done with finals. That thing went everywhere. At one point I thought the driver was going to break his front axle.

 

[robustbambi]

I believe ya. Id just just swap a couple mog portals under there and some 40s and be on my way lol.

 

[The Phoenician]

Here are two more pictures of Big Red that got posted on the local club site. Will upload that Gwagen video and that wrangler video in a little bit.

 

[cruisedeisel]

love the truck, please paint those bead locks black or?

 

[The Phoenician]

love the truck, please paint those bead locks black or?

Thanks. The wheel color didn't quite come out the way i imagined it. It's low on the to do list, but I need to change them. Once everything else gets done I guess.

Edit
Scratch that, boss man said no wasting money on repainting.