Builds chap79's Build Thread (4 Viewers)

[landtank]

ill assume those springs are there to carry weight. So when loaded the truck will track better.

 

[chap79]

Yes, not because I want it to ride like a gravel truck. My truck was purpose built, expedition travel over the southwest deserts carry all supplies for 5-7 days. With the ability to drive black diamond trails when I get the wild hair while fully loaded.

 

[chap79]

Tracking down a rattle/squeak that had developed recently on the passenger side in or near the door. The noise was present with the window both in the up or down position Sitting in the passenger seat and pushing on the door panel with the door closed duplicated the noise. Upon inspection it looks like the aftermarket speaker grill is just rubbing the dash. Strange that this just started, these speaker have been installed for about 3 years.

A little piece of the felt side of some adhesive velcro and all is silent again.

 

[chap79]

Thanks to @SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr for making me paranoid about the age of my stock fan since I had recently replaced my radiator. Replaced the original 21 year old fan that had 266k miles on it with a new one this morning.

 

[RFB]

Next came the Mud induced obsessive baselining . Actually this is something I've always budgeted for when purchasing a used vehicle. Brakes, hoses, belts, fluids, plugs, wires, cap & rotor, PCV, etc...

LSPV corrosion
View attachment 1447008

oil pump o-ring
View attachment 1447009

plugs, cap, rotor, dizzy o-ring, and hi-lift rebuild
View attachment 1447016

fuel pump sock
View attachment 1447018

thats a mighty fine looking torque wrench

 

[RFB]

Round 3. We’ll see how long these ones last.

View attachment 1778744

where did you score the DC DS and are those yota u joints?

 

[chap79]

thats a mighty fine looking torque wrench

https://www.itorque.com/online-store/Mechanical-Dial-Torque-Wrench-0-350-ft-lb-p52073396

It’s paid for itself even the few times I’ve had to use it. Kind of like the shop press.

 

[chap79]

where did you score the DC DS and are those yota u joints?

It’s a Wit’s End driveshaft.

 

[RFB]

View attachment 1776501

It’s been a while since I’ve gotten out and done any wheeling. But this weekend we went out to Big Bear and ran 3N69, Gold Mountain. I’ve run this trail many times and have never had any issues. Usually all you need is 33’s, sliders, skid plates, and a rear locker. With that setup you can take the easier lines and not have any real issues.

View attachment 1776503
We had a built dual locked 40, my 80, a dual locked armored 80 on 285’s, and an opened diffed heep in our group. (I didn’t know the Jeep was opened diff until he was stuck on the first obstacle.) In any case, even with a good spotter, I managed to catch my rear driveshaft on a rock while cresting the ledge shelf taking the far left line.

In all of our groups defense, this trail is currently in the roughest condition I’ve ever seen it in. No pics of the trail, just my dented rear driveshaft. This has not been my year for driveshafts.

View attachment 1776499 View attachment 1776500

I trash driveshafts quite often, so your not alone.

 

[chap79]

Replaced the spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor today at 266k. Picture of parts numbers and parts replaced for future reference.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Replaced the spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor today at 266k. Picture of parts numbers and parts replaced for future reference.

View attachment 1798926 View attachment 1798928

What about plug leads?

 

[chap79]

What about plug leads?

Plug wires (high tension cords) are only 2 years old and ohm out within specs. No need to replace.

 

[chap79]

Couple of pics from this weekend (trying not to picture wh0re) of the current look of the rig. Wheeling and exploring in the Old Dale area north of Joshua Tree National Park, this is such a great area that is a hidden gem. Doesn’t get nearly the amount of travel that Anza Borrego or Ocotillo Wells get starting this time of year.

It’s really hard to beat a desert sunset.

 

[chap79]

Overall the truck performed very well as to be expected. I did notice that my shocks are probably due for replacement. There’s over 30k on the current set with over 5k in abusive off-road miles.

Also I still have driveline vibrations that I want to chase down. Looks like I’ll be pulling driveshafts today to try and isolate which one.

Perhaps a part time kit is in my future...

 

[chap79]

Mondays... chase down one thing to discover another.

today at 267,236 miles.

 

[chap79]

Found the plastic headlight polish in the garage so I gave the turn signals and marker lights a once over. I hadn’t realized the turn signals were that bad.

(Yes, my dog has light blue almost white eyes, the contrast exposure isn’t helping here).

 

[baldilocks]

Looking good! I also place a lot of importance in restoration, perhaps more so than mods even though mods are more fun.
Now you have me thinking about my cooling fan with 286k. I just replaced my radiator and the fan looked great. I need to stay off Mud........

 

[chap79]

Looking good! I also place a lot of importance in restoration, perhaps more so than mods even though mods are more fun.
Now you have me thinking about my cooling fan with 286k. I just replaced my radiator and the fan looked great. I need to stay off Mud........

Well Steve, mud OCD is a real thing. I've attached my current maintenance and expenses for my '97 for you to view. It's nice to see how and where I've spent money over the years. Though the total amount is was a little surprising. It's amazing how fast the total increases

At least I was honest with the and told her this build was happening before we were married.

 

[baldilocks]

Oh, it’s real alright! My expense sheet looks similar. I’m about to buy a second file cabinet just for cruiser receipts. Haha Its a vicious cycle but we could be spending our time and money on worse things.

 

[chap79]

So true. But I've learned that I do this with all things in my life. I don't half-ass anything. Put yourselft fully into what you want to achieve.

Or in the Cruiser building circle, to quote Jurrasic Park, "I spared no expense."