ESME - 98 REBUILD

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@spressomon how are you liking the Cooper S/T MAXX tire.

I'm up in the air on 3 tires right now. Andrea's 80 wlll get the new Cooper ATP on Esme now.

1) BFG AT ( my go to for 8 years, but with recent cracking and sidewall issues... leary)
2) Goodyear Duratrac
3) Cooper S/T MAXX

J

 

[spressomon]

I like them. Zero chunking to date (9k+ miles including some off-road in rock terrain...but will withhold final "say" after a Utah trip ). Mainly I was driven to them for the 305/70R18 size. But I do like the tread design and relatively quiet running given the size and void pattern. They didn't balance quite as nicely as my former Toyo tires but they ride and handle much better (E to E rated comparison; 285/75R18 Toyo AT/AT2 and the current S/T MAXX in 305/70R18).

FWIW the Cooper's are E rated for 3750lbs at 65psi whereas the narrower Toyo AT2/AT were rated 4080lbs at 80psi.

Caveat: On our recent NE Nevada trip I did manage to stuff a dead Mountain Mahogany branch through the upper sidewall. If you know MM then you know its as hard or harder than hickory. I'm not sure the Toyo would have survived either (3-sets of Toyo AT/AT2 and never a puncture...but they chunked and wore poorly overall) but this is why I pay for the hazard warranty at Discount: Replaced no questions asked for $57 to cover the warrant on the new tire.

I wouldn't go the Duratrac route for rocky off-road terrain...relatively weak sidewalls (same problem with MT/R Kevlar tires until you get to 37"+)

 

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How many miles would you say they have left in them?

I've heard the same on the DuraTrac's. I doubt I'll be doing much hard crawling if any.

J

 

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@spressomon I ordered the Cooper S/T Maxx this morning (285 75 16). Should be here early next week. My Cooper ATPs are going on the 80.

Snorkel and misc CB/Antenna items were ordered as well (yes I know I should just go get HAM certified..., in due time)

Added the light bar mounts, extra crossbar and a few extra tiedowns for the rack and welded it out. I'll hang it on the wall until all the other armor is built and ready to be painted.

 

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So now onto another task.. The camp drawers. I can get ORS from a good friend in AU to add to my suspension package orders, build myself, or custom spec from @TrekboxX

Here is what I'm thinking.

NOW........... I'll add my tailgate storage lid for sure.

This is what I'm thinking but with more room for an upper kennel for Charlie...

This seems more roomy but I think I will have too much $h!T... I guess I could build another T3 trailer for towing, but that adds another dimension to the mix..

And I really like a pull out camp/box table....

 

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Pulled the rack and hung it on the wall for later finishing/painting, cleaned up the shop ( I was getting claustrophobic in there...) Pulled back in and will jack her up to pull the running boards and rear bumper. I'll fit the new spec sliders as well tomorrow if time allows.

Then onto the rear bumper build.

J

 

[mervo]

Don't forget another box, gear, alternative, Goosegear.

 

[spressomon]

10.9 wheel studs arrived for the rear bumper tires carrier.

J

View attachment 1322091 View attachment 1322092

Do you have a source for +10-15mm longer wheel studs for 100's?

 

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Do you have a source for +10-15mm longer wheel studs for 100's?

D,

No just the 45mm. I cross referenced my Dorman guide to ARP and in a 16.50mm knurl that's it. I know Currie used to outsource custom performance studs. Not sure if its a service they offer, worth a call.

J

 

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Nothing done today. Over did it a bit yesterday during the cleanup. Rest and PILLS today!

J

 

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Pulled the boards and checked the fit on the sliders. Happy as hell!

J

 

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More,

J

 

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Started on the rear bumper as well...............Power went out due to a dumbass roof delivery guy hitting the transformer down the block from me....

More tomorrow or ....

J

 

[yotasavg]

Sliders look great!

 

[savirc]

Cant wait to see what you got up your sleeve for that rear bumper design J.

 

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Sliders look great!

Cant wait to see what you got up your sleeve for that rear bumper design J.

Thanks guys,

My bumpers are pretty simple. No arsty fartsy crap, just straight up strong armor. It will be very Slee'esque if you will. Main reason....well the Slee bumper is the cat's meow, IMO.... I've said it more times than I can count... If I weren't able to build my own, I'd buy and run a Slee all day long!

We'll see how it comes together in the next day or two. I may have to pull off due to orders, but its a custom build and a 3-5 day build from scratch at best. I bent the main shell profile early last year and made a few sketches and finally getting around to building it. I'll need to clip and cut some things after seeing how the OE cross member will tie in. As most know, I DON'T hack the OE frames. Always 100% bolt on.

2" receiver
Tire carrier
Hi-lift
Ladder
RotoPax swing away off ladder
3 way LEDs
Hammock pole insets
Extendable work light

I was going to run a bearing style spindle, but after looking at them.. I just can't bring myself to run one. I know the solid shaft spindles are bulky and not as "pretty" but they are pure horses.

New 1.5" die for the beefier ladder arrived today as well. (spindle pieces to the side)

J

 

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Bought another ComeUp winch for the front. Kind of nice since I'm a dealer.

Seal Gen2 -12.5rs

I decided against the 16.5. The rig is going to be heavy but I have faith the 12.5 will be just fine.

J

 

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Busy day........

Cooper S/T Maxx arrived -------285/75/16

Tough Dog lift arrived --------MONSTER 53mm bore (70mm casings) fronts and 45mm 9 stage adjustable rears, I spec'd the mid-weight coils (1-300KG or 660#) 33mm TBs (compared to 29.5mm OEM) w/ reinforcement brackets for the TBs. Tough Dog is seeing quite a few TB bracket cracks/tears so they designed these support brackets. Cheap insurance regardless.

More done on the rear bumper-------I should have the wings bent and tacked up tomorrow. Then onto the arms.

J

 

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

Just found this thread Jason...subscribed. Dude, you get more done in a day than I do in a week. Or maybe two weeks! Give A a shout from us.

 

[yotasavg]

Interested in the tough dog shocks. I'm close to pulling the trigger on Ironman Foam Cells, but now I'm wondering what's the price point on these? Adjustable rears is intriguing as I don't normally have much weight in the rear, but load up heavy from time to time.