Builds Gerry's Build thread: "If it happens again I'm buying an Abrams" (4 Viewers)

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None of my vehicles are registered in GA so as long as it's an option in VA, I can look in to it. I know my provider won't do stated value but the supplemental policy is what I had in mind through another provider.
 
Nothing major, but Gerry's been making some rattling noises that needed to be addressed. After a 2,000 mile round trip for Thanksgiving, things were getting on my nerves.

First up, my DS rear vent window. Seems the nut that holds the glass to the bottom hinge had worked its way loose and is now forever lost somewhere in the wheel well area inside the car. Had to pull my drawers most of the way out, remove the plastic panel covering the sub, remove rear DS sill plate, remove seat belt fasteners, and pop the upper trim (below the headliner) away from the body. I was able to get sufficient access without completely removing anything, just moved them away enough to get my hands in.

Left: Original nut used by Toyota. On the right, a nut and washer I had in my hardware box that worked perfectly. No more loose window rattling when I close my doors. Took about an hour start to finish. Good thing, too, because it's fricken freezing in the shade and I've only got a few hours of Sun in my driveway.

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Then was my driver's door speaker. I'd refoamed it 2 weeks ago but I must not have centered the cone in the frame, and there was rubbing of the voice coil. Horrible, terrible, embarrassing noise that sounded like two pieces of tin vibing against each other to the bass. I messed around with the door panel on and off before I finally determined the issue was the actual speaker. Easy enough fix, and now my living room has the wonderful aroma of super epoxy glue. Mmmmmm!

Decided to go for a test drive and went by one of my houses around the corner to check rehab progress. Rolled 270,000 miles the moment I pulled in, felt it appropriate to snap a pic. Holy cow, please don't judge my filthy cluster.

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Will need to change my oil this week and have my tires rotated. Didn't I just put these things on??

The downside to getting this stuff done to the truck today is that it pulled me away from working on my 560. I wrapped up the DS front suspension install yesterday and was going to switch to PS today. Pretty proud of the progress so far- other than the H&R springs and Bilstein HD shocks, every consumable was replaced with either Lemforder or OEM MB parts. I either polished each piece of hardware that came off or replaced with new OEM MB (especially the cadmium coated pieces). I wire wheeled and painted the control arms, brake support brackets, guide rod, brake rotor hats, hub, etc. Still debating whether I'll rebuild and refinish the calipers myself or have them done and powder coated...

Old:
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New:
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What's a 560? is that the old Merc you have? Looks good BTW. Awesome on 270k!
 
What's a 560? is that the old Merc you have? Looks good BTW. Awesome on 270k!

Thanks! She doesn't feel an inch over 100k :rofl:

Yup, one of them. My other is an old 300, I've already gone through that one though.

My 560SEL:

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Nothing exciting, just documenting.

Rolled 270k last week. Also did an oil/filter change, lubed the undercarriage, and had the tires rotated.

One thing I have really taken a liking to: having the tires rotated. I have one floor jack and a handful of jack stands. It's a pain getting all 5 tires off simultaneously. First world problems, I know.

I have a set of new extended diff breathers to install sometime soon. 4 piece, 2 diff, transmission, and transfer case. Hopefully it will help the leaky rear axle seal.
 
What that rear seal is still leaking? Didn't you have it replaced twice at this point?
 
Has the axle seal been leaking since or about the time the gears were installed? Are you rolling Synthetic or Dino in the diffs?
 
What that rear seal is still leaking? Didn't you have it replaced twice at this point?

Correct. 3x, actually. It was done once by two techs at two shops and was not surprising to me that it was potentially fouled upon install. It was then installed by a good friend and Lexus tech. I'd be surprised if he did it wrong twice. The first time, I found my diff breather to be clear as I could blow through it. I have not checked it since that attempt.

Has the axle seal been leaking since or about the time the gears were installed? Are you rolling Synthetic or Dino in the diffs?

Well before then. I'm using whatever Toyota's fluid is. I'll likely do one more fluid change (once this seal is squared away) and will fill with Nitro's oil.
 
Began extending the diff breather lines today. Hoping this rear breather will cure the leaky axle seal I've been experiencing.

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Also, while I was under the truck, I noticed that I must have recently lost an inner clamp on my OEM CV. Will get this taken care of asap.

Also thinking Gerry may be due for a PS pump. It's sounding pretty angry upon cold start up, though it does quiet down as the engine warms. No leaks, assuming it's just a 270k+ mile old pump. I think besides that, the alternator is maybe the last original item that could go out. Still showing lots of consistent power from it, though.
 
Napa CV boot clamp

CVB6865833 small
 
Ive got the crimping tool if you need it
 
You get that manifold laser etched or is that a label you had made up. It looks nice.
 
 
If its really pronounced it might be worth replacing but marginal noise , meh. I think what is important is the system pressure it produces, and if its weak then make your decision.

Starting at SR-6 in the Steering section of the FSM (depending on model year FSM) it describes the testing procedure. Maybe your buddy at the dealership can do that for you if you don't have the gauges.
 

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