Builds Gerry's Build thread: "If it happens again I'm buying an Abrams" (9 Viewers)

[MongooseGA]

Last weekend I started noticing a less-than-stellar sound coming from one of the pulleys in front of the engine. I knew it was going to need to be addressed pretty soon, but I was curious how long it would last before finally going kaput.

One week. That answer is "one week". While towing a small trailer around my neighborhood yesterday, the idler pulley totally seized. Made cool squealing sounds and started vaporizing the belt. OK cool, much easier than any of the other pulleys.


Swapped in a new OEM idler pulley from Mr. T today. New belt, too. It was my first time getting to work on something in my new garage that wasn't the garage itself.

See how the balls in the bearing are all kind of sitting on each other at the bottom? They're not supposed to do that. And I'm pretty sure they're supposed to be the same size and shape.

I'd also purchased a complete new tensioner, but as my existing unit was still nice and springy, and only the pulley seemed worn, I decided to swap only the new pulley. No dice. I must have an updated part on my desk because it's not compatible with the current tensioner. No biggie. I'll have the tensioner done when I do timing later in the year.

Lastly, while under the truck ****ing with these skid plates that I don't love, I found out that I must have concaved my fuel tank on our last wheeling trip. Cool. Might explain why my truck's had issues with low fuel level lately. I don't think it shows up so well in pics, but looks like it was pretty well smacked.

Gerry is at 282,6xx miles as of today. Toward the end of the year she'll probably get a big list of small maintenance items for her 300k. Filters, rubber hoses, VCGs and crap like that. She's a good truck.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

First off, the shop looks great!
Next, if the new pulley didn't fit, what did you end up using?
Finally, looks like a big fat blow to the tank! How lucky it avoided the fancy rear drive shaft! Every since putting the LRA tank in my truck (which hangs even lower, sans any plates!), I am always worried about denting or puncturing the gas tank

 

[MongooseGA]

First off, the shop looks great!
Next, if the new pulley didn't fit, what did you end up using?
Finally, looks like a big fat blow to the tank! How lucky it avoided the fancy rear drive shaft! Every since putting the LRA tank in my truck (which hangs even lower, sans any plates!), I am always worried about denting or puncturing the gas tank

I just popped the old one back on the existing tensioner. I didn't feel like going thru the whole tensioner replacement today, no time.

Clearance would be my biggest consideration on a bigger tank. I'm surprised nothing more has happened to this one already.

 

[abuck99]

If tensioner mechanism is good and bearing is toast- just remove the pulley and press the bearing out and press a new one in.

Dang G.A., that tank took some kind of hit- guessing fording that water crossing up in TN with Volkswagen size rocks probably the culprit. Time for a new tank and an aftermarket tank skid

 

[MongooseGA]

If tensioner mechanism is good and bearing is toast- just remove the pulley and press the bearing out and press a new one in.

Dang G.A., that tank took some kind of hit- guessing fording that water crossing up in TN with Volkswagen size rocks probably the culprit. Time for a new tank and an aftermarket tank skid

Good point. I will pick up a bearing and keep it in the glove box in case this one starts to get any worse. Easy to do.

I'm wondering if the dent in the tank was related to the dent to my transfer case skid. Bent it up enough that it was contacting the drive shaft.

 

[bencallaway]

Good point. I will pick up a bearing and keep it in the glove box in case this one starts to get any worse. Easy to do.

I'm wondering if the dent in the tank was related to the dent to my transfer case skid. Bent it up enough that it was contacting the drive shaft.

Probably related to my bent drag link, snapped brake line, bent rear LCA and everything else.

 

[abuck99]

If you followed GA’s line prob the same Flinstones Boulder got you both

 

[MongooseGA]

Had to get my AC refrigerant refilled yesterday. Classis symptom of cold while driving but warm while idle. Until it wasn't cold at all. Turns out I've got a nice hole in the condenser. Will nurse this one until later in the year then have it done with the 300k services.

Probably related to my bent drag link, snapped brake line, bent rear LCA and everything else.

Probably my favorite trip ever.

If you followed GA’s line prob the same Flinstones Boulder got you both

Under the river and through the woods, right?

 

[abuck99]

Yup

if it’s accessible, maybe you can braze that pin hole as a temp fix-

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[MongooseGA]

Nothing much new. I did have the condenser replaced with a new OEM last week and now we're back in business with AC.

Will likely have oil, lube, and rotation in the next week or two as I hit 285k.

 

[Callsignchino]

Nice build! I think I’ve seen you a couple times on 85 south. I also have a LX but in Sand dollar pearl.

 

[MongooseGA]

Nice build! I think I’ve seen you a couple times on 85 south. I also have a LX but in Sand dollar pearl.

Very possibly. We just wrapped a renovation in Jonesboro a few weeks back so I was on the connector headed down south side a bit during that project. I'll be heavy out west in Douglasville, Dallas, and Carrollton in the coming weeks.

 

[WickedPickle]

Very possibly. We just wrapped a renovation in Jonesboro a few weeks back so I was on the connector headed down south side a bit during that project. I'll be heavy out west in Douglasville, Dallas, and Carrollton in the coming weeks.

Now I can stalk you.

 

[MongooseGA]

Now I can stalk you.

Headed out to Douglas today, see you there!

 

[MongooseGA]

Rolled 285k in the last two weeks. Did an oil change and had my 5-tire rotation done. Ryan @Wermz put in a new alternator as mine was gross and started to be erratic, sometimes only seeing a high of 12.7V. New Denso went in.

I'm also heartbroken to say, last week I lost my best friend, my full-time companion, my wheeling buddy. I rescued Norman when he was 3 months old and he was pinned to my side at every moment for nearly 12 years. If you've read through this thread, you've undoubtedly seen myriad pics with him in them. If you've wheeled with me, you've met Norman. If you'd been to my offices, you know Norman. If you have ever seen me and my truck was nearby, Norman was there. I think he's met a good dozen or so other Mudders. About 3 weeks ago he started losing mobility in his rear legs and it progressed very rapidly to paralysis and ultimately incontinence, trouble breathing, and discomfort. We'd seen specialists and therapists, I'd gotten him a wheel chair, but there was nothing more that could have helped him. It'll be strange getting ready to ascend the next rocky hill without being able to look in the back and saying "Ok Norm, hold on buddy!", or see him smiling in my side view while he's got his big fluffy head out the back window. If you've got a dog, I implore to go and give them a big hug right now. Take every opportunity to play that you can, especially with large or older dogs. It was only 3 weeks ago that we went to play tug-of-war without knowing it would be the last time.

Norman Sylvester - the best boy.

And if you've ever wanted to see what a grown man looks like ugly-crying, I can describe it to you.

 

[suboptimusprime]

Rolled 285k in the last two weeks. Did an oil change and had my 5-tire rotation done. Ryan @Wermz put in a new alternator as mine was gross and started to be erratic, sometimes only seeing a high of 12.7V. New Denso went in.

View attachment 2746444


I'm also heartbroken to say, last week I lost my best friend, my full-time companion, my wheeling buddy. I rescued Norman when he was 3 months old and he was pinned to my side at every moment for nearly 12 years. If you've read through this thread, you've undoubtedly seen myriad pics with him in them. If you've wheeled with me, you've met Norman. If you'd been to my offices, you know Norman. If you have ever seen me and my truck was nearby, Norman was there. I think he's met a good dozen or so other Mudders. About 3 weeks ago he started losing mobility in his rear legs and it progressed very rapidly to paralysis and ultimately incontinence, trouble breathing, and discomfort. We'd seen specialists and therapists, I'd gotten him a wheel chair, but there was nothing more that could have helped him. It'll be strange getting ready to ascend the next rocky hill without being able to look in the back and saying "Ok Norm, hold on buddy!", or see him smiling in my side view while he's got his big fluffy head out the back window. If you've got a dog, I implore to go and give them a big hug right now. Take every opportunity to play that you can, especially with large or older dogs. It was only 3 weeks ago that we went to play tug-of-war without knowing it would be the last time.

Norman Sylvester - the best boy.

View attachment 2746456View attachment 2746457View attachment 2746458View attachment 2746461View attachment 2746462


And if you've ever wanted to see what a grown man looks like ugly-crying, I can describe it to you.

My sincere condolences on your loss. I've got a similarly precious MTB and adventure pup who is 9 and I take every opportunity to make the most of our time together. As has been said, they are here for a good time, not for a long time but damn life is better with a good dog. I hope all the happy memories shine through the sadness of loss sooner than later.

 

[Kabanstva]

Bro I am so sorry to hear about your dog passing.

 

[dchilds]

Heartbreaking. I’ll mourn with you, my friend.

 

[WickedPickle]

GA I’m sorry Norman is gone he was such a good dog. You nailed it - we never know when it will be the last time we do something. Take a moment and savior the ordinary.

 

[MongooseGA]

My sincere condolences on your loss. I've got a similarly precious MTB and adventure pup who is 9 and I take every opportunity to make the most of our time together. As has been said, they are here for a good time, not for a long time but damn life is better with a good dog. I hope all the happy memories shine through the sadness of loss sooner than later.

Thank you. You know, I can't think of a better life for a good dog than with someone who gets out into nature regularly. Your adventure pup is certainly living a wonderful life.

Bro I am so sorry to hear about your dog passing.

Heartbreaking. I’ll mourn with you, my friend.

Thank you both.

GA I’m sorry Norman is gone he was such a good dog. You nailed it - we never know when it will be the last time we do something. Take a moment and savior the ordinary.

Thanks, Jason. I'm glad you got a chance to meet him. And glad that Will was able to get some of these beautiful shots of him that I can look back at.