- Thread starter
- #61
Builds Gerry's Build thread: "If it happens again I'm buying an Abrams"
- Thread starter MongooseGA
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Was the Park Crowded?
- Thread starter
- #63
Not at all. A few buggies but that was really it.
- Thread starter
- #64
Suck it, darkness!
TSX retrofit is complete! Was a fun project once I got into it. Still going to try to find some cleaner ways to run the wiring and mount my ballasts (they're just 'in there' for now) and need to do final aiming of the beams, but I'm happy with it. I'll be able to get a better sense once the lights are pointing in the right direction.
I also got my winch control box mounted. I wanted an external location that I wouldn't have to open the hood to get to. I made use of one of the light mounting brackets on my ARB and built a bracket to bolt to the bumper, then screw the box on to. I think it worked out well for a 15-minute design and build.
Next up for Gerry will be new speaker grill covers once the package makes its way here. Evidently was delivered yesterday but also no, it wasn't. New brakes were delivered yesterday, will be taking the truck to GAS in the next week or two to let them swap them in. I would do it myself but I'm short on time recently and she needs new front calipers, so they'll help out a bunch. Starting to notice failure in some of the speakers as well, so I've been shopping for new units. They'll be a little ways off, I need the busy season for my business to kick in!
TSX retrofit is complete! Was a fun project once I got into it. Still going to try to find some cleaner ways to run the wiring and mount my ballasts (they're just 'in there' for now) and need to do final aiming of the beams, but I'm happy with it. I'll be able to get a better sense once the lights are pointing in the right direction.
I also got my winch control box mounted. I wanted an external location that I wouldn't have to open the hood to get to. I made use of one of the light mounting brackets on my ARB and built a bracket to bolt to the bumper, then screw the box on to. I think it worked out well for a 15-minute design and build.
Next up for Gerry will be new speaker grill covers once the package makes its way here. Evidently was delivered yesterday but also no, it wasn't. New brakes were delivered yesterday, will be taking the truck to GAS in the next week or two to let them swap them in. I would do it myself but I'm short on time recently and she needs new front calipers, so they'll help out a bunch. Starting to notice failure in some of the speakers as well, so I've been shopping for new units. They'll be a little ways off, I need the busy season for my business to kick in!
- Thread starter
- #65
Little bit of news:
Brakes had been squeaking for a few weeks and the last time Gerry was visiting my indy, we also noticed that one of my front calipers was seized. It wasn't squeezing all the time so I didn't make it an immediate priority. No issues. Took it in on Tuesday for all new brakes including 2 front calipers. While I was changing oil on Monday, I noticed she'd lost a clamp on one of the DS CV axles and was slinging a lot of grease. Ms Mongoosega noted a clicking during our Arkansas trip, but I haven't noticed it since. Since the truck has 225k on it, I decided to go ahead and have it serviced. One new CV later, we're good to roll.
I also got a sweet new upgrade in the mail last week. I was able to double my fuel mileage AND cut my commute time in half!
Brakes had been squeaking for a few weeks and the last time Gerry was visiting my indy, we also noticed that one of my front calipers was seized. It wasn't squeezing all the time so I didn't make it an immediate priority. No issues. Took it in on Tuesday for all new brakes including 2 front calipers. While I was changing oil on Monday, I noticed she'd lost a clamp on one of the DS CV axles and was slinging a lot of grease. Ms Mongoosega noted a clicking during our Arkansas trip, but I haven't noticed it since. Since the truck has 225k on it, I decided to go ahead and have it serviced. One new CV later, we're good to roll.
I also got a sweet new upgrade in the mail last week. I was able to double my fuel mileage AND cut my commute time in half!
- Thread starter
- #66
I've been driving, wheeling, road tripping, and generally just enjoying Gerry for the last few months.
I've also been hearing new noises from under the truck as the suspension settles. Does anyone have a clue what this sort of chirpy sound is? I can duplicate it by tapping the brakes or goosing the throttle. I don't think it's brake related, just caused by the movement from the stop/go. There's also a bit of a mild 'screech' sound that, to me, sounds like ball joints but it's from the rear. They're both driving me nuts, though.
Future plans for Gerry: still wanting to do the drawers. I'm also wanting to upgrade my HID set up. Plan is to build a completely new set of lights and I'll sell the existing units as a pre-retrofitted kit. Just drop the new buckets in. If interested, feel free to shoot me a PM. Still need to do the speaker grill covers but I've decided to wait until the speakers are replaced so I'm only pulling the panels once. Rear bumper would be useful but I'll be buying another vehicle to take Gerry off of daily duty so... Budget isn't there yet for the bumper. Otherwise, she's pretty well set up for my purposes. I'll continue tackling consumables like the remaining bushings and little nags here and there.
I've also been hearing new noises from under the truck as the suspension settles. Does anyone have a clue what this sort of chirpy sound is? I can duplicate it by tapping the brakes or goosing the throttle. I don't think it's brake related, just caused by the movement from the stop/go. There's also a bit of a mild 'screech' sound that, to me, sounds like ball joints but it's from the rear. They're both driving me nuts, though.
Future plans for Gerry: still wanting to do the drawers. I'm also wanting to upgrade my HID set up. Plan is to build a completely new set of lights and I'll sell the existing units as a pre-retrofitted kit. Just drop the new buckets in. If interested, feel free to shoot me a PM. Still need to do the speaker grill covers but I've decided to wait until the speakers are replaced so I'm only pulling the panels once. Rear bumper would be useful but I'll be buying another vehicle to take Gerry off of daily duty so... Budget isn't there yet for the bumper. Otherwise, she's pretty well set up for my purposes. I'll continue tackling consumables like the remaining bushings and little nags here and there.
- Thread starter
- #67
Nothing major, but I resprayed my grill today. The painted portion was looking a bit distressed so I kept the chrome perimeter and L logo, blacked out the rest.
I also found that my sliders, specifically the DS, was the culprit to some of my underbody noises. I snugged some of the nuts down and it's a little nicer. Still getting the chirping sound from the video.
I also found that my sliders, specifically the DS, was the culprit to some of my underbody noises. I snugged some of the nuts down and it's a little nicer. Still getting the chirping sound from the video.
- Thread starter
- #68
Gerry's had some goodies showing up in the mail recently.
To start, I had a small scare a few weeks back with elevating coolant temps and a lackluster AC output. To remedy, I burped and topped off the coolant (3 qts! yikes!), had the refrigerant topped off (down about 1/2lb), installed a SanGauge to keep and eye on things, and also installed one of @LandCruiserPhil 's aux fan kits. For those who haven't shopped with Phil yet, he's great to work with and has a quality product. Nice guy, too!
I've also got new headlight/grill trim pieces en route from Asia, but my 1E9 color matched spray paint and clear arrived. I'd been putting this off for a while, so will be happy to have it finally done. I'll still need to paint the nasty looking bits under the lights that were exposed above the ARB. I'll just use a gloss or satin black to keep it clean and blend into the bumper.
This weekend I did a respray of my sliders. After only 5 months and just as many if not a few more trail days, they'd seen some use. It wasn't until my most recent trail ride, though, that I had noticeable damage away from the bottom edge for the first time. I hit the rusty spots with some rust converter primer and topped off with rubberized bed coating and satin black paint for consistency.
Messed with my suspension a bit today to see if I was missing out on some front end articulation. The result was that my shocks are a limiting factor in being able to run a little higher in the front while maintaining the same 2.5"+ of droop. Oh well. I've got a winch if stuff gets too hairy. When this set up gives up the ghost, I'll look into specifically long travel shocks.
Swapped in a pair of Tough Dog gold medium rate coils, replacing a set of OME 865. The 865 were great, very comfy, but after being broken in a bit, they weren't quite up to the task of holding my extra weight up. I'm a fan of the gold coils so far- noticeably less lean in turns and a bit more stable at speed. If anyone's interested in these 865 coils for a stock-weight truck, PM me. I'll sell the pair with a brand new pair of 10mm spacer rings for $100 local.
Lastly, I installed a set of LED high beam bubs from BuiltWerks (Luke111). Huge improvement over stock. Easy to install and one of those mods that are so easy it makes the project that much more gratifying. For $200 you get the bulbs, a new fancy looking resistor, and a wiring harness for your vehicle. Highly recommended, plus Lou's great to work with.
To start, I had a small scare a few weeks back with elevating coolant temps and a lackluster AC output. To remedy, I burped and topped off the coolant (3 qts! yikes!), had the refrigerant topped off (down about 1/2lb), installed a SanGauge to keep and eye on things, and also installed one of @LandCruiserPhil 's aux fan kits. For those who haven't shopped with Phil yet, he's great to work with and has a quality product. Nice guy, too!
I've also got new headlight/grill trim pieces en route from Asia, but my 1E9 color matched spray paint and clear arrived. I'd been putting this off for a while, so will be happy to have it finally done. I'll still need to paint the nasty looking bits under the lights that were exposed above the ARB. I'll just use a gloss or satin black to keep it clean and blend into the bumper.
This weekend I did a respray of my sliders. After only 5 months and just as many if not a few more trail days, they'd seen some use. It wasn't until my most recent trail ride, though, that I had noticeable damage away from the bottom edge for the first time. I hit the rusty spots with some rust converter primer and topped off with rubberized bed coating and satin black paint for consistency.
Messed with my suspension a bit today to see if I was missing out on some front end articulation. The result was that my shocks are a limiting factor in being able to run a little higher in the front while maintaining the same 2.5"+ of droop. Oh well. I've got a winch if stuff gets too hairy. When this set up gives up the ghost, I'll look into specifically long travel shocks.
Swapped in a pair of Tough Dog gold medium rate coils, replacing a set of OME 865. The 865 were great, very comfy, but after being broken in a bit, they weren't quite up to the task of holding my extra weight up. I'm a fan of the gold coils so far- noticeably less lean in turns and a bit more stable at speed. If anyone's interested in these 865 coils for a stock-weight truck, PM me. I'll sell the pair with a brand new pair of 10mm spacer rings for $100 local.
Lastly, I installed a set of LED high beam bubs from BuiltWerks (Luke111). Huge improvement over stock. Easy to install and one of those mods that are so easy it makes the project that much more gratifying. For $200 you get the bulbs, a new fancy looking resistor, and a wiring harness for your vehicle. Highly recommended, plus Lou's great to work with.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #69
More pics
Note: this picture shows the most bulletproof vehicle ever built.
Other note: It's not the 100. My little 300D is halfway back from the moon as of now. I bought her for $1500 as an interim car while I shopped for an AMG. Well, I ended up buying the AMG but Charlie the W123 stayed and my E55 is long gone now. Such awesome little cars!
Note: this picture shows the most bulletproof vehicle ever built.
Other note: It's not the 100. My little 300D is halfway back from the moon as of now. I bought her for $1500 as an interim car while I shopped for an AMG. Well, I ended up buying the AMG but Charlie the W123 stayed and my E55 is long gone now. Such awesome little cars!
Last edited:
I have a W123 as well. Such a great car in all of its quirkiness. I love how everything is mechanical on it
- Thread starter
- #71
Some action of Gerry in the N GA mountains a few weeks ago.
- Thread starter
- #72
Little things, but things nonetheless.
Gerry took an L on Beasley Knob in N GA a few weeks ago. I'm none too thrilled with the body damage and it won't be staying long.
Since I last updated, I've added the 'updated' rear wiper arm. Snagged it for like $12. It's OK, I guess. You need to modify the pivot bracket so it keeps snug to the window. I don't expect the plastic to stay black for long. If it starts to go crappy, I'll just replace it with the original arm, which was already painted and has a nearly new RainX blade on it.
I've also had the U-joints in the rear drive shaft replaced and had the shaft high-speed balanced. Made a big difference in vibrations I was getting during hard acceleration, like getting on to the highway. I'll do the front in the next week or so as well.
Lastly, I'd been scratching my head over a rattle from what seems to be inside my dash. Nothing rattling on the firewall under the hood so today I pulled the center dash vents to look around. My theory was that maybe my BTOY45 module was moving around, but I can't find anything very loose inside. It sounds like a screw that fell on top of something hard/metal. I probably need to pull the ICE and HVAC in the center of the dash to really get in there. See video. Any thoughts?
Gerry took an L on Beasley Knob in N GA a few weeks ago. I'm none too thrilled with the body damage and it won't be staying long.
Since I last updated, I've added the 'updated' rear wiper arm. Snagged it for like $12. It's OK, I guess. You need to modify the pivot bracket so it keeps snug to the window. I don't expect the plastic to stay black for long. If it starts to go crappy, I'll just replace it with the original arm, which was already painted and has a nearly new RainX blade on it.
I've also had the U-joints in the rear drive shaft replaced and had the shaft high-speed balanced. Made a big difference in vibrations I was getting during hard acceleration, like getting on to the highway. I'll do the front in the next week or so as well.
Lastly, I'd been scratching my head over a rattle from what seems to be inside my dash. Nothing rattling on the firewall under the hood so today I pulled the center dash vents to look around. My theory was that maybe my BTOY45 module was moving around, but I can't find anything very loose inside. It sounds like a screw that fell on top of something hard/metal. I probably need to pull the ICE and HVAC in the center of the dash to really get in there. See video. Any thoughts?
- Thread starter
- #73
New goodies are arriving for Gerry this week.
First, I wired in a brake controller. I'll be picking up a camper that I bought from my parents almost 2 years ago, and finally have a reason to prep my truck to tow. I ended up with a Tekonsha Primus IQ for like $45 on eBay. Down from $90-100 retail, I was happy. Also happy that the '05 has the factory installed connector for this, so no wiring necessary. Just pull the knee plate from the dash, lower the tin, and you'll see the connector behind the ignition.
I also have a set of Airlift 1000 bags to go into the rear. I'll be pulling the wheels and installing these over the weekend.
Our next adventure is in 2 weeks, meeting my parents in Uwharrie NC for a weekend of camping and wheeling. Dad's bringing our (his) built TJ, mom is cooking, and my GF will be joining with her 17 y/o son. Should be a good time.
After September, GF and I are taking Gerry up to N GA and Tennesee for a week of exploring the waterfalls, 2 festivals, and some camping/wheeling while the colors change. GF doesn't know it yet but one of those waterfalls is going to be where I'll propose and give her thelockers and gears and rear bumper ring. Anxious!
First, I wired in a brake controller. I'll be picking up a camper that I bought from my parents almost 2 years ago, and finally have a reason to prep my truck to tow. I ended up with a Tekonsha Primus IQ for like $45 on eBay. Down from $90-100 retail, I was happy. Also happy that the '05 has the factory installed connector for this, so no wiring necessary. Just pull the knee plate from the dash, lower the tin, and you'll see the connector behind the ignition.
I also have a set of Airlift 1000 bags to go into the rear. I'll be pulling the wheels and installing these over the weekend.
Our next adventure is in 2 weeks, meeting my parents in Uwharrie NC for a weekend of camping and wheeling. Dad's bringing our (his) built TJ, mom is cooking, and my GF will be joining with her 17 y/o son. Should be a good time.
After September, GF and I are taking Gerry up to N GA and Tennesee for a week of exploring the waterfalls, 2 festivals, and some camping/wheeling while the colors change. GF doesn't know it yet but one of those waterfalls is going to be where I'll propose and give her the
- Thread starter
- #74
Little updates but nothing big yet. Just documenting.
Gerry did great on the trip to Uwharrie. I did manage to tweak one of my SPC UCAs and throw my alignment off, but nothing a trip to Gran Turismo East couldn't fix.
Rolled 240k this week so she got her regularly scheduled 5k service of oil/filter, as well as greasing of everything with a zerk (shafts, u-joints, and UCA BJs). I also did another fluid change in all 3 diffs as I'd taken on water in the rear a while back. It was nasty coming out but the transfer case and front diff were still pristinely clean. I'll extend the breathers before my next trip to avoid the problem in the future.
Pressure washed the underside really well with the wheels off. I love how clean everything is, but wouldn't mind a little bit of some kind of coating. Largely for aesthetics but some protection wouldn't hurt. Suggestions?
Lastly- front diff bushings are on their way to me and hopefully will be installed before my next trip in 2 weeks.
Gerry did great on the trip to Uwharrie. I did manage to tweak one of my SPC UCAs and throw my alignment off, but nothing a trip to Gran Turismo East couldn't fix.
Rolled 240k this week so she got her regularly scheduled 5k service of oil/filter, as well as greasing of everything with a zerk (shafts, u-joints, and UCA BJs). I also did another fluid change in all 3 diffs as I'd taken on water in the rear a while back. It was nasty coming out but the transfer case and front diff were still pristinely clean. I'll extend the breathers before my next trip to avoid the problem in the future.
Pressure washed the underside really well with the wheels off. I love how clean everything is, but wouldn't mind a little bit of some kind of coating. Largely for aesthetics but some protection wouldn't hurt. Suggestions?
Lastly- front diff bushings are on their way to me and hopefully will be installed before my next trip in 2 weeks.
- Thread starter
- #75
Ups and downs.
I took my truck in to my indy for what I thought was maybe a leaky caliper. I'd been seeing dampness on the inside of the rotor. Turns out it was a blown axle seal. Well, those take specials tools to replace, so I did a shuffle of my axle from one shop to another and ferried parts around for two days to have everything done in time for a trip tomorrow. Not a ton of fun, but it's finished. It impacted me being able to get the diff bushings in, so those will wait.
But, I did get the front headlight and grill trim finished. I've had these parts and paint for like 6 months. I finally bought all the new clips, painted the parts, and installed. Considering they're mainly hidden by the bumper, it'll work for me.
She's packed up for a 4-night trip starting tomorrow. GF and I are touring N GA and some of Tennesee and staying in a different place every night.
Next up for Gerry are a pair of Jason's adjustable rear LCAs. Getting that order placed tomorrow and installed asap. I've got a lot of torque steer, especially uphill. I've also got some vibrations in the back. Drive shafts are balanced, U-joints are new so... good excuse for new bling.
I took my truck in to my indy for what I thought was maybe a leaky caliper. I'd been seeing dampness on the inside of the rotor. Turns out it was a blown axle seal. Well, those take specials tools to replace, so I did a shuffle of my axle from one shop to another and ferried parts around for two days to have everything done in time for a trip tomorrow. Not a ton of fun, but it's finished. It impacted me being able to get the diff bushings in, so those will wait.
But, I did get the front headlight and grill trim finished. I've had these parts and paint for like 6 months. I finally bought all the new clips, painted the parts, and installed. Considering they're mainly hidden by the bumper, it'll work for me.
She's packed up for a 4-night trip starting tomorrow. GF and I are touring N GA and some of Tennesee and staying in a different place every night.
Next up for Gerry are a pair of Jason's adjustable rear LCAs. Getting that order placed tomorrow and installed asap. I've got a lot of torque steer, especially uphill. I've also got some vibrations in the back. Drive shafts are balanced, U-joints are new so... good excuse for new bling.
I too have a small leak in my rear axle. Did you have to take off the bearing to replace the inner & outer seals? I was under the impression that you only need a special tool to take off the bearing.
- Thread starter
- #77
Bearing needed to come off to replace the inner seal. The bearings get destroyed in the process of removed so plan for about $250 in parts from Mr T for the whole job.
- Thread starter
- #78
New adjustable RLCAs from TRAIL TAILOR arrived on Monday and I installed them today. They're pretty substantial pieces of metal, and the red color is pretty sweet.
No need to jack up the truck or remove the wheels. Front nuts are 22mm, rears are 24. Keep the grease zerks pointed up when installing. I do suggest adding a 90 degree zerk for the Johnny Joint. With my straight-tip grease gun, it's impossible to reach.
I noticed a tighter feel in the back end for sure. It could be psychosomatic, but I felt it leaned a little less in corners as well. Will be getting a pair of the RUCAs from Jason in the next few weeks. One thing I noticed- the tightness from the back definitely high lighted the looseness in the front. I know my lower control arm bushings and ball joints are not doing their jobs well anymore.
Up next (besides the RUCAs)... I need to get these new diff bushings in, and steering rack bushings. I'm still chasing a vibration coming from the front, only felt whel on the throttle above say 60-65 MPH. I've suspected the aftermarket CV on that side, but have no clicking. I also want to get those LCA bushings and BJs changed as I know they're ready.
For my own future reference, Gerry is just over 240k mileage right now.
No need to jack up the truck or remove the wheels. Front nuts are 22mm, rears are 24. Keep the grease zerks pointed up when installing. I do suggest adding a 90 degree zerk for the Johnny Joint. With my straight-tip grease gun, it's impossible to reach.
I noticed a tighter feel in the back end for sure. It could be psychosomatic, but I felt it leaned a little less in corners as well. Will be getting a pair of the RUCAs from Jason in the next few weeks. One thing I noticed- the tightness from the back definitely high lighted the looseness in the front. I know my lower control arm bushings and ball joints are not doing their jobs well anymore.
Up next (besides the RUCAs)... I need to get these new diff bushings in, and steering rack bushings. I'm still chasing a vibration coming from the front, only felt whel on the throttle above say 60-65 MPH. I've suspected the aftermarket CV on that side, but have no clicking. I also want to get those LCA bushings and BJs changed as I know they're ready.
For my own future reference, Gerry is just over 240k mileage right now.
Last edited:
FWIW I got away with replacing the outer seal only. Relatively simply job compared to doing both seals and bearing, as you need a shop with a press vs I did mine in the driveway.
Clean build! Are you regeared? Thinking of going with a similar whee/tire setup next on the stock 4 speed.
- Thread starter
- #80
I wish I were that lucky. When they pulled to the outer seal, they realized it was the inner that was blown out.
Not regeared yet, though I do feel the need more and more. I've been showing 16 +/- mpg on the scangauge, which is pretty great considering stock gears and 34" tires. However, she's pretty gutless and I'm regularly manually downshifting for hills because it just can't keep up and hunts for gears quite a bit.
