Help with diagnosis please!

[the gimpey one]

So big dent drives as bad as it looks right now. Would love to hook up with someone one weekend who knows what they are doing. Need to know what needs replacing on front end of cruiser to make it drive better. Was going to just pay garage to do it but thought this would be better. Not only do i get to meet someone from club but they probably know more that garage about cruiser anyway. And of course bringing beer is not a problem. Any takers? gabe 325-2313.

 

[Southeast Overland]

I can always make guesses but I "don't know what I'm talking about."

What do you specifically mean by 'it drives bad?' Does it wander (is it lifted?), is there slop in the wheel, does it not track straight?

 

[the gimpey one]

it does not track straight. I am more than certain i need new brakes on the front end. When i hit them it jerks to one side. Problem is sometimes it is left and sometimes it is right. I am sure i probably need a new steering stabilizer. I am lifted 2" but it always drifts. Power steering is not working right or at all either. I just spent my last $$ changing the oil in it so i am not in a huge hurry.

 

[the gimpey one]

Also gonna have to address an oil leak sooner or later also. I am not necessarily trying to restore it but would like to have it trustworthy and body straight enough to paint.

 

[99UZJay]

it does not track straight. I am more than certain i need new brakes on the front end. When i hit them it jerks to one side. Problem is sometimes it is left and sometimes it is right. I am sure i probably need a new steering stabilizer. I am lifted 2" but it always drifts. Power steering is not working right or at all either. I just spent my last $$ changing the oil in it so i am not in a huge hurry.

Also gonna have to address an oil leak sooner or later also. I am not necessarily trying to restore it but would like to have it trustworthy and body straight enough to paint.

Dude, I promise I am not being a smart a$$ when I say this, but do you happen to know how to eat an elephant?






















One bite at a time!!!

Someone told me that when I started rebuilding my 40, I naturally didn't listen and ended up half a$$ing alot of stuff that should have been very simple. Long story short... Take it one step at a time, if the oil change cashed you out start with the least expensive thing next. Do it methodically with a list and what not, and take LOTS of pics to remind yourself (see my FZJ-80 engine install) BTW if you ever decide you want an 80 let me know, i'll give you a heckuva deal on a great trail truck (shameless plug I know). Seriously all of us in the club will help to no end, it takes some time, but we typically know what we are talking about (Trollhole) or we can BS our way thru it (99UZJay).... My .02

 

[the gimpey one]

lol i love it!! I understand your point. I am just a list type of person. I like to get a list of #@%R that needs to be done and then work on it. Kind of like a sense of direction. Basically i put $100 a month in it. I wanted to diagnose it then over the next couple months start fixing it one part at a time. I guess i should start with the stabilizer and breaks first.

 

[Southeast Overland]

If you are going to be driving it - well it first needs to stop (safety), it then needs to steer (safety), and it then needs to go (so you can worry about stopping and steering).

List of what to work on (generally speaking):
1) Brakes
2) Steering
3) Power

After those 'safety' items, then worry about creature comforts like seats, carpet, dash, stereo, body, etc - or do like me and just jump in head first with no regard, that works too!

You can do a lot with $100/mo, you can also get buried and get nothing done. Be careful about what parts you buy. Trollhole (UC member) sells used parts and can hook you up with some of the stuff you need. Many other members have parts they will part with for a reasonable price. Some internet vendors have good prices, some don't.

This might be a good time for a HAMOM. We haven't had one in awhile.

PS - I'm regularly over in your neck of the woods. Shoot me an email at Steve@SoutheastOverland.com and I'll swing by sometime.