- Thread starter
- #21
Also finished the dual battery setup using the Blue Seas ACR and switch. Wanted to build my own washer bottle relo bracket and I think it worked out well.
Build Jeff's '97 "College Throwback" build thread -
- Thread starter Jeff Elliott
- Start date
Member Builds and Stories
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- Thread starter
- #22
Rebuilt the front and rear axles over the past couple of weekends... Also new 4.88 gears, ARB lockers, TREs, brakes and rotors!
And yes the rotors are on the right sides - I called stoptech and verified the slots point this way and each rotor was labeled as such
And yes the rotors are on the right sides - I called stoptech and verified the slots point this way and each rotor was labeled as such
Killing it man
Looks great, what heating elements did you end up using?Today was new Lseat leather and seat heaters in the front row... took about 7 hrs (haven't hooked up the switches yet)!!!
- Thread starter
- #25
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- #26
OK, paint is looking tired so I have been working on a paint prep... Haven't decided if I'm going to paint it myself or prep and let someone else do it. Someone repainted the DS which now appears to be due to 1) a dent near the rear taillight and 2) an apparent break in where someone stuck a screwdriver / prybar under the driver's door handle and used the opening to unlock the doors (doh).
I have now removed the roof rack, flares, running boards, etc. Haven't decided on a flare delete yet... Here are some pics of the progress:
More on the paint prep in this thread: Paint Prep
I have now removed the roof rack, flares, running boards, etc. Haven't decided on a flare delete yet... Here are some pics of the progress:
More on the paint prep in this thread: Paint Prep
- Thread starter
- #27
Started fixing my orange peeled paint job...
Pre-sanding... extreme orange peel!!!
Sanded with 2000 grit and buffed with megs 105... Note the reflection of the car - easiest way to see the difference in the next pic
After Megs 205 polish:
Pre-sanding... extreme orange peel!!!
Sanded with 2000 grit and buffed with megs 105... Note the reflection of the car - easiest way to see the difference in the next pic
After Megs 205 polish:
- Thread starter
- #28
Also built, painted and mounted the 4x4 Labs bumper...
I ordered the model made for flares and then de-flared the truck... Had to make pieces to fill in the gap and extend the tube:
Hot rod black (flat / satin)... It's epoxy primed and the hot rod back is 2K so I'm hoping to get good service out of it! Still trying to decide if I like the flat black trim with gloss black body - need to get the sliders painted and front bumper back on to know for sure. Also thinking about some dark grey wrap in the indentions on the doors / quarters and on the hood to give it some accents.
I ordered the model made for flares and then de-flared the truck... Had to make pieces to fill in the gap and extend the tube:
Hot rod black (flat / satin)... It's epoxy primed and the hot rod back is 2K so I'm hoping to get good service out of it! Still trying to decide if I like the flat black trim with gloss black body - need to get the sliders painted and front bumper back on to know for sure. Also thinking about some dark grey wrap in the indentions on the doors / quarters and on the hood to give it some accents.
- Thread starter
- #29
Catching up on a few build related punch list item's I've checked off recently...
Made a mount for my backup cam to go underneath the swing arm of my 4x4 labs bumper - it works great
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Also added an aux fan given it's hot here in the south and I like cold AC... this I think has helped but that could be installer bias:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Also needed some space for a fuse holder so welded up some tabs on the washer bottle bracket I had previously bent / welded up and bent up a bracket (not pictured) to hold the front side - need to paint it but this is going to work great I think. The three wing nut mounts allow reasonably quick access to the air filter canister:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Also wanted a place to add / mount relays so bent some stock around the washer bottle and welded in some studs. This makes the relays accessible but yet keeps them out of the way in the engine bay. I like using the wing nuts as it makes getting access to each relay easier:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Made a mount for my backup cam to go underneath the swing arm of my 4x4 labs bumper - it works great
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrAlso added an aux fan given it's hot here in the south and I like cold AC... this I think has helped but that could be installer bias:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrAlso needed some space for a fuse holder so welded up some tabs on the washer bottle bracket I had previously bent / welded up and bent up a bracket (not pictured) to hold the front side - need to paint it but this is going to work great I think. The three wing nut mounts allow reasonably quick access to the air filter canister:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrAlso wanted a place to add / mount relays so bent some stock around the washer bottle and welded in some studs. This makes the relays accessible but yet keeps them out of the way in the engine bay. I like using the wing nuts as it makes getting access to each relay easier:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #30
Added a catch can - bent up a bracket to mount it:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #31
Started building my drawer system as well - making progress... Adding a 10" sub as well:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #32
Finished my drawer system today... Was a fair amount of work to get right but enjoyable nonetheless. One long (regular length) drawer and one shorter drawer to accommodate 10" sub. Got the local metal supplier to shear me a few slide in dividers out of aluminum and lined the drawers with raptor liner. Welded up brackets on top of the old 3rd row brackets to support the wings & welded blind nuts to secure the tie downs. Time to load up the tools!
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #33
Installed new speakers as my Polks were fried (too much RMS). Tried the JBL GTO-629's which fit both front and rear for those searching for an alternative to the traditional Pioneers. Did the sound deadening while I was in there.
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Used long drywall screws till I can get suitable alternatives... Had to rotate the grills in the front 90 degrees to clear the dash when the door is closed.
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Not pictured but by far most satisfying - swapped the rear springs as the PO had them installed backwards (DS on PS and vice versa)... First time the truck has sat level since I bought it!
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUsed long drywall screws till I can get suitable alternatives... Had to rotate the grills in the front 90 degrees to clear the dash when the door is closed.
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr Not pictured but by far most satisfying - swapped the rear springs as the PO had them installed backwards (DS on PS and vice versa)... First time the truck has sat level since I bought it!
- Thread starter
- #34
Well, busy weekend... Finished my OBA setup, tailgate storage and instrument cluster lighting:
OBA - went with the PUMA compressor but used a viair tank underneath. Compressor is located between the drawer system and the trim in the back. Plumbed for front and rear connections and my ARB setup. ARB controlled via the magic dial I've always wanted.
Tank:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Mockup of compressor location:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Top view of compressor, pressure switch, air dryer, etc. Not pictured - Manifold with ARB solenoids:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Breaker and relay for compressor - ARB tubing in view:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Coupler in rear (behind drawer wing), Dryer, etc.:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Magic dial, compressor arming switch:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Tailgate storage:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
OBA - went with the PUMA compressor but used a viair tank underneath. Compressor is located between the drawer system and the trim in the back. Plumbed for front and rear connections and my ARB setup. ARB controlled via the magic dial I've always wanted.
Tank:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrMockup of compressor location:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrTop view of compressor, pressure switch, air dryer, etc. Not pictured - Manifold with ARB solenoids:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrBreaker and relay for compressor - ARB tubing in view:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrCoupler in rear (behind drawer wing), Dryer, etc.:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrMagic dial, compressor arming switch:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrTailgate storage:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #35
Was lucky enough to get my hands on a Wit's End Turbo setup from @Tedward. He's a great guy to deal with if any of you have the privilege of buying or selling with him! Thanks again!
Installed with 90,400 on the clock... Will hopefully provide many years of enjoyment! So far, the truck doesn't overwhelm you with power - it just feels like it was supposed to perform this way from the factory. It feels "lighter".
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
This was the scariest part!
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Cruiser Porn:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Installed with 90,400 on the clock... Will hopefully provide many years of enjoyment! So far, the truck doesn't overwhelm you with power - it just feels like it was supposed to perform this way from the factory. It feels "lighter".
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrThis was the scariest part!
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrCruiser Porn:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #36
Update dump as I've been doing several things over the past couple of weeks!
First, installed a part-time kit + new prop shaft studs at the t-case side + longfields since I had to have the closer groove to accommodate the hubs - fairly involved but made a lot easier by having a lift:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
First, installed a part-time kit + new prop shaft studs at the t-case side + longfields since I had to have the closer groove to accommodate the hubs - fairly involved but made a lot easier by having a lift:
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #37
Next bought a fancy 14 n 1 gauge system from @MyWhiteSheep who included a tapped and painted water outlet for coolant temp... What he didn't tell me is I'd have to disassemble practically the whole driver's side of the engine to install that sensor! But, a few busted knuckles later the distributor, alternator, battery box, etc was off and I had the thing on. This led to a fair amount of "while you're in there" so I now have new coolant and a new Asian water pump at 90,600 miles.
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
I also used the sandwich plate Darren provided to get oil temp and pressure - sure do hope this thing don't leak!
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Pics of the gauge once I get my mounting location / strategy sorted.
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrI also used the sandwich plate Darren provided to get oil temp and pressure - sure do hope this thing don't leak!
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrPics of the gauge once I get my mounting location / strategy sorted.
I've been begging for pics from you over the phone, and didn't even know you had a build thread. . Subscribed 
- Thread starter
- #39
Fancy 14 in 1 gauge is in. Articulating arm isn't nearly as obtrusive as it looks in this pic. Like the location a lot - Thanks to @NLXTACY for creating a cool part to enable this mounting location.
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on FlickrUntitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
- Thread starter
- #40
Also installed some Harbor Freight floods on the 4x4 labs swing arms. They're pretty bright and the price was right!
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr
Untitled by jeff elliott, on Flickr