Johnvee's 80 thread

[JohnVee]

1. I can say without a doubt that the Autozone front axle-to-caliper line #70735 does not fit. The locating pin on the caliper end is off by almost 1/8". It was worth a try over the weekend but I'll call SCT in the morning for the OEM part.

2. Now I've also got a leak from the 3/8" (5/8"?) hose at the bottom of the radiator. Can't wait to drain all that fluid. It's only 12 months old so maybe I'll capture and reuse it.

--john

 

[FJ Junkie]

I bought John Gas Strut Guys tailgate struts for xmas. Posts on MUD said it was an easy 1 person, 10 min change out.

To set the stage... I have no patience - zero. I don't do any work on any of my vehicles. That's what mechanics are for. They specialize in their work and I in mine. John says I saved $90 doing it myself. I don't give a s*** what I saved.

I hated every last second of this so-called easy change out. Although flinging the old struts out in the yard did feel great. But not enough to offset the rage of installing the new ones. I am done fxxxing with the truck. Let the pros (or the hubby) fxxx with it.

 

[JohnVee]

I am done fxxxing with the truck. Let the pros (or the hubby) fxxx with it.

And that's the best xmas gift of all! She forgot to add this to her post:

The new struts are mounted in the reverse of the factory models - the gas tube is on the bottom now. Clearance is still fine. They've definitely got some thrust to them.

--john

 

[krzyabncanuck]

He he he.....


Sometimes I love what I do....


Other times not so much.

 

[NCFJ]

I am done fxxxing with the truck. Let the pros (or the hubby) fxxx with it.

I am sitting here getting a little morning chuckle. I also like what I do, but there are times when I could pass on some of the frustration. Same with any job.

It's just funny how a simple job like installing struts can push you past your limit. I have gotten to the point where I perceive all things mechanical to be "doable". I just need to figure out how to do it the most efficient way. It does not always work out

Heather's 80 need struts, where did you pick them up?

 

[NCFJ]

My wife manages a used car lot. Her lot repairs cars they buy at auction and sells them. She is very accustomed to shipping vehicles around the country, scheduling repairs of every type on every make and model car, chasing parts both new and used, BUT she does not turn wrenches. She thinks she knows how to do the job, but she does not. At least you know your limits She actually does but I enjoy teasing her about it.

 

[Phares]

Wow...So did someone come by and grab your old struts off the ground or are they still there?

 

[JohnVee]

Heather's 80 need struts, where did you pick them up?

I'm looking for the part #, but here's their ebay store. Items shipped from Australia. http://stores.ebay.com/gas-strut-guys I think it was about $60 shipped.

Wow...So did someone come by and grab your old struts off the ground or are they still there?

Why? Do you want them?

--john

 

[JohnVee]

In case some of you missed it, FJ Junkie is my other half.

I forgot to mention that the pivots at the ends of the struts appear to be plastic. Well, they are plastic on the outside - not sure how much metal is inside them. Just the pivots, not the body mounts.

Don't forget the vise grips.

 

[jfz80]

Mc master Carr has em for 35 shipped. 90# and a hair longer so lifted the gate higher.

Nice job Sarah. Leave the HG to the hubby

 

[JohnVee]

Mc master Carr has em for 35 shipped. 90# and a hair longer so lifted the gate higher.

Nice job Sarah. Leave the HG to the hubby

These are 90lbs, too, and just a hair longer. They really rocket the hatch up.

Do the McMaster's mount right up? I was under the impression that the mounting brackets weren't included or weren't the same at OEM.

--john

 

[jfz80]

Nope. Your on it. They did require you to drill out the old the rivet holding the strut to the bracket and buy a few bolts to reuse the bracket. But like you say. Pop the latch and look out!

 

[JohnVee]

Been a while since I checked in here. The Marlin inner axle seals on the front end (approx 15k+miles) have been going bad for a number of months. They've now been replaced with OEM - an it only took 3!!! Basically did a front axle rebuild minus the bearings. Also put on a new front caliper to even out the pair, replaced all of the rear brake lines and installed the SLEE extended lines all around - almost. There's one OEM that didn't want to play nice so it's gonna wait for me to regain my composure or suffer the consequences.

Thanks to Rafael and Eric F for wasting a Saturday with me on this. I still need to do the 40 front axle, and Eric has an 80 to do, so an axle mega-HAMOM is still in the cards. I've been talking about about that for so long that I'm sure nobody believes me anymore.

Bleeding the brakes was the worst I've experienced yet. Eric and I spent 2 hours and got it nice and bubble-free. Still had a spongy pedal. Sarah and I spent 3 hours tonight and the pedal is almost perfect. I pulled the ABS fuse, started the engine and ran a length of tubing from the bleeder to the master cylinder and just kept pumping with the bleeder open. RR, LR, LPSV, RF, LF, LPSV. The LPSV was still giving tiny, infrequent bubbles but we couldn't take it anymore and called it quits till another time. That's not the procedure I've used in the past but nothing else worked this time.

I also drained and replaced the rear diff fluid so the change date would match the front. It'd been about 18 months.

Now I need to find the front window channels I got from Akella in Feb or March and install those after cleaning and relubing the motors, not to mention all the other crap that's been piling up in boxes this last year.

 

[lt1fire]

ahhh where was the invite..... You know you can't bleed brakes without me

 

[JohnVee]

Starting a To Do list as a reminder. No particular order here. I've really slacked off the last 18 months or so as other stuff got in the way. Most of you people can do this entire list in a day or two...I like to reward myself after every little victory, , so it takes me a little longer. Well, waiting for the bleeding to stop adds some time, too.

Locate all the parts I've acquired over the last year 3/14 Found a large, heavy box!
Front Window channels - replace Done
Window motors - clean & lube Did one. No change. Looked good to start with. Ignored the rest.
Seat belt retractors - clean & lube
Front seats - install new gears, clean & lube F##k, I've lost the gears!
Front seats - repair early stage tear
Remove remaining roof rack bolts & patch holes
Install SLEE wiring harness Found it! Installed w/ @lumbee1
Repair ARB bumper lights and install clear lenses (thanks @S.CarolinaFZJ80)
Install switch for driving lights & wire them up Found it! Installed w/ @forrest5000
Vacuum sand from Portsmouth Island trip Nov 2014 Done
ID and replace burnt dash bulbs So many...
Install OEM 3rd row overhead light (thanks @Roxx)
Install LED strip in rear hatch to illuminate tailgate and ground when open
I've heard the side doors have lights at the bottom. Not a 1994.
Clean door switch contacts so overheads work properly No luck. Will order new ones.DONE!
Oil change Done
Investigate posible steering pump leak Keep tightening clamps
Investigate replacing "paperclip" line at front/lower radiator with something more substantial (@GarnerFJ40 - did you do this?)
Various spot rust repairs
Continue to debate DIY spray can vs liner paint jobs JV=spray/Wife=line
Install new E-brake lever boot from @NCFJ Done 4/4/15
Vacuum PI sand, again Done
Completely unpack, inventory and repack everything in the truck Forgot to do something here..
Touch up paint on sliders Done
Install grip tape on sliders Done, but bad idea.
Install grip tape on rear ladder Done
Begin debating new tire model and size options Started!
Repair exhaust hanger Bailing wire as temporary fix
Have exhaust hanger repaired properly
Replace exhaust behind cat at A1 Exhaust in Fort Mill, SC GREAT EXPERIENCE and PRICE!
Clean and paint rims and center caps - HA! Not likely. I favor the color of dirt.
Admit defeat, remove storage system, vacuum sand 3/14 7/15 Pretty damn close
Carpet cover storage system and install tie downs
Reevaluate spare parts/fluid needs Done
Purchase more spare parts Yep, never-ending
Investigate flat roof rack options Purchased ARB rack
Install ARB roof rack
Investigate winch options & power distro needs
Install CB Cobra 75WXST w/Firestick II FS 4'
Investigate HAM radio
Investigate perimeter flood lighting and mounts Bought some stuff
Install Yodateq door mirror brackets Purchased but still debating this
Install front flood lighting 2" round LED
Install rear flood lighting
Install light bar on ARB front bumper Flood/spot/flood model
Make more lists that turn into nothing Ongoing endeavor
Replace PCV valve/grommet and 2 hoses/clamps Done
Install Blue Sea Aux Fuse Panel 7/16 Working on it
Repair DS rear window vent leak 3/14 & 11/15 Temp fix with shiny chrome tape
Order rear dual swing out bumper ETA early May DONE/INSTALLED!
Inspect and replace/add recovery gear Shackles, another strap, soft shackle
Install new PS window belting seals Rear is done
Install new OEM front door vapor barriers Yes, these are still available
Replace front doors speakers Done 5/16 Hate them AND the radio
Install MilSpec battery terminals Positive Negative One down...
Install dual 3.1A USB outlet (keep forgetting to order this)
Install LED under hood lighting (thanks for the idea Tpham)
Order Carling light switches Done
Remove spare tire hoist Done
Cut exhaust to make room for......
Install 4x4 Labs Dual Swingout Rear Done w/ @forrest5000
Relocate license plate bracket Done w/ @forrest5000
Reinstall grill Done
Cut and replace both lower rear quarter panels due to "extra vent holes"
New tires Done 12/15 BFG KO2 315's
Replace radiator and hoses Done 8/16
Repair PS shaky mirror

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I hope you've done an oil change more recently than 18 months ago, lol.

The paperclip line on the front crossmember, behind the bumper? I believe that is the power steering "cooler". You can get a proper cooler with fins and clip it up to the radiator, away from the rocks down low.

 

[lt1fire]

Brian did indeed replace his PS cooler with a better after market unit. Its a 1/2 a banana job

 

[JohnVee]

I hope you've done an oil change more recently than 18 months ago, lol.

The paperclip line on the front crossmember, behind the bumper? I believe that is the power steering "cooler". You can get a proper cooler with fins and clip it up to the radiator, away from the rocks down low.

Oil change every 30,000 miles right? FYI, I do keep up with fluids.

Yes, power steering. I forgot those words when I wrote this.

 

[Phares]

Good list! Let me know when you're ready to tackle the ham radio stuff.

 

[JohnVee]

Redneck repair. You can see the broken exhaust hanger at the top near the white dot.