Joining the ranks...with an 04! (1 Viewer)

[mongoose2231]

Reached a milestone of sorts.

On another note, I can hear a faint clank under the truck especially when turning right. Upon close inspection I found that the pass side axle is on the way out. Funny, as I'd replaced the drivers side last summer. It does not look factory though, as the clamps holding the boots on are worm gear type, so possible aftermarket, or some s***.
No wonder it's going bad.

 

[mongoose2231]

Update. The faint clunk was as suspected the passenger side axle. I have since ordered and replaced with OEM. Taken the truck and camper on a 2200 mile loop through Canada just 2 weeks ago. Did a drain and flush on the Tranny prior to departure.
This thing never misses a beat.

 

[mongoose2231]

I need to get me sway bar bushings and steering rod ends for the old girl. The rubber is dry rotted.

 

[Greggo]

Thats awsome you took the cruiser 2200 mi through Canada. My 02 only has 240K but I stick pretty close to home--perhaps I am too conservative; but its pretty much a "rust cruiser" so I am a bit leery. I wonder if you went through Newfoundland? I was there a few yrs ago and happened to spot a cruiser sporting a decal from Gotham City Cruisers. Thats way up there! Cheers--

 

[mongoose2231]

Hey, thanks for chiming in. My truck is at 290k. Not too worried bout mileage and such. I keep it serviced well. I never got that far north but in the future I will.

 

[mongoose2231]

Got the truck cleaned real well this week, removed the faux wood trim, removed seats washed carpet, and reinstalled the fender flares. She looks like a new truck inside and out. Was gonna list it for sale to get a 200 series but, I mean this truck is baselined, working great, still has no rust, thanks to fluid film and crc yearly treatment. Why should I pony up 35 to 45k for the 200 that I want when this is paid for and pulling its weight like no other.

 

[mongoose2231]

Two more pics for good measure. These are just before washing it this evening.

 

[mongoose2231]

Christmas came...

 

[mongoose2231]

Got some shopping to do.
Sigh.

 

[mongoose2231]

Since last post, new cats have been installed, new exhaust as well. I have rear brake pads and rotors ready to go, together with new tie rod ends. I did not pass inspection.
Will post a few pics of the work in a day or two. I think I may have some extra parts laying around, such as rack boots and a few other odds and ends.
Thing is the truck is pretty damn compliant.
Love it.

 

[mongoose2231]

4 months update!
Back at end of June, my wife went to work as usual, parked in the usual spot, and was literally the only car in the lot. School bus driver back his rig right into the dawn truck.
Sigh.

 

[mongoose2231]

Had a fight with their insurance company. They had initially only offered 6k for the truck. Was pissed to say the least. Threatened to sue, got me my 11.5k after that. Gave em back 1700 and kept her. She is now with my man Marvin, where he sure is working his magic.
I made a deal with my guy and had asked him to do a full paint job, this way I get rid if all other imperfections.
Needless to say, here are pics.

 

[mongoose2231]

I did buy a donor door, but couldn't find a quarter for cheap enough, so we massaged back in to shape.
See more here.

 

[mongoose2231]

And a few more.

 

[mongoose2231]

And a couple more for good measure.

 

[mongoose2231]

Funny, how I wanted to remove the flares before, but they gauged the paint, I had to put them back. Looks like I won't be needing them anymore, plus the rear right one got mangled, so...

 

[mongoose2231]

Finally home!

 

[OEMGUY0720]

So fine like an aging wine!