KingKong Checking In

[KingKong]

Here are pictures of the final product. The rack is a tad large for the factory crossbars, but it works fine. FINALLY I can get that darn spare and some of my equipment out of the back of the truck and free up some space. Next thing to do is get the remaining hardware for the hi-lift jack mount, as well as some chain and a lock for the spare. After that's done, I think some lights are in order .

 

[KingKong]

When you said it was a yakima, i thought you were talking about those gay little things that subarus like to drive around with haha. But that thing is large and in charge lol. Cant wait to see that mounting system in person and I'm REALLY glad you finally have a place to put all that s*** you have in the trunk

Lol man you know it. Ya it's been something that me (and my dad) have been wanting for a while. I really need to get some crossbars to secure it and so it doesn't look like its floating on top of the truck.

 

[KingKong]

A teaser for what's to come . (Hint: it's not for the rear ).

 

[robustbambi]

 

[justbecause]

how have you liked changing to part time? do you ever lock it in for regular street driving? (snow, rain, other unknowns?)

have you seen any difference in handeling, turning, fuel consumption, does the rear end ever come loose?

 

[KingKong]

how have you liked changing to part time? do you ever lock it in for regular street driving? (snow, rain, other unknowns?)

have you seen any difference in handeling, turning, fuel consumption, does the rear end ever come loose?

I have really enjoyed having a part-timed 80. The biggie for me was reducing wear on the front end with the Longfields. The only times I need to lock the front for street driving are on dirt roads after rain. The biggest handling difference I have felt is that there is less stress on the front when turning. In my driveway making 3-4 point turns to turn around, the truck does not want to torque steer anymore, and the steering is a lot easier, so I would see it as reduced stress and wear on your tires and steering pump. As far as fuel consumption, I have not noticed any significant differences, but you will probably see maybe .5-1 more MPGs. The rear end only comes loose on soft surfaces when I give it tons of gas, and the best part of 2wd is the ability to do burnouts . All in all, unless you have lots of snow where the unlocked AWD would be handy, I would recommend a part time conversion.

 

[KingKong]

So I went home this weekend to do a brake job because they were just terrible. So Saturday I went to ACC and was expecting a quick pad change and maybe an oil change while I was at it. What I found and didn't expect was that the passenger side caliper had two stuck pistons, which wore that pad straight through and caused the rotor to crack. The diver side also had a stuck piston on the outside. So my quick pad change turned into an all day brake job. Luckily ACC had some spare calipers they loaned me while new ones were ordered. After a long an tedious day my truck now has stopping power again.

 

[KingKong]

The next day I went with some buds to the Caffeine and Octane car show in Alpharetta. Had a good time looking at all the exotics, muscle cars, and tuners Atlanta has to offer.

 

[KingKong]

Lastly, I came home and opened up my latest edition of Petersen's 4 Wheel and Off-Road magazine to find this!