Builds Krice Build Thread- “The Bird” (5 Viewers)

[ITRJ]

Went to get an alignment today and the shop told me it needed to replace both front U joints because the lower ball joints need replacement and that the driver tie rod end needs ot be replaced..... $811 is the estimate.

I was only getting an alignment because I cranked the T bars, There is no play in steering and everything looks normal to my untrained eye. How can I tell if the ball joints need to be replaced? I searched and saw that others who replaced their only did because of noise or vibrations. MY truck drives straight and normal.

other than a obviously torn grease boot on the ball joint, you need to check for play. Just jack up the suspect corner of the vehicle, grab the tire at the top and bottom, and gently rock it back and forth. If the ball joint is worn you will feel a slight (or severe) clunk. Doing the same thing while grabbing the tire at the sides will check your tie rod. Make sure you use a jack stand to support the vehicles weight when you do this. Don't rely on the jack alone.

 

[krice118]

Thanks @ITRJ I will use this for future reference! The mechanics who gave me those diagnosis' were not trusted but becasue I was out of town had to use them. My good toyota guys in STL (MT Scheile on Watson) Tightened up the front end and said everything is good!

 

[krice118]

This weekend I am going to try the rear locker mod: Use the rear locker in 4H

 

[bucfl]

Your ride is coming along nicely. I just added new springs and reindexed TB today. I'll post up after I rest. Lol

 

[krice118]

Thanks @bucfl so is yours!

I know this isnt a functional mod but I would really love to make the exhaust louder. I love hammering down 2 lane roads and some nice exhaust would make that much more fun!

I have found mixed reviews on the DT cat back. Maybe I'll just throw a Louder mufffler on and see if that does the job?
Currently has a Flownaster 50 Delta flow and it's pretty quiet

 

[HAYTCH]

does anyone know where i can get that same style of roof rack, i just think that little touch make the truck look so much better.

 

[krice118]

Little update :

Had new rotors and OEM Pads installed by Slee and while it was there they noticed the steering rack was BAD (Truck had been sloppy but I thought it needed alignment and balanced tires)

Picked it up today and man what a difference!! It feels like a whole new truck! Made the $1,600 shop bill worth it after driving it!! Thanks again @sleeoffroad

 

[krice118]

Had a great end to my 10 months living in Denver; Ghost Town Run with the Rising Sun club.

 

[krice118]

Some Videos from the mud:


ATRAC 100 Series Rising Sun 4x4
80 Series Rising Sun 4x4

 

[krice118]

Went to my first Cruise Moab! It was amazing. We stayed in a cabin at Slickrock campground - Word to the wise, buy a tent and mattress or cot the cabin was terrible. Participated in theHells Revenge Night Run - definitely the most challenging trail I have ever done in this 100. I will not be doing this trail again until I have built the rig up a little more. I am glad I did it but there was alot of scrapes, my hitch definitely left my mark on Moab ha!

Luckily I had a great spotter riding shotgun with me.

Dad posing with the rig:

 

[krice118]

I am working in Milan, Italy the next year and the Cruiser is with my parents.
I am sorting through old pics:
In Spring of 2016 I went to Mardi Krawl in Tuscumbia, AL

 

[krice118]

Doing what IFS does best:

 

[krice118]

A lot has happened since I last updated thread. I have lived in Italy and now settled in Jackson, WY

Cruiser has stayed the same. I have about 55,000 miles on the general grabber AT2s. Going to keep them until winter.

I recently built a sleeping platform from 2x4s and 3/4 in plywood.

The plywood is 43” by 4’ and fits perfectly, just barely touches the 2nd row seats and tailgate. I recommend 42” if you don’t want it to rub the tailgate and second row seats.

I used 2x4s to frame it and strengthen it. Legs are about 9.75” I can measure it if someone wants the exact measurement. This was my first project like this and it was a lot of fun. Make sure to account for the wheel wells ....

For anyone wanting to do the same, I would go a bit smaller than my dimensions. The size of this makes it a pain to remove / reinstall.

 

[krice118]

If you are ever near Jackson WY and need work done - go to A1 Auto - Chis is awesome and helpful.

He replaced my squeaking lower ball joint. Just did a 300 mile trip with an average speed of over 85mpg - these 100s are incredible machines.

 

[DreddIsDead]

If you are ever near Jackson WY and need work done - go to A1 Auto - Chis is awesome and helpful.

He replaced my squeaking lower ball joint. Just did a 300 mile trip with an average speed of over 85mpg - these 100s are incredible machines.

 

[DreddIsDead]

what were you doing for work in Italy if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Weezer]

Do you have brackets of some kind under the bumper where you've mounted your KC driving lights? They look really nice. If no brackets, do you get much vibration out of the lights.
Very nice Cruiser!

 

[krice118]

what were you doing for work in Italy if you dont mind me asking?

I dont mind at all. I was working for ALI Group in their corporate office. I am an accountant and helped with thier monthly procedures. It was just a way to live in italy!

 

[krice118]

Do you have brackets of some kind under the bumper where you've mounted your KC driving lights? They look really nice. If no brackets, do you get much vibration out of the lights.
Very nice Cruiser!

No brackets just some washers! I have since replaced with an LED bar as 2 KCs did not offer much light

 

[Weezer]

Thanks. I've some fairly light Hellas that I'm wanting to mount on the bumper