I was able to go to Moab this year, but unfortunately, was unable to take Moonshine. Instead, I rode with my buddy Mike. You can check out pics of that trip here:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/nc-olde-north-state-cruisers/545968-moab-2012-a-3.html
The trip out to Moab has changed my plans for this truck, not in what I intend to do, but in what order each thing will be done. The Toybox is going to be done before the diesel swap and I need to figure out a way to improve my approach angle very quickly.
When it comes to the machines we drive, traction and control are key, not only in Moab, but everywhere. I believe I have traction, but I need more control. A Toybox will give that to me, which is why it moved up on my priorities list.
One small step in the right direction, I took the afternoon today and swapped out my rear springs. The springs I had on before were 2" lift springs that never settled, nor did they soften, in the three years that I had them installed. I picked up a set of 62 stock rear springs that were in AWESOME shape, complete with the factory plastic sliders between each leaf.
After the install, I found an immediate difference, not only in the slightly decreased height of the truck, but also in the softness of the springs. While it was apart, I also moved the axle back to the front hole on the perch ( Ruffstuff adjustable perches ), which moved my axle towards the rear of the truck by 1". While the driveshaft slip splines are now showing, we cycled the suspension and it didn't separate. I'll get the rear drive shafts lengthened to match.
The truck is now more flexible, so I'm happy
Pulled her in
Dropped her down
Lift springs in the foreground, new ( to me ) springs in the background
Unlimited droop now!
While disassembling the old springs, the threads on one spring pins stripped, so we replaced the pins with 3" long, 3/8-24 socket cap screws. Should work just fine.
Reassembled. You can see the pin is now in the forward hole instead of the center
Out of the shop
The rear is most definitely lower now than it was before and the ride is soooooo much better.
After packing up and going home, I found these sitting on my doorstep. Does anyone care to guess what they are / what they're for?