Build OL'BETSY ZX: 1991 HZJ77
- Thread starter JDM Journeys
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JDM Journeys
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- #902
Its a valid question. I was worried about flex, but as soon as I bolted the scoop on, it seemed to provide the support that had been removed. The scooby Scoop is pretty rigid. And having it butted up against the foam made it even better. Going down the highway at speed this morning, there were no signs of wobbly wobbly.
P/T yes. I put the probe as far up on the flange as I could manage. My turbo was used but I still would rather not risk "probing" it.
P/T yes. I put the probe as far up on the flange as I could manage. My turbo was used but I still would rather not risk "probing" it.
JDM Journeys
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- #903
So almost 5 years ago, in March of 2021 @OGBeno said:
So. Before I go back to Utah this spring I obviously had to fix that. I decided to try the new heavy duty AVM hub (the HP series) that can simply retrofit when the electric is removed. I know it's not an Aisin hub but until I gather all the parts for the proper retrofit, it's better than an electric that likes to fail at the worst possible moment.
These have been upgraded apparently since the days of crappy plastic AVM hubs. These are all metal and installed fairly easily using the pins from the originals to augment the bolts.
So for sure at some point I'll get the "proper" ones but for now these appear to be a legit substitute compared to previous iterations of the "brass from Brazil". I'm going back to Lockhart this year to hopefully restore some of my injured ego (even if I can't bring my broken rear window back to life) so I'll follow up on these after some torture testing.
Fast forward to May of 2025 on Lockhart basin I realized I should've paid more heed, and subsequently spent a full day in 2wd, navigating challenging terrain before disassembling and manually locking a hub later in camp, in the dark.
So. Before I go back to Utah this spring I obviously had to fix that. I decided to try the new heavy duty AVM hub (the HP series) that can simply retrofit when the electric is removed. I know it's not an Aisin hub but until I gather all the parts for the proper retrofit, it's better than an electric that likes to fail at the worst possible moment.
These have been upgraded apparently since the days of crappy plastic AVM hubs. These are all metal and installed fairly easily using the pins from the originals to augment the bolts.
So for sure at some point I'll get the "proper" ones but for now these appear to be a legit substitute compared to previous iterations of the "brass from Brazil". I'm going back to Lockhart this year to hopefully restore some of my injured ego (even if I can't bring my broken rear window back to life) so I'll follow up on these after some torture testing.
I’m interested in your testing results! I have AVMs on mine, but a different iteration that uses a spacer. Mine are metal as well. They don’t look as hefty (or as good) as the Aisin, but time will tell!
JDM Journeys
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- #905
These didn't need spacers. They used the four bolts (studs?) from the electric hubs and lined up with the dowels as well. I attempted to use the factory acorn nuts but they seemed like they might be a little proud when tightened down so I switched back to traditional nuts.
Each one included a body gasket and a dial gasket. Inside the pawls were metal and the lock rings were metal. The dial is also metal and is bolted on with torx head bolts (I'll need to make sure I have that driver in my kit). This updated HP version seems to get good reviews in the limited English info I could find, but I'll have no one to blame but myself if they don't live up to reputation.
No, racing red (racing "anything") is not exactly Betsy's calling card.
Looking great! Hope to see racing Ol' Betsy soon again - and see your new place! Congrats!
JDM Journeys
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- #907
Would love to see you (and your Dad) the next time you get home for more than a few minutes. LOL Hope you guys are well!
I took the truck to work again on Friday and into the city yesterday and I can confirm that enlarging the intercooler duct and sealing the opening properly has yielded noticeable gains. EGTs were staying at just over 500f (probe as as high as I could get it in the flange after the turbo) at 115kmh very consistently. It's February of course, but still... I can see a difference even from a few weeks ago. Water temps are also lower, typically sitting at 185F now (measured just before it goes into the rad, so peak temps). Looking forward to warm weather testing.
In other updates - added door sill armrests.
And moved my Wolfbox rearview mirror camera up two rungs on the ladder... Until now I got a mirror full of trailer anytime it was hooked up. We'll see if this improves the view any?
I also have a new spare tire bag getting sewn for me as we speak. It's coming from New Brunswick, and I'm hoping to see it next week.
As per usual, me and the boys are getting caught up on all our projects now so we'll be ready in May to head south for our annual Utah trip.
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JDM Journeys
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- #908
My spare tire bag arrived and I think Adventure Trail Gear makes very nice stuff!
The straps go on crossways first. Each strap has an extra strap sewn on with each end holding a metal toothed clamp partway around. So four clamps altogether which allow you to then mount or remove the bag quickly. No sagging, and easily adjustable.
The material is what you'd expect from a dry bag. Supposedly uv stable as well. Time will tell but initial impressions are excellent.
Access to the inside is made easier with two large vertical zips under the flap which allow you to fold down the front the bag quite a ways. There are also D rings sewn inside to attach bags to.
Also. Took her to work on Friday in some pretty good snow accumulations. It was nice to be able to leave the hubs locked. I just press the button so the hub light stays on to to remind me that they are locked.
The straps go on crossways first. Each strap has an extra strap sewn on with each end holding a metal toothed clamp partway around. So four clamps altogether which allow you to then mount or remove the bag quickly. No sagging, and easily adjustable.
The material is what you'd expect from a dry bag. Supposedly uv stable as well. Time will tell but initial impressions are excellent.
Access to the inside is made easier with two large vertical zips under the flap which allow you to fold down the front the bag quite a ways. There are also D rings sewn inside to attach bags to.
Also. Took her to work on Friday in some pretty good snow accumulations. It was nice to be able to leave the hubs locked. I just press the button so the hub light stays on to to remind me that they are locked.
The ATG stuff looks great, thanks for sharing where your tire bag came from.
Your new garage looks sweet!!
Re: wheelie bin, I have been looking for something that has zero zippers or velcro... have found both to be a huge impediment after any off-road driving. Very few options! Currently rocking my "Bushranger" bag from Costco (!!) because it's the closest there is. Still not perfect...
Re: wheelie bin, I have been looking for something that has zero zippers or velcro... have found both to be a huge impediment after any off-road driving. Very few options! Currently rocking my "Bushranger" bag from Costco (!!) because it's the closest there is. Still not perfect...
JDM Journeys
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- #911
Dust is my greatest nemesis since we are in the desert every year. This one doesn't "need" to unzip to access inside. And the velcro on main pocket is more extra than needed since it clips down too.
This one is a lot like the Bushranger in terms of the coated exterior but the material is a bit more pliable and the straps allow it to be cinched a little tighter when needed.
Next time you get a chance you'll have to swing by.
This one is a lot like the Bushranger in terms of the coated exterior but the material is a bit more pliable and the straps allow it to be cinched a little tighter when needed.
Next time you get a chance you'll have to swing by.
JDM Journeys
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- #912
My new aux house battery came yesterday so it should be a nice upgrade from my 70ah AGM.
Still a group 24 but LiFeP04 so only about ⅓ of the weight and I can use a lot more of the 100ah capacity. My Victron 24->12 DC to DC has a charging profile for it so it should be happy in its new home? 220 watts of roof solar will keep it topped up in camp.
Still a group 24 but LiFeP04 so only about ⅓ of the weight and I can use a lot more of the 100ah capacity. My Victron 24->12 DC to DC has a charging profile for it so it should be happy in its new home? 220 watts of roof solar will keep it topped up in camp.
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You should be pleased with the lifep04 battery upgrade! The usable amps are far higher in these batteries over the flooded or agm ones, so you should actually see at least double the capacity of this one over the 70a agm.
I recently replaced my flooded batteries(x2) with 2x 100A lifep04 for my expedition trailer. I ended up buying Li Time ones because they have some that will heat themselves before charging when the temps are below 10C (50F). I tend to do some winter camp, and even late fall in the mountains can get pretty cold sometimes.
Ol' Betsy is getting the fancy spa treatment package!!
JDM Journeys
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- #914
You should be pleased with the lifep04 battery upgrade! The usable amps are far higher in these batteries over the flooded or agm ones, so you should actually see at least double the capacity of this one over the 70a agm.
I recently replaced my flooded batteries(x2) with 2x 100A lifep04 for my expedition trailer. I ended up buying Li Time ones because they have some that will heat themselves before charging when the temps are below 10C (50F). I tend to do some winter camp, and even late fall in the mountains can get pretty cold sometimes.
Ol' Betsy is getting the fancy spa treatment package!!
Yeah, I had essentially 35ish AH available with my AGM. I kept it prettty conservative so I rarely ran out of power unless I was parked for a few days in warmer temps with the fridge working hard. Now, with more power and 220w of roof solar, it will probably be something I don't have to think about? But the battery's BMS means that between the Victron app and the Renogy app, I can see exactly what's going on via Bluetooth whenever I want.
It is always tricky to keep track of 24 and 12 volts, so I've color coded all 24v wires to yellow inside the box, just for safety.
Under the hood again, I've noticed that since I boosted the old 1HZ, I see a little more oil misting at the intake joints, etc. I am not normally a proponent for a catch can on a non-EGR engine, but I am going to give it a try in this case, just because I like a clean engine compartment. I'll have to keep an eye if we have extreme cold, but it might keep the crankcase vapours from sneaking out and messing up my racing stripes.
It has it's own little built-in dipstick so it should be easy to keep track of. We'll see if it makes any difference. I'm not married to the idea, and cold weather may dictate rerouting the lines temporarily? Maybe we call this a cheap experiment that doesn't have too many downsides?
JDM Journeys
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- #915
After approx 50k kms, its time for tires. I'm a long time BFG fan, and have enjoyed my fourth set of KO2s as much as my first ones (and the originals before that, along with dabbling in KM2s). But all good things can be improved, so I just ordered a set of KO3's. Even though these officially came out in 2024, my particular size wasn't released until last month, and Canada often sees more delays. So I was happy to be able to order these this morning in my usual 33x1050 R15. It'll be a few weeks before I can have them installed, but at least they're ordered. If they are the equal to the KO2's then I'm happy, but it sounds like they have improved in some areas so I guess I'll see?
Supposedly the wet weather traction has been improved, but winter still not improved much, unless you can run on solid snow surfaces, but ice or hard packed snow/ice still suck. Which is to be expected with a at tire.
JDM Journeys
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- #917
I missed my RTT and now that I have room to fit it in the shop, I got another. It's a side opener and is around 110 lbs.
Mounting an RTT is made way easier when you have a sunroof!
Next order of business was to mount my solar panel. The included crossbars came in handy. I offset it to the hinge side to give the lifting struts an easier time.
Not hooked up yet but at least it's mounted.
For trips when I don't want to pull the trailer, this will be great. Same roof footprint as my wedge RTT was but 50 pounds lighter and roomier when setup.
Mounting an RTT is made way easier when you have a sunroof!
Next order of business was to mount my solar panel. The included crossbars came in handy. I offset it to the hinge side to give the lifting struts an easier time.
Not hooked up yet but at least it's mounted.
For trips when I don't want to pull the trailer, this will be great. Same roof footprint as my wedge RTT was but 50 pounds lighter and roomier when setup.
Question:
Since it a “side opener” you’ll still need the expandable latter? (The rear door ladder doesn’t help with deployment?)
JDM Journeys
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- #919
It does have side access doors (and by side I mean tent sides obviously) so a late arrival in camp means I don't really *have* to pull out the ladder and could use the rear door ladder if I wanted...
I wanted the option to be able to deploy the shower tent and then set the ladder up inside it if I wanted to get changed etc before going top side. So I shrink-tubed some foam on the ladder hooks and now the ladder can hang on the drip rails wherever I want to put it instead of being limited to ladder eyelets - inside shower tent, fore, aft, or on the other side to access the solar panel etc.
Tent side opens on left, while the 270° awning opens on the right and over back door.
JDM Journeys
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- #920
Got my KO3's installed this morning and am looking forward to putting some miles on them very soon.
I hope the 33x10.50R15s continue to be available for years to come? Everytime I get another set I wonder if it'll be the last ones?
I hope the 33x10.50R15s continue to be available for years to come? Everytime I get another set I wonder if it'll be the last ones?