Pretty quiet in here... what are you working on? (2 Viewers)

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I did get both refurbished lower control arms (blasted, painted, new bushings and 555 ball joints) in the truck Saturday. The frame side bushings are a bit of a pain and I wasn't able to press them out but the air hammer made quick work of removing them. Pretty much everything in the front end of this truck minus the steering rack ( still sitting on the shelf ) is new. After a quick drive the difference is noticeable, everything feels tighter. Couple more small jobs to knock out the ready for Fall Crawl.

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Looking forward to Crawling with you! Thinking of doing a Dobinson's setup this weekend on the 80... o_O
 
Adding some copper tubing to the the axles...

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I can't leave well enough alone...like many of you heading to Fall Crawl, this weekend is the last chance for me to get in any serious projects. Decided to go ahead and pick up a nice Dobinsons suspension upgrade. I did the 3" variable rate coils and the 4-5" lift IMS shocks per @crikeymike at Exit Off Road's advice (and thanks for the lightning fast shipping!). I kept in my spring packers as well for the extra lift since I have the longer travel shocks now and other bits already in place to handle it (extended brake lines, radius arms, sway bar & bump stop stuff). This gets me ever so close to my garage door...about 1.5-2" clearance at this point on 315's ;) . So far, my initial test drive quick loop shows a huge improvement in the ride, and I'd expect no less on the trail...can't wait to get it out there!!! Now if I can just un-seize my locked up muscle cramps and numb fingers...that said, my wife said I'd never be happy if I couldn't crawl around under my truck for hours with my projects...and at least she knows where I am all the time, especially since we work together too.

:deadhorse:









 
Picked up a 2003 Sequoia Limited over the weekend. Sucker is huge, more than im used to. Especially after cruising around in the honda.
Will do an O2 sensor replacement and fluid change this weekend.
I just happen to have a fox coilover suspension set with the remote reservoirs that i pilfered from my old boss' spare parts bin, but its prob for a gen 2 sequoia. I wonder if itll fit. More research needed.
Now, ive had a warn m10000 sitting in my car port for a few years. Need to decide on a method to install it. Stealth install or actual winch bumper.
The rear hatch doesnt open, so looking at the bypass methods.
 
I can't leave well enough alone...like many of you heading to Fall Crawl, this weekend is the last chance for me to get in any serious projects. Decided to go ahead and pick up a nice Dobinsons suspension upgrade. I did the 3" variable rate coils and the 4-5" lift IMS shocks per @crikeymike at Exit Off Road's advice (and thanks for the lightning fast shipping!). I kept in my spring packers as well for the extra lift since I have the longer travel shocks now and other bits already in place to handle it (extended brake lines, radius arms, sway bar & bump stop stuff). This gets me ever so close to my garage door...about 1.5-2" clearance at this point on 315's ;) . So far, my initial test drive quick loop shows a huge improvement in the ride, and I'd expect no less on the trail...can't wait to get it out there!!! Now if I can just un-seize my locked up muscle cramps and numb fingers...that said, my wife said I'd never be happy if I couldn't crawl around under my truck for hours with my projects...and at least she knows where I am all the time, especially since we work together too.



Nicely done. Now you have the perfect excuse for those 37's you have been thinking about.
 
Nicely done. Now you have the perfect excuse for those 37's you have been thinking about.
And once you get those sounds like you'll have an excuse for your wife why you need to build a bigger garage when the cruiser doesn't fit
 
And once you get those sounds like you'll have an excuse for your wife why you need to build a bigger garage when the cruiser doesn't fit
Ironically enough, she approved the garage addition a long time ago! Unfortunately I’d need to re-drill and move my well due to permit problems so I’ve been dragging me feet on the project. :confused:
 
Took advantage of the nice weather and cleaned the rigs. Then proceeded to go for a drive and enjoy some more

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was at the cabin this weekend enjoying the weather and quiet time....
and a nice night by the fire with a good cigar...

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Finally had some time to clean up after Fall Crawl...took about 5 hours with power and hand washing, but now back to her usual glowing self!









Also, had some time to check why I was having a funky brake pedal feel since Coal Miner this summer....chasing with new booster, master, multiple bleeds...turns out it was a loose wheel bearing on one side that would let the wheel flop a bit and push the caliper pistons in, so I'd give it one spongy hit, and then was fine until being off the brake again for a while. I remembered that I did the new axles just before Coal Miner, and didn't properly squeeze the new grease out of the fresh wheel bearings on the first side that I did. Simple tightening up, and all back to OEM solid pedal feel again. :p

And a few more projects on the horizon...first up is going to be a custom mounted Oh Sh!t handle. My son said it was tough finding a good grab spot on the passenger side with only handles on the pillar and roofline, but nothing to grab with the left hand. I'm doing something similar to what is in the new Bronco, but with other parts...stay tuned to see what I come up with.

On that note, I bought a press brake that goes in my 20 ton press, can handle 3/16" plate up to 12" wide and make a 90% angle (5/16" to 6" wide, and 3/8" to 3" wide). Also picked up a plasma cutter for up to 3/8" plate....should be great for lots of projects! If anyone has some custom brackets, etc. to make, let me know if I can help. 🛠️


 
Finally had some time to clean up after Fall Crawl...took about 5 hours with power and hand washing, but now back to her usual glowing self!









Also, had some time to check why I was having a funky brake pedal feel since Coal Miner this summer....chasing with new booster, master, multiple bleeds...turns out it was a loose wheel bearing on one side that would let the wheel flop a bit and push the caliper pistons in, so I'd give it one spongy hit, and then was fine until being off the brake again for a while. I remembered that I did the new axles just before Coal Miner, and didn't properly squeeze the new grease out of the fresh wheel bearings on the first side that I did. Simple tightening up, and all back to OEM solid pedal feel again. :p

And a few more projects on the horizon...first up is going to be a custom mounted Oh Sh!t handle. My son said it was tough finding a good grab spot on the passenger side with only handles on the pillar and roofline, but nothing to grab with the left hand. I'm doing something similar to what is in the new Bronco, but with other parts...stay tuned to see what I come up with.

On that note, I bought a press brake that goes in my 20 ton press, can handle 3/16" plate up to 12" wide and make a 90% angle (5/16" to 6" wide, and 3/8" to 3" wide). Also picked up a plasma cutter for up to 3/8" plate....should be great for lots of projects! If anyone has some custom brackets, etc. to make, let me know if I can help. 🛠️





Great your garage will be all set for the bash bar install come early spring!
 
.first up is going to be a custom mounted Oh Sh!t handle. My son said it was tough finding a good grab spot on the passenger side with only handles on the pillar and roofline, but nothing to grab with the left hand. I'm doing something similar to what is in the new Bronco, but with other parts...stay tuned to see what I come up with.
There is an OEM grab bar available for the dash on the passenger side. I have one in my 1994. I want to say it is a JDM item but the mounting holes are already behind the dash, like lots of the electric connectors throughout the truck. I've liked it when I've sat in the passenger seat.

I'll try to take a pic tonight.
 
There is an OEM grab bar available for the dash on the passenger side. I have one in my 1994. I want to say it is a JDM item but the mounting holes are already behind the dash, like lots of the electric connectors throughout the truck. I've liked it when I've sat in the passenger seat.

I'll try to take a pic tonight.
Great to know! I'd love a pic if you can snap one...I'll do some additional research now at 3:50 a.m. since I can never sleep... o_O

Edit: Quick search revealed a great install thread on the '94. I never knew these existed...definitely on the search to find one! I still plan to do the side one too on the console...never enough grab points when you're thrashing around on the trails. That said, it's sooo much better with the new Dobinsons suspension and IMS shocks!

Edit 2: Could only find one....on Ebay, ordered from who knows where, but hopefully will show up in a few weeks...only one that I could see for sale anywhere at this point. Thanks again for the tip!
 
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Great your garage will be all set for the bash bar install come early spring!
Absolutely as promised! I'm practicing with the welder now too...I may consider the 4x4 Labs rear bumper weld-it-yourself kit this winter, so I want my skills to be good for that.
 
Absolutely as promised! I'm practicing with the welder now too...I may consider the 4x4 Labs rear bumper weld-it-yourself kit this winter, so I want my skills to be good for that.
With the help of several club members, we put one on my 100. Very nice bumper. FYI, swing outs can rattle some if not tightened very hard.
 
With the help of several club members, we put one on my 100. Very nice bumper. FYI, swing outs can rattle some if not tightened very hard.
Good to know! I think I'd do the provisions for the swing arms, but keep them off like I have now with the option to pop on if I need the extra interior space with the tire out (underneath is out due to the LRA tank). I absolutely love the Kaymar, but at both Coal Miner and Fall Crawl, it did hang me up and caused the rear wheels to lift a bit and lost traction both times. Coal Miner, I was on a steep rock ledge and Fall Crawl was in the mud "dip" that garnered many pics from 2022. I did get through both obstacles eventually, but Lee in the burgundy 80 set up just like mine but with factory rear bumper got through both much easier without the hang up on the bumper (although he did rip off a plastic side piece on the rear).

My only concern is keeping the LRA safe...I think it'll be fine since it's the smaller one that doesn't hang too low, but need to measure carefully to be sure before I do any cutting on the back end!
 
Note that this in a 1994, so no airbags. I'm not sure if it was offered for 95-97 models or, if so, if it was the same item number.

I'm now remembering how useful it is for stowing hats and gloves in the winter once the heater gets cranking.

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Perfect, I’m 94 no airbags as well. Found one, possibly a line on a second better NOS one. Appreciate the tip and pic!

95 and later had a more square style.
 
after you're done building that 4x4 labs bumper if you wanted to help adjust mine that'd be awesome :D the accessory mounting tabs on mine are in the wrong spot and hit the bumper when I open the swing outs.
Absolutely as promised! I'm practicing with the welder now too...I may consider the 4x4 Labs rear bumper weld-it-yourself kit this winter, so I want my skills to be good for that.
 

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