Builds Reconstruction after rollover - building The Champ 2. (1 Viewer)

[baldilocks]

Turbo kit on order with @cruisersandcompany

 

[Broski]

@CharlieS I come to tears with laughter at the comments Dodge garners. I always thought their cars were ugly. Have you ever checked out a 426/4spd/Dana60 Road Runner? It’s a massive sleeper. Dodge/Chrysler has always been an outlier but bringing new ideas to market.
If you pay attention out there on the highways you will notice Dodge/Cummins dominates the Hot Shot hauling group by far. If the heart is strong and healthy the rest is a matter of personal adjustment. My Dodge is a 2005 built right in the sweet spot where the power train isn’t overly managed and the cab is better than the first Gen’s. Current diesel pick ups are better in many ways but the part that makes money is a pain in the wallet and not fun for doityourselfers. I don’t know what people mean when they say dodge sucks. They offer a platform that outright performs if it does require some attention. My Cummins is a very early 2005 so it’s been on the road 20 years. I have replaced a lot of parts but there is always an upgrade for a truck that was designed to be a builders vehicle. Currently there are zero issues to deal with. She sits and waits for my nudge and always responds positively.

It only took a week to formulate that response
We shall see where Dodge goes now that they have been bought out.

 

[baldilocks]

It only took a week to formulate that response
We shall see where Dodge goes now that they have been bought out.

Actually I was reviewing this thread and noticed I hadn’t responded to Charlie’s post. Chrysler has been passed around like a cheap whore but still exists bc we all like mystery. Toyota puts out reliability if not slow and a bit boring. Dodge tilts toward fun, fast, and gritty.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I didn’t assume you were ribbing me but that @mudgudgeon guy was.

It's dirty work, but someone has to do it!

In the 2005-2015 age bracket, my preference would be for a Cummins powered dodge pickup.
The 2004 Ferd one fitty I have is definitely nothing special, but every mechanic and parts store knows what it is, and what their weaknesses are, (Gawd knows there's a few)

The Tundras of that era are ugly AF, and overpriced.

My neighbour has a pretty clean 2002ish Dodge/Cummins he keeps talking about selling, but the $$ he thinks he'll get is way more than I can justify.
He bought it from his dad for peanuts. I know his dad would have looked after it good. Him, not so much, but I think it would be a great truck.

 

[baldilocks]

It's dirty work, but someone has to do it!

In the 2005-2015 age bracket, my preference would be for a Cummins powered dodge pickup.
The 2004 Ferd one fitty I have is definitely nothing special, but every mechanic and parts store knows what it is, and c what v their weaknesses are, (Gawd knows theres a few)

The Tundras of that era are ugly AF, and overpriced.

My neighbour has a pretty clean 2002ish Dodge/Cummins he keeps talking about selling, but the $$ he thinks he'll get is way more than I can justify.
He bought it from his dad for peanuts. I know his dad would have looked after it food. Him, not so much, but i think it would be a great truck.

Like Toyota, Dodge created a situation where you are either committed or you are not. Once a guy learns how to interact with all females the Dodge/Cummins is a snap. Good Luck!! F150 is the most popular vessel in the world and has been for a few decades. It’s just to soft for my liking.

 

[mudgudgeon]

F150 is the most popular vessel in the world USA

I think they are the highest selling vehicle in usa for decades. . . .

and that was why I chose it. They're everywhere. They can be found reasonably priced.

It's actually probably the first vehicle I've owned where I haven't felt the need to alter the driver's seat for comfort.


Anyway, back to your build thread . . .

 

[baldilocks]

ARB compressor rebuild done. I’ve never had a problem with it but since it’s out I decided to look into it. The university of YouTube taught me that there have been instances where the piston connecting rod came off the crank pin. There is no retainer. They came out with a kit that does include a retainer clip to put on the crank pin.
Also, there is supposed to be a plate/baffle/check valve between the piston chamber and the head but mine doesn’t have one. LOL! Who assembled this thing? It’s been working properly since 2010. I ran it on the bench last evening and left it over night. This morning I energized one of the blow off valves and air pressure did blow off so it’s holding pressure at the piston ring

good enough to do the intended job.

 

[baldilocks]

 

[Broski]

Quit fixing Sh*t that ant broke and get that thing running

 

[baldilocks]

More important stuff….

 

[baldilocks]

Small jobs today…

 

[baldilocks]

I was surprised to find out the 93-94 heater water valve is different than the 95-97. Can’t reuse the one from the 93 on this 96.

 

[baldilocks]

@LandCruiserPhil heater hose and new valve installed respecting the PHH “bypass” hose method.

A few years ago I went to a brake hydro booster and 1.125” MC. It worked but could have been better. So, now we will try going back to a 1” MC like stock but without the nonsense.

 

[Broski]

I was surprised to find out the 93-94 heater water valve is different than the 95-97. Can’t reuse the one from the 93 on this 96.
View attachment 3822271

Send the old one

 

[baldilocks]

Removing the RS3000 security system. Good times!!

 

[baldilocks]

As a result of searching I found a thread that gave me the opportunity to download the install instructions for the RS3000. By referencing it removal was not too difficult and took about 90 minutes but my dash was already pretty much cleared from the way.

 

[baldilocks]

We moved on to more fun stuff later this afternoon:

 

[baldilocks]

Moving the 94 built up axle into place. First I have to replace the bushings. Hoping my Chinese 12t press will do it. I’m not holding my breath.

 

[baldilocks]

The arms are removed and new bushings are next. This is my birthday and my last day off for five days so the bushings might be a minute.

 

[Broski]

Happy B-day Steve !