Builds The Trail Snail Build | Above Average Overlandish (8 Viewers)

[Broski]

Nice chop job on the battery box.
For me I would have just got the right battery

 

[SmokingRocks]

Nice chop job on the battery box.
For me I would have just got the right battery

Yea I get it, but I wanted this specific dedicated deep cycle (which doesn't come in the F configuration) because it has 95AH of capacity and was $115. With how my electrical system is set up, this battery's primary use is the OEM vehicle accessories and stereo. I often use the stereo at camp with the engine off, which drove the decision to use a dedicated deep cycle.

 

[SmokingRocks]

o meh gerd... Finally got the T-case done, only had to open it up like 6 times to put things back in that I kept forgetting, unimportant things like the oil pump drive rotor. Can't wait to see how the ol snail drives with new shocks & T-case output bearings. If it's not an improvement I'll go nuts.

oh and I finally sent the fancy car off to the shop to get it's engine pulled out and unfuked.

Updated to-do list:

• Deep Douche of the entire underbody and frame to remove 5 years of caked-on oil/mud which has turned into some kind of rust-inhibiting concrete
• New deep cycle house battery 95AH
• Transfer Case Rebuild / Service
  
  • Solve the stuck CDL issue
  • Replace the front output bearing & seal
  • Replace the rear output bearing & seal
  • Replace the Speedometer O ring
• Transmission Rear Output Seal Replacement
• Shift Linkage Bushings Refresh
• Shifter Boot Replacement
• Rear Shocks Replacement (Dobinson IMS's are on indefinite back order so I have their yellows coming)

So whats next?

• Replace my damaged rear hatch
• handle some rust
• Recoat the Monsta-Liner
• Boat Side Rockers
• Finish Headlight washers before winter flys
• Build new Rear Bumper

 

[SmokingRocks]

Holly balls batman! I can't believe how smooth the rig is now, I had no idea how toasted those transfer case output bearings actually were. Last night I got the snail up to 70mphand the t-case shifter wasn't shaking, there were no vibrations on lift-off. It was sublime.

Also the new rear shocks feel great, I was a little bummed that the Dobinson IMS units are unavailable but the Dobi yellows seem to be valved very similarly, so they go well with the IMS units I have up front.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Put a hand throttle in, then went to do some tree work at my moms where the blue angles were apparently putting an air show on. So that was sweet.

 

[SmokingRocks]

There I was just walking along through the peaceful internet when WHAM! I tripped and fell on the "Purchase Now" button.... Whoops. At least I can legitimately say I'm doing this not only to improve the rig but also for my wife. Thanks @Broski @baldilocks @spyduh

 

[baldilocks]

I fall on that same button way to much.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Got my Anti-rock sway bar. A lot was left to desire in terms of how they packaged this all for shipping. Literally was just thrown in a box which ended up making everything look like it had already been installed on a rig in a previous life. Can't fault Anti-Rock as I bought this through a supply house company CJ Pony Parts, which after a quick google search has like a 1.5 star rating on yelp.... oh well lesson learned. I'd be more upset if I was building a show rig but I just need it to perform, this rig has always been functionality first, looks second.

 

[baldilocks]

Those link bolts are way too long. They sell a shorter version. I found that 8.5” works. Should afford you a 5/8” thread engagement in the rod ends. $20 each.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Who'd you get them through? McCaster Carr?

 

[baldilocks]

They are the actual part. Bought mine from Northridge off-road here in WA. Actual part meaning actual AntiRock part.

 

[baldilocks]

 

[baldilocks]

8.5” affords about 5/8” thread engagement into the rod ends which is adequate based on the 1/2” dia of the bolt.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Nice, looks like a cleaner option than sleeving the rod. I bet McCaster Carr has this thread pitch and grade all thread in any length too.

 

[baldilocks]

Nice, looks like a cleaner option than sleeving the rod. I bet McCaster Carr has this thread pitch and grade all thread in any length too.

If you want to search it out. For $20 it’s a simple pause and buy. Remember that one end is left hand.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Yea no doubt, definitely interested in the plug-and-play option for a crisp Andrew Jackson. Thanks for the advice.

 

[baldilocks]

Andrew Jackson

 

[Broski]

Every install has been a little different, baldilocks mounted his tabs much further down on the axle then most.
I would get everything mounted up then figure out what length threaded rod is going to work for you.
I had some tubing laying around that fit the rod perfectly so I went that route and saved a few bucks
I thought it looked pretty clean

I think that your kit must have been a return as mine came nicely packed with out a scratch.
I just got back from Sand Hollow and I think that the sway bar really helped in a couple of sketchy situations

 

[spyduh]

Every install has been a little different, baldilocks mounted his tabs much further down on the axle then most.
I would get everything mounted up then figure out what length threaded rod is going to work for you.
I had some tubing laying around that fit the rod perfectly so I went that route and saved a few bucks
I thought it looked pretty clean

I think that your kit must have been a return as mine came nicely packed with out a scratch.
I just got back from Sand Hollow and I think that the sway bar really helped in a couple of sketchy situations

his package def looks like a return. mine was not damaged either and packed nice.

Either way I personally wouldn't care since its going to get cut/welded/ spray paint anyway.

 

[SmokingRocks]

Took a break from things to do some Christmas shopping…. Got the wife taken care of