Season Prep

[Bowtiepower00]

Just got back from the AZ off-road expo. Picked up some Black Ops ball joints for 20% off, and got a good deal on a set of PCI headsets.

Need to order a clutch, and maybe a light bar, and I’m done.

SXS addicts had 32” Reg 2s for 850/set.

Ridenow had a set of 4 System 3 wheels and 32” DX440s for the same price that I paid for my set of 5 33s from KJ motorsports, so I’m glad I ordered.

The show seemed smaller than last year. Ridenow had a bunch of Turbo and Pro Rs for 7-10k off MSRP. I’m sure they still tack on 5k in assembly and freight. I also saw a sign advertising 4% for 84 months, or something like that for financing. They also had a couple of Mav Rs, at least 1 looked to be available at MSRP, but I didn’t ask.

 

[EmpirE231]

Trans is back in, new clutch installed and motor slid back in. Now I gotta re-install the intercooler, and all fuel / coolant lines etc

Fuel pump is @ automotive, so waiting on them to ship that back. Gotta pull my injectors and take them to CBM to get cleaned in their machine

need to change CV's and that should put me on the final stretch to this thing being ready. Fingers crossed for Vets weekend.

 

[69hondo]

Trans is back in, new clutch installed and motor slid back in. Now I gotta re-install the intercooler, and all fuel / coolant lines etc

Fuel pump is @ automotive, so waiting on them to ship that back. Gotta pull my injectors and take them to CBM to get cleaned in their machine

need to change CV's and that should put me on the final stretch to this thing being ready. Fingers crossed for Vets weekend.

I should do that with my injectors. What do they charge for that?

 

[EmpirE231]

I should do that with my injectors. What do they charge for that?

I think it was $18 per injector, but don’t quote me on that lol. They use an ultrasonic machine.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I’m now doing after first ride prep and fluids lol

 

[69hondo]

Buggy seems good.

 

[EmpirE231]

Seal behind the harmonic balancer was leaking and needed to be replaced....

All this power couldn't break it loose

after taking a day off... hit it with a torch for 1 minute, and then the big boy impact knocked it loose. Orielly tool rental helped with removing the balancer. Now to replace the seal and re-install everything. Still gotta pull my injectors and try to get those cleaned this week.

 

[69hondo]

Seal behind the harmonic balancer was leaking and needed to be replaced....

All this power couldn't break it loose
View attachment 1292782


after taking a day off... hit it with a torch for 1 minute, and then the big boy impact knocked it loose. Orielly tool rental helped with removing the balancer. Now to replace the seal and re-install everything. Still gotta pull my injectors and try to get those cleaned this week.


View attachment 1292783

I have to do that seal this week as well. On my car and my buddies. Do you have the alignment tool?

 

[69hondo]

I know there is other guys here with buggies. where you at @Meaney77 @Bigbore500r

 

[Meaney77]

I know there is other guys here with buggies. where you at @Meaney77 @Bigbore500r

 

[Bigbore500r]

I know there is other guys here with buggies. where you at @Meaney77 @Bigbore500r

Just got my car back yesterday, from Sandrail Fabricators in Colton.

I usually go over it myself, but I'm slammed and was gonna basically miss the first 1/2 of the season at the rate im going....

CV's serviced, all fluids and filters, Nitrogen adjusted in the shocks, serviced steering rack and all the hub bearings, re-did the throttle cable setup, removed the old GPS, relocated the car-to-car radio into the dash, new dust light setup, and ditched the 2 into 1 magnaflow exhaust for a set of headers with bullet mufflers.

Car is looking good and ready to roll. Glad I took it in, they went over it with a fine-tooth comb and the CV's and hub bearings were long overdue.

My buddy picked his up as well, he got a new shock setup with internal-bypass King 2.5's, which are sweet because he didn't have to re-fab his car to add bypasses. His is the car on the right, being winched in backwards

 

[EmpirE231]

I have to do that seal this week as well. On my car and my buddies. Do you have the alignment tool?

alignment tool, or hramonic balancer install tool? I've never done this before lol

I picked up the balancer removal and install tool from Orielly. So far just used the removal tool to pull it off this morning. Haven't removed the seal yet. Need to do thatm then re-install

 

[Bigbore500r]

alignment tool, or hramonic balancer install tool? I've never done this before lol

I picked up the balancer removal and install tool from Orielly. So far just used the removal tool to pull it off this morning. Haven't removed the seal yet. Need to do thatm then re-install

@69hondo you guys won't need the alignment tool, if your leaving the front cover in place and just installing a new crank seal.

If your replacing the front cover, your supposed to use the tool. Honestly, i usually just get the entire front cover kit for $38, comes with new timing cover seal and balancer seal already glued in place . Then just put a few dabs of ultra grey at the corners where the timing seal meets the pan seal, set it in place with all the bolts threaded in loosely, and then install the damper and let the damper center the seal where it's happy as it slides in. Then just gently snug the pan bolts tight that go into the cover, and then the cover bolts to the block.

If you want to use the kent-moore tool, I have it. I don't use it

 

[EmpirE231]

@69hondo you guys won't need the alignment tool, if your leaving the front cover in place and just installing a new crank seal.

If your replacing the front cover, your supposed to use the tool. Honestly, i usually just get the entire front cover kit for $38, comes with new timing cover seal and balancer seal already glued in place . Then just put a few dabs of ultra grey at the corners where the timing seal meets the pan seal, set it in place with all the bolts threaded in loosely, and then install the damper and let the damper center the seal where it's happy as it slides in. Then just gently snug the pan bolts tight that go into the cover, and then the cover bolts to the block.

If you want to use the kent-moore tool, I have it. I don't use it

Any tips / tricks to removing and re-installing just the seal? and also on re-installing the balancer? any special tools needed?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Any tips / tricks to removing and re-installing just the seal? and also on re-installing the balancer? any special tools needed?

Stock bolt you pulled out is torque to yield. Don't use it or a new OE bolt to put the balancer back on. Use only the ARP bolt with no washer if you are not going to use an install tool. Then once it is on, remove the bolt and install the washer and torque to spec. The "right way" is to buy or rent the balancer install tool. You can get a LS balancer install tool for $20.

The ARP bolt is around $40 and will serve both functions.

Removing the seal... I've used drywall screws screwed into the seal itself as leverage to pry them out, or a seal remover tool if there is room. You could also carefully deform it with a hammer and screwdriver/chisel and pull it out. To install just find something the same diameter and drive it in to the same depth as the old one.

Removing the water pump and then front cover may be faster. It will be safer and easier than messing around with it on the car. but it can be done. It looks like you have plenty of access.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Any tips / tricks to removing and re-installing just the seal? and also on re-installing the balancer? any special tools needed?

I don't mess with doing just the seal - it's so easy and cheap to change the cover, I just install the new cover with the gasket and pre-glued crank seal for $38. Also, it gives you a glance to see if your timing chain isn't hammered, and to verify your cam bolts are tight., as well as the retainer plate holding the cam in. If it's been cam swapped before you got it....it's worth a peek!. ARP cam bolts are cheap insurance here, if you have aftermarket springs they are a necessity.

Balancer install tool is best, you don't want to hit the balancer on because it hammers the thrust bearing. Sucking it down using the crank bolt is bad practice as it can strip the threads inside the crank, I'll use the bolt to get it back the last 1/8" or so but for install I use a dedicated installing tool - basically a theaded rod and bolts / thick flat washer.

 

[EmpirE231]

Already have the seal... and don't want to pull the water pump! I just want this thing back together and be in the dunes already lol

and yes already have the AC delco bolt as well, or else I'd go the ARP route. Have had this stuff sitting round for a year or so.

 

[69hondo]

Oh ok. I was told I need it so I bought it from CBM lol oh well. So I have a balancer puller/installer that I been using for years.

Proform Parts 66514 Proform Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installer Tools | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Proform Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installer Tools with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installation Tools at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Will that work with LS?

 

[69hondo]

Just got my car back yesterday, from Sandrail Fabricators in Colton.

I usually go over it myself, but I'm slammed and was gonna basically miss the first 1/2 of the season at the rate im going....

CV's serviced, all fluids and filters, Nitrogen adjusted in the shocks, serviced steering rack and all the hub bearings, re-did the throttle cable setup, removed the old GPS, relocated the car-to-car radio into the dash, new dust light setup, and ditched the 2 into 1 magnaflow exhaust for a set of headers with bullet mufflers.

Car is looking good and ready to roll. Glad I took it in, they went over it with a fine-tooth comb and the CV's and hub bearings were long overdue.

My buddy picked his up as well, he got a new shock setup with internal-bypass King 2.5's, which are sweet because he didn't have to re-fab his car to add bypasses. His is the car on the right, being winched in backwards

View attachment 1292795

Looks a lot better with the individual header exits

 

[Bigbore500r]

Oh ok. I was told I need it so I bought it from CBM lol oh well. So I have a balancer puller/installer that I been using for years.

Proform Parts 66514 Proform Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installer Tools | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Proform Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installer Tools with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installation Tools at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Will that work with LS?

No, thread is an M16. I think it's M16 x 2.0.

Those are all Std. thread in the kit you posted

 

[Bigbore500r]

Looks a lot better with the individual header exits

I wish it sounded like a V8. It still sounds like a V6

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Already have the seal... and don't want to pull the water pump! I just want this thing back together and be in the dunes already lol

and yes already have the AC delco bolt as well, or else I'd go the ARP route. Have had this stuff sitting round for a year or so.

But the Ares installer. Use the new stock TTY bolt you have. There are ones for 5 bucks cheaper, but this one has a longer history of good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF4DVQ1P/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B0BF4DVQ1P&pd_rd_w=nY9UV&content-id=amzn1.sym.f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_p=f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_r=SQA0GJ872F29Z2YBQJXA&pd_rd_wg=PybgE&pd_rd_r=be8a65ee-d804-421e-b1cb-d95dcc8dbe25&s=automotive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1

 

[69hondo]

No, thread is an M16. I think it's M16 x 2.0.

Those are all Std. thread in the kit you posted

Ok thanks . I will get the right one.

But the Ares installer. Use the new stock TTY bolt you have. There are ones for 5 bucks cheaper, but this one has a longer history of good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF4DVQ1P/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B0BF4DVQ1P&pd_rd_w=nY9UV&content-id=amzn1.sym.f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_p=f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_r=SQA0GJ872F29Z2YBQJXA&pd_rd_wg=PybgE&pd_rd_r=be8a65ee-d804-421e-b1cb-d95dcc8dbe25&s=automotive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1

I just bought this.

 

[JFMFG]

My clan is officially ready. Just have to load the box trailer Friday hookup to the Motorhome and we gone.

 

[JFMFG]

Fresh detail and wheel polish. Wife says I piss away money getting it detailed to drive to the desert lol. There’s just something about a nice rig and trailer going down the road. Who’s gonna be in Lucerne this weekend?

 

[Meaney77]

Fresh detail and wheel polish. Wife says I piss away money getting it detailed to drive to the desert lol. There’s just something about a nice rig and trailer going down the road. Who’s gonna be in Lucerne this weeken

I do the same,I wash and wax everything to go park it in the dirt to get dirty! My wife just shakes her head she just doesnt understand!

 

[69hondo]

Fresh detail and wheel polish. Wife says I piss away money getting it detailed to drive to the desert lol. There’s just something about a nice rig and trailer going down the road. Who’s gonna be in Lucerne this weekend?

I do the same,I wash and wax everything to go park it in the dirt to get dirty! My wife just shakes her head she just doesnt understand!

Same here. It has to look good going down the road.

 

[69hondo]

Fresh detail and wheel polish. Wife says I piss away money getting it detailed to drive to the desert lol. There’s just something about a nice rig and trailer going down the road. Who’s gonna be in Lucerne this weekend?

Man I wish I could make it work. Looks like it will be a nice weekend out there.

 

[JFMFG]

I do the same,I wash and wax everything to go park it in the dirt to get dirty! My wife just shakes her head she just doesnt understand!

Pride of ownership right?

 

[JFMFG]

Man I wish I could make it work. Looks like it will be a nice weekend out there.

Yes gonna be a nice one. There will be plenty more trips. Would be nice to get a RDP camp out trip or even ride from soggy dry lake to slash x ride

 

[HNL2LHC]

Where was everyone on Sunday?????

 

[Singleton]

Done
Last prep item was replacing all fuel lines on ToyHauler and adding new ball valve before genny and aux pump.

 

[evantwheeler]

Fluids done over the weekend. Rebuilt brake calipers last night (thanks for the guidance @lbhsbz ) Bled the brakes tonight and wired in a new buggy whip mount. Pump some grease , check the nitrogen charge in the shocks, and load up tomorrow. Glamis bound Thursday with a couple buggies and two Speedo cars.

 

[dezertrider]

I should have made my self a note on how this went back together. Finally got it right and now the wife can’t complain about 3 wheeling around turn on the street

 

[LakeMead Boater]

Fresh detail and wheel polish. Wife says I piss away money getting it detailed to drive to the desert lol. There’s just something about a nice rig and trailer going down the road. Who’s gonna be in Lucerne this weekend?

You teased us with the individual pics of the motorhome and trailer, now you have to show us the whole thing together all detailed! Lol

 

[JFMFG]

You teased us with the individual pics of the motorhome and trailer, now you have to show us the whole thing together all detailed! Lol

Tomorrow my friend

 

[EmpirE231]

Injectors are out, and dropped off @ CBM for a flow test / cleaning. Hoping to start buttoning up the motor this weekend.

 

[69hondo]

Injectors are out, and dropped off @ CBM for a flow test / cleaning. Hoping to start buttoning up the motor this weekend.

View attachment 1294077

How did the seal install go?

 

[EmpirE231]

How did the seal install go?

Seal popped out pretty easily with a small pry bar. Installed the new one, used a huge bearing that fit over it to tap it into place.

The loaner harmonic balancer install tool was the wrong size, so I ordered the one LOF posted. Should be here today to get the balancer back on properly. Probably will wait til my axles are back in before I install the bolt, so I can torque it to spec. I have 2 weekends to go.... trying to get everything back together.

My fuel pump is still at aeromotive. I called yesterday to follow up on it, and the guy bench tested it while he was on the phone with me, and confirmed something is definitely wrong with it. Cool company to deal with, but at the same time that pump is only 2-3 years old.

 

[69hondo]

Seal popped out pretty easily with a small pry bar. Installed the new one, used a huge bearing that fit over it to tap it into place.

The loaner harmonic balancer install tool was the wrong size, so I ordered the one LOF posted. Should be here today to get the balancer back on properly. Probably will wait til my axles are back in before I install the bolt, so I can torque it to spec. I have 2 weekends to go.... trying to get everything back together.

My fuel pump is still at aeromotive. I called yesterday to follow up on it, and the guy bench tested it while he was on the phone with me, and confirmed something is definitely wrong with it. Cool company to deal with, but at the same time that pump is only 2-3 years old.

Oh ok cool. I ordered the same install tool. LOL Was waiting to hear from you before I dove into this on my car and my buddies. Two weeks for us as well. What Areomotive pump are you running?

 

[EmpirE231]

Oh ok cool. I ordered the same install tool. LOL Was waiting to hear from you before I dove into this on my car and my buddies. Two weeks for us as well. What Areomotive pump are you running?

The removal and re-install of the balancer seem pretty straight forward with the right tools.

I am running the A1000 pump with the mesh pre filter and paper element post filter. Had some sort of fuel pressure issue last season.... adjusted the regulator and it went away. ended up rebuilding the regulator and and it seems to have been fine since then. But obviously something was up with the pump. That is also why I'm having the injectors checked.... I want to weed out any potential fuel pressure problems.

 

[69hondo]

The removal and re-install of the balancer seem pretty straight forward with the right tools.

I am running the A1000 pump with the mesh pre filter and paper element post filter. Had some sort of fuel pressure issue last season.... adjusted the regulator and it went away. ended up rebuilding the regulator and and it seems to have been fine since then. But obviously something was up with the pump. That is also why I'm having the injectors checked.... I want to weed out any potential fuel pressure problems.

Ok cool. I got all the right tools.
I have a back up A1000 I can bring to Glamis if yours is not ready. Its not new but it works great. Its my backup for my boat.

 

[EmpirE231]

Ok cool. I got all the right tools.
I have a back up A1000 I can bring to Glamis if yours is not ready. Its not new but it works great. Its my backup for my boat.

Funny, after I typed my response... I got an email with UPS tracking from aeromotive. Weird because they never called me back after opening it up or for payment.

says it should be here next Tuesday which would be perfect.

Thanks for the offer man! I actually have my neighbors rebuilt A1000 in the trailer.... was just trying to not have to use it. If mine shows up Tuesday, I should be dialed. Hopefully button everything up this weekend. Install fuel pump next week, and fire it up / adjust clutch and be ready to go! Fingers crossed.

 

[JFMFG]

And we out

 

[Icky]

Better late then never

 

[EmpirE231]

Probably a good call having my injectors checked / cleaned. They were all over the place. Pricey service but beats a blown motor or ruined trip

 

[TPC]

New batteries in all the rides.

Grand Design, the builder of our Toy Hauler contacted us about the problem with our dealer Svc dept.

From that point on we received 3 emails a day from their customer service and field service tech. Count ‘‘em; three.

They were serious and promised a solution will be found at no charge to us.

The dealer service manager refused to talk to Grand Design and that really got their attention.

My theory is you take your RV or any vehicle back to where you bought it for service.

But especially RVs because out here in the Southwest RV dealers usually only service customers that bought the rig there.
That’s my case.

So holding that thought and if you
lose your head your ass soon follows I kept respect and perseverance and didn’t roll full Karen.

I enquired to the service dept why they are avoiding Grand Design,,,,,, and that put a fire under the dealers ass.

There are a 3 ways a hydraulic Jack can lose pressure. Leaking onto the ground, leaking internally and leaking back flowing through the control solenoid valve.

On a Lippert self-leveling system the right front jack is the alpha dog in the whole system of 6 jacks. If it ain’t working correctly, ain’t nothing working correctly.

Plus the hydraulic pump talks to the system, not just pumps fluid.

So finally The Service manager talked to Grand Design and we got the trailer fixed.
This is 6 months in with an appointment.

Grand Design wants to know WTF problems we’ve had with the Dealer.

So the wife and I decided to not give opinions but simply a calendar list of contact with the dealer and responses back and results.

We won’t buy from the dealer again but we won’t burn bridges either. Got 4 years left on the service warranty and it’s only good there in spite of the hassles like a bad marriage, try and make it work.

 

[Icky]

Probably a good call having my injectors checked / cleaned. They were all over the place. Pricey service but beats a blown motor or ruined trip

View attachment 1294789

I didn't realize they did this, I was looking for someone last year.

 

[Meaney77]

Better late then never
View attachment 1294570 View attachment 1294571
View attachment 1294593

Worst job ever I freaking hate doing CV's!

 

[69hondo]

Youngest getting her TRX ready for vets.