Tales Of A Mercenary Mechanic

[monkeyswrench]

Where’s your shop at?

Smack in the middle of my yard

Prescott Valley, AZ. It's kind of like Prescott's redneck brother.

 

[monkeyswrench]

On today's episode of "broken crap":

I give you a Dana 35. Jeeps are stupid money up here, and at least one shop has capitalized on newbies wanting Jeeps. This particular shop buys every stock Jeep they can get their hands on, slaps a lift kit and tires on it, and sells it.
35" tires on a Dana 35 is purely a mall crawler. So, when the Jeep shows up on the stretcher, and temp plates, I knew it was going to cost a few bucks. The diff oil was chunky...

How it didn't cough an axle, I have no clue. Everything else is scrap

 

[Rajobigguy]

On today's episode of "broken crap":

I give you a Dana 35. Jeeps are stupid money up here, and at least one shop has capitalized on newbies wanting Jeeps. This particular shop buys every stock Jeep they can get their hands on, slaps a lift kit and tires on it, and sells it.
35" tires on a Dana 35 is purely a mall crawler. So, when the Jeep shows up on the stretcher, and temp plates, I knew it was going to cost a few bucks. The diff oil was chunky...
View attachment 1230862
How it didn't cough an axle, I have no clue. Everything else is scrap

so are they put a 44 in it or a 8.8 Explorer rear end?

 

[monkeyswrench]

so are they put a 44 in it or a 8.8 Explorer rear end?

Of course not
"I learned my lesson"
Sure you did, see you in a month!

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Spent about 2 hours reading this thread front to back - not sure how I missed it before? You're an extremely modest guy but I have to echo all of the comments posted. The skills and wealth of knowledge you have is insane. Ingenuity as well! Can't wait to continue to read these updates.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Spent about 2 hours reading this thread front to back - not sure how I missed it before? You're an extremely modest guy but I have to echo all of the comments posted. The skills and wealth of knowledge you have is insane. Ingenuity as well! Can't wait to continue to read these updates.

Thank you! There are at least a 100 people on this board with talents that will blow your mind. In my time of screwing with stuff, it's been mostly by necessity. I had old cars that needed work, and couldn't afford to pay anyone. I also needed to get to work, so I got pretty good at fixing stuff. That also came in handy on jobs sites doing construction...compressors, generators and pumps.

Updates the past few months have been slow. Lots of things keeping me inside the house, and out of the shop. Some hurdles to clear, but hopefully getting there.

Sorry you wasted two hours of your day "in my garage" You're all caught up now!

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Thank you! There are at least a 100 people on this board with talents that will blow your mind. In my time of screwing with stuff, it's been mostly by necessity. I had old cars that needed work, and couldn't afford to pay anyone. I also needed to get to work, so I got pretty good at fixing stuff. That also came in handy on jobs sites doing construction...compressors, generators and pumps.

Updates the past few months have been slow. Lots of things keeping me inside the house, and out of the shop. Some hurdles to clear, but hopefully getting there.

Sorry you wasted two hours of your day "in my garage" You're all caught up now!

I am amazed by a lot of the talents on this board. Some interest me but some are hard to sift thru - I just look for pics. Also, it wasn't wasted as I was on the clock

 

[ltbaney1]

On today's episode of "broken crap":

I give you a Dana 35. Jeeps are stupid money up here, and at least one shop has capitalized on newbies wanting Jeeps. This particular shop buys every stock Jeep they can get their hands on, slaps a lift kit and tires on it, and sells it.
35" tires on a Dana 35 is purely a mall crawler. So, when the Jeep shows up on the stretcher, and temp plates, I knew it was going to cost a few bucks. The diff oil was chunky...
View attachment 1230862
How it didn't cough an axle, I have no clue. Everything else is scrap

so you welded it up and wrote up an invoice for a lincoln locker right?

 

[Shlbyntro]

Spent about 2 hours reading this thread front to back - not sure how I missed it before? You're an extremely modest guy but I have to echo all of the comments posted. The skills and wealth of knowledge you have is insane. Ingenuity as well! Can't wait to continue to read these updates.

I want to be @monkeyswrench when I grow up.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I want to be @monkeyswrench when I grow up.

No, no you don't. At 46, missing a digit, arthritis in the ones left, broken back and neck screaming at times...not to mention a monkey in college, 2 monkeys in high school and all sorts of associated drama. Like I posted a page or so back, things ain't all aces.

In your postings about parenthood, you mention trying to take an hour or so "me time". My shop time is just that, the time to get my head straight. Some drink, watch TV or sports, I build crap. No different than a guy building boats in a bottle. When I'm in there, working, that becomes my world, my little bubble. Lately, those hours are between midnight and three...and I'm getting too old to do that.

All I can say is this, pace yourself. Though we had much different paths to becoming parents, you're about the same age I was when we had our first. The brightest flame burns quickest, but remember you have to keep that light shining for a long time. Sometimes you're juggling chainsaws. It gets harder as you get older, but you still have to do it.
The "perfect" life is like the "perfect" family...more a fairytale than reality.

 

[Shlbyntro]

No, no you don't. At 46, missing a digit, arthritis in the ones left, broken back and neck screaming at times...not to mention a monkey in college, 2 monkeys in high school and all sorts of associated drama. Like I posted a page or so back, things ain't all aces.

In your postings about parenthood, you mention trying to take an hour or so "me time". My shop time is just that, the time to get my head straight. Some drink, watch TV or sports, I build crap. No different than a guy building boats in a bottle. When I'm in there, working, that becomes my world, my little bubble. Lately, those hours are between midnight and three...and I'm getting too old to do that.

All I can say is this, pace yourself. Though we had much different paths to becoming parents, you're about the same age I was when we had our first. The brightest flame burns quickest, but remember you have to keep that light shining for a long time. Sometimes you're juggling chainsaws. It gets harder as you get older, but you still have to do it.
The "perfect" life is like the "perfect" family...more a fairytale than reality.

Well I would like to keep all my digits if I can at all help it and Id ride a bicycle before I would be caught dead owning a Prius.

That being said though, from the outside looking in you come across as that guy who mastered the art of the slow down and enjoying whats in front of you in that moment. That is one thing I really struggle with. You know your way around a tool box and your posting is often insightful and sometimes even prophetic.

As the perfect life goes, I get it. It actually took me a long time to get it.

In short, what you do now: the projects you do, how you seam to flawlessly balance your work and your family stuff (maybe thats a facade, idk) it is what I strive for; enjoying the "now" and not spending so much time trying to get ahead of the "later"

I dont take it back.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Well I would like to keep all my digits if I can at all help it and Id ride a bicycle before I would be caught dead owning a Prius.

That being said though, from the outside looking in you come across as that guy who mastered the art of the slow down and enjoying whats in front of you in that moment. That is one thing I really struggle with. You know your way around a tool box and your posting is often insightful and sometimes even prophetic.

As the perfect life goes, I get it. It actually took me a long time to get it.

In short, what you do now: the projects you do, how you seam to flawlessly balance your work and your family stuff (maybe thats a facade, idk) it is what I strive for; enjoying the "now" and not spending so much time trying to get ahead of the "later"

I dont take it back.

I missed this...sometimes the system, or my tech savviness (or lack there of) makes me miss stuff. The Prius is an evil necessity...I don't make a lot of money, and do a lot of driving for a guy without a real job. Average school day ends up being 20-40 miles. Throw in a Dr's appointment, and it jumps to 200 to Phoenix and back Trust me, it isn't by choice. A newer Honda Civic, or even a Camry would be nice, but they get pricey!

As for enjoying what you have, and not "lusting" for something else, it took time...and starting over. Physically at one point, and financially some years after. It changes perspective quite a bit. I'd love to have newer and nicer "stuff", but not at the expense that it would cost me now. I've turned down some decent, real jobs. On average, there's at least one day a week I have to do something regarding my son at this point. It wouldn't be right to take a job, and not be able to put everything into it. The flipside of the same coin, I'm able to give my son consistency in treatments or appointments and transportation.

Now, I don't know if I balance "work" and family. If anything, my work has kind of fallen to hell the past few months. That said, after a complete disaster of a year, I think my son is making some gains...not so much a balance, as a trade. It's really tough to explain. At some point I'll fill in some blanks, but for now, well for now I just don't think it's the time?

 

[monkeyswrench]

Ok, what I got back here to do was share something I learned about Polaris Ranger fuel systems. They suck, and factory replacements are stupid expensive. Looked online, and pump modules range from 20$, to 100$. They all looked Chinesium, just different boxes and labels.

Did some digging, and found a pump that seemed a bit better. CFE0216 is the part number for a Delphi pump. More importantly, it is a Walbro pump. I've had good luck with Walbro. Best part, most parts houses have it on the shelf, or can get it quick. It's about 90$, but at least it's a real name.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Been a long time, not much time for car fukery. Done little stuff here and there.

On today's episode of "But did you die?" we have a shitbox. Neat looking, but has issues...like a stripper.

Neighbor shop was bugging me to look at it and "button up some things". On hydros, pan swapped...etc. Farts and pops, get it dialed in.
Ok.

Stone stock 1600 of questionable upbringing, and dual 40mm Kadron carbs...at 5500ft elevation. Well, that was fun.

Took it for a quick spin. Brakes felt squishy, so brought it back in. Nothing mentioned about brakes. As I'm rolling in, slowly, push the brake pedal...and it drops to the floor! Pull park brake...does nothing. Stab it in 4th, stalled it...that worked.

Pedal pin had no retainer, and fell out. Made a retainer tab, brakes still crappy. Adjusted rear drums, now it has both a pedal and a parking brake.

Other people's children...

 

[SBMech]

I've always felt I had the "Luck of the Irish" in that when weird shit happens, it's with me on a test drive....

Nice to see I am not alone! I'd much rather have something like a random stall out or brake failure happen to ME rather than the client who would most certainly crash...

Trying to help people and make a buck at the same time is a weird juxtaposition. You just have to go with it, keep building positive karma/energy whatever you believe in....

For your skillset you are an extremely humble man, and I can see why Shelby admires you, hell I am impressed every time you post an update, it's always an adventure!

Keep on keeping on brother. We'll get there.

 

[monkeyswrench]

There's been a few threads lately about customer service and such going to hell. I was talking to my wife a few days ago about this stuff. I'm a hired gun at a shop down the way. I do the crap they don't want to, for customers they want to keep. Like that ginormous motorhome, or Freightliner top end.

One of their customers' son in law was very ill, cancer. I asked him how he was doing. Customer guy kind of teared up as he told me, but thanked me for asking. No one that owned the shop did...they've known the family for 20+ years.

Another customer, big landscape crew, had a guy hit his thigh with a chainsaw. He was on site, and did a tourniquet with his belt. The next day I was working on a boom truck for them. We talked, and discussed new things to keep on their trucks, even have military style IFAK's now. A month or so later, working on a plow truck for them, I asked how he was doing, if able to walk again. He was, but not working for some time yet. He told me I was the first person to ask...that's sad.

The world has become too busy I guess for people to make time to care about others. I don't get it. All I want is to pay my bills, not get rich. If I wanted that, I'd still be in Cali, working construction, and chasing paper (that would never be enough)

More partial to this version, came out at pretty fitting time for me...

 

[rrrr]

There's been a few threads lately about customer service and such going to hell. I was talking to my wife a few days ago about this stuff. I'm a hired gun at a shop down the way. I do the crap they don't want to, for customers they want to keep. Like that ginormous motorhome, or Freightliner top end.

One of their customers' son in law was very ill, cancer. I asked him how he was doing. Customer guy kind of teared up as he told me, but thanked me for asking. No one that owned the shop did...they've known the family for 20+ years.

Another customer, big landscape crew, had a guy hit his thigh with a chainsaw. He was on site, and did a tourniquet with his belt. The next day I was working on a boom truck for them. We talked, and discussed new things to keep on their trucks, even have military style IFAK's now. A month or so later, working on a plow truck for them, I asked how he was doing, if able to walk again. He was, but not working for some time yet. He told me I was the first person to ask...that's sad.

The world has become too busy I guess for people to make time to care about others. I don't get it. All I want is to pay my bills, not get rich. If I wanted that, I'd still be in Cali, working construction, and chasing paper (that would never be enough)

More partial to this version, came out at pretty fitting time for me...

Your best contributions to the forum are the perspectives you provide about life. Although you're "just" a former tar swabbie and now wrench turner, your musings about the human condition reveal someone gifted with unusual insight and wisdom.

It's always compelling and thought provoking.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Your best contributions to the forum are the perspectives you provide about life. Although you're "just" a former tar swabbie and now wrench turner, your musings about the human condition reveal someone gifted with unusual insight and wisdom.

It's always compelling and thought provoking.

I appreciate it. I don't think of it as very different, I just think I have the time to look around now. My wreck taught me a lot about patience and perseverance. The last economic downturn, that taught me about pride and priorities. With things going on in my life today, those lessons were painful, but most important.

All things happen for a reason.

 

[rrrr]

I appreciate it. I don't think of it as very different, I just think I have the time to look around now. My wreck taught me a lot about patience and perseverance. The last economic downturn, that taught me about pride and priorities. With things going on in my life today, those lessons were painful, but most important.

All things happen for a reason.

I often think about the struggles you are facing with a particular problem and send my thoughts and energy to you.

 

[Willie B]

I often think about the struggles you are facing with a particular problem and send my thoughts and energy to you.

… I need to figure out how to use the like button???… you and the monkey are both gifted… you both understand the frailties of mankind and also the strengths…

 

[monkeyswrench]

Remember when I said I get used for the jobs they don't want, for customers they want to keep?
I give you a Ford 6.7

Beneath this crap, down there somewhere, are 8 injectors and a fuel pump that exploded. Apparently it's a big issue with these. Big Ford dealer in the valley said the Ford box of parts is on backorder, and they have quite a few waiting as well.

Do more fuel filter changes than the manual says!

Can only work on it a few hours a day. Shop boss knows that, and the owner seems ok with it too.

 

[spectra3279]

Remember when I said I get used for the jobs they don't want, for customers they want to keep?
I give you a Ford 6.7
View attachment 1279939
Beneath this crap, down there somewhere, are 8 injectors and a fuel pump that exploded. Apparently it's a big issue with these. Big Ford dealer in the valley said the Ford box of parts is on backorder, and they have quite a few waiting as well.

Do more fuel filter changes than the manual says!

Can only work on it a few hours a day. Shop boss knows that, and the owner seems ok with it too.

There isn't even enough room to tell if something is leaking

 

[monkeyswrench]

There isn't even enough room to tell if something is leaking

At the psi these fuel systems run...I should be able to find it

Sad thing, they don't want to address the oil leak it has until it runs again. In looking at it, I think the turbo lines were leaking. Be real easy to do it now.

The story is, this truck is driven by an 18yo. It was his dad's "old" truck. Has a lift, and silly deep dish wheels. At 180k, he put a big turbo and tune on it. Now, dad is footing the bill to fix it. Just this bill is about 4 times what my current car is worth, and the same when compared to what I drove when I was 18. Damn nice truck though (aside from the wheels)

 

[Willie B]

At the psi these fuel systems run...I should be able to find it

Sad thing, they don't want to address the oil leak it has until it runs again. In looking at it, I think the turbo lines were leaking. Be real easy to do it now.

The story is, this truck is driven by an 18yo. It was his dad's "old" truck. Has a lift, and silly deep dish wheels. At 180k, he put a big turbo and tune on it. Now, dad is footing the bill to fix it. Just this bill is about 4 times what my current car is worth, and the same when compared to what I drove when I was 18. Damn nice truck though (aside from the wheels)

…Hmmm???…I think we need to see the wheels???…

.., What my neighbor told me, her boyfriend is going to do to my 97 Dodge Ram diesel in the way of wheels… After they inherit all my stuff…Yikes… something like 24s?!?… I told her she’s got to not tell me anything Derrick is going to do to the truck… Now she has him convinced he will have to leave it original…sure…lol…

 

[monkeyswrench]

…Hmmm???…I think we need to see the wheels???…

.., What my neighbor told me, her boyfriend is going to do to my 97 Dodge Ram diesel in the way of wheels… After they inherit all my stuff…Yikes… something like 24s?!?… I told her she’s got to not tell me anything Derrick is going to do to the truck… Now she has him convinced he will have to leave it original…sure…lol…

I'll get pics tomorrow. Thing's a pain in the ass though. Aluminum work platform puts me just able to reach mid-motor. I wanted to set it on the brake rotors, but their shop, their "rules".

 

[monkeyswrench]

Some pics of today:

And here's a tip for anyone unfortunate enough to do injectors. Use the injector hold downs as pullers.

The injector goes through the combination intake manifold/valve cover...weird stuff, exhaust comes out in the valley to the turbo, boost goes through a liquid cooled charge cooler (with a massive radiator and independent water pump) through the y-pipe looking deal and into the head cover things.

Anyways, the injector sits like a coil on plug. If you pull the retainer, flip it over, you can tap it with a mallet or hammer and they'll pop up. Or, SnapOn makes a tool. I don't have time for the truck, and don't do enough to warrant buying that specialty tool. This ways faster anyway. Here's what it looks like flipped and ready to smack.

These are modern injectors. Each one has a 10 digit number etched on top that must be programmed to the ECU. Not my department. Shop owner has the whiz-bang scan tool. I listed the numbers and cylinder placement for him.

Rails and injectors are done. Fuel pump is clocked and drive nut removed. Sometime tomorrow I'll swap it, and start reassembly.

 

[TomD]

More than one way to skin a cat!

 

[Shlbyntro]

Some pics of today: View attachment 1280271
And here's a tip for anyone unfortunate enough to do injectors. Use the injector hold downs as pullers. View attachment 1280272
The injector goes through the combination intake manifold/valve cover...weird stuff, exhaust comes out in the valley to the turbo, boost goes through a liquid cooled charge cooler (with a massive radiator and independent water pump) through the y-pipe looking deal and into the head cover things.

Anyways, the injector sits like a coil on plug. If you pull the retainer, flip it over, you can tap it with a mallet or hammer and they'll pop up. Or, SnapOn makes a tool. I don't have time for the truck, and don't do enough to warrant buying that specialty tool. This ways faster anyway. Here's what it looks like flipped and ready to smack.
View attachment 1280273
These are modern injectors. Each one has a 10 digit number etched on top that must be programmed to the ECU. Not my department. Shop owner has the whiz-bang scan tool. I listed the numbers and cylinder placement for him.

Rails and injectors are done. Fuel pump is clocked and drive nut removed. Sometime tomorrow I'll swap it, and start reassembly.

by "drive nut" you mean the 18 yr old kid?

 

[Sharky]

I wanted to set it on the brake rotors, but their shop, their "rules".

Your knees, back, shoulders and elbows. . . your rules-


I'd be tempted to lift the cab.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'll get pics tomorrow. Thing's a pain in the ass though. Aluminum work platform puts me just able to reach mid-motor. I wanted to set it on the brake rotors, but their shop, their "rules".

you need one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Traxion-3-100-Foldable-Topside-Creeper/dp/B00QGXSODA/ref=asc_df_B00QGXSODA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198151843411&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14266883659494725595&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028300&hvtargid=pla-372919844626&psc=1

 

[TimeBandit]

I was just going to post that. I call it the diving board but it sure makes lifted trucks easy to work on, well easier to work on anyway.

 

[OLDRAAT]

Those work great.

 

[Willie B]

… The truck looks surprisingly …sort of bad ass… but yeah, it’s about those wheels… seems to me that the offset/backspacing could be a little hard on wheel bearings???…
… whatever you are getting paid for this job… Is not enough…

 

[monkeyswrench]

you need one of these View attachment 1280447

https://www.amazon.com/Traxion-3-100-Foldable-Topside-Creeper/dp/B00QGXSODA/ref=asc_df_B00QGXSODA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198151843411&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14266883659494725595&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028300&hvtargid=pla-372919844626&psc=1

The problem I have with those, not "mobile" enough. Lots of times I need both hands...all 9 fingers...to do something. Unless you're "parked" perfectly, it's a constant game. I've also found that those on longer jobs hurt my neck. I think the geometry in my neck makes it easier to look down than straight or upwards.

 

[Shlbyntro]

The problem I have with those, not "mobile" enough. Lots of times I need both hands...all 9 fingers...to do something. Unless you're "parked" perfectly, it's a constant game. I've also found that those on longer jobs hurt my neck. I think the geometry in my neck makes it easier to look down than straight or upwards.

I push them all the way in and lower them down to the engine and lay on the pad at the top

 

[wash11]

One of my favorite threads on RDP. Love checking in to see what ol' Kevins up to.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I push them all the way in and lower them down to the engine and lay on the pad at the top

I'm fat, old and broken...my ass is hurting from doing the step aerobics thing. If I lay down, I could just fall asleep lately.

One of my favorite threads on RDP. Love checking in to see what ol' Kevins up to.

"Ol' Kevin" has been getting some miles. Literally fitting in work stuff between important stuff... Remember the "Do You Nap?" thread? I don't so much nap, as pass out when I stop for a few minutes. It's like I've hit narcolepsy or something.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Well, I disected the fuel pump. Two reasons, never seen what made these tick, and to see if this was a catastrophic failure.

When I started pulling bolts, it became apparent there were some springs, pretty stiff ones. So, pulled 2 bolts and replaced them with longer ones as guides. Placed my high tech decompression tool on the assembly, undid the two remaining bolts and released it slowly.

The cylindrical thing is like a roller lifter, and rides on a huge cam in the pump. The bottom of the spring has a check valve that is basically a metal washer. The only damage I found was some uneven wear in the seat area...possibly making it hard to build or maintain pressure. If I made the call on this job, I'd be sweating bullets. There was some rust flakes in the primary filter, but no smoking gun.

My part is done. They have to program the injectors to the ECU, and I hope that was the problem. I'm sure I'll find out by Monday

 

[SBMech]

Well, I disected the fuel pump. Two reasons, never seen what made these tick, and to see if this was a catastrophic failure.
View attachment 1281133
When I started pulling bolts, it became apparent there were some springs, pretty stiff ones. So, pulled 2 bolts and replaced them with longer ones as guides. Placed my high tech decompression tool on the assembly, undid the two remaining bolts and released it slowly.
View attachment 1281134
The cylindrical thing is like a roller lifter, and rides on a huge cam in the pump. The bottom of the spring has a check valve that is basically a metal washer. The only damage I found was some uneven wear in the seat area...possibly making it hard to build or maintain pressure. If I made the call on this job, I'd be sweating bullets. There was some rust flakes in the primary filter, but no smoking gun.

My part is done. They have to program the injectors to the ECU, and I hope that was the problem. I'm sure I'll find out by Monday

They are making stuff with incredibly tiny tolerances, makes the CIS K-Jet specs seem huge.

The machining is insane.

 

[monkeyswrench]

They are making stuff with incredibly tiny tolerances, makes the CIS K-Jet specs seem huge.

The machining is insane.

Yes, definitely a different animal than the old P-pump deals. It is possible the valves weren't seating.

Hard to see, but the left side in the bucket is "dark". It looks like a valve not lapped in in a cylinder head. Also, in the upper right side of the interior you could see rust. Not heavy scale, but the discoloration and light pitting. It definitely shows signs of water intrusion.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Well, I'll be revisiting the 6.7 Ford this week...remember how I said I was glad I didn't make that call?

Anyway, a trailer showed up a few weeks back. Trailer had some issues, the car on it had issues...and a log splitter...with issues.

The car was a 90's Explorer. It's got low ish miles for the age, but miles that would kill most trucks. It started life as a prerunner, but is now semi-retired, kind of an overland camping and hunting rig. Axle seal, AC repair and shock reseal.

Old girl has some travel! Hydraulic bumps needed resealing as well. With a two post lift, this is no big deal. I don't have one. So, stuff gets a bit creative.

I pressure washed the whole deal before getting started...

Being where I am, replacement hard parts can be an issue...don't ever want grit somewhere to mess up aluminum surfaces or threads.

 

[coolchange]

you need one of these View attachment 1280447

https://www.amazon.com/Traxion-3-100-Foldable-Topside-Creeper/dp/B00QGXSODA/ref=asc_df_B00QGXSODA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198151843411&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14266883659494725595&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028300&hvtargid=pla-372919844626&psc=1

I almost made something similar as a plug in for a cherry picker. But by the time I made it I could be done with the job and not need it for a long time so…

 

[petie6464]

Little trick for stubborn race removal. Bearing races get pressed in sometimes really tight. Sometimes, I think they oxidize a touch and swell after. Sometimes, the steel race is pressed into an aluminum piece that feels like it may snap while pressing out.
Old school trick used often on tractors, and occasionally on other crap:
View attachment 1224566
Use a mig and run a bead around the inside. Obviously, it needn't be pretty. It pulls in the race a hair, shrinks it. It then comes out pretty easy. While setting up for this, put the new one in the freezer. Once the old one is out, tap the new, cold, bearing into the still warm housing. It's worked every time I've had to try it.

Valve seats the same way with a tig. preferably. It's a great trick of the trade..

 

[Wheeler]

Well, I'll be revisiting the 6.7 Ford this week...remember how I said I was glad I didn't make that call?

Anyway, a trailer showed up a few weeks back. Trailer had some issues, the car on it had issues...and a log splitter...with issues.

The car was a 90's Explorer. It's got low ish miles for the age, but miles that would kill most trucks. It started life as a prerunner, but is now semi-retired, kind of an overland camping and hunting rig. Axle seal, AC repair and shock reseal. View attachment 1284603
Old girl has some travel! Hydraulic bumps needed resealing as well. With a two post lift, this is no big deal. I don't have one. So, stuff gets a bit creative. View attachment 1284605
I pressure washed the whole deal before getting started... View attachment 1284607
Being where I am, replacement hard parts can be an issue...don't ever want grit somewhere to mess up aluminum surfaces or threads.

You build a bitchin shop with a real floor and just look at you now. Yore a fuckin Parkabilly if I've ever seen one!

 

[OLDRAAT]

Taking a another look at the shocks pix, appears he started to dig a grave until he was disrupted.

 

[SBMech]

That's some good shit in that there hill-buster...looks well done and top tier components, Heim joints and good looking angles. A professional job for sure.

Always fun to work on good stuff!

 

[monkeyswrench]

Taking a another look at the shocks pix, appears he started to dig a grave until he was disrupted.

Shhh...
Actually, the building in the background there is the eventual home of the wife's preschool deal. Had to dig trenches for utilities and such.

The bodies go on the back 40

That's some good shit in that there hill-buster...looks well done and top tier components, Heim joints and good looking angles. A professional job for sure.

Always fun to work on good stuff!

That's the scary thing from my point of view. The guy who owns it, is also the guy who built it. It's pretty pimp for a grocery getter. Hoops tied in, super nice sway bar setup in the rear, everything I would have loved to build in the late 90's, but had no money or skills.

I figure most normal people have never seen the inner workings of a shock...

These here are the shim washers that make up the valving. They stack on either side of the piston, and adjust the speed that the shock fluid travels through.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Here's the rundown of the rearend.. leaf pack looked to be a custom deal, as were the shackles, shock mounts and sway bar set-up.

Here's the trailer. Cool, but kind of a pain. It's a 102 wide spatula if needed. It got a new tongue jack, brake and bearing service. It showed up behind a semi truck...well, I don't have one of them. Hell, I don't even have a 1ton right now. I had to unload everything, and move them individually.

...but, where there's a will, there's a way. Not towing police certified, but only moving from one side of the property to the other.

These are brake adjusting bars. The "self adjusting" trailer brakes don't seem to work great, and most trailers could stand an adjustment anyway. One of these is a SnapOn, the other a MAC. Different bends, and sometimes one will work better than the other due to axle placement. These were both garage sale finds. Even if you don't work on drum brakes, still handy as sturdy little crow bars. Popped off a lot of intakes and valve covers with them.

 

[Willie B]

View attachment 1284807
Here's the rundown of the rearend.. leaf pack looked to be a custom deal, as were the shackles, shock mounts and sway bar set-up.
View attachment 1284808
Here's the trailer. Cool, but kind of a pain. It's a 102 wide spatula if needed. It got a new tongue jack, brake and bearing service. It showed up behind a semi truck...well, I don't have one of them. Hell, I don't even have a 1ton right now. I had to unload everything, and move them individually.
View attachment 1284808
...but, where there's a will, there's a way. Not towing police certified, but only moving from one side of the property to the other. View attachment 1284810
These are brake adjusting bars. The "self adjusting" trailer brakes don't seem to work great, and most trailers could stand an adjustment anyway. One of these is a SnapOn, the other a MAC. Different bends, and sometimes one will work better than the other due to axle placement. These were both garage sale finds. Even if you don't work on drum brakes, still handy as sturdy little crow bars. Popped off a lot of intakes and valve covers with them.

… I have not seen a brick spoon in a very long time… When I had my 60 Cad convert… I was forever adjusting my drum brakes… had to use a flat screwdriver…

 

[Wheeler]

View attachment 1284807
Here's the rundown of the rearend.. leaf pack looked to be a custom deal, as were the shackles, shock mounts and sway bar set-up.
View attachment 1284808
Here's the trailer. Cool, but kind of a pain. It's a 102 wide spatula if needed. It got a new tongue jack, brake and bearing service. It showed up behind a semi truck...well, I don't have one of them. Hell, I don't even have a 1ton right now. I had to unload everything, and move them individually.
View attachment 1284808
...but, where there's a will, there's a way. Not towing police certified, but only moving from one side of the property to the other. View attachment 1284810
These are brake adjusting bars. The "self adjusting" trailer brakes don't seem to work great, and most trailers could stand an adjustment anyway. One of these is a SnapOn, the other a MAC. Different bends, and sometimes one will work better than the other due to axle placement. These were both garage sale finds. Even if you don't work on drum brakes, still handy as sturdy little crow bars. Popped off a lot of intakes and valve covers with them.

How are they attached to the wall, the new flex seal super glue?