samiam | One Thing Leads To Another

Thanks for taking a look. I should also add that my max speed in the video was 30 - 35 mph.

Did you install solid mounts?

 

I have the solid motor and tranny mounts from @Bonzen

 

I did some fun things today.

I started a rack/mini basket to put atop my Relentless bed bars so I can get my spare tire out of my bed. I'll also have enough room for my two 8 gallon Action Packers, which will free up more space in the bed on camping/offroad trips.


I also installed a Blue Sea volt meter. I had a Blue Sea dual USB charger in that spot so it was an easy swap. Now my wife wants me to install the USB charger in her Camry. Let the Camry mods begin!


Before I retreated from the heat today I jackedup the front end and tried to move the tires. There was a little bit of play in the steering rack...hmmm.

 

I'm a goofball. I forgot to resecure my steering column after wiping down the dash. I'm sure that's the noise I heard while trying to wiggle the tires.

 

I did this again yesterday and there is still a light clunk at the driverside inner tie rod. Everything else feels solid.


I also removed my clutch pedal and installed new bushings, adjusted the height (using a penny. I forgot to take a pic, but I'll try to get one), and gave the system a good bleed. It feels so much better.

I think I'll replace my motor mounts in the near future, but I'll replace cab mount bushings first (ordering soon).

I rounded the sharp edges of my rack. I'm hoping to finish it this weekend.

 

The rack is mostly complete. I'll wait awhile to paint to make sure I don't want to change something...and I'm not looking forward to removing all 38 nuts and bolts. A big thanks to @ERMB for creating this DIY thread.

Here are some photos of the completed rack.













More adequate tie down. I had to retighten the 1" straps four times in two days.


And a cable lock.

 

A pretty cool moment in the Walmart parking lot this afternoon while loading up a few groceries in my truck a guy pulled up and complimented me on the rack with the spare tire and asked where I bought it. With a smile I replied "I didn't buy it, I built it".

 

Haha that's awesome!

 

I wired my auxillary lights today.


I wired the fog lights to the factory switch using these waterproof connectors.


I added the yellow fog light film.



I found a way to apply some grease to the quill inside the transmission through the peep hole. I depressed the clutch pedal and locked it in place with a length of PVC pipe, then put some grease on an old hacksaw blade and reached inside the peep hole with the blade and scraped the grease off and onto the quill allowing the TOB to slide more smoothly...seems to have worked well. I can actually feel thhe smoothness through the pedal.

I also greased the slip-jount on the driveshaft by removing the rearward section while I was messing aroung under there.

 

Clever grease delivery Sam! How do you ensure proper torque on the drive shaft bolts when reassembling? I'm a little paranoid and not pulled mine apart yet, but will soon. Thanks.

 

I can't get a torque wrench in there so I go pretty tight with a standard length 14mm wrench. I actually check the bolts regulary because it makes me paranoid too and they have never been loose.

 

Thanks man. New LEDs look good.

 

I've never heard of anyone getting a torque wrench in there, however I was able to get a torque wrench on the front end. I'm curious how driveshaft shops do it.

 

I've read that if you use a crows foot and place it at 90* from the wrench handle no torque conversion is necessary.

Harbor freight here I come lol

 

Thanks I'll check that out.
It does make me nervous not knowing the actual torque.

 

@Crom I've taken note of your posting about your ES cab mount bushing install. My factory bushing are pretty much prestine so I won't likely install, and I'll probably return them while I can.

 

I made a quick, on-road trip down near Laughlin, NV to hang out with a couple of good friends for some ATV riding this weekend.

 

How's your truck been Sam? You still digging your custom roof rack?

 

Work has been incredibly busy and it's dark when I get home so I haven't had any time to work on my truck . I'm hoping to go camping for New Years (not offroad) and I'm trying to find the time to make an awning that attaches to the rack. The rack is great. I really like the spare tire up there. I should have a section of expanded metal to add soon.
Generally, all is well. Just need more time .