Alee891's Radiant Red Build & BS

Got the platform finished up today. It isn't fancy by any means but it works exactly as it needs to.

I started with a 2'x4' sheet of plywood from good ol Home Depot and trimmed it to a width of 21".


Afterwards I notched out the passenger side corner so the pups can jump into the back with ease, rather than having to clear the platform or jump on the front seat and crawl back.


I then cut the platform into two segments and notched out a place for the center consol. I wanted the platform to be two separate pieces so that one of the pups can still ride in the back seat while my son (or a brave friend willing to cram themselves) can sit in the back.


Once the platform was cut I made some feet. The rear feet are 2" pieces of 2x4, while the front feet are 9.5" pieces. The height ended up being perfect for my needs and I am still able to utilize the space underneath the platform for spare cv's, ropes, etc.

After cutting was complete I carpeted everything with an old roll of household carpet laying in the garage. I contemplated buying some gray/black speaker box carpet, but cheaped out and used what I had.






Not the most ingenuitive mod, but a very usable one nonetheless. Having a platform in the back is already far more convenient for hauling things around, tossing things in the back, and of course hauling the dog (and future pup).



I may brace the front legs in the near future just for piece of mind. Also plan on throwing a blanket over it.

 

Looks good Austin!!
Good job!!

 

Thanks, Becca!

 

Well Done! I agree, it's nice just having the wider surface to toss your coat, gloves, lunch, etc.

 

Thanks, Brett! In the short time it's been there it's already more convenient. I'm looking forward to getting a descent blanket for the dogs.

 

Apparently I'm not subbed. WTF.

 

So just read through it all. So jealous of the trails you guys have out there. Dug all the mini trip reports and photos as well.

Question on the actuator failure in Moab.

Did your actuator go out because of a bad seal when you swapped the new diff in? Or random?

 

I think it was just time for the actuator to go. The front diff was the original and regeared by @thefatkid. Not sure if Brian even messed with the actuator?

 

Tryna blame that shit on me!

It is actually a common failure, the front actuator sticks where the shift fork slides. Some have had luck just smacking it with a hammer every time it sticks, sometimes it sticks for good. On occasion, if the vent hose was not installed the actuator will rust/corrode up.

 

No! I was trying to justify why you had no involvement! I didn't think you even touched the actuator during regear.

Or did you?

@cynicalrider the new actuator has held up fine since Rock Therapy.

 

Now my feelings are hurt. It's a shame this office doesn't have a safe space.

 

Great rig OP.
How are the Coopers treating you on wet/snowy road conditions compared to the Duratracs?
I'm currently running 'tracs, but the STT pros are on my short list for the next set.

 

Thanks, man.
The coopers are alright for an MT in the snow. Light, fluffy snow they work well. Wet, slick stuff not so well.

The Duratracs I had prior to were pretty worn and I didn't really do any snow bashing with them, just city driving.

I've heard great things about the ST MAXX and they seem to perform well on snow. @Reh5108 cam chime in on them if you're interested.

 

Nice. I was under the impression the ADD tube and actuator gets transferred from one diff core to another when they go in for regear. But that's just with ECGS, and that's if you are doing a core swap. So wasn't sure if that was the case or not.

 

Thanks for the info. The fact is, like most people on TW, I need a tire that strikes a balance on and off road. Frankly, I've been very happy with the 'tracs, but I'd like to bump up to a 295 and I love the looks of the STT pros and I've read some pretty good reviews on them. But I've got a while before I need new tires so I'll just wait and see how people respond to them over time.
Thanks again.

 

I'd look into their tire sizes and see what they offer. I'm not certain if STTs come in a 295 form unless you're on 18s or 20s .

They do offer a 305/70r16, though (@SilverGhost).

The Young Brett (@Squeaky Penguin) is on 295s and could provide some insight.

Similarly, Old Brett (@BDN) is on 285/75/17 and could also provide info if you need it.

Edit: regardless of what size you choose, be prepared to do some extensive hammering and/or cutting!

 

I'll have to double check, but I'm pretty sure they offer 295/70/17 and 285/75/17.
And, yes, hammering the firewall seems to be a post wheeling ritual at this point. It never ceases to amaze me that I can find new places to rub.

 

295s are a cool size if you can find a tire you like in them.

I wouldn't recommend the Hankooks if you're concerned about winter performance. Although they are better than my KM2s were. I'm also not a fan of K02s performance from what I've seen, and they run small as well. That might leave you with 2 or 3 choices in that size.

I have very, very little rubbing anymore. So I'm confident one can clear them properly if they are not afraid of cutting and smashing to the point where you might as well have tubbed....