BadDNA's overlanding rig build

Alright, now I just have to get this bitch bled. I thought I'd had it done last night, took it out of the garage and didn't even make it to the road; pedal is WAY too soft. I must have let the MC run dry while changing the flex lines and I bet I got some air in the ABS system...F*#&. I'll bleed the thing a couple more times once I pick up a bit more brake fluid, but I think I may have to get it to a shop with the ABS bleed tool at this point.

 

Better now. I'm not sure it's 100% but it's drivable. I picked up a quart of brake fluid, bled it once with the motor off as before, and again with the motor running. I'm not sure the motor running really accomplished much more than without, but whatever.

 

Happy birthday Eammon!

Enjoy and all the best.

 

Thanks bud!

 

Finally got around to installing some Rigid floodlights in the back bumper. Hooked them up with a SPDT switch and relayed through my Bussman fuse block. They can be always off, on with the factory reverse lights, or continuously on if the parking lights are on.

 

Shit...I just updated my first post and didn't realize I'd just about run out of projects. I'm probably going to find a shop to buzz on the MC LCA brackets. I don't trust my own welding that much yet. The Hammer Hangers will *maybe* get done before winter hits. I've got hunting season, firewood that needs to be stacked, my little sister's wedding, and one more long weekend away that I need to work around. I should probably also finish sandblasting my trailer frame and get that in a state to be stored for the winter. I haven't touched that in a few weeks.

 

If you want to drive down here.....I can help you with your Hammer Hangers......I did mine with Drew and John @Taco01863. With the right tools and plan of attack, it can be done in 3-4 hours.

 

I'm down to help.

 

I might take you up on that. I've got all the tools here, but a small mod day get-together might be a good way to enjoy some of our last warm days this season. What's your availability look like through October? Looking at my calendar, I could do either Saturday or Sunday of Columbus Day weekend (9th or 10th), or Saturday the 16th (as long as I'm home Sunday for my wedding anniversary).

 

Let me look at my schedule but I think that that Saturday the 9th would probably work out the best.....we should also start in the morning as early as possible. Do you have a u shaped ball joint press? It makes things stupidly easy

 

I just asked the boss and she's okay with this plan. I might head down that way on Friday night after work and camp in southern VT (Forest Road 71 - Somerset Airfield, Glastenbury area - spooky fun) and have a head start on getting to your place Saturday morning. That part will definitely be weather dependent though, too cold or rainy and I'll just head out from home earlier Saturday. However, anyone who wants to join me for some early fall camping is welcome if I do go.

One of these bad boys? I've got one, even has the universal joint adapters if that helps. Anything else that may come in handy? I've got an air hammer and a cordless grinder if you don't. I got the hardened drill bits with my order too if you don't have them either. I'm pretty sure I've got all the tools the job takes, but hanging out in the garage with a few other guys is my main motivation to take you up on this.

 

The hand held grinder won't be needed. I have a handheld and a electric as well. That ball joint press is exactly what we will need....yes bring that. See if you can get a 3/8inch 2 inch long grade 8 bolt as well. Any 1/2" really good drill bits will be needed as well. Other than that I have an air hammer and compressor. I will talk with John this weekend to see if that date works with him as well. He is helping me install my ATH HC rear bumper this Saturday

 

That bolt need to be threaded to the shoulder, or are we just using it to push rivets with?

 

just pushing rivets

 

Hammer hanger install went as smoothly as I could have hoped. Thanks again @crashngiggles for hosting and to @Taco01863 and @Brownmatthall for the help. I had a great time with y'all on Saturday. I haven't taken her up and class-4 roads yet, but the on-road handling is noticeably improved.

 

Getting the truck out for some driving today and I'm impressed with the hangers. Even my wife has been able to feel a difference from the factory hardware.

 

Crazy right? There are people who don't have them that say....."you really won't be able to tell the difference in a rear end of a truck".....they are so wrong.

 

Took it up some nice washboard locally this afternoon and now, instead of the whole truck getting squirrelly over it, it just tracks straight where I'm pointing it.

 

Alright, it feels like it's been forever since I've done anything to the truck other than fuel it up and drive it from time to time, but here's a project list for this spring...

Diff and t-case fluid change
Remove, sandblast, and repaint all my armor - full skids, sliders, and at least the front bumper (the rear bumper is still in decent shape)
Marlin Crawler LCA brace kit to install
All-Pro fuel tank skid to paint and install
All-Pro BMC plates to install (not going big on tires yet, but I will be down the road)
Snorkel to install (once I get it from Jared)

 

Best mod yet - Paid it off this morning. Paid off my travel trailer as well.