So, a few months back I bought this 87 that the prior owner had converted to a full convertible with the correct hard top and made a brief intro post. Since then, I have survived the Phoenix summer. I drove it occasionally, but mainly waited for the weather to turn.
This last weekend I finally got it out for a shake down run. We took it from Lake Pleasant to Crown King. It is a run that a stock 4x4 truck could tackle with few issues, but it is a long (@30 mile) run. I managed to reveal a few issues:
1) melted the rear axle bearings
2) the transfer case does not like to be in 4 high, and likes to pop out of 4 low.
3) I cracked the frame at the steering box (yeah new 35" tires)
4) I broke all of the PO's welded exhaust hangers
5) broke (or revealed the broken) transmission mount
6) proved the bent tierod needed to be replaced
7) proved I am addicted to the right pedal of this beast.
So, had it towed to the off road shop (axle bearings are generally required for 80 miles of freeway driving). There I found out that the prior owner never told me about the rear axle. I am pissed! It is a narrowed Dana 60 with a detroit locker with 410 gears and custom chromoly axle shafts. (so, not really pissed...pleased in fact).
This increased value to the rig has made me not care about dumping some cash into the suspension, interior and paint.
Current plan is to have the shop fix all of the above issues while they have it up on a rack. Then back to my shop for upgrades as follows:
1) Suspension: Current plan is custom spring setup from ORD rather than coilover. Any input on this would be appreciated. Figure a budget of @$2,500 for parts. As soon as I get the truck back I will make a final decision and get parts ordered.
2) Interior: Stripping the carpet and putting in LMC truck dyna mat and precut rubber kit. Waterproofing the dash (top is likely never going back on) and diagnosing the inoperable gauges (fuel, amp, oil pressure), and building a series of compartments for trail gear into the "bed sides" before paint
3) Paint: likely going caution orange "bed liner" for all visible painted surfaces. Painter owes me a favor or two, so this will be cheap.
Post here to keep me actually moving forward, and to get input on suspension choices. I know ORD is a sponsor and they also seem to be great people. Is there any option I should be considering ina similar budget? I am looking for a sooth(ish) ride on gravel washboarded roads and good wheel travel for "light" rock crawling (okay, whatever limit there is to light, I will go past that until stuff breaks). I dont yet have crossover steering, but that is on the short list of the next round of mods.
Anything else I should be considering? Truck runs like a beast (other than issues listed above). Help me spend money (wisely??). Thanks in advance.
This last weekend I finally got it out for a shake down run. We took it from Lake Pleasant to Crown King. It is a run that a stock 4x4 truck could tackle with few issues, but it is a long (@30 mile) run. I managed to reveal a few issues:
1) melted the rear axle bearings
2) the transfer case does not like to be in 4 high, and likes to pop out of 4 low.
3) I cracked the frame at the steering box (yeah new 35" tires)
4) I broke all of the PO's welded exhaust hangers
5) broke (or revealed the broken) transmission mount
6) proved the bent tierod needed to be replaced
7) proved I am addicted to the right pedal of this beast.
So, had it towed to the off road shop (axle bearings are generally required for 80 miles of freeway driving). There I found out that the prior owner never told me about the rear axle. I am pissed! It is a narrowed Dana 60 with a detroit locker with 410 gears and custom chromoly axle shafts. (so, not really pissed...pleased in fact).
This increased value to the rig has made me not care about dumping some cash into the suspension, interior and paint.
Current plan is to have the shop fix all of the above issues while they have it up on a rack. Then back to my shop for upgrades as follows:
1) Suspension: Current plan is custom spring setup from ORD rather than coilover. Any input on this would be appreciated. Figure a budget of @$2,500 for parts. As soon as I get the truck back I will make a final decision and get parts ordered.
2) Interior: Stripping the carpet and putting in LMC truck dyna mat and precut rubber kit. Waterproofing the dash (top is likely never going back on) and diagnosing the inoperable gauges (fuel, amp, oil pressure), and building a series of compartments for trail gear into the "bed sides" before paint
3) Paint: likely going caution orange "bed liner" for all visible painted surfaces. Painter owes me a favor or two, so this will be cheap.
Post here to keep me actually moving forward, and to get input on suspension choices. I know ORD is a sponsor and they also seem to be great people. Is there any option I should be considering ina similar budget? I am looking for a sooth(ish) ride on gravel washboarded roads and good wheel travel for "light" rock crawling (okay, whatever limit there is to light, I will go past that until stuff breaks). I dont yet have crossover steering, but that is on the short list of the next round of mods.
Anything else I should be considering? Truck runs like a beast (other than issues listed above). Help me spend money (wisely??). Thanks in advance.
