CK5
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Project MULE - Expedition build on a 1991 1500 4x4 Suburban

Our 20lb Co2 tank mount did not have any way of being secure. So to prevent it from ever walking off I made a simple padlock ring through the handle.

HINT: the washer I used was a left over u-bolt washer and those are like 3/16" thick.

co2tank-001.jpg


co2tank-002.jpg


This was just a "kill time" project while I wait for the parts store to get in more calipers so I can pick and choose.

nice and simple. wrap something around the pad lock to prevent he inevitable "ping, ping, ping" sound as it bounces off the tank when driving.
 
Brakes fixed. New calipers and its all good. Assembled the rear bumper and am currently in the process of wiring it.

rearbumperv2-056.jpg
 
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That's weird about those calipers, I've never seen that happen. Glad you got it sorted out.
 
Ok well here it is in all its glory.

Suspension and axle swap a success! The mule rides even smoother now and sits about 1/2" higher in rear. We will drive it for the next couple of weeks and see where the springs settle. We need it a bit high in rear for when it is loaded it will sit level.

List of all that was done during this project

10 Bolt front with 4.56s and Auburn LSD
12 bolt rear with 4.56s, Auburn LSD and Yukon shafts
All new Tire rod ends, bearing and seals front & rear
All new brakes front and rear.
Weld in frame steering plate kit
ORD Steering brace
4" raised steering arm.
Tough Country 3" HD front springs
New 3/4 ton springs in rear
2.5" rear block in rear (for now, then will chenge springs or add flip kit)
Bilstein 5100s
ORD front shackle kit
Greasable poly front bushing kit
Greasable poly sway bar bushing kit
Sway bar drop brackets
Extended (but still OEM) brake lines
New pre-bent brake lines on 12 bolt.

suspension-048.jpg


suspension-049.jpg


suspension-050.jpg
 
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She's looking good Rob! Those tires look small now.

The leafs need to settle. We are going to run it as is on out trip into Utah in a few weeks. after being loaded down. and it flexes out a bit we will see. I suspect I will end up removing the "HD" leaf from the front.

I may need to install a second shock up front. The original Bilstein I was going to go with had a much heavier valving. Something like 330/120. as per recommendation by Bilstein's tech dpt. However that shock was and I believe still is on national back order. so I went with a 5125. The 5125 has half the valving and the front seems a bit bouncy. I am thinking it may need the heavier valving but instead I will go with another 5125 which is 175/60 valving. That's pretty much half what is called for but it will divide the work load between two shocks keeping shock fade pretty much out of the picture.
 
I had a Lund moon visor brand new but decided to sell it. I didn't want to go down some tight bushy trail and have it destroyed. Besides I already have enough sucking my mpg down.
 
Love the look, it really turned out great:waytogo: Have you weighed that rig recently? I would be curious to know what she is weighing in at with the new mods and add ons, my old 88' with the big block was pushing 6500lbs fully dressed:eek1:
 
Lordy, that is a beautiful rig!:thumb:
 
I figured its time I actually start using the gauges that have been sitting around for the last year. This is just a temporary mount and wiring location until I get the center console built.

gauges-001a.jpg


Next on things to do is solder in a dip switch block so I can re-program the DRAC so my speedo isn't 20mph off at highway speed.

drac-001.jpg
 
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Appreciate the info and link DHcomp but I actually started tinkering with electronics before I was turning wrenches. This is a simple job here, the dip switch is like .70 cents and I am picking it up today. I also dabble in UAVs:pimp:
 
Appreciate the info and link DHcomp but I actually started tinkering with electronics before I was turning wrenches. This is a simple job here, the dip switch is like .70 cents and I am picking it up today. I also dabble in UAVs:pimp:



Perfect. Wanted to throw it out there. Guys either succeed at soldering, or they don't. I'm one of the "don't"s :haha:
 
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