New transmission lines - CRAPPY pic...
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I ran the new transmissioner cooler, power steering cooler, and Accel coil over with the fuel line tubing on Thursday morning. New CAD system, radiator, distributer cap & rotor, and performance pulleys from Summitt were ordered last night :rolleyes: ... she's GETTIN' there...
looking great
Just to make you wait a bit longer :p , here's my rust-COLORED tank skid, back in place! Rust-colored PRIMER, ON a Ramcharger... why does it seem so fitting? :rolleyes:
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The brakes are done, the fuel lines are done, and like any good artist, my mechanic took some 'creative liberties' - adding chrome tips to the exhaust (and going with 2 1/4" pipe was the WAY to go!!! They're snaked all through there, with dual cats and dual glasspacks!!!). I was happy with plain pipe, but it adds a nice touch.
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It's NOT my best camera, but it IS the one I can do video with! THAT will be important, in just a minute!
Now keep in mind, the oil was LAST changed right after I got it - in late '06. Lord only knows when the last time it got tuned up. Now we've done NOTHING under the hood so far. Other than change the fuel filter, the pump and the sender unit back in the tank, the engine is UN-touched, for 6+ years...
I THINK... I might've gotten LUCKY... or BLESSED... :D
Take a watch, and a listen. Chris, my mechanic on the underside so far, is in the video, as well as my oldest co-pilot.
http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/c...psfe1e2fa3.mp4
Can't WAIT to hear what she sounds like after a thorough flushing, with new plugs, wires, coil, distributor, tune-up, coolers, K&N air filter, and assorted other goodies! https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
Its ALIVE! Nice man now lets wheel it!!
Well, as soon as under the hood is cared for. And new driveshafts/yokes are made, axled re-geared, undercoat applied, steps added, and maybe a couple of other things... Attachment 1827 Ya' know how OLD trucks are! :pQuote:
Originally Posted by 06JeepXKHEMI
IT PASSED INSPECTION!
OFF with the 2006 stickers - ON with the 2014 stickers!!! Emission exempt, since it's only traveled 1 mile since 2006! :p
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It DOES run - there's a little more front end work to do yet (we're getting rid of the lift block on the left knuckle, and going with a drop Pitman arm & adjustable draglink, which should correct a LOT of steering geometry issues.
Here was my mechanic - taking it to go put some gas in it last week. :o
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I also traded 500 rds. of Silver Bear .223, for a 9,000lb winch! :D
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It's sitting in the church basement now, where the multi-carrier/rear bumper sat for 5 years! Hopefully, it'll'll be installed in less time than the bumper was!
I do get to go VISIT my truck... until it's paid off (D'OHHH! Waitin' on the tax refund!). I dropped off another $500 earlier this week, and baby girl got to play hood ornament with it. :D
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Sweet man!!!! I know that's an awesome feeling getting it to pass inspection and finally legal!
I FINALLY got to drive The War Wagon for the FIRST time today, EVER (when I inherited it, it wasn't running - it's been ROLLBACKED everywhere ever since!) - even though it was just around the parking lot at Monro, but - HOLY GUACAMOLE... WHAT have I gotten myself into?!?!? https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...3/tongue-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...3/tongue-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...3/tongue-1.gif
For starters, even though the ENTIRE brake system is NEW, with those drum rears, it feels like MANUAL brakes, getting those BIG MEATS to stop! I can see WHY the Suburban Hydroboost and rear disc conversion is SO popular!!! I think I know where NEXT year's tax refund is going!!! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../shocked-1.gif
As for THIS year's refund, the transmission selector feels a bit stiff - no doubt due to the fact we haven't touched the transmission yet. And with 3.55 gears, it needs a fair amount of go-juice, to get 'er into motion. The B&M Transpak and ring & pinion swap will be GOOD investments, once I get it out of hock at Monro!
On the PLUS side though, Monor Muffler's latest wheel alignment rig, has updates for 4 wheel alignments that INCLUDE Dodge Ramchargers now! With the steering geometry figured out (that stupid shim in my front right leaf pack REMOVED!), it's perfectly aligned, and steering wheel is straight, too! It steers like a dream - it seems as if it steers TOO well, given it's size, but I'll take it! That, and the a/c is charged, and blows COLD!
Paid another $750 on the account today - I'm down to around $3200 & change left. Ordered a few more parts today as well, not the least of which was the Dana 44 front carrier. Oh - and Parts Geek has aftermarket grills for $73 shipped right now! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../03/grin-1.gif I'll look into making it a "FARGO," while I Plastex the old one and fix it up for a spare!
Looks awesome man!
I had an 87 K5 on 35s in High School. Thing was a beast. What kind of trails are you going to use it for?
Only thing you might want to consider is the lower part of that front bumper. It will kill the approach angle.
Keep up the good work man
You're not the first, to point that out... :oQuote:
Originally Posted by Holaday07 4.7
That's actually where the winch mounts behind the bumper. The other thing is, I think PA is one of those states, where your front bumper can only be "X" number of inches off the ground to be street legal, and this is the 'cheat' to achieve that.
I definitely don't want to aim it at a boulder (or even a BIG log!), and I'm pretty sure the MOAB is out, but for the lower Alleghenies, I think I'll be OK. I'll let you know the first time I get it good & stuck/high-centered though.
I think for starters, will try it in some swampy fields, and see where all the interior leaks might be! :p
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_War_Wagon
Gotcha. Ours is headlights in MO and it depends on where you get it inspected.
Best invesment I ever put into that thing was a lunchbox locker. I look forward to seeing the wheeling pics!
I can't BELIEVE I never posted a video of the engine running!!! This was AFTER the fuel lines and exhaust had been done, but we hadn't TOUCHED the engine yet! :cool: This is with 6 year old motor oil in it, no less!
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Here's some under-the-hood pics, since that's done now.
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With the new adjustable draglink installed, we were able to do away with the lift block AND the drop Pitman arm, and now the truck turns RIGHT, too! :p
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We're still going with the dual stabilizer though, which should be here from 4wd parts any day now!
Here's a pile of "other" in my office at the moment, including the new front & rear diff carriers. I should have enough in ye olde tax refund to get the axles and transmission work done, and even get the winch installed next month! :D
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looking good
WHAT... have I gotten myself into?!?! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...con_eyes-1.gif
Well, the truck came home around noon. My oldest & my youngest wanted to ride in it, so we stopped and picked up some JB Weld, and put $40 of gas in it... so it has a quarter tankful now https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../crybaby-1.gif). Put the locking gas cap on it, after I got it home, too.
Here's a little of the experience, leaving Monro Muffler with it!
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Ya' gotta click on those, for them to play in a new browser. I dropped the camera the second time, NOT because we were crashing, but Good LORD it DOES wander all over the road!!!
DUAL stabilizer and Borgeson steering shaft, here we come - El - PRONTO!!!!
It wanders BADLY, lumbers like a wounded Buffalo, and is slightly quieter than an artillery barrage... and that's how you discover what's REALLY going on with it!
I spent more time IN it today, than I have in the past 6 years. Replaced the rear liftgate pistons (actually, only one was bad, but I replaced them as a pair. Set the one still holding a charge aside for a spare), and mostly just looked over the interior, cleaned out the center console, etc.
GREAT thing about that liftgate - it held the hatch up while I unbolted the old pistons!!!
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The red shock boot makes a GREAT covering for that bolt (holds the high lift jack in place!), so when the gate swings around, it doesn't punch a hole in the lower rear quarter! Once the spare is on there, it won't be a problem. The full-size spare will be too big, to allow the gate to come around that far. I just stick it on there for times like NOW, when the gate's open, and I'm working out of the back.
That, and I'm PRETTY sure I discovered why the steering is so wobbly! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../jawdrop-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../jawdrop-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../jawdrop-1.gif
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Looks like a new Borgeson steering gearbox, AND Borgeson steering shaft!
Looking great
Awesome build!!! I need to find a project like this.
Yes, looking great, except for that steering box and shaft!!! Dear Lord, don't drive that buffalo until you've replaced that!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by pjmjr508
Yep... it sucks out LOUD! :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by lekmedm
Was talking about it with the previous owner's wife at church on Sunday - she said, "Oh yeah - it's been like that for a while!" :eek::eek::eek: I told her, lifting it 4 1/2" and adding 36's did NOT improve it! :rolleyes:
Well, my "uncle" finally came through yesterday, so the steering/tranny/axle upgrade phase will begin shortly!!! :cool:
200lbs o' parts! I'm gonna NEED a Ramcharger, to haul it all over to the shop! :p
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I see an East Coast Gear Supply box. Those guys are good at thier stuff. They are the best in NC.
Got my master rebuild kits from them, a couple of axle seals, and four, travel-limit straps. They called me first thing the next morning, to let me know they were changing suppliers on those straps, and if it would be OK if two came from one supplier, and two from another - even though both were the same length and used the same mounting hardware. Very courteous, and they helped calm me down when the Dana 44 box read, "REAR axle, reverse rotation!" :eek::eek::eek: Turns out the shims are all the same - they threw in the correct seals though, for my front axle! They seem like good folks! :D
If you THINK waxing the XK is a pain, or takes forever... have I got a project for YOU!!! :rolleyes:
First wash & wax since the new paint job last September - first wash I know, since at LEAST early '05. First wax since... :confused: Lord only knows!!! :eek:
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Your supposed to be getting it dirty, not cleaning it.
lol yeah whens the first mud run!
When this...Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt
And THIS...Quote:
Originally Posted by The_War_Wagon
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https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...ec8437f6-1.jpg All finally get installed! :eek:
Roger roger
WOOT-WOOT! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...sign0200-1.gif
JUST heard from my 4x4 shop today - the RC goes in next Monday, for the final mechanical phase! Ring & pinion swap, steering gearbox and shaft upgrade, transmission band adjustment and B&M Transpak installed, a little touch-up welding, and the winch installed!!!
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Nice
Congrats !!!
And we will need more photos ......
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Originally Posted by 1USMC
If work would stop intruding, I could spend more time taking pictures!!! :p
I have a couple, from outside the shop - the day I dropped it off. I've been so busy since, I haven't been able to drop by and look at it. HOPE to get by maybe Monday or Tuesday...
So here's the LATEST batch of pics, from the latest foray to the shop!
It's at Gibbs Automotive here in Pittsburgh now - these guys are probably the closest 4WD shop to the city proper - about 4 miles from downtown - and they're GOOD! They don't even advertise, or have a listing in the phone book, but it took me 6 weeks to get a spot in their garage, from the time I told 'em I was ready to go! They're ALWAYS busy.
Here was the passenger seat, LOADED with goodies for the trip over!
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Leavin' 'er out back!
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Took me over a week to get back there - DMG was working on the front axle when I came in today.
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That's DMG!
The new carrier & ring & pinion are now in up front, as well as my SOLID diff cover.
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#3 son is in the background - he had the day off, since his school is a polling place.
Turns out, DMG has a better plan for shocks - looks like Bilstein 5125's at all four corners, since shock technology has come quite a ways, since I bought this lift kit 6 years ago! We can ditch the dual shock setup, and make sure they're not bottomed out - as they are with the current setup!!! :eek:
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Don't know if I EVER showed THESE off or not - JEGS Hi-Po cats!
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And here's ANOTHER real PITA - the spare tire mount. :mad:
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Dodge 15" 5 lug 5.5 x 5 wheel - should be a simple enough pattern to make a mount for, right? Wrong. :(
Kennesaw Mountain Products (yeah, I know about their spotty track record - discovered that fact about 6 years AFTER I had the multicarrier made... D'OH!) mounted the studs at a 6 x 5 inch pattern in reality, so EZaccessories is gonna custom build me a billett aluminum adaptor. I thought about heating it up with a torch and re-positioning it... or just hammering the shiite out of it... but both will leave an extraordinarily HEAVY wheel and tire, dangling precariously back there - most likely working loose eventually, and creating havoc on the road, sooooo... custom adaptor it is.
More pictures to come - DMG is doing it RIGHT, so I'll try to limit myself to picture snapping, and staying OUT of the way of the working people!
Not MUCH going on with the RC of late - it's still at Gibbs!
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Outside of the shop.
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Just accumulating a few odds and ends on the side - got the stereo/cd unit from oldblue27 (it's en route - should arrive today!), so I have a stereo for it now!
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Already have an amp and speakers for it, so that's good to go.
The cb rig will be the main thing in this build though. :cool:
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https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...sign0200-1.gif Woot - woot! Things are finally moving again!!! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...sign0200-1.gif Crappy cell phone pics to follow! :rolleyes:
Stopped by the shop today, to check on progress. Dave was outside with a customer, so I parked in my usual spot. My RC's been outside for 6 mos. now, but THIS was parked in its spot today!
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I said, "HEY! You SHRANK my Ramcharger!!!" :p (Neat little project, this '71 Cornbinder - has an automatic transmission and FACTORY A/C!)
Sure enough, there in the garage, is THE War Wagon!
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The axles are now done, and Dave says it DEFINITELY has more giddy-yap, with 4.56 gears!
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Transmission hangs in low sometimes, which we already knew. The B&M Transpak goes in next, with the new armored transmission pan, filter, and all new fluid. We think, with the forthcoming flush & new filter, the transmission will be good as new when done. Borgeson steering still to go in, too, but it's STARTING to get there! :cool:
Nothing REALLY new to report - truck is STILL at Gibbs.
Here's a great article, on the guy who did the paint & bodywork on my Ramcharger, though. Big rigs is his SPECIALTY.
Old School Is “Cool”
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Everyone at Reinsfelder, Inc. of Pittsburgh is into trucks. In fact, they practically eat, sleep and breathe trucks. They also love the old school look of trucks from days gone by, especially since the company has been hauling freight for 95 years. Luckily for them, Reinsfelder owner Ed Haser is a friend of Jimmy Davis, owner of Ol Skool Stainless Customs of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. For Jimmy it is a passion and a labor of love. What is most impressive is that Jimmy does all of his fabrication by hand, cutting and bending each piece without the help of automation or computers.
That's how he fabbed up that crusher bumper for my Ramcharger! :cool:
This things coming along great man!
Ramcharger comes HOME tomorrow, bayyyyyyyyyyyy-beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :cool:
It's got a few issues to be resolved, but Dave needs the space in the shop, and it's roadworthy, so here goes!
A couple items of interest:
- The B&M Transpak is NOT installed yet. Even though Dave adjusted the bands, flushed out the transmission, & installed the new armored pan & filter, the tranny still doesn't seem to be responding 'quite right' yet. COULD be, because it sat for 6 years. COULD be, a torque converter going bad. Dave say the Transpak will "kill it" at this point, so he wants me to tool around in it a bit - see if that loosens it up, and we can revisit the Transpak in the fall.
- My SPANKIN' NEW fuel lines (custom ordered from MI!!!) had a couple minor leaks. I asked Dave if that was the lines, or my fuel pump, which I can't REMEMBER off the top of my head, whether I replaced or not (I'm PRETTY sure I did, but I don't have my records/receipts in front of me here at the office!). He caught it, so whatever it was, I know it's fixed.
- He hasn't done the plenum fix, but as that's an issue with COLD engines, and the sun has actually made an appearance this month, hopefully it will hold together through spring, summer, and fall, and we can revisit THAT this fall, along with;
- Rock rails/sliders. Dave is still bending tube, but again, he needs the space, so we shall eschew those for the time being. Moreover, I have a NEW idea on what those should look like anyways, so we'll tackle THAT subject later this year as well. As I told him, I'll TRY and resist the urge, to wedge it between a couple of boulders... :tongue3:
Nonetheless, it's re-geared and the Borgeson steering is in place, so no more death wobble from hell, and it SHOULD be able to get out of its own way. There are a couple of other items I want to check on as well, and will report back accordingly. Lots of pictures will follow as well - maybe even a stack of the mad money I'm taking over there for this tomorrow as well.
I'm about to poop myself delirious! Attachment 2269https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...cingpoop-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...yemotico-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...04/poop2-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...4/poop_2-1.gif
I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head.
I think it's the excitement only a Ramcharger man can feel;
a Ramcharger man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain.
I hope I can make it to the shop today.
I hope to see my truck, and drive it away.
I hope the Borgeson steers as straight as it has in my dreams.
I hope.
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