Craig posted on October 13, 2011 01:46
Well... let's catch this thread up a bit. Family situation is ongoing, but along with some help from Gord'n Perrot and Steve Biggs at Lamorna Garage I've managed to get the following done over the past several months:
Done:
- Heater blower motor, heater core, entire heating system, and dash have been redone.
- Headliner was recovered and reinstalled
- Installed HAM radio - very happy with the install
- Converted front axle setup from 10 spline to 24 spline
- Converted front brakes from solid rotors/calipers to vented rotors/calipers.
- Installed an Engel fridge slide and my old style ARB/Engel fridge in the cargo area.
- Replaced rear tailgate glass handle, got the automatic lock working on it.
- Lubed the tailgate latch/handle and it now opens/closes like butter.
- Converted rear axle, hubs (repacked wheel bearings), and diff to Disco 24 spline. Completes stage 1 upgrades to the driveline (LT230, and 24 spline genuine front/rear). Will do HD axles, driveshaft, and lockers next.
- Got a GREAT deal on a set of NATO tubeless rims. The 235/85-R16s now clear the radius arms w/o adjusting the bump stops.
- Fixed big exhaust leak
- Replaced oil cooler lines
- Fixed door hinges
- Larger expansion tank
- Hood light works now
- Replaced lower steering shaft (bad u-joint) with one out of a D1
- Painless wiring harness fixed problem with Hella high output bulbs drawing more than the factory harness can handle.
- Fixed door arrestors. Both sides were loose and needed to be welded back in and re-pinned.
Other than a TDI swap *down the road*, I'm *ALMOST* past the mechanical items that come with getting a truck from 1989. Looking forward to getting a few offroad accessories installed before the snow buries the trails, then I'll spend time this winter addressing the interior (though it has heat now, so it should be much more comfortable than last year!).
Next up:
- Replace steering pump hose
- Make fuel pump access hatch
- Figure out a good battery tie-down and install a better battery
- Finish up rear bumper w/ spare tire swingout
- Install winch
Looking forward to some snow runs, snowshoeing, and winter camping this year!