March 2003

Well after a long winter's break, its time to get back at it. The major need has been a gas tank and a new steering rod assembly. The underside has been detailed now, and the new tank fits in rather well. I still need a new auxiliary tank, but that can wait a while. I can now crank it up and drive it around without too much trouble...provided the cops don't see it on the streets. I also found out that even with the new steering rod assembly, the front end is still shifted over towards the drivers side by a couple of inches. This is on account of the lift kit that was put on it way-back-when, which did not correct the geometry of the drag link, pitman arm, and control arms. All of those items will need to be re-located to retain the correct angles so that the front end stays in line. The higher the lift, the more the front end will shift over to the driver's side. This was never done, and explains why it is such a bear to drive on the highway.

A complete new 3.5" suspension lift is next, which will include new shocks, coil springs for the front, and 11-leaf rear springs for the back. Alos included will be a complete polyeurethane bushing kit for all suspension components, and all the drop-brackets to get the front end back in alignment where it should be.

The coolest thing so far, however, are the new wheels and tires: 15"x10" Mickey Thompson Classic II Aluminum alloys, with 33"x12.50" BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires. Bigggg difference...

Now the detailing starts...I removed the doors and the front bumper to prepare for new paint, and a spray-in liner for the interior to stop any more corrosion. I'll be working front to back, starting with the grille. Both parking light units were badly corroded, so they will be replaced, along with 2 new halogen headlights. By next month, the front clip should look better than new...