What did you do to your GMT today?

[KE7WOX]

Slowly putting things back together. Even with the impact wrench pressing these ball joints back in has been a pain in the arse. One day I think I will get a shop press.

Anyways, my pretty parts all ready to get covered in dirt. Right now I look like a mall cruiser.

So what was the deal with the Moog arms? were the bushings pressed in? or did you have to do that as well?

[mikekey]

Uppers I bought with the bushings pressed in. The lowers I did.

[KE7WOX]

Oh ok.

Was there an option to get the lowers pre-assembled? or do they all come disassembled. I gotta say, that does kinda suck since I don't have a press.

[mikekey]

Oh ok.

Was there an option to get the lowers pre-assembled? or do they all come disassembled. I gotta say, that does kinda suck since I don't have a press.

You can get a full lower for like $130+. The lower & upper ball joint doesn't need a press. Just a tool you can rent from AutoZone or Advanced Auto or such. May need some heat on it, I needed heat on mine.

I decided to putt around in the garage and cut some new wires. Found some fancy looking cooper core (similar to welding wire) wire, nicer than the cheaper aluminum stuff the audio guys use. However got it at about the same price as the welding wire.

[TBYODA]

I decided to putt around in the garage and cut some new wires. Found some fancy looking cooper core (similar to welding wire) wire, nicer than the cheaper aluminum stuff the audio guys use.

Since you got some extra you want make me set?

[c0a8l0v6i8n9]

I got an alignment done finally. They said my tie rods are a little loose. They gave me a quote automatically I found it pretty funny.

[dvanbramer88]

HOLY SHIT! That's beyond rape and even highway robbery.

It also looks like they charge $138 an hour, that's retarded expensive.

[TBYODA]

HOLY SHIT! That's beyond rape and even highway robbery.

It also looks like they charge $138 an hour, that's retarded expensive.

No kidding that is like 3 times on mark up if you get the $60 version on rock auto.

[Moots1288]

HOLY SHIT! That's beyond rape and even highway robbery.

It also looks like they charge $138 an hour, that's retarded expensive.

Almost the same that my boys charges haha

[mikekey]

I'm not surprised, it seems every place everywhere is committing anal rape without lube. Especially big chains. Not just automotive places. I forgot to mention this, I messed up one of my brand new Moog ball joints installing it, basically I pressed it into a socket, and haven't been able to get it out. So I thought I'd run to O'Reilly's to get a replacement. THEY WANTED $103 for the ball joint. I proceeded to laugh at the guy, for a ball joint. Turns out Advanced Auto across the street want $98 for a ball joint. So I went home and ordered on the internet, again. I get it, you have employees and lights to turn on.

But doubling, and tripling mark up? Just destroying your own business in the long run. America is in trouble.

[dvanbramer88]

Yea, i pretty much only buy from the chain auto parts store if I really need something right away. I usually check prices before I order online though. Sometimes I won't be saving much and the convenience is worth it. But I usually end up order from rock auto. Like when the local store wants $300-400 for a $60 radiator for my dads Saturn. Yea, no thanks, I'll wait.

When I did my LBJ's Auto zone had lifetime warranty ball joints for my truck for $25. I was going to get ~$18 all joints from rock auto, and after shipping, It was just a better deal to have a local over the counter warranty and get the parts that day.

Another item I can't save any money on from rock auto is a starter for my truck. Everywhere has a reman for $60 and a new one fore $120. Rock auto's offerings span the same price range.

[The Roadie]

FINALLY, after my brother came back from Wisconsin for another winter of snow-avoidance, he ground the welds he didn't finish last year (and I was not able to get to), primed and truck bed lined it, and I got it back on today without his help!

Also reinstalled a LED-lit license plate holder that keeps the plate out of the way of rocks, but finally street-legal where my old liftgate position was not. Please excuse the hose spray ... I know my truck normally runs around like Pigpen. I had to get some of the dust off from last weekend.

[Moots1288]

FINALLY, after my brother came back from Wisconsin for another winter of snow-avoidance, he ground the welds he didn't finish last year (and I was not able to get to), primed and truck bed lined it, and I got it back on today without his help!

Also reinstalled a LED-lit license plate holder that keeps the plate out of the way of rocks, but finally street-legal where my old liftgate position was not. Please excuse the hose spray ... I know my truck normally runs around like Pigpen. I had to get some of the dust off from last weekend.

Looks awesome Bill

[mikekey]

Looks really great Bill!

[RyansTBLS]

Looks great Bill! The Roadiemobile looks ready to hit the trails again!

[Trail X]

What are you planning to fill the void on the right side of the swing out with. I know you have thought about it.

[The Roadie]

That's for one or two Scepter cans now I have no roof rack.

[mikekey]

Moving along on my front end suspension rebuild. Been taking my sweet sweet time.

Got the Fabtechs installed now. My only concern with these is that becuase they are so heavy duty, I could transfer the impact shock of a hard bump to the steering shaft and a bent shaft is probably worse than swapping out a broken TRE on the trail. Guess we'll find out... Fingers crossed.


Passenger side is all back together now.



Drivers side is almost ready for me to start torquing things down. Got my seal in. Just going to leave it open so I can do my alternator and big 6 wiring this evening, then start buttoning it down.



So you won't believe what happened while pressing in my final lower ball joint...


This harbor freight POS started bending along the way.

Anyways, progress...

[Aries]

This harbor freight POS started bending along the way.

Damn dude I've seen stripped threads before but not that. Were you using an impact or a four foot breaker bar? I usually use a impact and tap the side of the arm with a ball peen hammer .

[KE7WOX]

I removed a few inches of snow from the upper surfaces.