Been working as mother nature allows, was able to take the rig down some back roads and run it, that gave me a chance to figure minor faults out. The rear shocks have been replaced, with Edlebrocks IAS, was able to find the type Jack had installed from his registary, (lifted F150) and ordered a set, at 60% off! Got the off road lights installed and wired. (Top and rear, the front ones were already hooked up) The top ones are mounted on electrical outlet boxes from Home Depot and then secured to the roof rack, I just don't trust 4 screws alone to hold them in place in case of a sudden stop. The rear ones are mounted on electrical boxes also, but are much lighter and secured with the 4 screws. I used bicycle innertube as a gasket between the boxes and the roof, and then a crap load of black RTV. Been raining for two days and no leaks.
It took me 3 sets of toggle switches before I decided on these. Shouldn't of tried to be cheap and just got this style in the first place. Where the ashtray was removed and installed two power outlets is visable. Trying to get the shifter and transfer set up was a story in itself. I think I just got tired of trying to improve every time and said "self, your done". This pic was taken at an angle, the switch panel is actually straight, and not at a slant like it appears in the pic. I had one hell of a time trying to get the "hump" looking somewhat decent, finally ended up using pieces from copiers that were slotted for the dump and glued carpet on them, and of course got matching carpet from under the rear seats. Couldn't fabricate a shifter boot for the tranfer case to mount properly, so just going without one.
Ah, the camera location has been decided, but not connected yet, the LCD display tho was easy, I took the electric 4 wheel engage panel out, cut out a new one to fit, tapped the LCD into the 4 wheel harness and that was it. Wasn't going to use the cigarette plug in on this and have a wire getting in the way. The suction cup for mounting the LCD was thrown in the trash and the screen was bolted on. There is a toggle switch there to the left to cut the power to the LCD.
The optimia battery, the middle series, not the super dooper style, it works excellent for what I need for the rig. Did go with the 24k plated battery terminals, these also hade the twin slots for cables.
Had the rock sliders layed out to install today, but once again mother nature changed my mind, I have had my days of laying in mud working, and unless required, I don't do that anymore.
Had to order another arb solenoid, the one I recieved the release valve stuck open, and that is an "ahh sh#t".
The 33's feel thru, but will just have to keep an eye open and when more appear I hope I will have the $ for them, if not, just keep looking.
Got the trailer to haul the rig, so that went good, work to do on it and my tow rig.
Going good.
Forgot to add, over blacktop and improved road, the rig rides stiff but handles excellent, didn't get over 65, but that is a good speed. Over rough ground, it's like the rig is picking it's own way, response is excellent, moves smoothly, and when running thru a creek, really cool!!
