The Black Hole

[gmanpaint]

I haven't a clue what they set the caster at.

I think I am going to lower it, bring it back, and tell them it doesn't ride right. They will take it out to check it, and see there is something wrong, then I will kindly remind them about the positive camber, and the caster being set so it wont pull one way or another and track straight. This way, I have paid them to do it right, and not have to pay a 2nd time for the new alignment

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

what shops have you been taking this thing to?

alignment shops are funny... seems alot of guys with alignment racks lack someone competent on them, most of them just know how to toe and go and have no idea about proper suspension geometry

 

[gmanpaint]

Yup. 90% of the shops here are tire chain stores or a local tire dealer with one dedicated bay, with one person doing the work. They can't figure out anything that the computer specs don't give them. If it ain't stock, there clueless. They all say the same thing. IFS explorers are a complicated set up, and they all have troubles with them.

The other 10% are alignment shops only, which just happens to be ONE single shop here. These are the old school guys whose business has been passed down to them from their fathers, father, and they think their poop don't stink, and the owner actually called my rig JUNK, because I changed it up from stock. I throw the word junk around in a playful manner from time to time, but this guy was serious. I know I was red in the face when he said that to me, and he had to have seen it, because I had my hand out wanting the key back, so I could turn around and leave. He quickly changed the subject and assured me he could do it. When he called back later to say it was ready to be picked up, he said "The little ford is ready". I think he was purposely trying my patience.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

do you have like a spring place? even if its for trucks. the guy down here that replaces springs in garbage trucks and what not can do a decent alignment and dosnt care if anythings stock, just a thought.

 

[gmanpaint]

Hmm, there is a major truck brake shop here that has a small side bay for leaf springs. That's where I have been going to get my leafs made. I have no idea about them doing alignments there, but I can call and ask. Thanks for the tip!

 

[inh]

It sounds like it's time to DIY your alignment. From what I recall when I was looking in to this for my Honda, the measuring tools aren't THAT expensive, it's mostly just time intensive. I'd love to offer you some links but my bookmarks are all gone Something to consider though, since no one else can manage to get it right...

 

[gmanpaint]

We shall see what happens on the 2nd visit back to the old fart attitude dudes.

 

[gmanpaint]

The coil overs were backed off some and lowered the front end about 1.5" This has greatly improved the ride quality with the angles of the C/V's and there is a bit more travel to it. The clicking noise is gone with the changed angle for the dr side c/v too.

While it pains me to see it lowered, it is better off all the way around for it.

The cold start up idle problem is still there and is eluding me to why it is happening.

We got a little snow overnight, now to see how the locker and a clutch work together on slick pavement...............yikes!

 

[CDW6212R]

Do you have the lift spindles already, and how much height do those provide?

What is the condition of the tune up parts, is there anything that could use replacing? I just had my SOHC die going to work, and it turned out to be the fuel filter. Sometimes we forget things or put them off.

 

[gmanpaint]

No lift spindles. The coil overs act just like a TT does.

The fuel filter was replaced last year, and hardly any miles has been put on this rig in that time. I have new spark plugs for it, but the ones in there only have 10k on em, but they are the cheaper brand of plugs. I planned on upgrading. The wires are a year old. I have done a TPS mod to it,(for voltage) maybe that's the problem with the idle?

 

[gmanpaint]

Oh forgot to add.....

When I was under the rig, I noticed ATF leaking on the cross member. I was like...oh Cmon! Now what! Well, it turns out, the alignment shop was turning the wheel without the engine running and the power steering reservoir was half empty thanks to it shooting fluids out the hole in the cap. Imagine that. Wow.

 

[97sprt4x4]

could it be old gas? you've said that it hasn't really gotten much if any driving done on it other then the few trips to the alignment shops. I don't know how long it takes to have gas go bad, but i know it's not great for it to sit for long periods of time.

Justin

 

[gmanpaint]

Could have been, the tank was real low and I just put a half a tank in it. After 5-10 mins or so, it was fine with a normal idle, so I never thought of old gas.








Edit: Post 4000!!!

 

[CDW6212R]

I'd check the TPS, but not expect it to be the problem. It could be just that the new PCM hasn't been in there long enough to build the database it needs to be more smooth. I think they need about 25-50 engine ON/OFF cycles.

 

[gmanpaint]

That would be just terrific if that was the problem! (crosses fingers)

 

[gmanpaint]

The rear fender flares just arrived today.

Looks like I have another little project to do. This time it is something I want to do...LOL!

Will get to the new plugs and clean the IAC as well while I am at it. It's time to change the Mobil 1 synthetic oil and filter as well. The color of the oil is getting a little darker than I like it to be. Glad Wally World is selling it in the 5 qt jugs for so cheap now!

 

[GRNMACHINE]

gman,

I may have missed it, with only 37 pages it is possible, but what fender flares are you using? Stock? Aftermarket? And diggin the thread!

 

[gmanpaint]

gman,

I may have missed it, with only 37 pages it is possible, but what fender flares are you using? Stock? Aftermarket? And diggin the thread!

37 pages? Thats it? This is just the beginning for this thread

The Flares are aftermarket extension flex type made by Pacer. They offer 4 sizes and a few different styles to choose from. They are relatively cheap and are made of tough stuff that will take the abuse of rubbing trees and other things one might find on a trail. These are 3" flares and have the steel rods in the outer edge to keep their shape after being thrashed about. Sold in pairs, sets of 4, or one large roll. You cut them to whatever length you desire and install with sheet metal screws.

3" steel reinforced flares.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/rubber-fen...wx?skuId=169011&filterid=c13049d16937y1995j2#

 

[gmanpaint]

Since I was off work today and the weather was hovering around the freezing point, I decided to go ahead and install the rear flares.

 

[yellowford]

Those look feaking nice, not priced too boot. I might be looking into those in the near future.