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Old Red Maintenance Thread

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Fireball, Jul 4, 2020.

  1. Jul 17, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    Updated punch list:
    • Change carb jets/timing for altitude
    • Check all the lights to make sure they're still working - fixed brake lights
    • Adjust toe-in
    • Fix low range detent - spring swapped
    • Re-torque all the suspension bolts
    • Adjust parking brake and douse with brake clean
    • Adjust clutch so it engages a little lower - done
    • Install temp 12v cigarette lighter plug to charge cell phone - done
    • Maybe figure out a quick cupholder - I have a plan!
    • Check tire pressures
    • Check fluids
      • Engine oil
      • Coolant
      • Front diff
      • Rear diff
      • Transmission
      • Transfer case
    • Weld cracked mirror mount bar before it breaks off
    • Fix broken seat spring or at least swap seats side to side
    • Install rear mat - done
    • Mount dog harness hook to roll bar - done
    • Remove the hard top and install the bikini top - done
    • Pack tools/spares
    • Maybe wash the poor thing
    • Pull flat towing wiring and taillights time permitting
    • Fix left hub
    I think I'll be able to get the rest of this done without too much trouble this weekend.
     
    Focker likes this.
  2. Jul 17, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    I've heard of that being an issue in the front. Is it an issue in the back too? If so, I'll get some ordered. Probably won't get them on before the trip though.
     
  3. Jul 17, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    I’ve actually only had them in the back.
     
  4. Jul 17, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    Aha, I'll get them ordered.
     
  5. Jul 19, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    Finished up all the high priority punch list items.

    1) Adjust toe-in

    Set to 1/8". Done.


    2) Re-torque all the suspension bolts

    Glad I did it. A few bolts turned a little more. Done.


    3) Adjust parking brake and douse with brake clean

    Clean and adjusted. Holds well even on a steep hill. Done.


    4) Maybe figure out a quick cupholder

    Found an existing body bolt in a good location. Had a piece of 3" ID exhaust coupler and some 1" x 3/16" bar stock kicking around.

    In process:
    [​IMG]

    Painted pretty and bolted in:
    [​IMG]

    Tested and approved:
    [​IMG]

    Done.
     
  6. Jul 19, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    5) Check tire pressures

    Done.


    6) Check fluids

    Everything checked and topped off. All grease fittings greased.

    Done.


    7) Weld cracked mirror mount bar before it breaks off

    It just looked like a crack. It was fine.

    Done.


    8) Fix broken seat spring or at least swap seats side to side

    Last year one the of the drive seat springs twanged loose on the cheap Rugged Ridge/Smittybilt seat. I actually thought the spring broke. I'm not a light man, but I'm not *that* bad.

    Pulled the seat out, undid the hog rings and foun this:
    [​IMG]

    The spring had slid out of the hook because the ends don't have enough bend on them. After trying and failing to bend the spring material with pliers, I hooked them back and daisy-chained big zip-ties to the frame. Pretty redneck, but that should keep them from sliding out until I can do a better fix or recover the original seats. More cheap Chinese junk.
    [​IMG]

    Done!


    9) Fix left hub

    Pulled the left hub apart. Replaced the back half with a much better one from another forum member. After far too many trial and error attempts, I finally got the clocking right on the outer part of the hub:
    [​IMG]

    It's working great now.

    Done.


    9) Not on the list

    Since the hard top doors aren't in the way, I might as well mount the shovel:
    [​IMG]

    Done.
     
  7. Jul 19, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    Except changing the carb jets for altitude, everything remaining on the list in inconsequential. I'll do the jets closer to departure time so I can drive the Jeep in the meanwhile.

    Tomorrow, I need to fix the parking brake, and the stupid door ajar sensor on the F-250.
     
  8. Jul 19, 2020
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    virginia
    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2015
    Messages:
    1,290
    Exactly what I used in the tan 5
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2020
    Fireball likes this.
  9. Jul 19, 2020
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
    Messages:
    2,263
    Nicely done. subscribed.
     
    Fireball likes this.
  10. Jul 19, 2020
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Messages:
    1,450
    How did you measure and adjust your toe in? I recently adjusted my alignment since I had my tie-rod out and welded reinforcing to it. I just measured from a spot on the tread on the front and back of the tire and made them match. There's probably a better way?
     
  11. Jul 19, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    5,622
    I found I could just barely snake a tape measure over the springs to the inside of the wheel rims. Technically, my toe is more than 1/8" since I didn't measure it out at the treads. But then I have 31" tires in stead of stock 29ish", so it wouldn't be correct per spec measured there either. I didn't feel like doing the math to make it perfect, but the 3/16" it most likely is within spec. I'm going to keep and eye on the tire wear.

    In the past I've set up strings on jack stands parallel to the body and measured to those. That is surprisingly accurate.

    The quick easy way to do it is with toeplates like these: JEGS 81680: Toe Plates Aluminum | JEGS. It's what circle track guys use, just set the plates against the tires and they have slots to hold the tape measures. I want to make some out of plywood some time. Ideally the bottom has clearance for the tire bulge.
     
    Muzikp likes this.
  12. Jul 19, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    No work on the Jeep today. Trying to fix the parking brakes on the Sooperdoody. After 6 hours in hot weather, I've got one side done and the other ready to go back together:

    You have to pull the axles and hubs to get access to the parking brake hardware:
    [​IMG]

    That newish looking cable is garbage. An OE Motorcraft cable is going to replace it.

    Even though the rest of the truck has no rust, this is what the parking brake backing plates look like:
    [​IMG]

    Nice work Ford. The doodad for expanding the shoes is binding because it's punched through one of the rust holes. For more fun, you have to pull the caliper brackets off the axle and press the studs out to swap backing paltes.

    Sigh. Done for the night and joining the cat:

    [​IMG]


    I should have it all back together tomorrow night after work.
     
    ITLKSEZ, bigbendhiker and Muzikp like this.
  13. Jul 20, 2020
    Rubicloak

    Rubicloak Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Nevada
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    Jul 19, 2018
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    305
    Holy crap on the backing plates :shock:
     
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  14. Jul 20, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    5,622
    Adding some pictures of the passenger seat mounts I fabbed up a few years ago:

    I mounted it as low as possible and want to the keep the hinges/latch functional:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Muzikp and Rubicloak like this.
  15. Jul 21, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    5,622
    New parking brakes on the truck done and they work great! I care because I have one of the few manual Diesel Fords built in 2006. I won't have to shut off the engine when hooking up the trailer anymore.
    [​IMG]

    Still need to change the oil in the Truck and give the trailer a once over this weekend. Then the vehicles should be ready to go.

    I need to start packing the tool/spares kit next.
     
  16. Jul 24, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    5,622
    Bodie and I went out for another shakedown Drive tonight. The Jeep has always been fun to drive, but it's a real pleasure these days. We'll see how well it holds up in Colorado.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Got 90% of the tool/spares kit piled up. I'll start packing it into the waterproof toolbox and Jeep tomorrow.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I got a free Hi-lift Jack with the '71 when I bought it. I'm trying to decide if I want to fab up some mounts for it this weekend. I'd mount it here, but probably with the foot facing up and the handle down:
    [​IMG]
     
  17. Jul 24, 2020
    45es

    45es Active Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Naches, WA
    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2007
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    1,103
    Food for thought would be to do something like I did. Hi-Lift jacks are large and heavy. I fabricated mounts for my jack off the top cross member of the gas can/spare tire carry. The jack is out of the way, easily accessed and the weight helps balance out the jeep.

    If you look closely, it can be seen just in front of Daryl.
     
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  18. Jul 24, 2020
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
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    3,547
    So is this jeep the ranch work vehicle and the jeep with fender flares going to be the Rubicon wheeler?
     
  19. Jul 24, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
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    I was looking at that exact spot, but I don't think my tire carrier wants and more weight on it. It's already got a but of a sag. It's also a tight fit when the hardtop is on since it's fully vertical in the back.
     
  20. Jul 24, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
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    5,622
    That's the idea! The '69 is original enough I don't want to hack it up.

    The '71 however already has Saginaw steering, a Buick V8, bedlinered interior, corner guards,...etc. I don't mind hacking it up. The plan is to build it up for Rubicon type work. I've got a 44 front with disk brakes and a 225 with T-98/overdrive to go into it. I don't think it will be ready for next year's Rubicon run, but I hope to have it ready for 2022.
     
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