Revco

I got a quote for around $360 install w/ broken bolts and no fabrication...which works out to be about 5 hours of labor. Seems about right to me considering some guys spend an entire weekend (or more) and end up pulling the motor to get 'em installed. In fact, these manifold bolts are so notorious that I've had several shops tell me they weren't interested in the install at all. You could probably shop it and find someone who will do it cheaper. Cheaper isn't always better, though.

FRS radios might work well...and many people have 2. I know I've got a pair. If the weather's decent...I could bring my camera (gotta nice setup) and get some good shots of you all monkeyin' around. We could then post 'em up here for all to view.

Hey skrillaguerilla...that's like my exact PF...same color, same year, same model, same wheels. That doesn't just give me an idea...it's like an "after" shot...only before. Is there a reason that the front wheels are riding so far back? Rami...so you prolly could have gotten away with the flares if you didn't drive like a madman?? That's funny.

That would be kewl, Casey...PM me sometime & we can hook up. I like the idea of the 3" clearance...just concerned about the look & MPG's. That Calmini kit is sweet. Thanks for the pix Rami...I guess I was fortunate and able to run 31x10.5's without needs to remove the fender flares. I would say that look is right on the border of what I consider OK for a lift to tire relationship. It's weird...without the flares, that rig has a strinking resemblance to a Ford Bronco II. No offense...just an observation.

I found some pix online w/ JCG coils and what looked like my size tires (couldn't read the walls) and it didn't look bad. I detest that big lift/little tire look. Raised that rear end noticably but didn't look awkward. I'd assume w/ same tires before & after install would mean at *most* he'd have 31's. As far as what I want feel-wise compared to stock...it's hard to say because my stock setup feels a bit on the squishy side (maybe that's just PF's). More firm than that is good...but I also don't want to get teeth-chatter from Spokane's cruddy roads. I'm thinking about pairing with Rancho 9000's to get the adjustable ride since it's a multipurpose rig.

True...but the idea is to upgrade the suspension (idler arm braces, springs, etc). I suppose I could upgrade to "better than stock" springs and upgrade to "better than stock" idler arms and then crank the T-Bars. That's an idea...

I'm looking at suspension uprades...and it looks like the overwhelming majority of the kits provide a 3" lift. I'm $600+ into brand new tires and don't want to uprade to bigger at the moment. Does anyone have any pics of their rigs w/ a 3" lift and 31x10.5 tires? (Preferably the 88-95 body style) I'm trying to imagine it...and I'm not sure if it'll look right. Anyone know of any kits w/ a 1-2" lift? I found some springs that would only raise it 2"...but I like the idea of a kit w/ all the parts included.

Thx for the tip, Maritime! Got a few places to check out, thanks to you all! As far as the tuneup...yeah...I could certainly do it myself. I'm at a place in my life these days though where it's worth it for me to pay someone for the time & hassle. After a 60+ hour work week...wrenching on my rig just doesn't sound appealing, know what I mean? I'd add the O2 sensors, tranny & diff fluids, fuel filter, PCV...what am I forgetting?

That sounds like fun....thx for the invite. I've wanted to check the ORV area out out since I found out about it...just haven't had the time. Wouldn't mind meeting up anyway just to check out the rigs and maybe get some . Most pressing issue at the moment is exhaust system & full tuneup...but thinking about some steering/suspension upgrades in the coming months. I'm still trying to figure out what I want. I need to find a balance between trail worthiness and efficiency/comfort since it's my daily driver and I travel quite a bit.

Just the other day I let my tank get *WAY* down...over $50 to fill!!! Ouch! Every gas saving mod will pay for itself pretty quick these days. If you spent $1K and got a +5MPG increase (feasible)...that'd pay for itself in under 2yrs with 20K per year driving. Faster if prices continue to rise. Just a thought.

Another Spokane peep here. Running a green '95 SE...not much in the way of mods at the moment. Planning a few though! Prolly won't do a lift...but am planning new exhaust w/ headers, ignition system uprade, new shocks, cosmetics, etc. See you around town!

Thanks CaseyT! That sounds like the kind of exhaust shop I'm looking for...will entertain "anything" for a price. It's kewl that they may be willing to slap in a part or two while they're under there and have things torn apart. I'll pop in here soon...gotta get the Thorley's on order since it'll take a bit to get 'em. Thanks for the tip!

Responded to the PM...but I'm on the west edge of the valley...8th & Theirman(ish). Heard about the site through an unreproducable train of web pages while researching my manifold issue and other mods available. Probably through some search string used on Google or maybe AskJeeves. Glad to have found you guys! It just rules there is a forum out there for use 'Finder owners.

I'm looking for a general mechanic at the moment. Someone that is experienced, honest, & fair. I'm looking for a complete exhaust overhaul too...Thorley's, new muffler, new cat, all new pipe. Can get the parts...just need a shop that'll do it right.

New to the forums here...and I see there are several members from Spokane and eastern Washington. Add another Spokane Pathy owner to the list. I'm glad I found these forums...an *INCREDIBLE* resource for info. Any locals know any good mechanics in the area? I just moved here less than a year ago and haven't found one I like. Last place I took my 'Finder for 120K mile service forgot to put the radiator cap back on & caused an overheat on a trip to Pullman. Had 'em do a compression check to verify integrity of the engine - they came back with values from 110-115 and said it was "within spec". I just read a post that said 128 was minimum & mid 170's was optimal. Not sure whether they lied about the values & didn't do a check or if the engine is seriously compromised. Need a second opinion. Also wondering if anyone knows any exhaust shops willing to take on the header project. Another notorious tick of death here. See you around. Thank you all for the info found here...