ScottZ

I think that the guy that manufactures the missing link even says that the method you used is the strongest. It looks good.

Not to change the subject of the original post but, what do you call 'great mileage'?

I'm interested in your rear OME springs. PM sent!

My 97 did not have factory filters but there is already a template to cut a hole (slot) for the filter to fit. 5 min with a sharp razor knife and it is just as the factory intended. I put mine in a year ago and don't plan on changing them for another year or so.

I really like the poly bushings. It makes the pathy feel more stable. Plus you only have to do it once!

OK. I thought you wanted to start farthest from the master and work your way closer. No Biggie. I flushed my brakes last month and the pedal feel much more solid. Age of old fluid was unknown.

Shouldn't it go in this order? (Orientation should be as if you are sitting in the drivers seat) 1. Right rear brake <<< This wheel is farthest from the master cylinder. 2. Left rear brake 3. Right front brake 4.Left front brake

Does a 97 SE have a low fuel light? I don't think it does...

Would someone please buy one of these kits, install it, work all the bugs out and tell us if it works! http://www.water4gas.com/home.php

Could you be more vague please?

Townciilian, Isn't your Pathy 2WD? If so, that would explain it. Even with manual hubs unlocked, 4WD Pathys are always lugging around all that extra weight of the transfer case, front diff, and that lever thingy in the cab etc...

My gas mileage sucks too!! In the last year / 10,000 miles I have installed: New plugs, cap, rotor and wires, new O2 sensor, changed oil (of course), changed trans fluid, fuel filter, air filter and installed in-cabin air filter, cleaned MAF sensor, installed warn hubs and have them unlocked 99% of the time. I have also had the fuel injectors professionally cleaned, new timing belt, water pump anti-freeze etc... For the record I'm runnin Yokahama Geolanders 31x10.50s at 35 psi. Did I forget anything? I'm lucky if I get 15mpg! I got 13mpg from this last tank. $65.00! Mostly city driving. On the hi-way, say on road trips, I get about 18 or 19mpg. That's pretty crappy!

Looks good! I like it!

Thanks for the replies guys! I figured I would have to change the bushings. My plan is to jack it up, test which ones twist the most and change those first. Probably the lower ones. I will change them all soon. It seems like the split poly bushings from 4x4 parts is the way to go, right? (and i will use a quality grease for poly bushings, I hate squeaks) I have read the other 'death wobble' threads but any tips or tricks are welcome.

Thanks for reading! We are talking about a 97 R50 SE 4x4 180,000 miles. Here are the symptoms.. When I give it gas from off throttle the pathy wants to go UP and to the RIGHT and when I let off the throttle it wants to go DOWN and to the LEFT. This is much more pronounced at highway speeds. It FEELS like it's being steered by a rudder in the back. If you have the cruse on and as it goes on or off throttle it makes the rear shift from side to side. Sounds like the rear trailing arm bushings right?? My plan is to buy the split poly bushings from 4x4 parts and replace them myself. Either have the old ones pressed out or melt/hacksaw them out, then slide the new poly bushings in. My understanding is, I can remove one trailing arm, one at a time, without jacking up the truck. Is this correct? I also understand that the lower arms would be the first to replace if only doing two at a time. Is this correct? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Thanks for all the replies! I will double check a few things.

Thanks for all the replies! I will double check a few things.

Thanks for the reply! Yea, already park it that way. As you said, put the weight on the brake and not your trans!

Ok, I know, I know, 'put it in D and go!' So I have a few questions about driving my 97 R50 with an automatic transmission. Mostly off road questions. I have always driven a standard when wheelin! When hill climbing, you guys just put it down into 1st to start and up shift if necessary? (Depending on the hill) Same thing in mud, sand, and thick stuff? I guess what I'm saying is, This is when you downshift and keep it in gear, feather the gas and keep the RPMs up.. That's what I do! I'm just lookin for some tips on wheelin an automatic... What about driving in the snow? What about keeping the O/D off when driving around town, under 45mph? I have heard talk of this... elaborate please? Thanks for any input!

So, the seat heat does not work on my 97 R50. The lights come on but no heat. Is this a common problem? I checked all the connections and they are good. I imagine the heating elements are worn out.. Any ideas?

This is a good tip! I cut and installed them in my 97 today. It only took about 30min and that included vacuuming out the leaves and pine needles..

BTW, I live just across the line and spend many of my weekends in bellingham..... interested in wheeling? I used to go to sumas mountain but they finally did a much better job of blocking the trail.. I may do some light wheeling. I'm honestly trying to keep this baby alive for a while as I need it for work. The Hardbody needs a new tranny but I might make it a wheeler if I don't sell it. PM me if you come down this way!

Actually yes! I did get the black steelies! Those pics were taken with the wheels from my 89 Hardbody last week. The new black steelies are installed! I went with a 4" back spacing and I am happy with the way it looks, and no rubbing! (31x10.50) Ok, here are some poser driveway shots of the new wheels. Soon I will take the prerunner light bar from the pickup and put it on the pathy, I will paint that and the nerf bars (side steps, whatever) gloss black. It should look good and for cheap!

This is a pic from the sand dunes on the Oregon coast. There is NO WAY I'm driving by some sand dunes and NOT stopping to do some wheeling. We just climbed a few small hills and bombed around in the sand for a while. It was fun!

Well, here's a pic with the wheels from my truck. More pics to come.