Slartibartfast

Looking good! Bet it's nice to have the suspension level again. Jesus that's an expensive roof rack.

world building

war effort

universal joint

Lightning round

push rod

^ That's a good idea! I didn't know slow-blow blade fuses were a thing.

Yeah, I haven't heard of it happening, but figured it might be worth mentioning. My cheap OBDII scanner shows live data (no graphing or anything special) and pending codes.

If the computer is pulling timing, it's probably got a reason. I would start with the scanner, live data and codes. Only other thing I can think of is if it's jumped timing. I wouldn't expect a chain to do that, but I do remember reading about some chain guide issues on the 4.0. I don't know the VQ, but the 2UZ-FE in my dad's Yota ran poorly with the belt one tooth off, and not at all two teeth off. (A mouse found its way into the timing cover, and had a Very Bad Time inside.) Threw a cam sensor code IIRC.

knock sensor

LOL, reminds me of the stereo that was in mine when I got it. The faceplate motored open to reveal the CD slot, which would've been kinda neat if the faceplate didn't run into the shifter, strain for a moment, and then close again. I think I saw someone a while back who moved the HVAC controls down to where the head unit used to be, and somehow put the double-din up above. Might've deleted the middle vents to make it work? Must've been a square-dash. Better spot for the screen, but probably more work than it's worth.

Looked better tucked into the hole IMO but I imagine the neck makes it easier to read and reach the screen. How's that pivot locked? Looks like something that could start working its way down after a few good bumps. I kept mine simple, basic single-din HU that I can plug an ipod into. I spend enough time swearing at touchscreens when I'm not driving. When I need maps, I just stick my phone in the ashtray. +1 for Dire Straits, though.

Coolant temperature

Banned for being the same age as me!

Banned for assuming I'm old enough to get junk mail from AARP!

micro controller

There was no info in the post, just pictures. Looks close to the same width as the top of the fender, though.

Yeah, I think the group got set to private at some point. Here's a screenshot of the finished product. I like that Flatout kit. A friend of mine used plastic lawn edging for flares on his S10 Blazer. It was cheap and quick, and it does keep the mud off the sides of the truck. It does however look like plastic lawn edging.

No aftermarket ones that I'm aware of, but a guy on the Farcebook page (what are the chances that link actually works?) made up a set a while ago. Looks like sheet metal and tubing, pretty simple. Also looks like the guy has a pet monkey.

Sounds like junk to me then. I'd be surprised if you got more than the core charge out of it.

fair game

Banned for making me feel as old as him!

If you're throwing a computer at it without knowing for sure that the old one is the problem, might be worth keeping it, or at least stalling on sending it back, until you're sure the old one is in fact roached. If it is verified junk, send it in as a core and let someone else deal with it. I doubt anyone but the rebuilder is looking for a blown up computer for a '98 Pathfinder.

Banned for watching old Dukes of Hazzard re-runs instead!

fever dream