mjotrainbrain

It spins easily but doesn't freely spin if pushed; it needs me to touch it to move. I think it's OK, although there's one spot in its rotation that seems lighter. Since coolant and thermostat are easy enough, I'll probably just do those. I think my thermostat is a little off anyways, as every since I got it a year and a half ago the temp gauge has read just a hair low.

OK, thank you (for the help and the compliment)! Really appreciate the help guys, I don't really know much about engines so you're suggestions are very helpful. Would it be a problem if my coolant is above the max line? I haven't checked anything else yet because I had to go to work.

Also, I doubt it's related since I've heard it's not an issue (and have ignored it as such), but I've had a P0455 "Large Evap System Leak" code for a while now. Actually, it's probably been a good year. For a long time it was "very small", then "small", and now it's been "large" for a while. But like I said, I heard it isn't a problem and have been ignoring it. Really, I doubt it's related, but I figure I should mention it just in case. On a side note...the CEL is just plain annoying, is a P0455 easy to diagnose/fix?

Same as above ^ The only thing that has changed since last summer (when it ran flawlessly) is another 10,000 miles, bigger tires (30" --> 32"), and the air intake. Since it only has 135,000 miles I doubt it's just 'old age', and since there's tons of people on here running oversize tires I doubt that's it. Only possibility is that my air box mod had an unintended consequence (that being the fact that it is basically a hot air intake), unless there's something that has suddenly gone wrong. I was looking at it earlier, and now that I think about it there's little to no direct air flow to where I have the hole in the air box...great for keeping water out, not so great for letting fresh air in.

No no, the hole is before the filter. I can take a pic tomorrow if you'd like to see.

Haven't checked the system at all, as it's has been running fine until this recent heat. I'll check fluids in a bit. It wasn't a dramatic increase in engine temp, just enough to concern me, seeing as I've never seen the needle above normal (I was wondering if it was even capable of going higher, lol). Also, the last few days it has idled a bit rough at start-up. It goes away after a few seconds. (not every time, just two or three times) I'm assuming that's temperature related too?

I drilled a large hole (4"?) in the top of the airbox and put screen mesh over it. Blocked off the original hole in the bottom.

A couple months ago I modified my airbox so that air would come in from the top rather than through the system that came out near the front tire. This was great for keeping water out, but now that it's 90*F out, it's not the best...I'm planning to get a snorkel to resolve the issue, as I don't want to go back to stock. It had been fine, until today on the way home from the junkyard, cruising at 75mph with the A/C on, when the needle started to move up. I turned off the A/C and slowed down and it was fine all the way home. I'm basically just wondering if there's anything else I should look at that could be causing the issue other than my air intake?

Very sad outcome, but at least you don't have to keep wondering. Good on you for keeping the projects going too! I hope that guy gets all that he deserves... Pics of the Ford?

Went to the junkyard. Got the little screw cover that goes in the driver's door pocket and scored the roll-up cover for the trunk. It's got white specs all over it (almost like dull glitter?) that I need to clean off. I'm also surprised by the huge gap it leaves behind the back seats. There goes my plan to hide my tool boxes.

Do your wheels have the proper offset for 33's to clear the struts? If so, I would think they would fit fine with little to no trimming. I have 32's and I only had to trim a little bit on the inside of the fenders in the front with 2" spacers. in the rear it rubs pretty bad, but I'm just planning to figure out some kind of a longer bumpstop.

That sounds like my kind of luck. At least it looked good for a few minutes!

Good looking lineup of rigs. Looks like you need a front bumper!

Well said! Sometimes I forget that not everybody is a car guy/gal. For me, it's always worth it because it's what I enjoy doing. For others, maybe not so much. Personal priorities play a huge role.

Looks like some amazing trails! Scenery is beautiful too.

Detailed the interior. It's a nice place to be again. Washing exterior tomorrow because it's covered in pollen and spider webs. Too bad I can't drive it until Tuesday. It's been too long.

You'll need a torx bit for those (T20 or T25, I can't remember).

Junk yard is where I would look.

Wow, lots of progress! It's too bad that you had to buy so much stuff you hadn't planned on, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Was going to have the transfer case fixed, but it turns out the nearest front output seal is in Tennessee and won't be here until Monday, so I'll drop it off then.

That's a neat idea. I'll have to give it a shot.

Amazing pictures as always! Nice to see the truck all cleaned up.

That's a relief! Now don't go and break something changing the bulb...

Sweet deal! Is it a stock exhaust or custom?

Yeah, the part of the hood covered by the one I pulled it off of was ruined. I'll probably take it off every fall and spring to thoroughly clean underneath.