Precise1

Could it be that a sensor isn't connected (or correctly or not working right) or a vacuum hose is off somewhere ?? I know you had it torn down pretty far... When I got my truck back from the FUBARED autobody shop, one vacuum like for the cruise control was off... Who knows why. GL B

But Mr P. they are all top notch used parts and hard to find !! B

Good job yourself !! B

It's quite simple to enlarge the center hole in a rim... It can be done on a lathe (but a fairly large one) or the way I would do it is on a verticle mill. Clamp it to the table, indicate in the through bore, put in a boring head, and open it up... Anyone with a verticle mill could do it with ease.... Ask around and bring beer !! Bernard

At 250,000km you should have an easy 100,000km left on the motor if has and will be maintained and driven properly. You know you need a new motor when the power fades (worse), it burns oil, is hard to start, or starts knocking... Thats a good time to look into power mods like headers, cams, etc. I think you'll be fine for a while though. Bernard

Hey chapter, I believe it is the same as a clutch job +removing the flywheel and pilot bushing so if you are having the seal replaced, may as well install a new clutch if yours has more than 20-30K on it... GL B

I don't know the pull-pal but will check it out soon... Like HWT, I sort of 'see' what you mean, but need picts and to investigate. I would suggest rating it at a minimum of 10K/lb... the weight multiplies quickly when stuck, and if you are counting on solo-survival, you don't want to take the chance. On the other hand, I have spent a month in Baja Ca with only a tool box,shovel, some cable, a come-along, tire plug kit, bicycle pump, 1 buddy, and a LOT of water Did just fine, never had a problem I couldn't get out of without cursing and sweat... If you really want to deal with issues, have a fire extinguisher, medical kit, water and milar emergency tarps... The list goes on, but those are my first choices for desert exploration... B

.02 from a has-been... I used to be hard core mountain biker when they were first invented, back in the Richie, Cunningham, and Mt Tam days in the '80's. I had a Bianchi 18 speed when I was 15. Somehow I let life distract me... in a bad way. Now at 35, I have just quit smoking and am eager to get back into riding. I was looking at hard tails (because I prefer them) and gravitated towards a Trek, 4800 or 6700, I cant remember right now. Anyway, within a few months I'll be getting a nice new bike and discovering just how soft and weak I have allowed myself to get. Bernard

CC, and thanks for the tip HWT. I'd buy one for $40, and sell coppies for $10... I'll get on it tomorrow. B

Without true first hand knowledge or having done alot of homework, I would lean towards the Nissan. I had a buddy with a Ram 4x4 x-cab, and while is was a nice truck, I wasn't overly impressed. I have spoken to several Titan owners, and they are all VERY pleased with their trucks. Each mentioned long lists of plusses, and if I remember correctly, superior warranty. The Titan seems better engineered from what I have seen, and things like the built in locking compartments in the rear quarter pannels show much attention to detail and functionality. While it of course comes down to your personal tastes with styling, etc I believe that the Titan is a better value and I suspect would last longer under identical use conditions. Just my .02... Bernard

I was more implying the ProComp#, but we'll see... No, I have not maxed the susp offroad (truck is back in a different body shop today to get it fixed RIGHT after 2months of wasted time and $ elsewhere ) but I did compare the extended length to the 'stock' shocks that were on there and the ES3000 were the same if not a little longer. I'll look for the invoice today. Just a thought, unless it's a super deal (like mine), is it a good idea just to go with the taller rancho's so as not to have issues ? On the other side, I suspect the ES3000 would work; no data, just a hunch. I'll get back with any #'s I find... GL ! B

LOL HWT, aught naught you do that ?? But then, I did 10X worse 2 months ago. Was that when you ran one car into the other two in the privacy of your own driveway ? :o HWT is right... with the STOCK suspension set up corectly, 31"x10.5" should not rub.... B

You'll be fine Bud ! Just cut as little as possible off of the JGC springs, the rubber mat is to help dampen vibration from the drive train/rear axle and probably helps seat the springs. Just make sure to clock the coil end in the lower seat... You will see what I mean when you are there... I understand your concern/caution, but don't be too shy; it is VERY easy and darn near fool proof. It's NOT darn fool proof so dont go there... Really, it's easy, shouldn't damage anything and you will be happy. B

Mr P, I have the ES3000's on my truck... want me to try to find the box or invoice with the part # on it ??? They fit just fine, but I'm not lifted... B

You'll be pleased with the JGC spring/t-bar adjustment. It's about the cheapest lift you will get, and should net you 2-3". I have my truck set up where the UCA is about 1" from the bumpstop and I have seen no hint of problems... Be sure to measure and photo before and after !!! Enjoy. Bernard

Very nice... If only we had the TD option, I'd look into it... Now all you need is better ground clearance B

Got ya oilman, you know what you are doing; just trying to help. The reasons the second drill fried is because of the work hardened steel from the first hole and that it was only touching 1/16" on each flute while being handheld; drills dont like this. Of course, you had no choice due to misleading directions... Glad ya got it done anyway.. B

No, really, its after the exhaust pipes merge and before the cat... Bernard

It's in the O2 senser hole... B

Come on Stat, thats not true... By the way, I forgot the combo for the lock on my storage locker. Can anyone tell me what it is ? Oh yeah, it's locker #217... B

oilman, when it's convenient, can you take some picts of the disconnects installled ? I wouldn't trust new bushings to hold the bar up, and if you drive much on the street, I would recommend re-installing the sway bar. What about some simple brackets mounted high that you can rotate the sway bar up and clip/bolt to ? As for the drilling, I'm guessing you used a silver and demming type drill (reduced shank) with a thick web (tip thickness between the flutes). Some tricks are run it slow... prob 200 rpm max. Keep it lubed (use engine or gear oil in a pinch). Drill a pilot hole bigger than the web (prob 1/4 to 3/8); it will actually be faster, not wear drills as much and provide a cleaner, straighter hole. Lastly, cheap drills are exactly that.... If you want me to help you with some holding brackets, let me know. I've been making noise about manufacturing Pathy parts, but the last 6 months have not been too kind; finding a job, getting settled in there, the holidays, crashing my pathy and sickness have all kept me from doing much R&D, but I'm almost clear now (I HOPE !!). Bernard

Hey Slick... I'm in the neighborhood and interested, BUT while my pathy is drivable, it still isn't truely 'fixed' from the crash so I wouldn't want to wheel it and torque things more... How soon are you talking ? The weather is good enough for me to work on it, but I'm recovering from a nasty flu; it'd be a couple of weeks for me to be ready at best... I dont know the places you mentioned, but I'll see what I can find on the web. Bernard

That sucks to dump that truck. I'm certain it has less structural damage than what I did to mine 2 months ago, and while I still have some work to do, it drives ok and has most parts for $1735 so far, probably $2200 when I'm done. Yours would be perfect for a fixer project !! Maybe see what the junkyard would sell it for... ?? B

Yes, it is common... in accidents... I'm in total agreement with matterhorn. Also, I doubt that your pan hard rod was hit, just 1 of the two things it connects to... B

LOL Grumpy, and I thought I was bad !! I always use distilled water in the radiator, anything else will produce scaling which lessens the efficiency of the cooling system. I don't shake the oil though, maybe I should try it... B