I haven't posted a build thread because honestly my truck isn't much of a "build". Just a few mods, lift, etc like the next guy. But since the install of my Cannibal V8 is nearing completion I thought it was time to start a thread where I can chronicle the mods and give feedback about the engine.


This is my 2nd DII, purchased July 4th weekend 2012. I found the truck on eBay in Denver, CO with 63k miles on it at the time. The previous owner had put several thousand dollars into the truck as preventative maintenance including the head gaskets. With my previous DII experience I was glad to see that this had already been done and I hopefully wouldn't have to worry about it for a long time.


Here are some pics of what it looked like when I bought it.








Somewhere in KS on the drive back to AL.



First mods were a D1 switch panel and switches, UltraGauge and an HD Front Driveshaft from GBUtah.



Next I pulled the third row jump seats, added the storage bin to the right side and built a set of drawers for tools and gear.



At some point I removed the factory brush guard, sold it and relocated the lights to the roof rack. This picture was in August 2013 just before leaving AL to drive back to CO for the Land Rover National Rally in Ouray.





The Ouray trip was awesome! Surrounded by awesome rovers, awesome people and the best scenery! We did a bunch of the trails you hear about in the San Juans, including Black Bear Pass on 18" yokohama street tires!




Black Bear

 

2014 I ditched the 18" wheels for a set of 16" wheels. I had them blasted and powdercoated. Installed 235/85/16 Goodyear Duratracs and a Terrafirma 2" lift.







This brings us to late 2014 (November I think). I started chasing some misfires on cylinder 3 and 6. Continued chasing the rabbit by replacing plugs, wires, and O2's. Things were ok for a couple of days when the misfires returned on cylinder 3. Engine overheated quickly on a short drive and coolant found its way into the crankcase and into combustion chamber on cyl #3. After talking with several experts the diagnosis was a crack in the block behind cylinder 3. So I decided the time had come to buy a rebuilt tophat liner longblock from Cannibal V8. The longblock was shipped to The Shop in Norcross, GA. This brings us to present day. The engine is now being installed and should be ready to go in a few days.


New engine on the stand at The Shop.

 

Great stuff! I have a very similar silver 04 although I think mine was not as well looked after as yours was.
One question, with the D1 light switches, how do they look compared to the rest of our black interior ? The switch cluster and switches is gray, right? It's hard to tell in the pic you posted.

 

Yes,the D1 switches are grey but they are just a shade off. Doesn't bother me.

 

looking good
question, why did you need an engine? or did you? edit. i assume cracked block in the sig, got it

 

Yes, mine was very well maintained previously and by me, but still suffered a crack in the block. Moral of the story...preventative maintenance is key, but you still may have unforeseen issues with the late model blocks regardless of maintenance.

 

Seems to be a common theme. I was just one of the unlucky ones.

 

Wow, looks great and the photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

 

is that your block back repaired or a different block?

 

Different block.