Replaced valve cover gasket, ten minutes from start to finish...try and do that on a Dll in that time...lol.

Installed rear door tire carrier, factory style. Been working on a swing out tire carrier that would mount to bumper, but it got out of control, weight wise...so l stepped back from it for a bit and will rethink it at a later date. The factory one will be fine for now, reenfrorcing the inner part of the door with diamond plate...to help stiffen it up some.

Brian.

 

I have a swing away bumper swing away carrier combo for mine that is stout. Also has a hitch receiver built in

 

Yeah, saw the one you bought, actually, before you bought it...just like your rims/tires. Don't worry, not stalking you...just on the same sites...lol.

The one l'm building is not a "l give up" issue...it's just getting to heavy and l've ran into brain-freeze on an attachment for rear door, that would keep it secure and from rattling, and l'm looking at doing a trip soon...and don't have the time or desire to make it right at the moment. I've been trying to catch up on mechanical stuff of late...and get started on sleeping platform and interior needs. I've got one more minor oil leak, at oil filter housing/oil cooler fitting (simple o-ring) and a fuel leak at pump...and she will be drip free.

Brian.

 

Replaced o-ring on thermostat/oil cooler line fitting on oil pump housing, no more engine leaks!!!!!!! Actually, laid underneath it at break time, admiring the lack of oil dripping.

Mounted spare tire, ordered tire carrier...but forgot to get lugnuts...but it's on there now.

Replaced rear brakes.

Parked it for a few days, while l wait for tie rod ends from RN.

Waiting for a spare injection and lift pump, to get a couple fuel leak issue repaired.

Brian.

 

Replaced tie-rod ends and tighten loose bolts on front radius arm (rt. side). Bolts were rather loose, kind of thought it was getting a little sloppy, steering wise, and l didn't think it was all tie-rod related (it wasn't that bad). Anyhow, button everything up and decided to play around a bit in the field out back...and ended up twisting either a CV joint or the front diff said bye-bye. I'd had a noise while turning, and when l saw the loose bolts on the radius arms...figured this was the origin. Wrong. Luckily, CDL saved the day and l was able to lock it in...and get it back up to the house. Just glad it broke at home, few weeks ago we were up north trail riding...200 miles from home. Yeah, it would have made it home with CDL locked...but l'd rather not have to do so...since the rubber boot, when cold, kind of keeps sliding it out of lock. Just glad it finally broke, too...intermittent noise was driving me crazy...now l know where the issue wiill be found. I'm a "silver lining" kind of guy...lol.

Big freeze/deep snow moving in, so a teardown will have to wait. Drove the Silverado yesterday...and yes...opened the wrong door. Thought, sum-bit*h...someone stole my steering wheel....and then it was...oh, there it is over there...lol.

Brian.



Brian.

 

I have had that same thing happen when I hoped in my other truck. Also slammed my left hand into the door panel looking to shift lol

 

Yeah, first time l had to do a panic stop in the defender...my right hand went out the window...luckily...it was down.

 

I can totally relate lol

 

The old girl looks so sad, while waiting for repairs. It's weird...as rough as it rides and as noisy, cold and uncomfortable it is inside...l miss her. Driving the Silverado is so, so not me anymore.

Brian.

 

There is a certain simple charm to the old tractor isn’t there