ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[fnieto]

Excellent work Mike, she's coming along nicely.

 

[zmotorsports]

Excellent work Mike, she's coming along nicely.

Thanks Paco.

I didn't get as much done over the weekend on it as I had hoped. My son and future daughter in law found a living room set that they really liked last week. My wife and I told them we would get them a living room set or bedroom set for their wedding and after they told us Friday night they found "the one" they really liked we went Saturday morning and picked it up for them. I didn't get out to the shop until late Saturday afternoon and then only got a little bit of work done on his truck.

 

[zmotorsports]

A few pictures from Saturday afternoons work.

Rebuilt the filter head assembly.


Rebuilt and prepped for reinstallation along with new fuel lines at the ready.


While I was reassembling the truck I noticed that many of the wire trunks had the split loom damaged from either age or heat so I opted to replace quite a bit of the split loom.


I’m nearing completion and on the home stretch. Again, the little details are what take time but in my experience are also what separate the levels of workmanship and the pride that goes along with knowing the job was done properly vs. just completed and running.

Thanks for looking.

 

[fnieto]

Thanks Paco.

I didn't get as much done over the weekend on it as I had hoped. My son and future daughter in law found a living room set that they really liked last week. My wife and I told them we would get them a living room set or bedroom set for their wedding and after they told us Friday night they found "the one" they really liked we went Saturday morning and picked it up for them. I didn't get out to the shop until late Saturday afternoon and then only got a little bit of work done on his truck.

Priorities my brother. Exciting times for your family.The Dmax will still be there in the morning, besides, you make impressive headway once you start rolling.

I recently rebuilt my filter head as well. Fun Fact, I used Napa's Sil-Glyde on the O-rings as well. I've been using that stuff for a loooong time. I use a thin film on the inside of radiator hose at the connections and they come right off years later. Luv that stuff.
Have you considered replacing that vent cap with a brass T-valve and small tube to keep fuel from making a mess when purging the air? I run an 18" section of poly tube zipped tied to the wheel well. A small jar can be rested on the upper control arm to catch the fuel during purging. Ace should have the necessary fitting and valve as well as the poly tube. Worth mentioning anyway.

Excellent work as always my friend.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thank you Paco. I’ve considered adding the T-valve after seeing yours but just haven’t had time.
Thanks again for following along.


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[zmotorsports]

We finished up my son’s Duramax tonight and swapped places in the shop so we could get it on the lift. We have done steering upgrades on it to do and change the engine oil after having it open this past week.









Thanks for looking.

 

[zmotorsports]

Tonight we installed the Cognito steering support kit on my son’s 2002 2500HD Duramax.

Idler side


Pitman arm side.


Changed the oil and filter then put the rear summer tires & wheels on and took her for a test drive.


It drove great and my son said it seemed smoother and quieter but I think it may be the placebo affect. Although he is used to the vehicle more so than I am and I can tell minor changes in my vehicles so maybe it is smoother and quieter.

 

[lilscorpion]

It drove great and my son said it seemed smoother and quieter but I think it may be the placebo affect. Although he is used to the vehicle more so than I am and I can tell minor changes in my vehicles so maybe it is smoother and quieter.

Sometimes knowing you’ve made the machine better translates through the steering wheel and into the drivers seat. Or it’s the shinny clean better looking than new thermostat housing. [emoji16]

 

[gearhead1960]

Tonight we installed the Cognito steering g support kit on my son’s 2002 2500HD Duramax.

What is the purpose or intended aim for this modification?

Thanks!

 

[TTMotorsports]

What is the purpose or intended aim for this modification?



Thanks!

They help keep the steering box and idle arm from flexing causing steering wander. The front end of these trucks is the weakest part of the trucks. The inner tie rods are the size of my pinky finger. Super steer makes a nice upgraded setup

 

[zmotorsports]

Sometimes knowing you’ve made the machine better translates through the steering wheel and into the drivers seat. Or it’s the shinny clean better looking than new thermostat housing. [emoji16]

Thanks Matt. I think you're right because mine even feels different after a wash and detail.

But then again, it may be that t-stat housing.

 

[zmotorsports]

What is the purpose or intended aim for this modification?

Thanks!

They help keep the steering box and idle arm from flexing causing steering wander. The front end of these trucks is the weakest part of the trucks. The inner tie rods are the size of my pinky finger. Super steer makes a nice upgraded setup

More so to keep the center link from pivoting front to rear than steering flex but it is mainly to prevent premature wear of the ball & socket on the center link at the pitman arm and idler arm positions. That constant flopping front to rear of the center link prematurely wears the joints and is just plain annoying in my opinion. These supports keep the center link centered from flopping yet still allow the joint to pivot as needed for steering.

And yes, the tie rods are very small. On my 2006 Duramax I added the Fabtech tie rods which are about 1.125" in diameter and on my son's 2002 Duramax we added the tie rod sleeves several years ago when he first bought the truck. We also added the Cognito upper A-arm to my son's when we leveled it out which places the upper ball joint in the correct orientation vs. someone who merely cranks the torsion bars down tight to raise the front end up.

 

[Kriesel]

Tonight we installed the Cognito steering g support kit on my son’s 2002 2500HD Duramax.

Does he notice a difference with it installed, or is it just meant to stop future problems?

 

[zmotorsports]

Does he notice a difference with it installed, or is it just meant to stop future problems?

Mainly future problems but as the joints wear, even slightly from new, they allow the center link to flop front to rear when turning left and right. On some GM chassis I have actually been able to hear the center link flop as turning the steering from the cab but that is somewhat rare. When I did my 2006 back when I bought it in 2009 I really couldn't tell much difference by seat of the pants feel.

Time will tell on his as he just took a couple mile test drive last night after getting it off the lift.

 

[fnieto]

More so to keep the center link from pivoting front to rear than steering flex but it is mainly to prevent premature wear of the ball & socket on the center link at the pitman arm and idler arm positions. That constant flopping front to rear of the center link prematurely wears the joints and is just plain annoying in my opinion. These supports keep the center link centered from flopping yet still allow the joint to pivot as needed for steering.

And yes, the tie rods are very small. On my 2006 Duramax I added the Fabtech tie rods which are about 1.125" in diameter and on my son's 2002 Duramax we added the tie rod sleeves several years ago when he first bought the truck. We also added the Cognito upper A-arm to my son's when we leveled it out which places the upper ball joint in the correct orientation vs. someone who merely cranks the torsion bars down tight to raise the front end up.

Nice work on your sons Dmax, You saved him a ton of dough and more importantly taught him (and us) something. The Fabtech tie rods are a huge improvement over the skinny OEM. The Cogneto upgrade is on my list as well. I have a tight suspension but with the oversized tires I believe its a necessary justified upgrade. Are you happy with the material used and design of the Contigo brackets?

Thanks again for all you share with us Mike.

 

[zmotorsports]

Nice work on your sons Dmax, You saved him a ton of dough and more importantly taught him (and us) something. The Fabtech tie rods are a huge improvement over the skinny OEM. The Cogneto upgrade is on my list as well. I have a tight suspension but with the oversized tires I believe its a necessary justified upgrade. Are you happy with the material used and design of the Contigo brackets?

Thanks again for all you share with us Mike.

Thanks Paco.

As for the Cognito components, yes, I am very happy with their brackets. Actually everything that I have used from Cognito over the years I have found to be of very good quality and they function as advertised/designed. I haven't been disappointed in anything of theirs that I have used.

If you are looking to upgrade your tie rods I would suggest the heavy duty ones from either Fabtech or another similar vendor vs. the sleeves. The sleeves are a nice upgrade from stock and plenty stout for most vehicles such as my son's with just a leveled suspension and 33" tires on 18" wheels but with my 36" tires on a 6" lift I wanted the ultimate in strength and therefore went with the large replacement tie rods.

 

[zmotorsports]

I got a call yesterday saying my son’s bumper was done so I stopped and picked it up. It usually takes about two weeks for powder coating but they’re pretty busy and had it three weeks. Good thing we had other things to work on and weren’t in a rush for it but at least it turned out nice.













Thanks for looking.

 

[jhn9840]

The weldlng and powder coating work are both top shelf. Bumper is going to look great on his truck.

jhn9840
John

 

[zmotorsports]

The weldlng and powder coating work are both top shelf. Bumper is going to look great on his truck.

jhn9840
John

Thank you. I appreciate the comments and for following along. Unfortunately we probably won't have time to install it on his Jeep for at least another week as he is having his carpet installed in his house this week then he wants to move in so I'm sure we'll be moving him next weekend.

 

[fnieto]

Thanks Paco.

As for the Cognito components, yes, I am very happy with their brackets. Actually everything that I have used from Cognito over the years I have found to be of very good quality and they function as advertised/designed. I haven't been disappointed in anything of theirs that I have used.

If you are looking to upgrade your tie rods I would suggest the heavy duty ones from either Fabtech or another similar vendor vs. the sleeves. The sleeves are a nice upgrade from stock and plenty stout for most vehicles such as my son's with just a leveled suspension and 33" tires on 18" wheels but with my 36" tires on a 6" lift I wanted the ultimate in strength and therefore went with the large replacement tie rods.

Thanks for the input on the Cognito.
I have been running the Fabtech tie rods since I lifted the rig. In fact,Its time for new rubber boots. Fabtech is proud of them but what's a guy to do.

The bumper looks over the top Mike, can't wait to see it on the rig. Excellent work my friend.

 

[shortykorte]

Bumpers are sweet.

Question about disc sander. Do you worry about sanding dust getting on lathe. Maybe it’s farther away than pic shows.


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[C2tuck]

Your welds are amazing. Very talented. I know professional welders that couldn’t lay it down like that. Very nice.

 

[Duker]

Mike that turned out great! Good luck on your son’s upcoming move. I have been moving stuff from my house to the shop over the last few weeks and my back is reminding me everyday!


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[protegeV]

Bumpers look amazing!

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks for the input on the Cognito.
I have been running the Fabtech tie rods since I lifted the rig. In fact,Its time for new rubber boots. Fabtech is proud of them but what's a guy to do.

The bumper looks over the top Mike, can't wait to see it on the rig. Excellent work my friend.

Thanks Paco, I appreciate that.

 

[zmotorsports]

Bumpers are sweet.

Question about disc sander. Do you worry about sanding dust getting on lathe. Maybe it’s farther away than pic shows.


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Shorty, believe me, I catch a lot of **** over the placement of my tools but they work for me. The belt/disk sander is about 3' from the lathe and a little more than that from my mill. Usually the dust from the disk sander drops straight down to the floor around the base and I don't get a film or debris on the machining equipment although I'm sure at least a small amount makes its way over there. I try to keep things cleaned up and not leaving a layer of dust on my equipment. If I was doing more production work I would have my equipment separated a more and take up closer to half of the shop but most of my work is mechanical and the small amount of machining and fabricating I do really doesn't contribute much in the manner of dust. This is why I have most all of my machining and fabricating equipment in one quarter of the shop rather than half.

 

[zmotorsports]

Your welds are amazing. Very talented. I know professional welders that couldn’t lay it down like that. Very nice.

Thank you, I'm flattered. Truth be told I'm never really satisfied with my welds and I'm always trying to improve upon them but I don't weld enough to really get as consistent as I would like.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike that turned out great! Good luck on your son’s upcoming move. I have been moving stuff from my house to the shop over the last few weeks and my back is reminding me everyday!


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Best of luck Duke. I hate moving, especially tools and large equipment, but the final result is well worth it and you've built yourself a hell of a place there.

 

[zmotorsports]

Bumpers look amazing!

Thank you and thanks for following along.

 

[LXCam]

The bumper looks great Mike!

 

[zmotorsports]

The bumper looks great Mike!

Thank you Cam. I'm anxious to see it on the Jeep.

 

[LXCam]

Thank you Cam. I'm anxious to see it on the Jeep.

Ya I don’t know how you can help yourself. If it were me, it’d be installed tonight. Lol

 

[zmotorsports]

Ya I don’t know how you can help yourself. If it were me, it’d be installed tonight. Lol

I would love to but too many other things ahead of it at the moment.

 

[mh70ss]

Mike, that bumper looks great.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, that bumper looks great.

Thank you. I appreciate that.


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[zmotorsports]

Today after arriving home I mixed up a little weed killer and hit a few that were showing themselves in my rock beds then gave the Jeep a wipe down with Final Inspection and put a little protectant on the fenders before snapping a few photos. It’s been such a nice day today after dinner I think the wife and I may go for a spin while the Jeep is clean.

 

[fnieto]

Damn that jeep has a commanding stance.
Me like!

 

[zmotorsports]

Damn that jeep has a commanding stance.
Me like!

Thanks Paco. I like the stance as well. It’s taken a lot to get the suspension dialed in with not only the proper stance but also the ride and flex that I sought. Keeping it with a fairly low center of gravity was also part of the formula.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t been something I could buy in one package because of how uniquely the Jeep is set up and equipped. It’s a hodge podge of components but I’m ecstatic about the way it performs both on and off road. Then there’s my personal quirks about wanting to keep the OEM fenders so that required playing with limiting strap length as well as bumpstop. I’ve tried to strive for a 50/50 or 60/40 ratio of droop/compression as I have found that seems to work very well for a daily driver and weekend wheeler that will ride nice and flex well.

I am currently at around 60/40 and I’m very pleased and all without contacting my fenders. My son keeps telling me to put flat fenders on it and I could probably get to that 50/50 but for some reason I’m just not much a fan of flat fenders as my goal was to keep it at sleeper status. If someone walks past it in a parking lot they’ll just think it’s a JKU on 37’s, nothing more. The devil is in the details once they look close enough.

 

[lilscorpion]

...and put a little protectant on the fenders before snapping a few photos.

What are you using?

 

[zmotorsports]

What are you using?

Matt, for the fenders I just wipe a little 303 Aerospace Protectant over them a few times a year. Brings the original sheen back without attracting dirt or dust.