ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[protegeV]

Matt, I had asked my wife to jump out and take some video of me driving through the snow but she just looked at me and said "are you kidding me? It's warm and dry in here why would I go out and walk around in the snow and get cold and wet?" I actually couldn't argue with that logic.

Solution, you need a go pro

 

[aka Larry]

Matt, I had asked my wife to jump out and take some video of me driving through the snow but she just looked at me and said "are you kidding me? It's warm and dry in here why would I go out and walk around in the snow and get cold and wet?" I actually couldn't argue with that logic.

It's clear that your wife is the smart one in the family!

<<<Hates cold weather and especially SNOW!

 

[zmotorsports]

Solution, you need a go pro

I had my GoPro mounted on the dash but didn't give the same effect as from the outside.

 

[zmotorsports]

It's clear that your wife is the smart one in the family!

<<<Hates cold weather and especially SNOW!

Oh I hate, even despise the snow as well but had to jump out to get a picture. I thought she would assist but nope.

 

[protegeV]

I had my GoPro mounted on the dash but didn't give the same effect as from the outside.

Ok then, you need a drone to follow you around.

 

[zmotorsports]

Ok then, you need a drone to follow you around.

Now that would be cool. I've mentioned that to the wife but didn't get the warm and fuzzies.

 

[zmotorsports]

Used my test ramp to confirm no interferences.

Drivers side fully drooped out against the limiting strap and the passenger’s side up against the new jounce stop.






I can live with that.

 

[bmxdad]

Wheels clear lock to lock too? That's awesome .... and so hard to get dialed in.

 

[zmotorsports]

Wheels clear lock to lock too? That's awesome .... and so hard to get dialed in.

Yes, tires clear at full stuff as well as full lock. I have about an inch between tires and bumper and roughly 1/2" between the tires and the underside of the flares. Absolutely no rubbing at the frame or the lower control arm which seems to be a common place for rubbing. When I built the lower control arms several years ago I put a pretty decent kick in the lower link.

It has definitely taken a bit of time over the past few months to get dialed in after going to the 37's but I think it's been worth it.

Thanks.

 

[zmotorsports]

With the next night or two supposedly being the nicest of the week and a storm coming in on Wednesday I wanted to get my OPE PM’d and put away for the winter.

I started by cleaning the decks on my 21” Snapper Walk-behind and my Toro ZTR so I can pressure wash everything tomorrow night and then change oil in both on Wednesday or Thursday night.







As I was closing up I had to snap a picture of the beautiful orange sky.

 

[shortykorte]

OPE?

Nice picture of the sunset. Needs to be framed and hung in the shop.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[zmotorsports]

OPE?

Nice picture of the sunset. Needs to be framed and hung in the shop.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Shorty OPE is Outdoor Power Equipment. Getting everything serviced and ready to put to bed for a few months.

Yeah, we’ve had a few of those gorgeous sunsets lately but I hear our weather is about to change tomorrow. I’ll have to frame it to get me through the winter. [emoji12]

Thanks for checking in.


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[zmotorsports]

Pressure washed all of the OPE and parked it back in the shop tonight to dry off and coated the undersides of the decks.



















One of the next couple of nights I’ll service the engines on the two mowers and put everything away until spring.

 

[jbmatth]

I'm curious what you used to coat the decks? I've just recently purchased my first pressure washer and have been using it like crazy, one of the first things to clean was my mower after the last cut for the year. Hasn't looked so good in years, a tradition I'll have to repeat in the future.

JB

 

[zmotorsports]

I'm curious what you used to coat the decks? I've just recently purchased my first pressure washer and have been using it like crazy, one of the first things to clean was my mower after the last cut for the year. Hasn't looked so good in years, a tradition I'll have to repeat in the future.

JB

JB, I usually give the corners of the fabricated deck and anywhere fasteners are located a shot of Fluid Film and then I have some WD-40 in a spray bottle that I use to just give the rest of the underside a mist. I don't like to put too much of anything on in fear that it will attract more buildup in the spring but enough to prevent the corrosion from starting. To be honest, leaving built up grass under the deck probably expedites corrosion more than anything so removing that is key.

My little 21" Snapper walk-behind is now 28 years old and I've been fall PM'ing it like that since new and it still looks nearly new so it does pay off to do a little fall maintenance before putting them to bed until spring. One of the nicest feelings is when I would get my stuff out in the spring and they would fire up in the first or second pull whereas my neighbors would be yanking and yanking on that pull rope for hours trying to get their junk running.

 

[red94chev]

Any scientific reason for changing the oil in the fall vs spring other than it just being ready to roll when the time comes?

I usually change mine in the spring just thinking that it'll be brand new for the current season but I can see both sides. We get occasionally get a decent snow so there is always a chance that the tractor will get some winter use.

 

[mmsheb]

JB, I usually give the corners of the fabricated deck and anywhere fasteners are located a shot of Fluid Film and then I have some WD-40 in a spray bottle that I use to just give the rest of the underside a mist. I don't like to put too much of anything on in fear that it will attract more buildup in the spring but enough to prevent the corrosion from starting. To be honest, leaving built up grass under the deck probably expedites corrosion more than anything so removing that is key.

My little 21" Snapper walk-behind is now 28 years old and I've been fall PM'ing it like that since new and it still looks nearly new so it does pay off to do a little fall maintenance before putting them to bed until spring. One of the nicest feelings is when I would get my stuff out in the spring and they would fire up in the first or second pull whereas my neighbors would be yanking and yanking on that pull rope for hours trying to get their junk running.

Have you ever used Jig-a-loo rather than Fluid Film or WD-40? I'm not familiar with Fluid Film, but have used Jig-a-loo and WD-40.
Mike

 

[zmotorsports]

Any scientific reason for changing the oil in the fall vs spring other than it just being ready to roll when the time comes?

I usually change mine in the spring just thinking that it'll be brand new for the current season but I can see both sides. We get occasionally get a decent snow so there is always a chance that the tractor will get some winter use.

I don't know how "scientific" this is but my thinking has always been that with usage oil gets acidic and gains deposits so replacing that oil with fresh and clean oil in the fall when it won't be operated for several months is going to be better on the engine than letting it sit in the crankcase over the winter (or next season). I PM all of my seasonal vehicles/equipment in this manner even our RV. PM'd my snowblower this past April and now it is ready to go for the winter, although if I don't have to use it this year I won't be upset.

 

[zmotorsports]

Have you ever used Jig-a-loo rather than Fluid Film or WD-40? I'm not familiar with Fluid Film, but have used Jig-a-loo and WD-40.
Mike

Mike, I have not used nor ever heard of Jig-A-Loo. I had to google it to see what it was. Haven't seen it on any shelves around here either but may have to give it a try but the two products I have been using have worked well for nearly 30 years. I think the most important thing is rather than exactly what product you use, the decks are cleaned and protected with something and something is better than nothing. I've seen many decks rust out over the years and render the lawn mowers useless.

 

[mmsheb]

Thanks. I like the idea of Fluid Film so will probably use that, especially since if you like it how can I go wrong! The description sounds like it may be more applicable for the mower deck use.
Thanks.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks. I like the idea of Fluid Film so will probably use that, especially since if you like it how can I go wrong! The description sounds like it may be more applicable for the mower deck use.
Thanks.

I don't use the Fluid Film like many people in the rust belt do. They spray it on the undercarriage liberally to prevent corrosion but I don't coat everything with it rather I use it fairly sparingly on cars. I will spray a suspension component or the spindle before installing a unit bearing for easier disassembly, much the same as I use anti-seize.

Because it is so much thicker than something like WD-40 I only use it on weld points or areas that are maybe a little more prone to corrosion and then use the WD-40 on the larger flat surfaces.

Again, I don't necessarily think it is about the actual product as long as it is something that prevents the corrosion from beginning and dispersing the water. I put it on a bit too heavy years ago and I was cleaning the deck in a very short time period so I learned my lesson that less is more on the underside of mower decks.

Thanks for following along and I appreciate the comments/dialogue.

 

[mmsheb]

Yes, I am in the rust belt here in Wisconsin! They are now using a different brine solution to pre-treat the road surface prior to snow or ice. I don't care for it since it really sticks to your vehicle and doesn't easily wash off. Maybe it protects the vehicle, I don't know. And I really don't care for the odor.
Thanks for your further comments and explanation.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

Sorry to be a bother but what page does the LS swap start on? The one where your son is sitting on the frame?

 

[zmotorsports]

Sorry to be a bother but what page does the LS swap start on? The one where your son is sitting on the frame?

No bother. If memory serves it is around page 100, give or take.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

No bother. If memory serves it is around page 100, give or take.

Awesome, thank you.

 

[zmotorsports]

Awesome, thank you.

You're very welcome.

Thanks for stopping by and following along.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

You're very welcome.



Thanks for stopping by and following along.

So the transfer case bolted right up to the ****** or what?

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[zmotorsports]

So the transfer case bolted right up to the ****** or what?

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

I replaced the FCA transfer case adapter/collar with the small crossmember mounting pad with an Advance Adapters collar with the larger dual post mount that is drilled to accept the FCA transfer case. Then I broke the NP241J transfer case down to replace the 23-spline input shaft of the Jeep transfer case with a 32-spline GM input shaft. Then it bolted right up.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I replaced the FCA transfer case adapter/collar with the small crossmember mounting pad with an Advance Adapters collar with the larger dual post mount that is drilled to accept the FCA transfer case. Then I broke the NP241J transfer case down to replace the 23-spline input shaft of the Jeep transfer case with a 32-spline GM input shaft. Then it bolted right up.

That is a lot of work but makes sense. Not much is a direct fit when combining different auto makers. Amazingly enough a 1966 Chevelle SS clutch kit bolts right up to a 4.7L Chrysler flywheel and a Viper T56 center spline though.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[zmotorsports]

That is a lot of work but makes sense. Not much is a direct fit when combining different auto makers. Amazingly enough a 1966 Chevelle SS clutch kit bolts right up to a 4.7L Chrysler flywheel and a Viper T56 center spline though.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

Yes, it was a lot of work but the end result was definitely worth the effort.

If it was easy everyone would do it.

 

[zmotorsports]

Deleted.

 

[Gwrench]

Hi Mike,
I've been following your posts and videos for quite a while now and enjoy checking in on your projects. I'm glad you started to do some more videos lately. I'm bet it's time consuming but they sure are enjoyable on this end!
I have a request if you would be so kind... I'm really interested in your feedback on the new tires you installed on your truck. I believe you said you already use them on your Jeep but I would like to know how they perform on your Chevy. I've read differing points of view on the tires (one saying they are horrible on wet pavement) but I trust your feedback more than random posts on the internet. If you have time and feel like doing it in the next month or two, I would greatly appreciate a short post or video about those Terra Grapplers.
Thanks Mike and hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Rick

 

[zmotorsports]

Hi Mike,
I've been following your posts and videos for quite a while now and enjoy checking in on your projects. I'm glad you started to do some more videos lately. I'm bet it's time consuming but they sure are enjoyable on this end!
I have a request if you would be so kind... I'm really interested in your feedback on the new tires you installed on your truck. I believe you said you already use them on your Jeep but I would like to know how they perform on your Chevy. I've read differing points of view on the tires (one saying they are horrible on wet pavement) but I trust your feedback more than random posts on the internet. If you have time and feel like doing it in the next month or two, I would greatly appreciate a short post or video about those Terra Grapplers.
Thanks Mike and hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Rick

Thank you very much for the comments Rick. I am especially appreciative that you like my videos as I know I'm probably not the most entertaining to listen to.

The tires I am running on my Jeep are the Nitto Ridge Grapplers and I now have just over 13k miles on them and I absolutely love them, both on and off-road. They ride amazing, are quiet and grip great in the rocks and on trails without throwing rocks like the BFG KO2's did.

As for the Terra Grapplers on my Duramax, I only have about 300 miles on them so far so I don't feel comfortable commenting about them, yet. So far I really like how smooth and quiet they are but most are similar when new. I haven't had them on wet roads yet as the truck is nice and clean and sitting in the garage but I would be happy to respond back when I get some more miles and experience with them.

Thanks again for following along and commenting.

 

[C2tuck]

Hi Mike,
I've been following your posts and videos for quite a while now and enjoy checking in on your projects. I'm glad you started to do some more videos lately. I'm bet it's time consuming but they sure are enjoyable on this end!
I have a request if you would be so kind... I'm really interested in your feedback on the new tires you installed on your truck. I believe you said you already use them on your Jeep but I would like to know how they perform on your Chevy. I've read differing points of view on the tires (one saying they are horrible on wet pavement) but I trust your feedback more than random posts on the internet. If you have time and feel like doing it in the next month or two, I would greatly appreciate a short post or video about those Terra Grapplers.
Thanks Mike and hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Rick

Not to derail this awesome thread, but I have the ‘sister’ tire to the ones Mike has on his truck. I run the Toyo Open Country A/T 2’s and absolutely love them. Was told these were a stronger compound of rubber than the Nittos, and since I’m on caleche roads all the time, I decided on these. I put them on my F-250 at 49k miles. I just rolled 82k and they still have 10-12 32nds on them, however I do rotate them religiously every 5k. They come new with 16 32nds. They seem to be a little noisier than the BFG’s, but that doesn’t bother me. I do air them down a bit (55 psi) unless I’m towing heavy to get a better ride and more contact patch on the road. I’ll definitely be going back with them in the future. Hope this helps.

 

[zmotorsports]

Not to derail this awesome thread, but I have the ‘sister’ tire to the ones Mike has on his truck. I run the Toyo Open Country A/T 2’s and absolutely love them. Was told these were a stronger compound of rubber than the Nittos, and since I’m on caleche roads all the time, I decided on these. I put them on my F-250 at 49k miles. I just rolled 82k and they still have 10-12 32nds on them, however I do rotate them religiously every 5k. They come new with 16 32nds. They seem to be a little noisier than the BFG’s, but that doesn’t bother me. I do air them down a bit (55 psi) unless I’m towing heavy to get a better ride and more contact patch on the road. I’ll definitely be going back with them in the future. Hope this helps.

Good to know. I like Toyo tires and my local tire shop was actually running a sale on the Toyo’s. The only reason I opted to go with the Nitto’s is that I was told they were just a bit quieter then the Toyo and I only out about 4-5k miles a year on it anyways so they’ll probably wear out about the time the age out.

Thanks for following along and for the record, you’re not derailing the thread in the slightest, I appreciate the feedback.


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[Nlped]

I had the Nitto Terra Grappler’s on my 2011 4wd 1500 and literately got stuck in wet grass. Now, let me clarify... it was flat, very wet grass, but not muddy until I dug holes. My truck locks all 4 wheels in 4 low and didn’t help. I pulled it “out” with my 48hp Polaris Ranger. I sold them shortly after and put a set of Cooper tires on it. No complaints on them.


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[zmotorsports]

Today I made a couple of minor alterations to the Jeep to appease the local law.

I absolutely despise mud flaps but with the bigger tires and aggressive departure angle of my rear bumper it’s a magnet for attention from law enforcement. I’ve been looking at the Teraflex transit flaps and decided to order a set. These remove quickly and easily when going off-road and only leave a small bracket on the frame when the flaps are removed. They didn’t bolt right on as per the instructions because of the design of my bumper but I was able to modify them slightly to work.


I also did some preventive maintenance on my swing away tire carrier as I picked up a little play lately. Removed the bearings, cleaned and repacked.




Next up was to relocate my license plate to my spare tire.






Machining a couple spacers for the standoffs.






I used a bracket that had a LED license plate lights as well as third brake light that mounts under the top two license plate fasteners.


Next I cut the plug off of the OEM license plate housing and created a harness to route the wiring to the passenger side.


Weatherpack connector within easy reach for spare tire removal.


Rear end done and small block off plate added to old license plate mounting.


My son also came over today and PM’d his lawnmower so it was nice to hang out with him for a few hours.

 

[casmurbax]

I for one am so glad you did that with the license plate, it was driving me nuts.

ok not really, I didn't even notice it before I had to go back and look.

I like the mud flaps and a nice job on the license plate.

 

[zmotorsports]

I for one am so glad you did that with the license plate, it was driving me nuts.

ok not really, I didn't even notice it before I had to go back and look.

I like the mud flaps and a nice job on the license plate.

Thanks. I actually held out as long as I could on the license plate relocation as I liked it in the factory location but I have come close to hitting it a few times when in precarious situations. When we fabricated the mount on my son’s WJ it got me thinking about doing mine.

As for the transit flaps I think they turned out as nice as they could look and they’ll work good for quick removal.

Thanks for stopping by and checking on my projects.

 

[zmotorsports]

WoooHooo. I thought I would post here to celebrate my 10,000th post to the forum.

Unfortunately nothing too exciting to post as I wasn't able to get much done in the shop last night because I had to shovel some of that white **** after work last night that fell on my concrete.