OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Logan, that sounds awesome, especially with the bench seat, but I'm sure its out of my budget for what I'm wanting to do, and my gravel road would destroy that car daily driving it.
Above 1200 Sq/FT Aces High Speed Shop's New Home - 36x40x14
- Thread starter OutlawDrifter
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Logan, that sounds awesome, especially with the bench seat, but I'm sure its out of my budget for what I'm wanting to do, and my gravel road would destroy that car daily driving it.
wreckdiver1321
Well-known member
Be weird! Swap a 2UZ-FE from a Tundra or Land Cruiser into that Tacoma! Everybody does the LS thing.
V8 noises, V6 grunt, Toyota reliability!
V8 noises, V6 grunt, Toyota reliability!
racer-john
Well-known member
It sounds interesting but it would be an even longer drive for me. Lol.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Be weird! Swap a 2UZ-FE from a Tundra or Land Cruiser into that Tacoma! Everybody does the LS thing.
V8 noises, V6 grunt, Toyota reliability!
Tom, I've looked into it, sounds pretty invovled. Would be much easier to buy the 1st gen Tundra and call it a day....I did look at an extended cab unit a while back, that's not out of the running either.
And, on the LS thing...$500 5.3's make it very "affordable"
wreckdiver1321
Well-known member
Tom, I've looked into it, sounds pretty invovled. Would be much easier to buy the 1st gen Tundra and call it a day....I did look at an extended cab unit a while back, that's not out of the running either.
And, on the LS thing...$500 5.3's make it very "affordable"
Yeah but... V8 Tacoma!
In all fairness, the first gen Tundra is a great truck in its own right. There's a reason you still see a bunch of them driving around. The 2UZ is arguably the most reliable V8 ever made, and the rest of the truck is crazy durable. That's what Toyota does best: really quite uninspiring vehicles that just don't die.
Either way, you'll get a good'un regardless of what you get.
cros13
Well-known member
And, on the LS thing...$500 5.3's make it very "affordable"
Oh stop your bragging! Hmph!
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Oh stop your bragging! Hmph!
Rudi, my appologies to those down under...just remember, you have utes and lots of V8 powered sedans that we don't, it's kind of like a tradeoff!
Swanny1953
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Understand and am living the lethargy issue right now, but for a different reason. I've been in a walking boot since mid September for a tendon tear in my right ankle, surgery to repair was early November. Haven't been able to drive myself since - hopefully, that will change with the Dr. appointment early in the coming new year. Not being able to drive and having to rely on my lovely bride to transport me everywhere, where I have been so independent all my life, is beyond frustrating (I'm sure to her as well!!). Not being able to drive and then regular mobility being hampered with the walking boot . . . . . not a good combination, and leads to frustration for not getting anything done! However, PT has been going well and I'm hoping to be back to playing golf and working on my various projects in the next few weeks.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Happy New Year, everyone!
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Hope you get your "wheel" back soon. Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Years!
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Tacoma was making some driveline noise last week. Caught it on my way home for lunch, swapped out to the 'burb and have been driving it everyday since. Last night I finally had some time to diagnose and fix. It has a 2 piece drive shaft with a carrier bearing followed by a constant velocity/double cardan joint. My hopes and initial thoughts were the carrier bearing, as it was more speed dependent under a load. I was dreading the CV/DC fix if that was the case. In preperations, I had picked up two Spicer u-joints for front and rear and the carrier bearing. Ended up being the carrier bearing as suspected, while I had it up on the lift, the oil was changed since I was coming up on my interval anyways(349 miles left). So the Tacoma rides again.
Beautiful sunrise yesterday and was the first morning with above freezing temps in a long time!
Beautiful sunrise yesterday and was the first morning with above freezing temps in a long time!
jollygreengiant
Well-known member
Christmas Eve, the oldest son and I put a new waterpump on his '99 Sonoma. This pickup was purchased without my blessing, and ended up leaking coolant...well, water, cause the PO was just dumping tap water in it to top it off. Turns out, one of the waterpump bolts had snapped off with a prior "repair", and instead of fixing it correctly, they slathered an entire tube of black RTV around that area thinking it would contain the pressurized system...we all know how well that works. This turned our 30min job into a full afternoon. Pulled the alternator and bracket for better access and drilled the waterpump bolt out. Son #1 and I had a long discussion about why you take time to look a vehicle over and have a second set of eyes when you're not sure. Hopefully he learned something that day.
Christmas came and went, had all our kids home. Wife was happy, kids were happy, it was a good day.
I've been in a bit of a funk lately, haven't been keeping myself busy enough in the shop or around the house. I don't sit idle very well and for some reason have slipped into the habbit of just sitting on my *** being grumpy. Too much negativity in the news doesn't help either. I've been looking for another project to build up as a DD. Have considered a 91-96 Buick Roadmaster, regular cab short bed 88-98 1/2T GM pickup, LWB 2wd squarebody pickup...etc. This would ultimately replace the Tacoma when completed. Tacoma has been a great pickup, but it doesn't have V8 sounds...no bueno for my morale
Z28: headliner replaced, steering gear rebuilt, LS1 brake upgrade for the front, maybe C4 ZR1 wheels to move up to 17" rolling stock, change the rear diff fluid
'49 GMC: AC system built/installed, extra weatherstripping on driver's door, possibly more speakers behind the dash, ****** pan gasket
Suburban: Front brakes(rotors/pads), ****** temp gauge installed, drawer system for the rear cargo area, oil cooler lines(starting to weep when it's cold outside)
Just need to realign my focus and find some joy in the projects that need done I guess!
I think getting into a funk this time of year is pretty common for most people. I know my motivation certainly drops when the snow comes.
If your looking for a project, my vote is a 88-13 GM reg cab truck with the new ZZ632 crate engine swapped in.
Though if that is a bit out of budget a 8.1 or a turboed 6.0 would be fun.MrPink
Well-known member
No clue if I have ever replied to your thread Marc, but I am envious of the taco and the 55'. I'd love a bigger shop, maybe with the next house lol.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Thanks for stopping in Justin. '55 isn't mine, but will definitely be a nice car when totally finished. The Green Turd (TRD) has been a good driver for sure, even if I end up with a different DD, I'll keep it around for a "farm pickup".
MrPink
Well-known member
I had a 2001 4Runner, I actually regret getting rid of it. Was a lot more comfortable than any Jeep I have owned and fit 33's at stock height.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Well Mike, I'm caught up on the OPE. X724 serviced, deck cleaned, and blades sharpened! 
Federal holiday today, so with the Fed Reserve closed, I get to play at home.
Youngest son and I went into Mrs. OutlawDrifter's Ford dealership and stole the wash bay this morning. Drove the Suburban to St. Joseph, MO yesterday and needed to get the road spray off of it, 3-4" of the white stuff Friday night through Saturday morning. Afterwards, we got the grocery shopping done, put a roast in the slow cooker with all the trimmings when we got home, and then I headed out to the shop.
Taught the oldest boy how to push snow with the new tractor Saturday. Hoping he picks up on some of this stuff, he's a hell of an athlete, starting varsity on the basketball team as a freshman(he gets that from his mother, I WAS NOT athletic growing up, haha), but doesn't really have the temperment for mechanics or equipment operation. He hasn't learned to ask about the how's or the why's, just interested in being done so he can twitterchat tiktok or whatever the hell these kids do these days. Hard for me to understand some of this nonsense. By the time I was his age, I had been driving semi's for 3 years 
. All I wanted to do was be outside, running equipment, or spending time with my dad/grandpa. He did go over to the FIL's this afternoon to help put an engine in a racecar, I'm sure grandpa is more fun to work with than me
Federal holiday today, so with the Fed Reserve closed, I get to play at home.
Youngest son and I went into Mrs. OutlawDrifter's Ford dealership and stole the wash bay this morning. Drove the Suburban to St. Joseph, MO yesterday and needed to get the road spray off of it, 3-4" of the white stuff Friday night through Saturday morning. Afterwards, we got the grocery shopping done, put a roast in the slow cooker with all the trimmings when we got home, and then I headed out to the shop.
Taught the oldest boy how to push snow with the new tractor Saturday. Hoping he picks up on some of this stuff, he's a hell of an athlete, starting varsity on the basketball team as a freshman(he gets that from his mother, I WAS NOT athletic growing up, haha), but doesn't really have the temperment for mechanics or equipment operation. He hasn't learned to ask about the how's or the why's, just interested in being done so he can twitterchat tiktok or whatever the hell these kids do these days
. Hard for me to understand some of this nonsense. By the time I was his age, I had been driving semi's for 3 years . All I wanted to do was be outside, running equipment, or spending time with my dad/grandpa. He did go over to the FIL's this afternoon to help put an engine in a racecar, I'm sure grandpa is more fun to work with than me
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice Marc. My son is coming over tonight to service his Jeep so I plan on completing the Toro ZTR tonight. All I have left is cleaning the deck, sharpening/balancing the blades, changing the oil filter and adding oil. Then I have another truck coming in tomorrow night so I don't think I'll get my walk-behind mower done this week.
My son is coming over tonight to service his Jeep so I plan on completing the Toro ZTR tonight. All I have left is cleaning the deck, sharpening/balancing the blades, changing the oil filter and adding oil. Then I have another truck coming in tomorrow night so I don't think I'll get my walk-behind mower done this week.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Somewhat of a productive weekend. Started out Saturday morning selling the headers off the Fairmont that burned up a few years back, nice to have the shelf space back. Went to town and picked up some gear oil and Walmart finally had Rotella T6 5w40 back in stock, so I bought 2 oil changes worth for the Suburban(4gal). Came home and moved the shop around so I could start working on the tasks for the day. Put the Z28 on the lift and pulled the cover on the rear axle, this is the first oil change on this new axle. Wear pattern looked really good and the oil was clean considering it had a few more miles than I would normally go on a new set of gears.
Next up was the Suburban, drained/filled the front diff and then did the back diff. I've been using LubeLocker gaskets on stuff for the last few years, and have been very pleased with not only their performance, but the ease of use. Suburban had an AAM gasket in place, so it took some scraping to get it cleaned up. At this point I wish I would have bought a Mag-Hytec cover to go back on in place of the stamped steel cover. Gears looked good and the oil was due. While underneath I noticed one of the hangers on the exhaust had broken loose from the pipe. This is the second time...I only had it on the passenger side pipe, so this time I welded it to both pipes, it still has some range of movement but is more solid now, hoping this helps. You can see in the first pic where it broke loose.
All painted up and ready for another go.
Sunday I sat down and worked out a plan of action on what I would like to accomplish while the weather is still cold. The Z28 will get the steering gear rebuilt and the headliner situation put to bed. I may wait on the LS1/C5 brake upgrade for next winter. The '49 is just going to be put on hold again this year, in all honesty, the AC won't make me drive it anymore than I do now, so its not a priority(and probably why it still isn't done).
The Suburban is going to get my focus as well. The oil cooler lines will either be replaced with new AC Delco units, or I will build custom braided lines with AN fittings. This would end the worries of the crimped joints and push lock fittings at the oil filter housing. I'm workign out a plan where I want my trans temp gauge, either in the dash or in an A-pillar pod. I will probably run a Mag-Hytec pan when I do the temp probe install. The few extra quarts of oil and the aluminum pan will be an added plus, I may just do the rear end again and put the better Mag-Hytec cover there as well, I need to measure and make sure it will clear my fuel tank. Tires will be needed before we do our summer travels this year. They currently have around 26k miles on them and have started to get noisey, our rock roads really tear up the tread badly, the Yokohama Geolander G015 AT's have been great tires though, good in the rain, snow, mud, and ice. I blame the rocks for the bulk of the noise. Considering either a Michelin Defender LTX M/S or the Continental Terrain Contact AT to replace. Both should offer a quiet ride, good ice/snow/rain manners, and the white lettering I prefer. At this point I'm still on the hunt for some Weld Sidewinders or Outbacks in 16x8 or a 17x9 size, but no luck. If I can't find a set, I'll redo the PY0 GM wheels that are on it.
Next up was the Suburban, drained/filled the front diff and then did the back diff. I've been using LubeLocker gaskets on stuff for the last few years, and have been very pleased with not only their performance, but the ease of use. Suburban had an AAM gasket in place, so it took some scraping to get it cleaned up. At this point I wish I would have bought a Mag-Hytec cover to go back on in place of the stamped steel cover. Gears looked good and the oil was due. While underneath I noticed one of the hangers on the exhaust had broken loose from the pipe. This is the second time...I only had it on the passenger side pipe, so this time I welded it to both pipes, it still has some range of movement but is more solid now, hoping this helps. You can see in the first pic where it broke loose.
All painted up and ready for another go.
Sunday I sat down and worked out a plan of action on what I would like to accomplish while the weather is still cold. The Z28 will get the steering gear rebuilt and the headliner situation put to bed. I may wait on the LS1/C5 brake upgrade for next winter. The '49 is just going to be put on hold again this year, in all honesty, the AC won't make me drive it anymore than I do now, so its not a priority(and probably why it still isn't done).
The Suburban is going to get my focus as well. The oil cooler lines will either be replaced with new AC Delco units, or I will build custom braided lines with AN fittings. This would end the worries of the crimped joints and push lock fittings at the oil filter housing. I'm workign out a plan where I want my trans temp gauge, either in the dash or in an A-pillar pod. I will probably run a Mag-Hytec pan when I do the temp probe install. The few extra quarts of oil and the aluminum pan will be an added plus, I may just do the rear end again and put the better Mag-Hytec cover there as well, I need to measure and make sure it will clear my fuel tank. Tires will be needed before we do our summer travels this year. They currently have around 26k miles on them and have started to get noisey, our rock roads really tear up the tread badly, the Yokohama Geolander G015 AT's have been great tires though, good in the rain, snow, mud, and ice. I blame the rocks for the bulk of the noise. Considering either a Michelin Defender LTX M/S or the Continental Terrain Contact AT to replace. Both should offer a quiet ride, good ice/snow/rain manners, and the white lettering I prefer. At this point I'm still on the hunt for some Weld Sidewinders or Outbacks in 16x8 or a 17x9 size, but no luck. If I can't find a set, I'll redo the PY0 GM wheels that are on it.
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Hey Marc,
Sounds like you have plenty of projects lined out. As always, I can suggest a tasteful mod list for any or all of your vehicles.
Why the trans temp gauge on burb? Do you tow heavy enough to get it hot? For tires Interco has a new 47" bogger with ridiculous 88/32 lugs (2.75"!)
As for the kids and their twitter-chat-tok, I'm also lost on that. My kids are motivated to get through whatever to get back to a screen, sadly. My older daughter is about to start driving, motivated by not having to ride the school bus, but says she has nowhere else to go. Guess the screen and inter-web connectivity has replaced the need to go anywhere.
Sounds like you have plenty of projects lined out. As always, I can suggest a tasteful mod list for any or all of your vehicles.
Why the trans temp gauge on burb? Do you tow heavy enough to get it hot? For tires Interco has a new 47" bogger with ridiculous 88/32 lugs (2.75"!)
As for the kids and their twitter-chat-tok, I'm also lost on that. My kids are motivated to get through whatever to get back to a screen, sadly. My older daughter is about to start driving, motivated by not having to ride the school bus, but says she has nowhere else to go. Guess the screen and inter-web connectivity has replaced the need to go anywhere.
jbmatth
Well-known member
@rattle_snake, I decided to look up the Boggers, sadly those are for ATV's, the truck tires are only up to 44". Now I guess I have to get an ATV, or maybe they will fit my go cart.
JB
JB
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Hey Marc,
Sounds like you have plenty of projects lined out. As always, I can suggest a tasteful mod list for any or all of your vehicles.
Why the trans temp gauge on burb? Do you tow heavy enough to get it hot? For tires Interco has a new 47" bogger with ridiculous 88/32 lugs (2.75"!)
As for the kids and their twitter-chat-tok, I'm also lost on that. My kids are motivated to get through whatever to get back to a screen, sadly. My older daughter is about to start driving, motivated by not having to ride the school bus, but says she has nowhere else to go. Guess the screen and inter-web connectivity has replaced the need to go anywhere.
Justin, the temp gauge is more of a want. Not an actual need. Autometer has factory look gauges for my Suburban, so it will match the rest of the instrument cluster.
I can't even begin to imagine what kind of rock throwers those 88/32nd tires would be...I'd look like a rock truck spreading gravel when I hit the highway
This younger generation doesn't understand the freedom of a driver's license I guess
. I told the oldest boy to stay off his phone in class, or it was gone for a month. He acted like I shot his dog, how on Earth can anyone function in school without a phone??? Hell, I didn't have a cell phone until I was 19 and in college...and it made calls, that's it.rattle_snake
Well-known member
Yes they are marketed as an 'UTV tire', but they are a sticky compound competition tire. 190 pounds each!
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Voids are so big I think gravel wouldn't get stuck in them. Just big rocks or small animals.Justin, the temp gauge is more of a want. Not an actual need. Autometer has factory look gauges for my Suburban, so it will match the rest of the instrument cluster.
I can't even begin to imagine what kind of rock throwers those 88/32nd tires would be...I'd look like a rock truck spreading gravel when I hit the highway
This younger generation doesn't understand the freedom of a driver's license I guess
I avoided a cell phone and the bill until I had a kid, 2006.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Yeah, those are a little more aggressive than I expected
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
AN hoses and fittings are in to replace my engine oil cooler lines. Probably knock that out this weekend. My focus continues to shift towards the Suburban in the shop. While I've got it under the knife for some simple stuff, I might as well address a few other odds 'n ends. Looked into the AD244 alternator swap, costs about the same as a Powermaster CS144 200amp setup, and you get a better alternator in the end...this would lead to a "Big 3" upgrade as well. Front brakes, starter, and tires will be completed in the near future.
I've also been reading more into the 0411 ECU swap and doing coil-on-plug ignition, fairly simple swap on a Vortec 7.4L since GM had a factory L21 option with coil on plug. I've got a spreadsheet that shows the correct pin out swap to go from the Black Box to the 0411. Problem is, if I'm going to go that far, might as well swap the camshaft to something better...and then do full exhaust with headers, and so on, and so on, and so on......
I've also been reading more into the 0411 ECU swap and doing coil-on-plug ignition, fairly simple swap on a Vortec 7.4L since GM had a factory L21 option with coil on plug. I've got a spreadsheet that shows the correct pin out swap to go from the Black Box to the 0411. Problem is, if I'm going to go that far, might as well swap the camshaft to something better...and then do full exhaust with headers, and so on, and so on, and so on......
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Slippery slope there Marc!
Stroker kit, whipple, and so on....
Stroker kit, whipple, and so on....
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
They did make a side mount Whipple kit...I've been watching a refurb'ed unit to see if the price will drop any. Stroker would make more sense, however....496 sounds much better than 454
racer-john
Well-known member
Sounds like a DEEP rabbit hole to me, however the end sounds delitghtful, 496.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Agreed...I'll knock the "easy" stuff out first then see what my temp is to tear into it more. I've considered buying another Vortec 454 long block to build up.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Engine Oil Cooler lines are built and replaced. Old lines didn't want to come out of the block, that was the biggest struggle. Lots of use on the pump for the 4-post lift today, sure glad I had it.
Old leaky lines and OE hookup at the block.
Super impressed with Vibrant's packaging. All -8 AN fittings and braided hose.
Hard lines cut and compression fittings installed.
Completed lines with extra loom for abrasion protecion.
New lines installed.
The whole project took a little longer than I had planned, but it's done now, and I don't have worry about those lines leaking for some time. Notice a few other seap type leaks, probably have to do a front cover and pan gasket at some point. Tightened up a power steering pump line as well, wasn't leaking but wet.
Old leaky lines and OE hookup at the block.
Super impressed with Vibrant's packaging. All -8 AN fittings and braided hose.
Hard lines cut and compression fittings installed.
Completed lines with extra loom for abrasion protecion.
New lines installed.
The whole project took a little longer than I had planned, but it's done now, and I don't have worry about those lines leaking for some time. Notice a few other seap type leaks, probably have to do a front cover and pan gasket at some point. Tightened up a power steering pump line as well, wasn't leaking but wet.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Great job on the cooler lines Marc. I used braided hoses on both my Duramax and my son's Duramax years ago and they are holding up great.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Thanks Mike, it's a job I've been putting off, as they only leaked a drop or two when it sat for a while in the cold, but I knew I was on borrowed time. Peace of mind was worth the effort.
Ordered all of the stuff to upgrade my wiring to go along with the NAPA AD244 HO(200amp) alternator(part # 1N-4807HO). I decided to go NAPA parts for ease of finding parts when travelling. The Powermaster units are nice, but the likelihood of getting it replaced in a pinch will be pretty slim. Like normal I ordered my goods from CE Auto Electric, 2ga wire for the new power and ground leads(commonly referred to as the Big 3), 4ga to upgrade the 8ga factory cable that runs from the 175amp mega fuse to the junction box/outside fuse box. Also picked up all the necessary crimp ends and adhesive lined shrink tubing to replenish my stock.
GMT400s came with a CS130 alternator most of the time, mine has a CS144 (140amp), due to being a front/rear air and heated leather seat rig. The CS144 is a good alternator but isn't as robust as the AD244, and has a tendency to run hotter when at lower rpm. AD244 has a bigger bearing, cools better, and has upgraded internals on the wiring side. Physically, with hardware and belt, it is a direct swap, I will have to change the 4 pin connector from a rectangle to an oval plug(not necessary when going from CS130 to AD244, plug is the same). This should make a difference, especially at night with both front and rear air going, headlights on, aux lights on, and stereo doing its thing.
Had a discussion with the wife about focusing on "finishing" the 'burb. She was on board and reminded me I was never allowed to sell it, so that made sense. Still haven't found some old school billet wheels to roll on, but I may defer to choice #2 and run some Hummer H2 wheels, as they are a direct fit factory replacement. After about going blind with my tire searching, I think I'm going to go back to the Geolandar G015 in an LT265/70R17 size for the H2's, they measure in at 31.9" and have 18/32nds of tread depth.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
That's funny Marc. I had the EXACT same discussion with the wife yesterday during our Sunday morning breakfast. I informed her that I would like to replace my front bumper on the Duramax. She asked why. I informed her that it had been hit and scraped up as well as the lower valance had been cracked when we purchased the truck back in 2009 and I had never replaced it at the time.
We discussed what we wanted in our next coach as we got nearer to retirement and then she said how much she liked our truck, Jeep and Harley and said we could upgrade the coach as we got closer to retirement but I was never allowed to sell either the Duramax, the bike or the Jeep as she liked all three too much. I was pleasantly shocked to heat that. But I'm ok with all of it as well.
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
AD244 is installed with new cables. Pretty impressed with how its working at this point, very little voltage drop from the battery to the junction box/outside fuse box on the other side. 14.74v at the battery and 14.69v at the JB. Unfortunately I was in the zone when I started and didn't get initial readings, but I know from past scans with my OBD2 reader, 14.1-14.2 was pretty common going down the road. I kicked everything on HIGH after it warmed up tonight at idle, it didn't even move the needle on the gauge. I had planned to do this Saturday, but needed some shop therapy after this week.
Tomorrow I'll throw it on the lift and put on the new starter.
Parts ready to go on...
Pretty impressive stats on the new alternator
What I started with
New vs. Old
Old 8ga cable vs. new 4ga cable to JB
Crimped, adhesive heat shrink, and nylon sheath
Old charge wire from alternator vs. new 2ga wire
New wire is heavier than the old WITH insulation
Main charge cable to 175amp mega fuse
Finished product...man, that engine bay is filthy
I also took the plunge and went Milwaukee red. I've been a Ryobi One+ guy for 10+ years, but I have a local guy who sells Milwaukee and I'd rather give him the business than Home Depot...plus the 5min drive to town vs 50min-1hr drive to Home Depot makes a big difference! My Ryobi impact is probably my favorite tool in the shop, and I love how much smaller this Milwaukee unit is.
Tomorrow I'll throw it on the lift and put on the new starter.
Parts ready to go on...
Pretty impressive stats on the new alternator
What I started with
New vs. Old
Old 8ga cable vs. new 4ga cable to JB
Crimped, adhesive heat shrink, and nylon sheath
Old charge wire from alternator vs. new 2ga wire
New wire is heavier than the old WITH insulation
Main charge cable to 175amp mega fuse
Finished product...man, that engine bay is filthy
I also took the plunge and went Milwaukee red. I've been a Ryobi One+ guy for 10+ years, but I have a local guy who sells Milwaukee and I'd rather give him the business than Home Depot...plus the 5min drive to town vs 50min-1hr drive to Home Depot makes a big difference! My Ryobi impact is probably my favorite tool in the shop, and I love how much smaller this Milwaukee unit is.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
GREAT job on the wiring and alternator swap Marc. Looks awesome.
I have the same Milwaukee M18 drill and LOVE it. I don't have a lot of Milwaukee cordless stuff but the couple I do have I really like. I have the drill and the 1/2" M18 impact that I use the most. Other than that I have a few Snap-on cordless tools as well but overall I'm not completely sold on cordless tools and still use air the majority of the time when in the shop.
I have the same Milwaukee M18 drill and LOVE it. I don't have a lot of Milwaukee cordless stuff but the couple I do have I really like. I have the drill and the 1/2" M18 impact that I use the most. Other than that I have a few Snap-on cordless tools as well but overall I'm not completely sold on cordless tools and still use air the majority of the time when in the shop.
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OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Thanks Mike! So far I'm impressed with both the tools. The fit/finish/feel is definitely higher quality than my Ryobi stuff.
I'm slowly making the transition to cordless tools, I still use air often, but this new battery techology really makes it easy. There are some things however, that will always be air only.
I'm slowly making the transition to cordless tools, I still use air often, but this new battery techology really makes it easy. There are some things however, that will always be air only.
jbmatth
Well-known member
I got started in the tool game a little after ya'll did and at first had a few air tools, 1/2" impact, a couple die grinders, and an air hammer, maybe others but I can't remember. I picked up a 20v drill and driver from Dewalt and was extremely impressed compared to the corded versions and slowly added to the collection. I think I've got close to two dozen now and won't use corded unless it is a big job. Now other than the 1/2" impact I still use the air hammer and die grinders with air, but won't ever buy another air impact. I guess I'm a hybrid of sorts but try to what makes the most sense for the job at hand. I'd have probably gone Milwaukee but didn't have a store close that had them at the time.
JB
JB
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OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
JB my dad had some of the early 12v Dewalt stuff, and in the mid-late 90s, it was the hot ticket...and expensive, battery life wasn't all that great
. It was a tough decision, as my local store has both yellow and red tools. In the end, the tool selection for Milwaukee made the decision for me. Die grinders, air hammers, and such for sure will always have a hose on them for me.
67CarGuy
Well-known member
I've had that same M18 combo for several years now, and find them to be quite robust. I did manage to get the hammer drill out of concentricity unsure early on, and had to replace it. Thankfully Milwaukee sells bare tools as well as combo kits.
The M12 line is looking appealing too, especially that offset head number...
unsure early on, and had to replace it. Thankfully Milwaukee sells bare tools as well as combo kits.The M12 line is looking appealing too, especially that offset head number...
OP
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
I've had that same M18 combo for several years now, and find them to be quite robust. I did manage to get the hammer drill out of concentricity
The M12 line is looking appealing too, especially that offset head number...
I'll probably pick up one of the long reach M12 ratchets, that definitely looks handy!
jbmatth
Well-known member
Completely agree on the tool selection on the M18 side, hindsight being what it is I'd have gone that route. However I don't have any small battery powered tools and plan to get a few of the M12 line in the near future.
JB
JB