M.Brane
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Better to burn 'em off than let 'em rot.
rattle_snake's random shop projects v0.1
- Thread starter rattle_snake
- Start date
OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Decided to move forward with a mechanical locker on 72 F250. Hope to not have to mess with the pinion, but have a shim kit to do whatever is needed.
Bough a larger bearing splitter but didn't fit as-is. Started to grind on it, but decided to try another. Have a 2 jaw puller already modified with jaws slimmed down to fit the notches in the carrier. My cordless impact isn't that powerful but was able to get the bearings off.
Kind of a pain to keep straight, so I made a center drilled puck to keep things aligned. Had some 2.25 round which is also bearing ID, so I turned it down slightly on the lathe so it wouldn't get stuck in the bearing.
Bearings ready to go onto the new carrier.
Used a 2.5" puck to press the bearing on.
One side needed the bearing pressed on past the ID so used a piece of 2.5 thick wall drill pipe to seat all the way.
Bearings transferred without damage to the cages.
Chased and cleaned the ring gear threads and pulled the ring gear on with the bolts. Then removed bolts, added lock-tite, and torqued to 100.
Bough a larger bearing splitter but didn't fit as-is. Started to grind on it, but decided to try another. Have a 2 jaw puller already modified with jaws slimmed down to fit the notches in the carrier. My cordless impact isn't that powerful but was able to get the bearings off.
Kind of a pain to keep straight, so I made a center drilled puck to keep things aligned. Had some 2.25 round which is also bearing ID, so I turned it down slightly on the lathe so it wouldn't get stuck in the bearing.
Bearings ready to go onto the new carrier.
Used a 2.5" puck to press the bearing on.
One side needed the bearing pressed on past the ID so used a piece of 2.5 thick wall drill pipe to seat all the way.
Bearings transferred without damage to the cages.
Chased and cleaned the ring gear threads and pulled the ring gear on with the bolts. Then removed bolts, added lock-tite, and torqued to 100.
XJSuperman
Well-known member
Good choice on vendor, they're good people and are very helpful when you need it.
OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
1st time having to do gears on the vehicle instead of on the bench. Important to have a plan and be organized. Cannot get the driveshaft off when the suspension is at full droop. Shaft too long, doesn't bind but cannot get it out of yolk. Wanting to use the truck Saturday so didn't take it off and apart to shorten. Janky need to fix at some point.....
10.25 carrier is big and heavy compared to 1/2 ton stuff. Set up tool cart to play swap-a-shim game. I didn't bother to check BL or pattern on old carrier, because it doesn't matter. To start I used the original left shim to check basic gear distance, backlash. Right side I made up a new shim stack that fit. BL was .012, good start. Tried a few more right side stacks to find zero preload. BL was still about .012. Skipped checking pattern and added about 0.005 to both sides for carrier bearing preload. Ended up 6 left 5 right, and BL came in a 0.008 which is min spec.
Last step is pattern. Cost is nicely centered.
Drive is on the toe side which is OK and expected for used gears. So no need to move pinion, not going to touch it or the seal which doesn't leak.
10.25 carrier is big and heavy compared to 1/2 ton stuff. Set up tool cart to play swap-a-shim game. I didn't bother to check BL or pattern on old carrier, because it doesn't matter. To start I used the original left shim to check basic gear distance, backlash. Right side I made up a new shim stack that fit. BL was .012, good start. Tried a few more right side stacks to find zero preload. BL was still about .012. Skipped checking pattern and added about 0.005 to both sides for carrier bearing preload. Ended up 6 left 5 right, and BL came in a 0.008 which is min spec.
Last step is pattern. Cost is nicely centered.
Drive is on the toe side which is OK and expected for used gears. So no need to move pinion, not going to touch it or the seal which doesn't leak.
OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Got the locker install wrapped up and used the truck for Valentines day horse ride.
So with the last few mods I say the truck is pretty much finished. Luckily I already have another old truck to waste money on.
So with the last few mods I say the truck is pretty much finished. Luckily I already have another old truck to waste money on.
ntsqd
Well-known member
I dunno, it looks to me like it needs a single air spring, and related cross-member, to better carry those occasional loads. Single, because with it centered on the diff it won't affect articulation.
OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Towing isn't the main use of the truck so no need for bags. Could just move 2nd horse from center to rear and greatly reduce the tongue weight, but tows just fine either way.
SilverJimmy
Well-known member
Besides, all the Kool Kids have that Carolina Squat these days!
ntsqd
Well-known member
It's a squat alright, but Carolina isn't what I think of when I see it......
....its all fun, games and jokes till you life in the carolinas and have to see those horrible vehicles
OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Back to dreaming about F100 suspension. I think that is the next phase of the build, before paint.
For the front end I've priced some stuff and came to conclusion that even if I build everything I'm thousands of dollars into it. Yes fun to learn, engineer, design and fabricate a one-off setup but decent brakes and shocks/struts/coilovers are expensive. Good stuff is really expensive and I don't need it for what I want to do with it. With the hydroboost the brake performance is already ******* awesome. What I want is for it to be lower, much lower and have ride height adjustability. The only economical path is a doner vehicle or part of one.
Looking more into the Crown Vic or variant setup and availability. Other platforms are C7 and S550. The width is acceptable for the wheels I have now. Modify as needed. May or may not use the cast K member. Can make track width whatever I want. Use the factory frame and fortify for the new load points.
For the rear the plan remains the same, a parallel 4-link. Looking into types of joints don't really want heims they wear fast, instead bushings and/or rebuildable joints (aka Johnny joint). I can CNC cut my own axle and frame brackets or even do SCS laser for lots of precise holes. Use 4-link calculator for anti squat geometry. Thinking 3/4 rod ends and 1" ID 1.25 OD DOM .125 wall for links at least 24" long. Perhaps only upper adjustable-in-place RHT/LHT link. Coilovers, track bar, C-notch, sway bar. Last step would be 31 spline 5x4.5 axles, mechanical locker, discs
For the front end I've priced some stuff and came to conclusion that even if I build everything I'm thousands of dollars into it. Yes fun to learn, engineer, design and fabricate a one-off setup but decent brakes and shocks/struts/coilovers are expensive. Good stuff is really expensive and I don't need it for what I want to do with it. With the hydroboost the brake performance is already ******* awesome. What I want is for it to be lower, much lower and have ride height adjustability. The only economical path is a doner vehicle or part of one.
Looking more into the Crown Vic or variant setup and availability. Other platforms are C7 and S550. The width is acceptable for the wheels I have now. Modify as needed. May or may not use the cast K member. Can make track width whatever I want. Use the factory frame and fortify for the new load points.
For the rear the plan remains the same, a parallel 4-link. Looking into types of joints don't really want heims they wear fast, instead bushings and/or rebuildable joints (aka Johnny joint). I can CNC cut my own axle and frame brackets or even do SCS laser for lots of precise holes. Use 4-link calculator for anti squat geometry. Thinking 3/4 rod ends and 1" ID 1.25 OD DOM .125 wall for links at least 24" long. Perhaps only upper adjustable-in-place RHT/LHT link. Coilovers, track bar, C-notch, sway bar. Last step would be 31 spline 5x4.5 axles, mechanical locker, discs
ntsqd
Well-known member
Never seen it done, but an option that I've long wondered about would be to use HDT tie-rod ends. I'll admit that I've only looked into it a little bit, but it seems like they would/should be large enough for the loads. Especially if they last 200k or more while steering 80,000 lbs of truck and load. I don't know, maybe there's a reason why I've never seen it done.
For a 5x4.5 BC the Explorer RDB's are the easy & inexpensive button, although you will likely need to change the housing ends but if you're replacing the axles then that is the time to set it up with the "Torino" housing ends and flange spacing.
For a 5x4.5 BC the Explorer RDB's are the easy & inexpensive button, although you will likely need to change the housing ends but if you're replacing the axles then that is the time to set it up with the "Torino" housing ends and flange spacing.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I'd look at off the shelf Jeep JK or JL arms, nothing beats vulcanized OEM bushings on the street and you could get takeoffs for very little money.
ntsqd
Well-known member
Didn’t even think of suggesting those and I’m in the process of building a front three link for the Wagon using second gen CTD front LCA’s for the lowers. I’m actually using MetalCloak replacement LCA’s because both rubber bushings and their length adjustability. The upper link and the trac-bar also have MetalCloak joints for the same two reasons.
A friend put me on this path when he did the same thing using take-off TJ LCA’s, but they are too short to use the Wagon’s OEM fixed spring hangers with the LCA’s. His is a J truck and all different. MetalCloak does give some lengths for their replacement arms.
ETA: Yeller's J-Truck thread link: https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=21395
A friend put me on this path when he did the same thing using take-off TJ LCA’s, but they are too short to use the Wagon’s OEM fixed spring hangers with the LCA’s. His is a J truck and all different. MetalCloak does give some lengths for their replacement arms.
ETA: Yeller's J-Truck thread link: https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=21395
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OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
TRE are single sheer, I'd guess that is why there are not used for the purpose.
Are you saying to use Expo 8.8 discs on a 9"? Not wanting to mess with the housing ends, it already has the bigger Torino style.
Interesting idea Ryan, thanks. Could use for non-adjustable application.
The MetalCloak uni-balls and rod ends are the style I'm interested in. Doesn't look like they make 3/4, only larger.
ntsqd
Well-known member
People get way too wound around the axle over single shear. It can be done safely, but the designer needs to understand what they're doing as does the fabricator. Tie-rods clearly work well enough for steering. Single shear isn't entirely about how the joint is loaded, it's also about capturing the joint so that it can't completely disassemble itself and leave the vehicle with no control. TRE's have that capturing built-in by design. I think they aren't used because of the required tapered hole, in this case a very large tapered hole, and because it hasn't been done before so it's a bit scary.
There are two versions of the large bearing housing end and I'm not well versed on the exact differences. Explorer RDB's are designed around the new style, large bearing "Torino" housing end bolt pattern, which has a 2.5" distance from the axle flange to the bearing housing flange. If your axle meets those two requirements, then the Explorer RDB's are a bolt-on. If it is currently the 2.36" (I think) distance but you have the new 31 spline shafts made to the 2.5" spec then the brakes will bolt on. If the housing has the old style large bearing housing ends then I don't think the brakes will bolt on. Talk to whomever you're going to have make those axles and tell them what you want to do. They should be able to get you squared away.
If you think you're going to need more rear brake than the Explorer offers (an Explorer isn't a very heavy vehicle) or possibly because you have the old style big bearing ends then have a look at the Expedition RDB's. They are the same basic design as the Explorer set-up, just larger. I don't think that they share the same bolt pattern, but I can tell you that they bolt onto a Ford D60's brake flange like they're supposed to be there. Perhaps that pattern is the same as the old big bearing?
At one time you could buy every single part needed to build an early 2000's Expedition rear brake set from Rock Auto except for the caliper hose banjo bolt. A really odd thing for them to not have a listing for. At the time that I compiled the list it came to just over $500 for everything. See fairly late in my sig file "Snowball" link for what these look like when adapted to a rear D60.
Been a while since I ordered the parts, but I do dimly recall that 1" was the smallest MetalCloak joint. I ordered their smallest, whatever it is, for the trac-bar on the front of the Wagon. 3/4" seems borderline small for anything on a full size vehicle, even just for street use it seems small.
There are two versions of the large bearing housing end and I'm not well versed on the exact differences. Explorer RDB's are designed around the new style, large bearing "Torino" housing end bolt pattern, which has a 2.5" distance from the axle flange to the bearing housing flange. If your axle meets those two requirements, then the Explorer RDB's are a bolt-on. If it is currently the 2.36" (I think) distance but you have the new 31 spline shafts made to the 2.5" spec then the brakes will bolt on. If the housing has the old style large bearing housing ends then I don't think the brakes will bolt on. Talk to whomever you're going to have make those axles and tell them what you want to do. They should be able to get you squared away.
If you think you're going to need more rear brake than the Explorer offers (an Explorer isn't a very heavy vehicle) or possibly because you have the old style big bearing ends then have a look at the Expedition RDB's. They are the same basic design as the Explorer set-up, just larger. I don't think that they share the same bolt pattern, but I can tell you that they bolt onto a Ford D60's brake flange like they're supposed to be there. Perhaps that pattern is the same as the old big bearing?
At one time you could buy every single part needed to build an early 2000's Expedition rear brake set from Rock Auto except for the caliper hose banjo bolt. A really odd thing for them to not have a listing for. At the time that I compiled the list it came to just over $500 for everything. See fairly late in my sig file "Snowball" link for what these look like when adapted to a rear D60.
Been a while since I ordered the parts, but I do dimly recall that 1" was the smallest MetalCloak joint. I ordered their smallest, whatever it is, for the trac-bar on the front of the Wagon. 3/4" seems borderline small for anything on a full size vehicle, even just for street use it seems small.
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rattle_snake
Well-known member
Working on getting boat parking out of the shop, outside. Tiring of having to move stuff around to use lift, and everything being cramped and close together. Sadly I can't enjoy boating anymore. My wife and kids love it, so I continue to make it happen for them, and endure. I eventually figured out that stress causes me severe nausea, to the point of shutdown. 12 hours of driving and being responsible for everyone's safety and enjoyment. Anxiety over bad weather, equipment failures on truck, trailer and boat, all of which did happened. I was ready to sell it back in 2019. Now my kids are 19 and 17. Had a long conversation with my wife, we plan to keep it for another season or two. I bought a cheap cover and will have to park it in the small area I have that is already over crowded with 2 campers, trailer, quad, topper and so on.
The positive side is more shop space. Spread out the equipment and be able to walk between things. Have access to the right side of the lift. Have room for 4x8 or 4x4 CNC router. Be able to open a vehicle door all the way.
To complicate further I've finally decided to buy my own tractor. Should have done over the last 12 years, but always something blocking. The arrangement I have with my neighbor to use his tractor has been very helpful, but I don't like using other peoples stuff, especially using it hard. Many of my needs are short and spontaneous, so waiting days for use isn't practical. As I get older and more easily injured, need a piece of equipment to do the heavy lifting. Where to park it? Well some more things to be solved. Can go in shop as it's half the size of the boat. Or build some type of lean to on the barn. Or put it in the one horse stall that is usually empty.
From this I've started construction of a camper shell/truck topper lift system in the shop. Store on ceiling. Electric winch, pulleys and rope. Get it out of barn area and keep it much cleaner than the equestrian dust bowl. Easy on-off.
The positive side is more shop space. Spread out the equipment and be able to walk between things. Have access to the right side of the lift. Have room for 4x8 or 4x4 CNC router. Be able to open a vehicle door all the way.
To complicate further I've finally decided to buy my own tractor. Should have done over the last 12 years, but always something blocking. The arrangement I have with my neighbor to use his tractor has been very helpful, but I don't like using other peoples stuff, especially using it hard. Many of my needs are short and spontaneous, so waiting days for use isn't practical. As I get older and more easily injured, need a piece of equipment to do the heavy lifting. Where to park it? Well some more things to be solved. Can go in shop as it's half the size of the boat. Or build some type of lean to on the barn. Or put it in the one horse stall that is usually empty.
From this I've started construction of a camper shell/truck topper lift system in the shop. Store on ceiling. Electric winch, pulleys and rope. Get it out of barn area and keep it much cleaner than the equestrian dust bowl. Easy on-off.
ntsqd
Well-known member
I like other people's boats. 
Build a cover/shed/whatever for the boat now, and then put the tractor under/in it later? Put in a solar array and just park stuff under it?
My first try at a shell lifter was a dismal failure. I tried to do it on the cheap, and that I think, doomed me. Never got the chance to try again.
Build a cover/shed/whatever for the boat now, and then put the tractor under/in it later? Put in a solar array and just park stuff under it?
My first try at a shell lifter was a dismal failure. I tried to do it on the cheap, and that I think, doomed me. Never got the chance to try again.
SMOKEYBEAR
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2016
- Messages
- 453
Boating stress is a real thing. The truck, trailer and boat all can fail even with the best PM schedule. My most relaxing days on the water are solo fishing or engine/ prop testing trips.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Sorry to hear you're not enjoying boating any longer Justin.
The wife and I have owned a lot of toys over the years, between sand toys, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, quads, race cars, RV's, etc. but the one thing we have never owned is a boat. I went in partners with a "friend" in High School on one and that turned me off of two things, boats and going in on things with friends, both ended badly.
Personally, I hate boats, but I found myself working on quite a few when I had my speed shop because clients would talk me into working on theirs. Based on my limited exposure and just seeing the responses from people who have or had them, I can say with a great deal of confidence that the two best days in a boat owner's life is the day they bought it and the day they sold it.
The wife and I have owned a lot of toys over the years, between sand toys, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, quads, race cars, RV's, etc. but the one thing we have never owned is a boat. I went in partners with a "friend" in High School on one and that turned me off of two things, boats and going in on things with friends, both ended badly.
Personally, I hate boats, but I found myself working on quite a few when I had my speed shop because clients would talk me into working on theirs. Based on my limited exposure and just seeing the responses from people who have or had them, I can say with a great deal of confidence that the two best days in a boat owner's life is the day they bought it and the day they sold it.
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
... I can say with a great deal of confidence that the two best days in a boat owner's life is the day they bought it and the day they sold it.
I came here to say just that! There are days I miss my old 455 Olds powered boat, but they are few and far between.
Justin, any prospects on a tractor or HP/size thoughts?
Swanny1953
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Sorry to hear you're not enjoying boating any longer Justin.
The wife and I have owned a lot of toys over the years, between sand toys, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, quads, race cars, RV's, etc. but the one thing we have never owned is a boat. I went in partners with a "friend" in High School on one and that turned me off of two things, boats and going in on things with friends, both ended badly.
Personally, I hate boats, but I found myself working on quite a few when I had my speed shop because clients would talk me into working on theirs. Based on my limited exposure and just seeing the responses from people who have or had them, I can say with a great deal of confidence that the two best days in a boat owner's life is the day they bought it and the day they sold it.
I guess I'm the outlier here. I have had at least one water toy continuously since 1978, starting with a Baja replica 15'9" runabout with a 115 HP Merc, to our current toys - a 2005 Malibu Sunsetter LXi, a 22' party barge and 2 SkiDoos. While I have had a few minor issues along the way, it has largely been an experience I wouldn't trade - skiing with buddies on the Willamette River in OR every weekend we could, camping trips centered around boating/skiing, houseboat trips on Shasta Lake and all the enjoyment I got out of teaching countless people to ski and watching my kids grow up on the water, and now their kids starting to get the bug. Granted, I'm lucky in that the last 28 years I've been able to store our toys on lifts at our lake place, so no towing stress for me. All in all, I've had a ton of "best days" with our boats!!!
All that said, Justin, I'm sorry the joy has left boating for you. I know from following you here you've done a lot of it and it appears you and those around you have enjoyed it. Like all things in life, we go through phases. I know you'll find something productive to replace that activity!
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yep Gary, you may be the outlier from my experience with boating people, but none had lake houses in which to leave their toys and most were not the gentlest with them, so they were expensive on the owner's part.
That being said though, I went through similar life changes with snowmobiles and sand toys. They were great when we were heavily engaged in them and the experiences my son had and me as a father cannot be taken away. As a family those activities brought us closer together as a family and kept us close through some tumultuous times in our lives and I wouldn't have changed a thing, although I wish I had the money now that I pissed away on them....
We built in so much performance and cosmetics into our toys that once it got to the point where it felt like all I was doing was robbing Peter to pay Paul to keep the things running and looking the way I wanted both hobbies started losing their appeal to me. Same with racing, once it got to a point where I felt like I was throwing money down a bottomless hole those hobbies started feeling more like anchors dragging me down vs. something we did to lift us up between workdays. Plus, all that changed when our son got his driver's license as his Jeep meant more to him than the sleds or quads, so it was time to shift our attention.
Like you mentioned though Gary, we found other things to fill us with enjoyment, and that phase of our life is in the past.
ntsqd
Well-known member
Looking at projects that I don't need on FB and this pops up:
Facebook
www.facebook.com
"Irritating little boat that I don’t need and I didn’t need the irritating piece of junk car I traded for it. The guy I got it from said the engine ran. He was probably lying. It’s a cool boat you can sink lots of money into and then realize you’re not into boats. I don’t like boats anymore, I don’t like boat people because they are smug and pretentious and I probably won’t like you. Thanks "
www.facebook.com
"Irritating little boat that I don’t need and I didn’t need the irritating piece of junk car I traded for it. The guy I got it from said the engine ran. He was probably lying. It’s a cool boat you can sink lots of money into and then realize you’re not into boats. I don’t like boats anymore, I don’t like boat people because they are smug and pretentious and I probably won’t like you. Thanks "
OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Phases, yes how life goes. I had to come to the realization I'm not in control of everything. It was humbling. Spent years going to every type of doctor, scans, tests, no medications were effective. Struggled to be a supportive father and husband. Severe depression. The only thing I wanted to do was stay home and tinker in my shop. Isolation. Had get help before I ended my life. Eventually found some medication that helped. Then had to accept that my neurological and mental issues prevent me from enjoying most of the things that made me feel alive. Be as positive as possible. Open minded. Compassionate. Push myself to do normal things and go places. Some go good, some bad.
The tractor I'm most interested in is a Kioti CX2510H. Compact, 25 hp, FEL, hydro drive. The used market for the compact size is mostly empty. One size up or down is better, but used prices are 90% of new.
The tractor I'm most interested in is a Kioti CX2510H. Compact, 25 hp, FEL, hydro drive. The used market for the compact size is mostly empty. One size up or down is better, but used prices are 90% of new.
Swanny1953
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Justin, thanks for sharing. It's a big step to allow yourself to be that vulnerable.
One thing I've found on this forum is that it's comprised of a bunch of folks who are willing to share not only their aptitudes, but also their experiences and feelings. I look at all of that as a continuing opportunity to learn. Importantly, learning our own limitations and boundaries, and then embracing and stretching them, can make our own lives more fulfilling.
Yours is one of the threads I look forward to seeing updates on given your creativity and never say die attitude to approaching and conquering the mechanical, etc. issues you face in the shop. I wish you only the best in your continuing journey!
One thing I've found on this forum is that it's comprised of a bunch of folks who are willing to share not only their aptitudes, but also their experiences and feelings. I look at all of that as a continuing opportunity to learn. Importantly, learning our own limitations and boundaries, and then embracing and stretching them, can make our own lives more fulfilling.
Yours is one of the threads I look forward to seeing updates on given your creativity and never say die attitude to approaching and conquering the mechanical, etc. issues you face in the shop. I wish you only the best in your continuing journey!
Gearbanger
Well-known member
x2, amazing that you've shared this. You will help someone.
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
I can understand a lot of that! Just keep pushing forward.
Kioti makes a good tractor, 25hp is a sweet spot for sure. Also keeps it without the emissions nannies the bigger tractors (like my 3515H) have to deal with. I was able to score a hell of a deal on a carryover tractor when I bought mine.
You’re not the only one Gary. I’ve been thru 3 boats and 4 skis. And the day my restless work schedule ends, we’ll be getting another boat.
ntsqd
Well-known member
That irritating little red boat isn't all that far way from you.
LOL......
LOL......
But I want a big red boat this time. Something we and the grand kids can weekend on. That way when **** breaks, I can be pissed instead of irritated.
M.Brane
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have enjoyed other's boats over the years, but never had the urge to have my own.
SilverJimmy
Well-known member
A Caravelle Open Bow Tri-Hull is actually a pretty sweet boat. Picture Flipper!
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I hear you Justin, there are times the toys become a burden and stress and they deplete any enjoyment you get from them. It's hard to accept sometimes that life and interests change, and that's ok. It sounds like the boat has served your family well, and you're ready to move onto something different. In the last couple of years I've wanted to spend more time fishing and traveling than turning wrenches. I have to remind myself "I do this stuff for fun, if it isn't fun anymore then it's time to walk away".
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
List of things I have tried and are officially over with:Sorry to hear you're not enjoying boating any longer Justin.
The wife and I have owned a lot of toys over the years, between sand toys, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, quads, race cars, RV's, etc. but the one thing we have never owned is a boat. I went in partners with a "friend" in High School on one and that turned me off of two things, boats and going in on things with friends, both ended badly.
Personally, I hate boats, but I found myself working on quite a few when I had my speed shop because clients would talk me into working on theirs. Based on my limited exposure and just seeing the responses from people who have or had them, I can say with a great deal of confidence that the two best days in a boat owner's life is the day they bought it and the day they sold it.
1. RV
2. Boat
3. Airplane
Swanny1953
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I’m with you on the RV. We were partners in one for 15 years or so and I thinker and I used it for ourselves maybe 1 or 2 times. Was nice to be able to talk about it, but it wasn’t practical for us. I’m jealous of all the cool trips Mike zmotorsports gets out of his, but I will live vicariously through his shared adventures!!
M.Brane
ALLIANCE MEMBER
We still have the RV even though the plan has changed. Take it out a few times a year, and it's nice to know if the ground shakes hard enough to ruin the house we have a sheltered place to eat, shower, and sleep.
ntsqd
Well-known member
We got riots, fires, and mudslides...... and sushi in the mall!
1hr N/W of LA puts you not far from me, but I dimly recall a convo about that some time back.
OP
rattle_snake
Well-known member
I can share my story because I accept who I am, and I feel I'm a better person because if it. There are two main paths when life changes for the worse. Bitter or humble. Acceptance vs victimized.
I learned some important life lessons through difficult times, although late in life. Up to that point I was convinced I had everything under control. I had always achieved everything I set out to do. Failure never an option. I didn't know what stress was. I couldn't understand what anxiety or migraines where. My expectations for myself and others was unreasonably high. I learned to stop judging myself and others. I learned to look at my situation from outside. Would my friends and family be disappointed by my limitations? I learned how steer my thoughts to positive things. Be grateful. This has allowed me to be a better father and husband.
It was hard to accept that my problems are permeant and limit my life. Many of the hobbies I have are inherently stressful, dangerous. I have no idea how the next day will go but don't worry about it because it is beyond my control. Ignore the symptoms and focus on what I can control. Physical health, what I eat/drink or not, how I interact with others. Maybe my story can help others.
I learned some important life lessons through difficult times, although late in life. Up to that point I was convinced I had everything under control. I had always achieved everything I set out to do. Failure never an option. I didn't know what stress was. I couldn't understand what anxiety or migraines where. My expectations for myself and others was unreasonably high. I learned to stop judging myself and others. I learned to look at my situation from outside. Would my friends and family be disappointed by my limitations? I learned how steer my thoughts to positive things. Be grateful. This has allowed me to be a better father and husband.
It was hard to accept that my problems are permeant and limit my life. Many of the hobbies I have are inherently stressful, dangerous. I have no idea how the next day will go but don't worry about it because it is beyond my control. Ignore the symptoms and focus on what I can control. Physical health, what I eat/drink or not, how I interact with others. Maybe my story can help others.