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Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Roboto's Garage

Workspaces between 705 and 1200 squarefeet.
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Aladinsane07

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Aug 13, 2020
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69
Location
MN
Phew, that was quite the read. I spent the last few weeks going through a couple pages at a time when I had a free moment. What a journey! Bizarre seeing someone else's kid(s) be born then be full people by the end of it.

I started reading because I'm in the planning stages of tearing down my current garage and building a nearly identical footprint as yours and wanted to get a sneak peak into what it could look like. I have to pick your brain because I still have a little time: Anything major you would change if given the option? I'm still deciding between two tandem doors like yours or a single 16' or 18'. Thoughts? I know you bought your place with the garage built.

Either way, thanks for the great thread and keeping us updated on all your different projects!
 
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Mr. Roboto

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Dec 11, 2012
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Location
New Hampshire
Happy Birthday... tomorrow! The Corvette looks great, I bet it's a blast to drive. Love the full circle moment.

Happy birthday. Glad you and the wife were able to go for a nice drive in the Vette.

Happy early birthday, hope you were smarter then I usually am and took the day off work!

Happy Birthday and kids look like they're really enjoying joy riding!

Thanks everyone! I did actually take my birthday off - something I almost never do.

Phew, that was quite the read. I spent the last few weeks going through a couple pages at a time when I had a free moment. What a journey! Bizarre seeing someone else's kid(s) be born then be full people by the end of it.

I started reading because I'm in the planning stages of tearing down my current garage and building a nearly identical footprint as yours and wanted to get a sneak peak into what it could look like. I have to pick your brain because I still have a little time: Anything major you would change if given the option? I'm still deciding between two tandem doors like yours or a single 16' or 18'. Thoughts? I know you bought your place with the garage built.

Either way, thanks for the great thread and keeping us updated on all your different projects!

Hey thanks for making it through TEN years of my ramblings haha. It is crazy to think that I started this journey that long ago. I've definitely learned a lot in that time frame. Thanks for taking the time to read it all.

If you're building a garage from scratch, there are a few changes I'd make.

1) Go bigger. This may or may not be a possibility for you given the constraints you are working with, but you'll fill the space up in no time. I feel like I'm already bursting at the seams.

2) Build the ceiling as tall as you can. Mine is about 10.5 feet high to the bottom of the finished ceiling. While still functional, I wish I had 12-14 feet. it would be a game changer.

3) My garage was built with 2x4 walls that sit on top of a 2x6 sill plate. I regret not furring the walls out so I could get more insulation in them. I have no issues maintaining temperature out there, but I'm sure it would be more efficient.

4) Love having the 2 doors. I wouldn't consider one larger door unless you often see yourself wanting to pull a car into the middle of it often. If you're going to be putting a lift into a bay, this kind of becomes a moot point.

5) Pour your slab thick enough for a lift in any spot you're considering putting one. Having to dig footings in mine retroactively sucked.

6) I wish I ran all my shop lights turned 90* from how I ran them. I also wish I added recessed lights in above where my garage doors open against the ceiling. There isn't enough space for surface mount shop lights there, so I've got some darker spots.

7) I wouldn't have wasted time building that work bench. I did it as more of a leaning experience more than anything, and to save money. But if I did it again, I'd get metal cabinets with lots of drawers and a stainless steel top.

8) Build it with storage/attic trusses. There so much stuff I wish I could store in an attach space above my garage.

I'm sure there is more, but this is just what comes to mind quickly.

The ceiling height is going to be an issue for me soon, because I pulled the trigger on the 2nd to last last large investment I've been wanting to make to my garage - fueled mostly by the purchase of the corvette. I picked up a 4 post parking lift for my other bay. MY wife's Subaru I think will be the only car I'll be able to park under it with the Corvette on top. She's not thrilled about having to do that every day. My RAV4 is within a few inches of fitting.... so we'll see.

Atlas GP8000 EXT

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Picked it up from the shipping hub yesterday with the trailer

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Going to sit here, tarped, until I can recruit some help getting it up. But, I am pretty excited for this. It will be good to get the vette up and out of the way from any accidental harm from the kids. And I'll be able to get my daily back in the garage.

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Mr. Roboto

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Dec 11, 2012
Messages
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Location
New Hampshire
Big day yesterday. Got the 4 post lift installed into my other bay. Decided to pick up a used engine hoist to help with the process, which proved to be invaluable.

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Trailer in position for unload.

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Didn't take too many pics during assembly but it all went pretty smoothly. Had 2 friends over for the day to help.


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Sent it for the test, with the vette up top and my wife's car underneath.

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Hard to see but there is probably a foot+ above the vette to play with still. Ideally I want to get it set up so I can park my RAV4 underneath so she doesn't have to deal with parking under it every day, but we'll see. Measurement wise it will be very close.

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Will use this configuration for now. Need to dial in the final position, adjust the mechanical locks so I can get the vette as high as possible, and then decide if I'm going to bolt it down to the floor or not.

Crazy!
 
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Mr. Roboto

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Nice work!

Well done. Looks great and expanded the parking ability nicely.


Thanks guys! it feels good to be able to get 4 cars in there now, and the Vette up out of the way of any accidental damage from the kids. The visibility out the back of this car *****, though. Backing it onto the lift was a challenge - this alone might be reason to upgrade the radio to a screen with a back up camera. I could drive it head on too, but A) it doesn't looks as cool and B) clearance with the garage door over the hood works better vs over the rear hatch if parked in the other orientation.

We'll see, I'll get my "system" dialed in.

Very nice! Time to lower the Vette' a couple of inches in the name of increased headroom, of course.

Perhaps! hahaha.
 

zmotorsports

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Thanks guys! it feels good to be able to get 4 cars in there now, and the Vette up out of the way of any accidental damage from the kids. The visibility out the back of this car *****, though. Backing it onto the lift was a challenge - this alone might be reason to upgrade the radio to a screen with a back up camera. I could drive it head on too, but A) it doesn't looks as cool and B) clearance with the garage door over the hood works better vs over the rear hatch if parked in the other orientation.

We'll see, I'll get my "system" dialed in.



Perhaps! hahaha.

I've said this same thing about our Fifth Gen Camaro, the visibility out the back *****. Personally, I'm not a fan of rear-view cameras for the most part, but I do like it on the Camaro where the visibility is so poor, and the coach, but the rear of that vehicle is 40+ feet behind me. :bounce:
 

Aladinsane07

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Aug 13, 2020
Messages
69
Location
MN
Hey thanks for making it through TEN years of my ramblings haha. It is crazy to think that I started this journey that long ago. I've definitely learned a lot in that time frame. Thanks for taking the time to read it all.

If you're building a garage from scratch, there are a few changes I'd make.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, especially on the door layout. That helped me decide on two tandem doors. I agree with all your points.

Super jealous you now have both a two and four post lift at your disposal. I'm deciding between the two and never thought to just get both :p
 
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Mr. Roboto

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New Hampshire
I've said this same thing about our Fifth Gen Camaro, the visibility out the back *****. Personally, I'm not a fan of rear-view cameras for the most part, but I do like it on the Camaro where the visibility is so poor, and the coach, but the rear of that vehicle is 40+ feet behind me. :bounce:

Hahahaha I think I'd want a full perimeter of cameras around the coach! I've heard that the 5th gen Camaros are rough with blind spots too. They just look so good, so who cares!

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, especially on the door layout. That helped me decide on two tandem doors. I agree with all your points.

Super jealous you now have both a two and four post lift at your disposal. I'm deciding between the two and never thought to just get both :p

The more the merrier when it comes to lifts :)

I worked up the courage to go up to the next set of of locks on the lift. My RAV4 actually does fit, but it's TIGHT. I could improve this if I relocate the garage door light, and dial in the final position of where the locks are. My wife has been doing fine so far parking under the lift every day though, and her Subaru fits much more comfortably, so we'll probably keep it this way. Nice to know that it's possible though.


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Mr. Roboto

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Been heavy on work and light on taking photos lately.

Had a 2.4 equinox come in with bad timing chain noise. Super common on the 2.4L ecotec. Unfortunately the chain guide let go and it jumped timing. Customer made the sad but correct choice to send this one to the junkyard.

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Had some fun pulling it around with the Jeep at least

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Front pads rotors and calipers on an older explorer

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Impreza in after this for new pads rotors and a wheel bearing.

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Then my dad's Camaro was up for some repairs. He dropped it off early to beat some rain before the weekend so I grabbed some more pics of the 2 cars.

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Got to work on it this weekend. Again, no pics other than this one. But we replaced the rear shackles, replaced a worn out "Z bar" which is the rotating linkage in between the clutch pedal and the shift fork. Adjusted some of the shift stops/linkages on the Hurst shifter. Also did an oil change and replaced what we thought was a leaking oil filter adapter. Come to find out, the block itself has a gouge in it where the oil filter gasket sits, so I think it's leaking there. Not really sure how to fix this... any suggestions?

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Also, the new 4 post lift already broke. The release rod snapped off a locking plate, due to some poor welds. Not much room to weld it back on in place, so I filed a warranty claim which they will hopefully honor and send new parts. Unfortunately, it will require some significant disassembly to replace.

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Purist

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MAsshole
Nice to see your car along with your dads...modern and classic muscle!!

Bummer to hear about your lift, but hopefully they do right by you and it's not a headache for you to replace. If you need a hand, we can try and pick a weekend that we're both available. Maybe squeeze in some mountain driving, too!
 
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Mr. Roboto

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I don't suppose you have a picture or two to share??

:beer:

No, I don't sadly. I should have grabbed one for sure!

Nice to see your car along with your dads...modern and classic muscle!!

Bummer to hear about your lift, but hopefully they do right by you and it's not a headache for you to replace. If you need a hand, we can try and pick a weekend that we're both available. Maybe squeeze in some mountain driving, too!

Thanks dude! Appreciate that!
 

zmotorsports

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Messages
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Been heavy on work and light on taking photos lately.

Then my dad's Camaro was up for some repairs. He dropped it off early to beat some rain before the weekend so I grabbed some more pics of the 2 cars.

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Got to work on it this weekend. Again, no pics other than this one. But we replaced the rear shackles, replaced a worn out "Z bar" which is the rotating linkage in between the clutch pedal and the shift fork. Adjusted some of the shift stops/linkages on the Hurst shifter. Also did an oil change and replaced what we thought was a leaking oil filter adapter. Come to find out, the block itself has a gouge in it where the oil filter gasket sits, so I think it's leaking there. Not really sure how to fix this... any suggestions?

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That ***** about the release failing on the new 4-post lift. Hopefully they will not give you any grief honoring the warranty.


As for the gouge in the block where the oil filter adapter seats, I have had a couple occasions now where I experienced a similar issue from a previous repair being made by a less than careful person who put a couple of deep gouges in the component's mating surfaces and the parts were unable to be removed to machine the surfaces.

I used some JB Weld SteelStik metal putty. It is a 2-part epoxy that is reinforced with metal and states it can be "drilled and machined" when fully cured. I don't know if I would trust drilling and tapping it, but for repairing gouges in steel and cast iron I have had good results. Kneading the two parts together and pressing into place after a very thorough cleaning, then allowing to cure overnight and sanding flat. The gasket could then sit on solid mating surface and sealed up nicely. I have also used this on a deep gouge in a rod for a hydraulic cylinder and it is still in operation.

Just a suggestion and something to consider. It's not ideal, but it has worked in the few situations I've used it.
 

Sifan

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Jul 10, 2018
Messages
580
Location
Southern Illinois
That ***** about the release failing on the new 4-post lift. Hopefully they will not give you any grief honoring the warranty.


As for the gouge in the block where the oil filter adapter seats, I have had a couple occasions now where I experienced a similar issue from a previous repair being made by a less than careful person who put a couple of deep gouges in the component's mating surfaces and the parts were unable to be removed to machine the surfaces.

I used some JB Weld SteelStik metal putty. It is a 2-part epoxy that is reinforced with metal and states it can be "drilled and machined" when fully cured. I don't know if I would trust drilling and tapping it, but for repairing gouges in steel and cast iron I have had good results. Kneading the two parts together and pressing into place after a very thorough cleaning, then allowing to cure overnight and sanding flat. The gasket could then sit on solid mating surface and sealed up nicely. I have also used this on a deep gouge in a rod for a hydraulic cylinder and it is still in operation.

Just a suggestion and something to consider. It's not ideal, but it has worked in the few situations I've used it.
The farmboy in me appreciates the farmboy in you, you've come a long way from baling wire and duct tape :D
 
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Mr. Roboto

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Messages
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Location
New Hampshire
That ***** about the release failing on the new 4-post lift. Hopefully they will not give you any grief honoring the warranty.


As for the gouge in the block where the oil filter adapter seats, I have had a couple occasions now where I experienced a similar issue from a previous repair being made by a less than careful person who put a couple of deep gouges in the component's mating surfaces and the parts were unable to be removed to machine the surfaces.

I used some JB Weld SteelStik metal putty. It is a 2-part epoxy that is reinforced with metal and states it can be "drilled and machined" when fully cured. I don't know if I would trust drilling and tapping it, but for repairing gouges in steel and cast iron I have had good results. Kneading the two parts together and pressing into place after a very thorough cleaning, then allowing to cure overnight and sanding flat. The gasket could then sit on solid mating surface and sealed up nicely. I have also used this on a deep gouge in a rod for a hydraulic cylinder and it is still in operation.

Just a suggestion and something to consider. It's not ideal, but it has worked in the few situations I've used it.

Thanks Mike, I had a similar thought. Glad to hear you've had success with this method in the past. I think I'll give this a shot the next time the car is due for an oil change.

Had a Lexus in for a quick oil change and front brake job too.

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Also finally fired up the irrigation for the year. It's been so rainy that there hasn't been a need yet. Thankfully, no repairs needed this year either.

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Also got my driveway re-seal coated. It had been 5+ years since I had it done last. This is one job I'm always happy to hire out. There's a guy 5 minutes up the road from me that does it for a great price.

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Also, I convinced my dad to go to a car show with the Camaro too. He doesn't really like the attention, but we had a great time. Lot of people stopped to look at and chat about the car! He felt good about it.


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There was also a nice LS swapped 1st gen there as well.

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Mr. Roboto

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After quite a while, the replacement lift crossmember came. Sadly, it showed up like this and sustained a bunch of damage in transit.

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I just decided to use it, because I knew I could build one good one out of the two. So, I got to work. It hurt to take it all back apart, but it is what it is.

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Reassembled, adjusted, and back to operational. I dialed in the locks, leveled everything, finalized the exact position, and decided to bolt it down to the floor.

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I also helped a friend of mine pick up a car he wanted to buy. 1989 Lincoln Town Car. Pretty sweet cruiser. Needs transmission work, but the car is otherwise in great shape.

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Finally caught a window where it didn't rain, so I also took the vette out last night for a little sunset cruise. Still really loving this car.

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zmotorsports

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***** about the replacement parts for your lift being damaged during shipment. Many people simply don't take pride in their work enough these days and the delivery business seems to be hit hard with careless associates. It's not just in the delivery industry though. :mad:

The Vette sure looks good and glad to see that you are enjoying it.
 
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Mr. Roboto

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Lots of ups and downs recently over here.

Spent Father's Day in a a nearby state park driving the jeep through the fire roads, and took the girls up to the fire tower there.

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Did an all day hike with some friends in the White Mountains and checked off another 2 NH 4000 footers.

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Also bought this cool rack to hang a good portion of my Milwaukee stuff.

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Then everything starting breaking. Air hose let go. Easy replacement there.

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Fridge was struggling to maintain temp. Coils needed a deep cleaning. Admittedly haven't been great about keeping up with that. My younger daughter helped me at every step of the way with this one.

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Then my irrigation had another bad zone valve. In the process of replacing it I realized the last elbow was leaking on the manifold due to the angle of the line coming out of it. Replaced it with brass and a few 2 and 3" ******* to get it lined up better.

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No pics but also:

Our kitchen faucet burst a line. It flooded under the cabinet pretty well before my wife realized what was happening.

Shattered a window sash while tilting it in to clean.

Central AC died on the hottest day of the summer. Had to replace the start cap.

Few other minor inconveniences as well not worth even mentioning but the timing of all of this over a 10 day period was just crazy. All minor as everyone is healthy... but still!
 

nicholam77

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Well the hikes and scenery look awesome. And the Milwaukee tool rack is cool. Hope you had a nice Father's Day, your kids are really growing up fast (mine are too!). Too bad about the broken stuff and annoyances but you are well equipped to handle them!

🍻
 
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Bob Heine

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@Mr. Roboto, those little failures in such a short time should make you smile. None involved a 'professional' to fix them and you saved enough money doing it yourself to pay for another used Jeep, even if you don't need one. At least take yourself and the family out for a fancy dinner to celebrate. I'm talkin' Kelly's Roast Beef or Papa Gino's.
 
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Mr. Roboto

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Well the hikes and scenery look awesome. And the Milwaukee tool rack is cool. Hope you had a nice Father's Day, your kids are really growing up fast (mine are too!). Too bad about the broken stuff and annoyances but you are well equipped to handle them!

🍻

@Mr. Roboto, those little failures in such a short time should make you smile. None involved a 'professional' to fix them and you saved enough money doing it yourself to pay for another used Jeep, even if you don't need one. At least take yourself and the family out for a fancy dinner to celebrate. I'm talkin' Kelly's Roast Beef or Papa Gino's.
Papa Gino's and Kelly's? Spoken like a true new englander Bob! You guys are right. Good perspective, I'm able to fix most things on my own and most people cannot say that.

Had some fun things to do last week. First up, I got the opportunity to ride in a Blackhawk with the NH national guard. It was so freakin cool.

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Also went to a concert - something my wife and I love to do together but seldom get to do anymore. We saw Shinedown at the Garden

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Did a brake job on my neighbors dodge magnum. Always thought these things were pretty cool. One of his calipers were seized so had to swap that out too.

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Also carved out some time for some work on the vette too. Morimoto LED headlights, fog lights and side makers. Sadly, I discovered I really can't get this car up on my 2 post lift. You need to use 4 very specific jack points on these cars, and no matter what I tried, I couldn't get the arms to simultaneously line up with all 4 spots. The rear lift arms are just too long. Had to work on jacks like the old days.

A lot of disassembly required sadly

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All in!

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Here's a quick video showing them too. They have the sequential blinkers, which I love.


I really love them. They really update the look of the car in my opinion.
 
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Mr. Roboto

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Been trying to enjoy the rest of summer because it will be gone before you know it!

Went for a nice cruise one night with my dad

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Had a little vette day one Friday at work too

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Spent a day up in the whites with my daughter doing some minor hikes

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Also checked off another two 4k footers on an 11 mile day with some friends on a different weekend.

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Haven't been driving the Jeep a ton because I noticed a front axle shaft seal starting to weep. Did get it out for a nice ride one day though.

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But I decided to dig into replacing the axle shaft seal. An annoying amount of disassembly is required.

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Once I got the cover off and the carrier out, I noticed something didn't look right. If you recall, I had a local shop re-gear the axles for me. I was just so busy at the time and honestly a little intimidated about doing it, so I had them do it. One of the only things I've hired out in the last 10+ years.

Well, they forgot to install the thrust washer behind one of the font spider gears. As a result, the gear has been walking on the shaft and they've been wearing funny. not great.

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After a few questions to the one and only @zmotorsports I decided to just replace all the gears in the carrier. Thanks again for the help, Mike.

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Easy swap, and reinstalled inside the differential. Oh... and I replaced both axle shaft seals as well.

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Very annoying, especially considering I paid a "reputable" shop to do it, but it is what it is. I did call them to see what they'd say. It's been 2 years since they did they work. I sent them pics and a video and he basically just said "oops, sorry, bring me the carrier back if you'd like and I'll add a thrust washer. There should be no other issues with any gears."

Don't think I'll be back there ever.
 
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Mr. Roboto

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Been a minute! Coming up for some air while we're in a bit of a lull at work.

Got the chance to finally meet up with a fellow GJ member after chatting for years. The one and only @Purist ! We hit up a cars and coffee and went for a nice cruise after. It was great to finally meet in person and check out his killer M3.

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Been out on the bikes a lot too. Some downhill at Loon Mtn.

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And plenty of rail trails

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Also some hikes with the fam out and about in the XJ.

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Also finally built a new PC. With winter approaching and the recent release of Battlefield 6, it was time. I have too many (expensive) hobbies haha.

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Mr. Roboto

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Was great finally meeting up. A day of cars, bbq and driving. You really can't beat that!

Awesome to catch up on your thread and see what you've been up to. That PC looks sick!! Might have to reach out to you in a few years when my oldest inevitably asks for a gaming setup.

Heck yeah let me know!

So almost 2 months ago, I finally got around to putting a new steering box into the XJ. The original box had a fair bit of play in it. I bought a brand new Edelman box, and got a Edelman new pump too. The old one was leaking a bit, and figured I'd swap at as part of my "while I'm in there" syndrome.

New box went in fine.



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New pump too

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I've probably done 20 power steering pumps in my lifetime, but could not get this one to work. Whenever I'd start turning in either direction, it would be tough and then gradually ease up. Zero whine or anything indicating air in the system. Frustrated, I just caved and bought the PSC pump to replace it again. Got to that this past weekend.


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Looks identical to the Edelman in every way, except for this sticker on the back and PSC stamp. Followed the bleeding procedure to a T. Got all the air out. Several rounds of these micro bubbles later, success.

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Quick test drive to the gas station and it feels good. Turbs easy and the new box is tight.

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I knew the box wouldn't fix this, but I STILL have this front end noise in the jeep when the front shaft is in that I've been complaining about for ages. The only other thing I can really think is it's the front pinion angle but I give up. I'm rolling the dice and bringing it to another jeep shop to have them align it. If it's still making noise after that, I'm going to just have them figure it out. Sad to admit but I'm done chasing it.

Took the vette out for one last drive and ran it through the wash.

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Brought it home and covered it up for the season. Sad day!

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zmotorsports

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I'm not sure if you saw the power steering work on my Jeep a few months back, but I ran into a similar issue after a line replacement, power assist was nearly gone, but no whine. I thought maybe an issue with the pressure relief valve assembly and after disassembly I detected some debris inside causing the valve to stick in the bore in bypass position. There was more to it, but that was the gist of it.
 
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Mr. Roboto

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I'm not sure if you saw the power steering work on my Jeep a few months back, but I ran into a similar issue after a line replacement, power assist was nearly gone, but no whine. I thought maybe an issue with the pressure relief valve assembly and after disassembly I detected some debris inside causing the valve to stick in the bore in bypass position. There was more to it, but that was the gist of it.

I've been so busy, I haven't had time to keep up with other peoples threads. Yours included :( but thanks for the info! It did feel like a low flow/pressure issue, so you may be on to something here. I still have the old "new" pump, I'll investigate when I get some time.

Also, jeep update. Another frustrating experience with a shop. Paid them 2 hours of labor for them to tell me/confirm everything I said when I dropped it off. I'm just frustrated. Jeep is back home and nothing got done to it. I'm ready to trailer it across the country to you @zmotorsports

Made some Black Friday purchases this year. New Apex wheels for the Vette. Really excited to get some new rubber and get them on the car in the spring

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Also, after years of deliberation, I finally decided to take the plunge and do something about my floor. After weighing out all my options, I decided to go with Race Deck. I've always been worried because my garage is very much a working space vs a showroom, so hopefully this was the right call. I went with their "tough shield" flooring, as it's the most resistant to chemicals and petroleum based products. Sneak peek. Flooring cutter with the flooring in the back. Hoping to start this next week.

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This was the push I needed to address this ugly corner. While functional, I hate the look and flow of this

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Also, because my walls are so much shallower than the foundation, anything that sits on the floor has a good 4-5" of wasted space behind it because I can't put it flush against the wall. So I decided to elevate the cabinets A) to get them pushed back as far as possible and B) to make some space under them and be able to run the flooring right to the wall.

Things had to get worse before better

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New platform built. I slipped some sections of sample tiles under the legs. When it comes time
To run the new floor, I'll jack the platform up a hair, slip those out, and run the new flooring under.

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Built a section off to the right for my storage drawers too. My youngest came out to help paint

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Found some bins just the right size for underneath too. Have all my "dirty" stuff in there now like funnels, drain hoses, small extractors, bleeders etc

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Shifted my organizer (the stack off yellow/black pull out drawers) right up to the window, mounted the air hose reel to the wall, and got some slatwall for the space too. Still need to fill that out, but I'm loving this. Drill press and bandsaw are also now much easier to access, and are pushed out from my working area near the 2 post lift.

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