ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[Mr.zippy]

Merry Christmas Mike and fantastic family……..next Christmas will be extra special I’m thinking!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Hey Mike,

First off, I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!

What is your experience with G2 gears? I was hoping to buy Yukon for my XJ, but can’t find them in 4.10 for my axles. I’m looking at grabbing this set, as well as a full set of seals/bearings for my dana 30 Chrysler 8.25 to do a full rehear from 3.55 to 4.10. Based on your previous feedback, as well as my research. I think 4.10s will put me back close to the stock ratios with my 31s. I don’t really have any plans to go larger on the tires for this Jeep (famous last words I know). But I take the Jeep hiking and mountain biking a lot, which results it a lot of highway driving. I know my RPMs will now be higher on the highway, but currently, any little hill or acceleration causes it to downshift/hunt in between 3rd and 4th.

Appreciate your feedback!

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/g2-dana-30-chrysler-8-25-xj-4-10-ring-and-pinion-minor-installation-kit-4-xj6-410m/_/R-FCNB-4-XJ6-410M

 

[MP&C]

Mike, hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas! Well done on the pen, I’m certain it will be treasured for years to come.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, you sharing your life and skillset here has brought real value to my life this year. Thank you for all that you share, and for the thoroughness in which you share it. I hope the new year brings you and your family much happiness and prosperity - Merry Christmas!

P.S. Shop is looking very tidy and squared away, as I've come to expect!

That shop is too clean to have actual work done in it!

Never hurts to clean up the shop after a project!

Merry Christmas!

Mike, like others your teaching and sharing is what makes this site enjoyable to me. May you and your family also have a most wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ!

Merry Christmas Mike! I love following your thread and watching the exact details you do in everything. You have definitely positively influenced the way I do my work. Thank you!

Merry Christmas to you and your family! Thanks for bringing us along on your projects.

Merry Christmas Mike and fantastic family……..next Christmas will be extra special I’m thinking!

Mike, hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas! Well done on the pen, I’m certain it will be treasured for years to come.

Thank you all for the kind words and holiday wishes. It was a great Christmas as the wife and I got to spend some quality time with our son and DIL for much of it.

Next year will be different for sure but we cherished this year greatly.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas as well.

As for the shop being clean, I was able to do an updated shop and toolbox tour over the holiday while it was clean so I will post a link to my thread.

Next few jobs coming in will be mechanical repairs.

 

[zmotorsports]

Hey Mike,

First off, I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!

What is your experience with G2 gears? I was hoping to buy Yukon for my XJ, but can’t find them in 4.10 for my axles. I’m looking at grabbing this set, as well as a full set of seals/bearings for my dana 30 Chrysler 8.25 to do a full rehear from 3.55 to 4.10. Based on your previous feedback, as well as my research. I think 4.10s will put me back close to the stock ratios with my 31s. I don’t really have any plans to go larger on the tires for this Jeep (famous last words I know). But I take the Jeep hiking and mountain biking a lot, which results it a lot of highway driving. I know my RPMs will now be higher on the highway, but currently, any little hill or acceleration causes it to downshift/hunt in between 3rd and 4th.

Appreciate your feedback!

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/g2-dana-30-chrysler-8-25-xj-4-10-ring-and-pinion-minor-installation-kit-4-xj6-410m/_/R-FCNB-4-XJ6-410M

Thanks Mr. Roboto and hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas as well.

I personally have not used G2 gears so I cannot comment on them directly. I have had pretty good luck with Yukon although I had a failure with a rear ring & pinion gearset earlier this year in my personal Jeep that I fear may have been due to a manufacturing defect. However, it was the only issue I have had with Yukon in the past 10 or so years of using them. I have also been using Revolution axles and gears and really like them. I've only been using them a few years but no issues thus far and they have a great warranty. Thankfully I have not had to use it though.

As for Yukon gears, I did a quick search for Yukon gears in the 4.11:1 ration and found a set for the rear Chrysler 8.25 in your XJ at Summit Racing.

Yukon Gear & Axle YG C8.25-411 Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Sets | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Sets with qualifying orders of $125. Shop Ring and Pinion Gears at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

I am not certain if your XJ has a high pinion or low pinion, pretty sure it's a high pinion/reverse rotation, but here are the two sets available for the front Dana 30.

Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Gears - Dana 30 Differential Case Design Type - 4.11:1 Ring and Pinion Ratio - Free Shipping on Orders Over $125 at Summit Racing

Find Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Gears Dana 30 Differential Case Design Type, 4.11:1 Ring and Pinion Ratio and get Free Shipping on Orders Over $125 at Summit Racing!

www.summitracing.com

Also, here is a Revolution Gear set complete with install kit and bearings. Although it states out of stock it shows the kit part # so maybe you can find someone who has one remaining in stock.

Jeep Cherokee XJ 1991-99 8.25 Inch Rear 4.10-5.13 Ratio Timken Bearing Gear Package Revolution Gear

www.revolutiongear.com

Hope those are helpful.

 

[zmotorsports]

I took a few days last week to machine two more pens as gifts for my son and DIL. Having more detailed dimensions I ended up taking a bit more time on these, especially seeing as how I chose to use C110 Copper for these matching pens and they required a bit more patience than the 6061 Aluminum. I think they turned out rather nice and hope my son and DIL like and appreciate them seeing as how my son is quite the pen connoisseur. I hope they live up to his expectations.


















Thanks for looking.

 

[zmotorsports]

So while the shop was clean for the Christmas Holiday, I thought I would record an updated Shop and Toolbox Tour. I have been working in the new shop for 5-1/2 years now and it's been 5 years since I did the first shop tour, although there have only been a few minor changes to the shop's tools and equipment.

It's hard to believe that we moved into our new home exactly 6 years ago today and commenced on building the new shop about a month later at the end of January 2017. I am glad that we did a lot of preliminary planning to know exactly where we wanted each piece of equipment and how we wanted the layout because I feel it is perfect for workflow, especially for the types of work we perform in our shop.

Here is an updated Shop and Toolbox Tour posted to my YouTube channel a couple of days ago.

Thank you.

 

[Ohmthis]

I took a few days last week to machine two more pens as gifts for my son and DIL. Having more detailed dimensions I ended up taking a bit more time on these, especially seeing as how I chose to use C110 Copper for these matching pens and they required a bit more patience than the 6061 Aluminum. I think they turned out rather nice and hope my son and DIL like and appreciate them seeing as how my son is quite the pen connoisseur. I hope they live up to his expectations.
















Thanks for looking.

Wow Mike! Those pens are beautiful! I love the look of copper, it’s such a soft, pleasing color metal.

 

[Maxcustody]

I was surprised to see your white board blank on the video.......................seems you always have something going on

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Thanks Mr. Roboto and hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas as well.

I personally have not used G2 gears so I cannot comment on them directly. I have had pretty good luck with Yukon although I had a failure with a rear ring & pinion gearset earlier this year in my personal Jeep that I fear may have been due to a manufacturing defect. However, it was the only issue I have had with Yukon in the past 10 or so years of using them. I have also been using Revolution axles and gears and really like them. I've only been using them a few years but no issues thus far and they have a great warranty. Thankfully I have not had to use it though.

As for Yukon gears, I did a quick search for Yukon gears in the 4.11:1 ration and found a set for the rear Chrysler 8.25 in your XJ at Summit Racing.

Yukon Gear & Axle YG C8.25-411 Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Sets | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Sets with qualifying orders of $125. Shop Ring and Pinion Gears at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

I am not certain if your XJ has a high pinion or low pinion, pretty sure it's a high pinion/reverse rotation, but here are the two sets available for the front Dana 30.

Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Gears - Dana 30 Differential Case Design Type - 4.11:1 Ring and Pinion Ratio - Free Shipping on Orders Over $125 at Summit Racing

Find Yukon Gear & Axle Ring and Pinion Gears Dana 30 Differential Case Design Type, 4.11:1 Ring and Pinion Ratio and get Free Shipping on Orders Over $125 at Summit Racing!

www.summitracing.com

Also, here is a Revolution Gear set complete with install kit and bearings. Although it states out of stock it shows the kit part # so maybe you can find someone who has one remaining in stock.

Jeep Cherokee XJ 1991-99 8.25 Inch Rear 4.10-5.13 Ratio Timken Bearing Gear Package Revolution Gear

www.revolutiongear.com

Hope those are helpful.

Thanks so much for the advice! I’ll definitely explore all of those options.

 

[4 FN 27]

Here is an updated Shop and Toolbox Tour posted to my YouTube channel a couple of days ago.

Great Tour Mike. Your passion for the craft shows.

Question: Do McMaster, MSC, Snap-on, Mac, Rockauto or Fastenal ever contact you looking for you to back fill their inventory?

Suggestion: Need an intermission at the halfway point. I had to press pause to get another cup of Coffee.

 

[zmotorsports]

Wow Mike! Those pens are beautiful! I love the look of copper, it’s such a soft, pleasing color metal.

Thanks. I like the copper as well especially as it gets some age on it and the patina starts to show.

I was surprised to see your white board blank on the video.......................seems you always have something going on

You noticed that did ya? Yeah, I haven't updated it for a while and probably should as I've been keeping most of the notes on my phone of upcoming projects vs. the whiteboard. However, I should probably go back to the whiteboard so they're staring at me each day when I walk into the shop. Maybe that will help me get my *** in gear.

Thanks so much for the advice! I’ll definitely explore all of those options.

Happy to help. Hope the information was helpful.

Great Tour Mike. Your passion for the craft shows.

Question: Do McMaster, MSC, Snap-on, Mac, Rockauto or Fastenal ever contact you looking for you to back fill their inventory?

Suggestion: Need an intermission at the halfway point. I had to press pause to get another cup of Coffee.

Thanks Pat. Passion? Yes, I think I have heard that a few times lately pertaining to my behaviors and my career between my son, wife and a few co-workers.

I was having a discussion with a few of our newer mechanics at work last week before Christmas. I was somewhat reminiscing about how things have evolved in our department over the past several decades and how much better our work environment has become because some were complaining and not realizing that we are the maintenance department, we are support for operations and we do **** that most others never know about to keep the operation moving smoothly. I also wanted to reiterate the point that we are not merely working on warehouse equipment, that we are providing a valuable service to our families and our communities by providing food to the very communities in which we live and that they should be proud of that.

I then asked that while they were off for the Christmas holiday that if they would do me a favor and truly reflect on themselves and their futures. Ask themselves what it is they want out of life, what it is they want for their families and where do they want to be in 10, 20 or even 30 years because they really need to have goals and a vision of their own future if they are to stay on course. Otherwise they will find themselves drifting off course if they don't have a destination in mind. Then whenever they are faced with a decision if they would ask themselves if that decision is in direct alignment with their long term goals or not? One said "you don't understand what it's like being newly married and starting a family and having to buy tools as well as pay a mortgage." To say I was taken back was an understatement. I tried explaining that it may be hard to believe but I was in their very shoes about 34 years ago and that they only see me for where I am NOW in life, not where I started with minimal skillset and at the lower end of the earning ladder and that both can be climbed if they want it bad enough. I could have just walked away in disgust and shook my head saying to myself "kids these days". However, I thought maybe if I gave them a little glimpse into who I was 30+ years ago it may have some meaning to them.

Rather than walk away, the discussion turned to me asking them what exactly they thought being a mechanic was to each of them and if it is merely something they come to work and do or is it something that naws at them throughout the day and even into the night to constantly be improving one's skillset. Overall I feel like it was a good conversation and beneficial but time will tell. As I was leaving the shop one of them turned to my foreman and simply said "wow, he's passionate about what he does isn't he?" My foreman simply told him "you have no idea".

So yes Pat, I greatly appreciate your comment about passion, but I'm certain you know better than I where that passion can take a person.

Also, sorry about the lengthy shop tour. I didn't think about an intermission but I do realize it went a bit longer than most of the 20-30 minute toolbox tours on YouTube.

 

[zmotorsports]

Last night my son came by and we commenced the work on his LB7 Duramax. His oil cooler has been weeping coolant for a few months but recently started dripping more consistently. He ordered an upgraded cooler from Banks where the use of the L5P cooler is used and the kit finally arrived late last week so we thought we'd better get it replaced before it starts leaving big puddles of coolant everywhere.

Truck racked and coolant being drained while my son pulled the left front tire/wheel and inner fender.


After the hot pipe was removed and the bolt removed from the oil cooler as well as the coolant pipe from the backside of the water pump we could negotiate the assembly out of the tight space. This also was aided by removing the mounting bolts from the front axle assembly and therefore allowing us to drop it slightly giving us about another 1-1/2" of space.


Coolant 90-degree elbow removed.


Found the source of the coolant leak. This gasket had failed thus allowing coolant to drip down onto the lower bolt where the drip seemed to be coming from. Upon inspection we could see that the gasket has failed at the connection between the elbow and the bell housing area.


Old cooler removed and the cleaning process can begin to install the new upsized cooler from the 2020+ L5P Duramax.


Banks kit # 13252. This includes an OEM 2020+ L5P oil cooler with the 19-plate cooler, a Baldwin oil filter and all related gaskets, seals and fasteners.



Thanks for looking.

 

[4 FN 27]

Thanks. I like the copper as well especially as it gets some age on it and the patina starts to show.




You noticed that did ya? Yeah, I haven't updated it for a while and probably should as I've been keeping most of the notes on my phone of upcoming projects vs. the whiteboard. However, I should probably go back to the whiteboard so they're staring at me each day when I walk into the shop. Maybe that will help me get my *** in gear.




Happy to help. Hope the information was helpful.




Thanks Pat. Passion? Yes, I think I have heard that a few times lately pertaining to my behaviors and my career between my son, wife and a few co-workers.

I was having a discussion with a few of our newer mechanics at work last week before Christmas. I was somewhat reminiscing about how things have evolved in our department over the past several decades and how much better our work environment has become because some were complaining and not realizing that we are the maintenance department, we are support for operations and we do **** that most others never know about to keep the operation moving smoothly. I also wanted to reiterate the point that we are not merely working on warehouse equipment, that we are providing a valuable service to our families and our communities by providing food to the very communities in which we live and that they should be proud of that.

I then asked that while they were off for the Christmas holiday that if they would do me a favor and truly reflect on themselves and their futures. Ask themselves what it is they want out of life, what it is they want for their families and where do they want to be in 10, 20 or even 30 years because they really need to have goals and a vision of their own future if they are to stay on course. Otherwise they will find themselves drifting off course if they don't have a destination in mind. Then whenever they are faced with a decision if they would ask themselves if that decision is in direct alignment with their long term goals or not? One said "you don't understand what it's like being newly married and starting a family and having to buy tools as well as pay a mortgage." To say I was taken back was an understatement. I tried explaining that it may be hard to believe but I was in their very shoes about 34 years ago and that they only see me for where I am NOW in life, not where I started with minimal skillset and at the lower end of the earning ladder and that both can be climbed if they want it bad enough. I could have just walked away in disgust and shook my head saying to myself "kids these days". However, I thought maybe if I gave them a little glimpse into who I was 30+ years ago it may have some meaning to them.

Rather than walk away, the discussion turned to me asking them what exactly they thought being a mechanic was to each of them and if it is merely something they come to work and do or is it something that naws at them throughout the day and even into the night to constantly be improving one's skillset. Overall I feel like it was a good conversation and beneficial but time will tell. As I was leaving the shop one of them turned to my foreman and simply said "wow, he's passionate about what he does isn't he?" My foreman simply told him "you have no idea".

So yes Pat, I greatly appreciate your comment about passion, but I'm certain you know better than I where that passion can take a person.

Also, sorry about the lengthy shop tour. I didn't think about an intermission but I do realize it went a bit longer than most of the 20-30 minute toolbox tours on YouTube.

We need more "Mikes" in leadership roles...knowing one's destination allows us to find the path there. It isn't always easy. Sometimes it is down right hard. Only we as individuals know our internal struggles with "things" that pop up in life that make us question the destination or question right from wrong getting there.

I have a Coin on my Desk that reads: "The Obstacle the Way". I live it.

Times have changed. Everyone has a label or has been labeled. Then they live up to that label. I believe you get to be a victim for the first 5 minutes. After that you are a volunteer. In High School I/we were told over and over again we would never be able to afford a house in the future...well F'ya'all...you took my Beer and ya'all watched this.

Maintenance is a thankless business. All is good when all is good...but when the chit hits the fans it can never be done fast enough or cheap enough. I lived it for 20 years in the plant...what made it really hard is all those who can never ever let a good crisis go to waste. Multi million dollar FMS line is down and you are busting *** to get it online again and somebody from the office is complaining because a toilet seat is loose...it's 2 F'ing thumb nuts reach down and tighten them then wash your hands!!!! (True story).

Maintenance/Mechanics are what makes the world go round. They run silently in the background (for the most part) buried in the Basement or some obscure corner.

 

[zmotorsports]

We need more "Mikes" in leadership roles...knowing one's destination allows us to find the path there. It isn't always easy. Sometimes it is down right hard. Only we as individuals know our internal struggles with "things" that pop up in life that make us question the destination or question right from wrong getting there.

I have a Coin on my Desk that reads: "The Obstacle the Way". I live it.

Times have changed. Everyone has a label or has been labeled. Then they live up to that label. I believe you get to be a victim for the first 5 minutes. After that you are a volunteer. In High School I/we were told over and over again we would never be able to afford a house in the future...well F'ya'all...you took my Beer and ya'all watched this.

Maintenance is a thankless business. All is good when all is good...but when the chit hits the fans it can never be done fast enough or cheap enough. I lived it for 20 years in the plant...what made it really hard is all those who can never ever let a good crisis go to waste. Multi million dollar FMS line is down and you are busting *** to get it online again and somebody from the office is complaining because a toilet seat is loose...it's 2 F'ing thumb nuts reach down and tighten them then wash your hands!!!! (True story).

Maintenance/Mechanics are what makes the world go round. They run silently in the background (for the most part) buried in the Basement or some obscure corner.

WOW Pat! It's like "you know" my life.

Joking aside, I don't know if I'm much of a leader and don't necessarily claim to be, but I do claim to be passionate about wrenching and building wealth/planning for retirement, those two things I am quite passionate about. On the flip side, if I'm being honest, I don't think I'm made out for this current work force and seem to be looking forward to being done with it rather than bending to it.

 

[MadeByMiller]

Thanks Pat. Passion? Yes, I think I have heard that a few times lately pertaining to my behaviors and my career between my son, wife and a few co-workers.

I was having a discussion with a few of our newer mechanics at work last week before Christmas. I was somewhat reminiscing about how things have evolved in our department over the past several decades and how much better our work environment has become because some were complaining and not realizing that we are the maintenance department, we are support for operations and we do **** that most others never know about to keep the operation moving smoothly. I also wanted to reiterate the point that we are not merely working on warehouse equipment, that we are providing a valuable service to our families and our communities by providing food to the very communities in which we live and that they should be proud of that.

I then asked that while they were off for the Christmas holiday that if they would do me a favor and truly reflect on themselves and their futures. Ask themselves what it is they want out of life, what it is they want for their families and where do they want to be in 10, 20 or even 30 years because they really need to have goals and a vision of their own future if they are to stay on course. Otherwise they will find themselves drifting off course if they don't have a destination in mind. Then whenever they are faced with a decision if they would ask themselves if that decision is in direct alignment with their long term goals or not? One said "you don't understand what it's like being newly married and starting a family and having to buy tools as well as pay a mortgage." To say I was taken back was an understatement. I tried explaining that it may be hard to believe but I was in their very shoes about 34 years ago and that they only see me for where I am NOW in life, not where I started with minimal skillset and at the lower end of the earning ladder and that both can be climbed if they want it bad enough. I could have just walked away in disgust and shook my head saying to myself "kids these days". However, I thought maybe if I gave them a little glimpse into who I was 30+ years ago it may have some meaning to them.

Rather than walk away, the discussion turned to me asking them what exactly they thought being a mechanic was to each of them and if it is merely something they come to work and do or is it something that naws at them throughout the day and even into the night to constantly be improving one's skillset. Overall I feel like it was a good conversation and beneficial but time will tell. As I was leaving the shop one of them turned to my foreman and simply said "wow, he's passionate about what he does isn't he?" My foreman simply told him "you have no idea".

So yes Pat, I greatly appreciate your comment about passion, but I'm certain you know better than I where that passion can take a person.

Mike, I mean this sincerely and without a hint of hyperbole: you are a hero. Never in my life have I personally known a man that would have that conversation with another. The wisdom you shared with your crew and especially the individual that spoke up is rare and necessary, and may have been the catalyst that steers them onto a better course. Quite frankly the world is starving for that strength and passion, that sort of selfish insecurity and wandering projected by your crew member seems to be the prevailing attitude.

I don't know what it is inside of us that drives that passion, I'm certainly afflicted by it in a big way as well and I've felt it's presence all of my life. Whatever it is, I'm extremely grateful for it and I credit that passionate drive for every positive aspect of my life. Observing others who don't seem to be passionate about anything is baffling to me and I seem unable to relate to them, causing me to feel quite lonely at times. Discovering like minded individuals like you and several others I've met through the internet has been a blessing.

Thank you for sharing. You are a leader, and a great one at that, even if you don't realize it.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thank you for the kind words Austin, but I am definitely not worthy of the word "hero". While I have had figures in my life that I feel live up to that and then some, I am not that at all. However, I appreciate the sentiment and I can very much relate to your comment about not understanding those people who have no passion in their life. While I am fortunate to be able to live out my passion in my home workshop I am very much baffled by those who have no drive or ambition to propel them through this journey.

I remember listening to an episode of Mike Rowe's podcast where he talked about passion and finding that passion to motivate you. He used the example of the pig farmer. He said "do you think this guy woke up one day and decided to be a pig farmer? Or did he see an opportunity AS a pig farmer to propel him towards being passionate about life and the ability to build a better one?" That comment resonated with me on multiple levels. It spoke to me that I am more blessed because I can use my skillset that I am passionate about to also create a life for my wife and I that we are also passionate about. All I hope to do is demonstrate that in which Mike Rowe spoke of and to and use whatever skills or talents one has to create a life that he/she can be passionate about.

The part I struggle with is how people don't know what they want out of life. For both my wife and I it was easy and when we found each other we just clicked, in addition to being passionate about moving forward in life, we were just as passionate about one another. For my wife and I we both looked at High School as a speed bump and couldn't wait to get out of High School so we could get on with life and start to create our own path. As we watched our son grow up we saw that similar mindset with him that school was something to get through as quickly as possible and move on to creating a life. When I hear someone say they don't know what they want out of life I simply do not comprehend that in the least. It's like heading out on a road trip but not knowing where you live or where you want to visit. How can you know where you are if you don't know where you want to go.

 

[Swanny1953]

Mike, bravo on the passion part. My SIL teaches middle school and has asked me several times to share my keys to success with his AVID class (Advancement Via Individual Determination). While there are a bunch of things I generally touch on, the top two are . .
1. I ask them if they know what integrity is. After we get past that basic definition, I impress on them it is the only thing in life they "truly" own, that it takes a lifetime to build up and can be thrown away in a careless second. I implore them to guard their integrity with all they do.
2. As teenagers, I tell them their primary job throughout their remaining school career is to find something they can be passionate about. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what that is for each individual, but I try to impress on them that doing work without passion is not a fun way to go through life!! Sometimes it's fits and starts before you get there (for me, 5 different majors in college, still not graduating with the credentials to do what I ended up doing in life), but finding that passion, for me, propelled me to a blessed career!

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. It seems lots of folks here are cut from the same cloth, which makes sharing ideas/projects/dreams/views so much easier here.
Happy New Year!!

 

[PugetDude]

Mike, bravo on the passion part. My SIL teaches middle school and has asked me several times to share my keys to success with his AVID class (Advancement Via Individual Determination). While there are a bunch of things I generally touch on, the top two are . .
1. I ask them if they know what integrity is. After we get past that basic definition, I impress on them it is the only thing in life they "truly" own, that it takes a lifetime to build up and can be thrown away in a careless second. I implore them to guard their integrity with all they do.
2. As teenagers, I tell them their primary job throughout their remaining school career is to find something they can be passionate about. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what that is for each individual, but I try to impress on them that doing work without passion is not a fun way to go through life!! Sometimes it's fits and starts before you get there (for me, 5 different majors in college, still not graduating with the credentials to do what I ended up doing in life), but finding that passion, for me, propelled me to a blessed career!

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. It seems lots of folks here are cut from the same cloth, which makes sharing ideas/projects/dreams/views so much easier here.
Happy New Year!!

Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

 

[4 FN 27]

Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

It is almost like stealing your paycheck...as good friend of mine once said.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, bravo on the passion part. My SIL teaches middle school and has asked me several times to share my keys to success with his AVID class (Advancement Via Individual Determination). While there are a bunch of things I generally touch on, the top two are . .
1. I ask them if they know what integrity is. After we get past that basic definition, I impress on them it is the only thing in life they "truly" own, that it takes a lifetime to build up and can be thrown away in a careless second. I implore them to guard their integrity with all they do.
2. As teenagers, I tell them their primary job throughout their remaining school career is to find something they can be passionate about. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what that is for each individual, but I try to impress on them that doing work without passion is not a fun way to go through life!! Sometimes it's fits and starts before you get there (for me, 5 different majors in college, still not graduating with the credentials to do what I ended up doing in life), but finding that passion, for me, propelled me to a blessed career!

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. It seems lots of folks here are cut from the same cloth, which makes sharing ideas/projects/dreams/views so much easier here.
Happy New Year!!

Thank you for those comments Gary. I appreciate it and yes, it seems many of us are cut from the same cloth which is what I like so much about participating in this forum.

Happy New Year to you as well.

 

[zmotorsports]

Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

It is almost like stealing your paycheck...as good friend of mine once said.

I used to love what I did as my day job, however, since being in management it is much less fun and rewarding, which is why I can't wait to get home each day and walk into the shop to work.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

I took a few days last week to machine two more pens as gifts for my son and DIL. Having more detailed dimensions I ended up taking a bit more time on these, especially seeing as how I chose to use C110 Copper for these matching pens and they required a bit more patience than the 6061 Aluminum. I think they turned out rather nice and hope my son and DIL like and appreciate them seeing as how my son is quite the pen connoisseur. I hope they live up to his expectations.


















Thanks for looking.

WoW! Time for me to finish up a few trucks, sell them then buy a lathe and a mill along with a remote fly to hide up on your wall to learn some of this stuff! I couldn't dream this stuff up much less do some of this type work.

When I was a senior in high school a new school was built and they had a metals class, weld shop and a auto shop but being a new school not quite stocked yet. I have no clue how what why when but during welding class the shop teacher would send me to metals class to make him parts for his gun reloading stuff on the lathe. I had never touched a lathe prior and no clue how I was able do make the parts. I had zero experience. I should have kept at it as seemed to have caught on. So it's only been 48 yrs now that I wanted my own lathe!
Just something to tinker on. Seeing you make this stuff gets me fired up again for another lifelong dream.

 

[zmotorsports]

Last night my son and I were able to get a bit more accomplished on his LB7 oil cooler project.

Before cleaning the mounting points for the new oil cooler. Pretty good condition and the main oil spigot just needed a good wipe down with brake wash whereas the coolant port at the upper left did require a bit of scraping with a carbide scraper and a pass with Scotchbrite to clean up the mounting surfaces from the old gasket material.


One of the areas that need to be addressed with the much larger 19-plate L5P oil cooler is the driver's side exhaust manifold needs to be clearanced. The heat shield needs to be trimmed at the lower rear bolt area. We started by cutting the heat shield and removing the bolt.


Next was to use a die grinder and cutoff wheel to remove the cast boss for that particular heat shield bolt.


Boss removed and we still need a little bit of dressing and clean up with a Roloc disc to blend and deburr.


The original LB7 cooler on the left and new L5P cooler on the right. The size difference is very evident.


Comparison with the coolant elbows in the picture for reference.


We have had rain for the past couple of days here along the Wasatch Front and yesterday afternoon the rain had quit. When I was driving home from work we even had some sucker holes with sunlight and blue sky poking through. As my son and I were working in the shop we didn't realize that it had turned into a blizzard outside. My wife got home and came out to the shop and was stamping her feet off from the snow. When we looked outside I was surprised to see about 3/4" of snow had fallen while we were in the shop working. I asked my wife how the roads were driving home and she said they were dry and the snow seemed to start as she was turning off the highway and heading to our neighborhood.

My son was awesome and helped me clear the snow before he headed home. He took the back yard and I cleared the front and side.





He text me after getting home to let me know he made it home safely as the melting snow had quickly turned to ice and he said he didn't have anything at home other than a light skiff so it was a very isolated snowstorm to what appeared to be just our neighborhood.

Thanks for looking.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Mike, does the new cooler take a smaller diameter filter as well?

 

[zmotorsports]

WoW! Time for me to finish up a few trucks, sell them then buy a lathe and a mill along with a remote fly to hide up on your wall to learn some of this stuff! I couldn't dream this stuff up much less do some of this type work.

When I was a senior in high school a new school was built and they had a metals class, weld shop and a auto shop but being a new school not quite stocked yet. I have no clue how what why when but during welding class the shop teacher would send me to metals class to make him parts for his gun reloading stuff on the lathe. I had never touched a lathe prior and no clue how I was able do make the parts. I had zero experience. I should have kept at it as seemed to have caught on. So it's only been 48 yrs now that I wanted my own lathe!
Just something to tinker on. Seeing you make this stuff gets me fired up again for another lifelong dream.

Thanks Randy. I wish I could take credit for coming up with the idea but I can't, I saw it on a YouTube video and just copied the idea for the pens. The hardest part was coming up with all of the dimensions by measuring the ink cartridge and determining how much throw it would need for the bolt action and where each bore diameter needed to start and stop.

As for machining, I wish I was much better at it than I am. I have had no formal schooling and just picked it up by doing and learning from mistakes more than anything. Back when I was racing and just wanting to start my speed shop I was taking parts to a local guy to machine them for me plus playing with the old Jet lathe that we had at work to some degree when time would allow. However, after completing a rather large Harley Davidson build for a client I opted to reinvest that money back into the newly formed business to buy a small lathe/mill so I could use it to learn and provide another service to my clients by having the ability to machine one-off parts to make their projects more unique and keep more of the services in house. I learned a lot of things on that small 3-in-1 machine and not all of them were good. Successes are nice but not always the best teachers.

I have said for years that I am a pretty good mechanic, I'm pretty good at welding and I'm fair at machining. I want to be much better at all the above though so I continue to practice.

Thanks for following along Randy.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, does the new cooler take a smaller diameter filter as well?

Good eye Marc. Yes, the new 2020+ L5P Duramax takes a smaller diameter oil filter than the preceding years and model engines.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thought we'd get the LB7 Duramax completed last night but didn't quite make it. I guess too much BS'ing with my son. Although I must admit, I enjoy the time in the shop with my son. Talking, joking and laughing about various things but all focused around the shop and working as I love spending time with him.

Started by wiping off the bosses where the oil cooler will mount in preparation to receive the new cooler.


Next I prepped the coolant tube from the water pump and loosely started one stud just to hold the tube relatively in position but still allow a liberal amount of movement as we stuffed the big *** cooler up into the small area. It was as though playing tetris trying to turn and position the cooler properly to fit through the opening as well as rotating the pinion yoke at the same time to allow forward movement. Once fairly close to position we ensure the tube was aligned properly with the hole in the oil cooler and pushed it forward where it slipped easily into position. Another win using Sil-Glyde to lube the O-ring and bore.


Once the coolant tube was inserted into the oil cooler we could begin installing the new fasteners securing the cooler to the block as well as the new larger coolant elbow to the oil cooler. It is important to leave the fasteners securing the elbow to the cooler loose or only finger tight until the rest of the oil cooler it completely torqued to the engine block to ensure the elbow doesn't prevent full seating of the cooler. Once the oil cooler is torqued to the 18 ft/lbs spec, then the elbow can be torque to 18 ft/lbs.


Then moving forward to the coolant tube where it fastens to the rear of the water pump housing we removed the one stud holding the tube in alignment, inserted the new gasket in which I prepped with a thin coating of Loctite 518 (similar to the old Hylomar anaerobic sealant). Once the gasket is in place I reinstall the two studs then pull the tube forward closing up the small gap and install the nuts. The upper nut is relatively easy to reach but the lower one is also tucked back under the tube so access is very limited with a wrench, let along a socket or ratchet. This is where the torque adapters come to the rescue. By using my 12mm Cornwell torque adapter at a 90-degree angle to the torque wrench I can torque to the 80 in/lb. torque spec.


When using these short torque adapter try to keep them at a 90-degree angle to the torque wrench to avoid having to make calculation changes.


Before completing the underside of the reassembly at this point I like to ensure the cooling system is sound and its integrity is not compromised so I will pull a vacuum on the system and walk away for 10+ minutes to ensure there are no leaks. IF something is leaking now will be the time to find out vs. after fully assembling everything and filling with coolant.


While the cooling system was holding vacuum we thought we address the hot pipe coming off the turbo. We had performed an intercooler leak test prior to disassembly to ensure there were no issues, then we'll do another once it goes back together, and we found no leaks but one thing my son did notice is that the hot pipe showed signs of rubbing at some point and created some small divots that we may as well address. The hot pipes on these LB7's are notorious for rubbing on the upper exhaust bolt on cylinder #2. My son's had been rubbing when he purchased the truck so we got creative with the silicone boots by preloading them slightly to keep the hot pipe up off the bolt but I guess with 300k miles it had rubbed a bit. While it was out we took it to the welding bench and addressed the rub points.


After a couple passes with the TIG welder it was built up enough to fill the craters and allow filing down to just proud of the tube.


While the hot pipe was cooling and us learning that the cooling system was sound, we installed the new oil filter and lifted the front axle housing back into position and reinstalled and torqued all fasteners.


That was the stopping point for the evening and we should be able to complete it tonight.



All that remains to complete this job is to fill with 10 quarts of Rotella T4 15W-40 oil, clean and reinstall the lower crossmember, install the driver's side inner fender and reinstall the tire/wheel then she's ready to hit the road again.

Thanks for looking.

 

[zmotorsports]

As we were closing up shop I snapped a couple more pictures.

The Sunex tool cart with the shop made aerosol can holder is working out well and getting broken in.





Thanks for looking.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I'm a firm believer in Rotella oil. It's all we used in our tractors and semi trucks growing up. I run the T6 5w40 in my Suburban.

 

[zmotorsports]

I'm a firm believer in Rotella oil. It's all we used in our tractors and semi trucks growing up. I run the T6 5w40 in my Suburban.

When we purchased our first diesel pusher back in 2000 I ran the Delo 400 15W-40 in that old CAT 3208 engine. I've always been a Valvoline fan (still am) but I ran the Delo because my cousins were running that in their coaches with great results. It was a good oil and gave me no issues, in fact that engine being a parent bore engine and not a sleeved engine had 129k miles on it and the generator had 2500 hours on it when we sold it without issues. I would like to attribute that to how it was maintained and what was used as those 3208 CAT engines were not known for being high mileage engines. I knew multiple people with the same engine that never saw the first 100k before giving up. My cousin's Vogue on a Crown bus chassis only had 74k when he purchased it and the engine was gone.

When we purchased our new to us 2003 Monaco Dynasty with the Cummins ISL engine back in 2007, I switched over to the Shell Rotella T4 in both the engine and the generator and have continued to use it ever since.

I also run it in my 2006 LBZ Duramax and my son's 2002 LB7 Duramax with great results. No need for full synthetic that I can see in ours at this time as the oil is working as designed.

 

[gearhead1960]

Mike,
A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. As always I enjoy following along on all your projects. Look forward to seeing more in the new year to be inspired by.

 

[jackson1701]

Hi Mike, here’s wishing you a Happy New Year. I’ve been rebuilding the front end on my lly duranax the past few days. I have a saggy left torsion bar and believe I may have them in backwards. Unfortunately I didn’t mark them before taking them out. I see the left and right are marked but not sure which end goes into the LCA and which to the torsion key. I’ve had no luck finding and answer online. I was hoping if anyone knew it would be you. If so I would appreciate it very much. Thanks. Steve

One end says left with an arrow pointing counter clockwise and the other end has two sets of numbers

 

[jackson1701]

Happy New Years Mike, thanks for another year of great info and projects you have provided us with. Steve

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks for the warm wishes everyone.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year. May it be a prosperous, healthy and safe year for everyone in 2023.

Today I walked into the shop and tossed the old calendars and hung the new 2023 calendar.


As for work in the shop, Friday night my son and I were able to complete his LB7 oil cooler replacement and after a test drive to confirm all was well he headed home and I finished cleaning up the shop for the last time of the year.


Front axle raised back into position and secured, oil filter installed and driveshaft installed.


Lower crossmember installed after a thorough cleaning.


Hot pipe installed.


Before reinstalling the inner fender we decided to double check the intercooler circuit to ensure it was sound.


After pressurizing we heard an air leak. We determined the lower boot from the hot pipe to the intercooler had a small tear.


Not sure why it didn't show up during the initial test but all my son and I can determine is that maybe the clamp was covering the tear OR maybe we damaged it upon removal. Either way, it was going to need to be replaced. Luckily after a quick call to our local GM dealer we found they had one is stock so although a delayed finish, we were at least able to complete the job Friday evening.


New lower hose/boot installed and retested.


Truck completed and double checking after returning from road test.



Thanks for looking.

 

[zmotorsports]

I splurged and bought myself a year end present for the shop.

I saw this clock years ago on the Snap-on truck and have wanted one but my dealer could no longer get it but found a NOS one so treated the shop to a new clock.




Thanks for looking.

 

[zmotorsports]

Here is a link to the latest video showing the oil cooler replacement.

 

[lugnut71]

Very nice clock ! I feel the same way

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Happy New Year Mike!

Like you suspect yourself, I’m too thinking that hose tore up upon removal. Good thing that your local GM dealership/parts supplier had one on the shelf.

I have actually just hung up the very same calendar in my shop & I also happen to have my eyes on a clock just as the one you treated yourself with. ;-)

With best regards,
Anders

 

[bigdave_185]

Mike, not sure if I missed it in the write up but if I remember correctly that lower cooler boot expands a decent amount and can rub on I think the washer tank bracket.