Finally got all the holes on the bedrails and the holes from the trim filled with fiberglass filler. The filler is strong, Welding would have been prefered but just wasn't an option.. Bashed a couple of the filled holes with a screwdriver just to test it against a solid impact and I couldn't bash them in if I wanted to. There was ALOT of holes and I later questioned if I would be able to install a light bar or camper shell. I Would like to get some of those Daimond plate rails like what crazy has on his, but for now I am sticking with bedliner.

 

Changed out all four ball joints with Moog ones, swapped out the driver side steering knuckle, installed both wheel bearing hub assemblies, new pitman arm, four new shocks, new torsion bar keys, flushed and filled the transfer case with ATF +4. Oh and new lug nuts to replace the crappy ones on my rims. Riding great now.

Up next, replace front rotors and brake pads. Also going to put in a lift in the rear to match the height in the front.

 

Changed my broke IAC Valve for a new one, triying to fix all the troubles on my dakota.

 

Well this is yesterday and today... but I tore down my new-to-me 242 transfer case trying to figure out the source of the whistling/whine and clunking/slapping noises that have been going on inside it. The front output shaft front bearing is fairly tight, but I decided to just go ahead and do a complete bearing overhaul on it and put in a "new" chain. Just waiting on parts. In the meantime I have nothing to drive... which gives me plenty of time at home... which gives me plenty of time to work on getting the dana 44 ready!

DSCN0565.jpg?t=1260333963

 

I see you have the GEARWRENCH ratcheting box wrenches with swivel heads. One of the best tool sets I ever bought.

Well, maybe not GearWrench, but those things are great.

 

Nope... Bluepoint (snap-ons sister brand). They aren't swiveling heads, but they are angled and reversable with an open ended wrech on the other side. They are great, but I got them before I bought this truck... when my old car had metric bolts

One of these days I'll get a set in american, but they are just too expensive right now.

 

This past week I changed out the Water Pump, Thermostat and bypass hose. Tonight I put in a set of Silverstar 9004's. I can see!!! And the truck warms up quicker and the heater will cook me right out of the cab! (Thermostat came apart in 5 pieces)

 

Started it at -24 degrees F. Always a good thing!

 

Yaow! You got a block heater for that thing?

 

I put a new one in when I put in the new motor, but I never use it. The only reason I put one in was the one in it was broke and its easier to put in a heater than a freeze plug!

I have never used a block heater and we hit -40 last year (with wind) true temp like -30. Good battery is key in these parts, will fire everytime.