Interesting. Will check them out. Thanks.

 

My mechanic is into week two of having my truck. Most of the issues have been resolved, or should be this week.

To date we have done:

1) installed all new spark plugs
2) installed two door latches
3) installed two grommets (for the 4WD)
4) installed two fog-light assemblies and pigtails
5) installed two speakers
6) installed driver's side mirror.

To be done:

1) four new tires (General Grabber AT2)
2) change serpentine belt
3) flush of transmission fluid and replacement of transmission filter
4) install ball joints (part of recall?)

I think that's it. At this rate, I'll have to get a job. ;-)

 

That's transmission filters, with an "S" there's 2 of them in the 45RFE.

The upper ball joints were the recall. If they are bolted in they've been replaced as the original were riveted.

 

It looks like I should have the truck back within 36 hours. (Yes, I'm counting hours....)

Most tasks on which I was previously waiting are done: new General Grabber AT2 tires all the way around, replacement of serpentine belt, replacement of upper ball joints and new transmission fluid and filterS. ;-)

Best I can recall, all that's left is to repair is a slow-to-go-up window (mechanic's job) and get all or part of a new driver's seat (my job). (By the way, any recommendations of junk/salvage yards, online or not?) Saw the truck yesterday: tires look awesome. Can't wait to get it back.

As soon as I get it back I'm going to empty the trash, and then, I think, get a hitch put on it.

Anyway, that's the latest. I plan to get some pics up as soon as I can.

Y'all have a great day!

 

Well, two weeks (almost; short by one day) have come and gone and the new truck is finally home. It's sad to realize that my mechanic has seen more of my truck than I. But, that period is over, so let the whining cease....

Having said that, here's the list of the work done:

1. Repair bad battery connection and improper installation of battery (?);
2. Replace driver's side speaker;
3. Replace door latches at both doors on passenger side;
4. Brake inspection (all good);
5. Repair non-working power mirrors;
6. Install new fog lights;
7. Repair slow-moving rear-passenger window (build-up of old grease);
8. Repaired slow-moving front-passenger window (tracks and regulator dry and sticky);
9. Fluid check (all good);
10. Replace front passenger-side speaker (to match the one that was non-working);
11. Replace all 8 spark plugs;
12. Replaced transmission fluid and filters;
13. Replace driver's-side mirror
14. Installed new 4x4 grommet;
15. Installed new "drive belt" (serpentine?)
16. Installed four new General Grabber AT2 tires
17. Removed front passenger-side vent visor (glued-on exterior rainshield).

The truck drives really well, but I can already see the gas gauge moving as I'm driving. That's going to take a bit of getting used to.


Also, those new tires are not noisy to me at all. While researching tires, I read many comments about noise levels. Obviously, tires designed for 4x4 trucks, with their aggressive tread design, are bound to be noisy. But I don't notice anything I could even remotely call loud.


There are still a few things I'd like to have done:

1. Hitch installed;
2. New rainshield vents/louvers;
3. Some exhaust with a bit of "rumble";
4. Maybe a topper;
5. The driver's seat is missing the lever for adjusting the seat's vertical orientation. So I've been looking for junkyards that might have that seat;
6. Correct the peeling paint on the hood.

Other than that, I'm happy with it.


Well, that's it for now. Once I get it cleaned up a bit, I plan to take a photo or two so others can see it.


Thanks again to everyone who provided feedback, information and suggestions for this and that. And I don't intend to disappear now that I'm at this point. But it's unlikely I'll be much of a contributor on here for the foreseeable future. Still, I'd like to think that eventually I'll be able to help others as you have helped me.


Carpe diem!