posted @ Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The weather has finally taken a turn for the better. Last weekend was incredibly cold (in the upper thirties) with sleet all day Saturday. Today, the high is supposed to be in the seventies and this weekend is supposed to be very nice. So the Dana 80 axle swap is scheduled this weekend. Everything is in place, I have all of the tools and equipment necessary to make this as painless as possible.

Yesterday, however, a good friend let me know of a place in Crystal City called Tire Bargains. The name is kind of misleading, because they do a lot more than tires. They are big into lifts and truck customization. I called and they have Saturday available and their price is very reasonable. So I've decided to drive down to Crystal City Saturday morning, with the Dana 80 in tow with the show supplies trailer, and let Tire Bargains do the work. They should be able to have the axles swapped in less than three hours. I really can't imagine it taking more than four even with some difficulty.

The trip to Crystal City is contingent on having everything ready. So this week, I have to get out to the garage and get the new brake calipers cleaned and painted as well as check the fit of the 1410 yoke flange to make sure it will fit properly. Once I know that all of the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed, the job will be official. Otherwise, I'll end up doing it myself, albeit at a slower pace, but with the truck parked in the garage just in case. So that's the latest. Hopefully, next week, I'll be able to update the site with photos of the new Dana 80 installed. Stay tuned...

Labels: axle, dana 80, rear axle, sterling axle

Link: The Dana 80 is getting installed this weekend.

posted @ Sunday, April 8, 2007

Well, so much for working on the truck this weekend. After six years, I'm tired of working in the bone chilling cold and so nothing got done this weekend. The temperature barely broke the freezing mark. Yes, I have a contractors grade space heater, but working in a closed garage during the day has lost its luster. Maybe it's just that I'm getting old. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather and productive time in the shop.

Part of the lack of progress was also due to all of the loose ends that needed to be wrapped up by next weekend. I'm getting married Saturday, so next weekend will be productive in other ways. And I'm sure I'll be sleeping in Sunday :) I will be doing some work in the evenings over the next couple weeks getting the truck ready for the show season as well as for the video we'll be shooting in the coming weeks.

Link: Winter seems to be upon us again

posted @ Wednesday, April 4, 2007

I've been wanting / needing a backup camera system in the truck for some time. As I had mentioned previously, GNet of Canada sent down one of their flush mount backup cameras but I had been looking in vein for a good in cab monitor. Then I found Safety Vision. Dustin, the sales rep with whom I emailed, was super fantastic. He loved the site and the project and was able to offer a complete backup camera system for the truck, so I jumped at the opportunity. When the package arrived a couple of weeks ago, I immediately opened the box and started inspecting the merchandise. What I received was even better than I had expected.

I've got the mounting locations mapped out and I will be installing the system this week and I'll have the complete details online shortly thereafter. Dustin, I'm sorry I didn't get it installed over the weekend as I had promised, but wedding preparations ended up taking precedence, and the t-shirt is in the mail !!

Link: Backup Camera System