Friday, November 30, 2012

looks like it's been another year since my last post. Currently working on swapping out my engine for another one with about 55K miles on it. A few months ago, I had an issue with smoke coming out of the exhaust at start-up. Was told, valve stem seals. After the long process of changing all 32 and putting everything back together. The smoke is still there. So, more than likely a piston seal. Not sure... At first I obtained a block from a friend that had all the pistons and crank pulley installed and only had 5K miles. Picked this up with the plans to remove my existing cylinder heads, have them rebuilt and install them on the "new" block with all new parts. Cost for the head rebuild, at least $800. However, I recently came across a complete engine from a 2002 tundra with 55K miles and all the parts are included (alternator, PS pump, AC pump, etc.) for around $500. So, this is the plan and will be picking up the motor this weekend. I also recently sold my Trail Worthy Fab re-centered 8 Bolt H1 hummer wheels. Keeping the 37" tires and mounting them to a set of Centerline aluminum wheels. The wheels are much lighter than the steel wheels and hopefully, this will save on weight. In turn, save on wear and tear on parts and possibly on gas (but, gas isn't my main concern). Once this is all done and the truck is back up and running, I'll be concentrating on getting the rig "expo'ed out". For starters, I got an aluminum commercial shell with the 3 side doors and rear main door with a window. Added some LED strips inside to help light things up. Added some LED lights underneath the truck, removed the roof rack and relocated the "basket" above the shell. Other mods to do is, swap out the clutch fan for an electrical fan, relocate the battery to the bed, add more LED strips to the front hood, Remove carpet and Line-X floor, build a sleeping/storage platform for the bed.... As of now minus the wheels, this is how the truck looks:

No comments: