Survival 109 build

[Another Ahab]

You have a very "naughty" sense of humor Ahab ! LOL !

It'll happen, rustystud. You KNOW it'll happen, right!!?

 

[KaiserM109]

RE mixed lug nuts:

That sounds like a mechanics nightmare. I can just picture the streak of colorful language coming from somebody trying to service those wheels.

I don't have to imagine, I just have to remember. We were prep'ing the truck for inspection when we discovered the problem.

 

[Another Ahab]

RE mixed lug nuts:

I don't have to imagine, I just have to remember. We were prep'ing the truck for inspection when we discovered the problem.

It's too bad there isn't some kind of International Machinists Code that dictates all LH threaded hardware be stamped full of "L"'s or something (or even made illegal!):

- The amount of misery in the world because of them is d*** near cruel (though the Gods get their laugh).

 

[rustystud]

It'll happen, rustystud. You KNOW it'll happen, right!!?

Your right, it will happen and then when they do complain I'll try and not laugh to hard . Today was an extra pain pill day so I'll try and watch my posts more carefully .

 

[QUADJEEPER]

Ok, I guess it's time to realign this thread. Too much talk about nuts! Got a little further with the brakes this weekend. Got my new nuts ( here we go again!) and new front shocks. Finished the RR wheel install and got the MR wheel off and back on after installing the A3 wheel cylinder. Also pulled the 3rd axle breather and installed a hose nipple so I can start the vent line setup. Need to get 4 more nipples and more hose to finish that. Also got both front wheel cylinders replaced as well as the new shocks painted and installed. I used Monroe 66903's. A bit slimmer and slightly longer, with a bit longer compressed stroke. Hope they work ok. Plumbed in the remote reservoir and new master cylinder. Still need to rebuild the second airpack and get it installed. Rain drove me inside this afternoon, so I started roughing in the fresh water supply piping.

 

[JohnnyBM931A2]

Ok, I guess it's time to realign this thread. Too much talk about nuts! Got a little further with the brakes this weekend. Got my new nuts ( here we go again!) and new front shocks. Finished the RR wheel install and got the MR wheel off and back on after installing the A3 wheel cylinder. Also pulled the 3rd axle breather and installed a hose nipple so I can start the vent line setup. Need to get 4 more nipples and more hose to finish that. Also got both front wheel cylinders replaced as well as the new shocks painted and installed. I used Monroe 66903's. A bit slimmer and slightly longer, with a bit longer compressed stroke. Hope they work ok. Plumbed in the remote reservoir and new master cylinder. Still need to rebuild the second airpack and get it installed. Rain drove me inside this afternoon, so I started roughing in the fresh water supply piping.

Good job dude

 

[QUADJEEPER]

Ok, I had three days, seems like three minutes. Finally got the last wheel cylinder installed and while the truck was moved back, repaired the kitchen window. Woodshop in the way where it is normally parked. Also drained and refilled the leading rear differential. Installed a turn signal frame with an IR lamp on the right fender to see how it looked. Will do the other one later, as I need to hinge it to clear the hood side panel. Not thinking ahead, I'd installed the roof mounted spotlight too far forward, so when the hood was fully up, it rested against it. Too much stress on a plastic motorized unit, so instead of making new holes ( water leaks ) in the roof, I made a hood bumper to bump on the roof edge over the windshield. I am strongly thinking I won't have time to build the rear deck/porch I want before the Oct. Rally, so I'm working on an idea on more temporary exterior storage space for the generator, cooler and possibly the fuel can for the genny. I had the hitch haul laying around, and with a piece of plywood, hinges and brackets I can make a mini deck and storage under it. The ladder can hook on some brackets on the edge. Not keen on using a gasoline can as a bumper though.

 

[QUADJEEPER]

I think the small platform with the storage will work for now for this trip. Really wanted to take a small enduro bike, but no real way to do that. Don't want it on the front. Rebuilt the second airpack and got it installed with a third air tank. Still need to plumb the air to it as well as the brake line to the front brakes. Installed a brake pressure gauge on the second airpack, will do the same with the first once I get an adapter for it. I figure it would make it easier to determine if and which airpack wasn't working in case of a failure. Can watch both gauges while under the truck pulling down on the brake pedal lever. Got rained out this afternoon, so went inside to install a slide out counter extension for more space when needed. Isn't much, but it helps.

 

[rustystud]

I like the gauges on the air-pacs. I installed a brake dash gauge, but it only reads the rear axles. I figured it would be better knowing that the two rear axles brakes where going bad then knowing that the front brakes where going bad.

 

[zout]

Looking great. Now with the Ga Rally you have a fast approaching goal.

 

[QUADJEEPER]

I like the gauges on the air-pacs. I installed a brake dash gauge, but it only reads the rear axles. I figured it would be better knowing that the two rear axles brakes where going bad then knowing that the front brakes where going bad.

Thanks Rusty. Yes, the rear is better if only one gauge available, but with two I can see if one airpack is inop and which one. I'd think if one dropped out, it would be hard to tell which one. Like to have stainless braided lines into the cab for both gauges, but no time or money for that currently.

 

[QUADJEEPER]

Looking great. Now with the Ga Rally you have a fast approaching goal.

VERY fast approaching, for sure! Ugg.

 

[KaiserM109]

Two comments:
1) MAN what a super effort you are putting into this rig!!

2) Your rear platform hides your tail lights. Might be nitpicky, but there was a thread on this site a few weeks ago about a dude who was killed when someone ran upon him in the night while he was driving an MV tractor-trailer rig. It snapped his fifth wheel and shoved his trailer right into the cab. You're going to be slower than a lot of other traffic and they can be on your bumper before they know it.

My M109 had the old, old lights which I changed out for modern, bigger ones immediately. I plan to add running lights, too.

 

[QUADJEEPER]

Two comments:
1) MAN what a super effort you are putting into this rig!!

2) Your rear platform hides your tail lights. Might be nitpicky, but there was a thread on this site a few weeks ago about a dude who was killed when someone ran upon him in the night while he was driving an MV tractor-trailer rig. It snapped his fifth wheel and shoved his trailer right into the cab. You're going to be slower than a lot of other traffic and they can be on your bumper before they know it.

My M109 had the old, old lights which I changed out for modern, bigger ones immediately. I plan to add running lights, too.

It only covers the inner tail/brake lights, the outer tail/brake lights show as well as the amber turn signals. They all are bright LED's. I will be relocating my amber strobe as well to be seen. May connect the lights on the carrier as well.

 

[QUADJEEPER]

Whew, tired, still a lot to do, month left 'till Rally. Ugg. Got the brakes pretty much sorted out, at least until I test drive it. Finished the airpack and air tank lines, replaced the front brake line with a new one from the 2nd airpack. Blocked off the tee where front was connected. Bled it all out, seems to be good. Tested in my back yard, hard to say, but could be good to go. Road test next weekend. Also finished my rear axles vents, removed stock vents and installed hose nipples and hoses. T case and trans upcoming. Got one (!) bathtub plastic panel up and the faucet installed and plumbed. I found many "new" words in my vocabulary while trying to work with the pathetic plastic panels. Never again. But I have two more to go. Not good.

 

[QUADJEEPER]

Also got well into the pass through sliding door. Made the tracks, lined with felt, and got them installed and the door painted on the outside and installed. Next weekend will be the door stops, handles and the dead bolt.

 

[m715mike]

Very nice Sir!

 

[dmetalmiki]

Following your progress avidly, and that is a beautifull modification for the cab door through.
Hmmm, ( after reading post 753) Two things for me to plan out now. Twin or at least an emergeancy (air or hydraulic) brake system. And a walk through.
Would you consider placing large repeaters on the rear box at the top corners?
I have those (side and turn/brake) on the rear top quarters of my 5 ton camper.

 

[Another Ahab]

Got one (!) bathtub plastic panel up and the faucet installed and plumbed. I found many "new" words in my vocabulary while trying to work with the pathetic plastic panels. Never again. But I have two more to go. Not good.

You got a laugh out of me right there. Thanks, QJ!

 

[Another Ahab]

Also got well into the pass through sliding door. Made the tracks, lined with felt, and got them installed and the door painted on the outside and installed. Next weekend will be the door stops, handles and the dead bolt.

Wow, that is an impressive build-out.

That sliding panel looks like it might be about 1/4" (aluminum right?). What's the gauge of that panel?