What Was Your Latest DIY Tow Vehicle Repair or Modification?

[BoldAdventure]

Just installed Tufftrucks TTC-1223 rear coil springs 50% over stock load capacity. And new tires. Toyo Open Country AT/II in 275/65R20 upsized to a 34 inch tire.

[slowmover]

How much engine rpm have you dropped at 60-mph? (With what axle ratio).

The Dodge gassers I am used to are (were) 7.2L. Boy, I am well into being old.

[BoldAdventure]

You know did not pay attention today. But I have 3.92 rear ratios on the 5 speed. I'll have to report back on RPM's.

Didn't mention earlier, but I made two last minute changes. I skipped the 1223-V and went with a linear rate spring, it's stiffer and should sag less. And we wanted General Grabber AT/II's but they shop ordered General Grabber HTS, and offered to give us the Toyo's at the same price. So we went with the Toyo's.

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by slowmover

How much engine rpm have you dropped at 60-mph? (With what axle ratio).

The Dodge gassers I am used to are (were) 7.2L. Boy, I am well into being old.

60mph = 1650rpm today while cruising not in tow/haul, jumping into tow/haul it was 2000rpm. Kicks it down a gear I suspect.

[MaineStreamer]

Installed my wireless rear view camera today.
Wireless Rear View Camera - RV Rearview Camera Systems

[Al and Missy]

I got tired of lifting heavy items like the hitch head over the tailgate and into the bed of the truck, as well as the trouble to get stuff into and out of the front of the bed. A sheet of plywood, a sheet of MDF, some HF rollers and some saw work, screwing and gluing. Total cost as you see it, about $140.

[MaineStreamer]

Is the drawer riding on ball bearings, as it seems in the photo with the drawer out? Very awesome craftsmanship!

[Al and Missy]

Thanks Marty,

Yes, the drawer rides on ball bearings from harbor freight. There are 9 on the floor of the base. There are two at the rear on the top of the drawer rails to combat the tendency of the drawer to sag when it is pulled out. Two smaller ones are located on the side of the base at the front and two more at the rear on the side of the drawer rails to keep it tracking straight while going in and out. I looked at several different designs I found by googling "pickup bed slide", took some features from several and made some changes myself to come up with the design. I'm going to paint it with truck bed liner and secure it in the bed with turnbuckles to the cargo loops at the froint and back.

Al

[AtomicNo13]

New ceramic brake pads for the Kodiak calipers on my 34' Classic.
Whew, that's a lotta lug nuts!

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . installed Banks cold air box on my EcoFord, & doing all service prior to heading for Alaska in May. Tranny fluid, brake pads, fuel filter & serpentine belt on the list. AS is already serviced & ready to go. . .I like the look of that Mag-Hytec diff cover, investigating. . . Regards, Craig

[fairtheewell]

I am from Minnesota but I am currently in the chihuahuca desert, in west Texas (trying to get home) so I did the battery, alternator, fuel lines, brake lines, carb, fuel pump, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, basically all the lights, filters and horn. I am sure I am forgetting something here...

It's a 1976 Ford f100 flatbed I've been working on.

I reallllllly want to go home. lol.

[fairtheewell]

This is the truck I've been working on.

[gdanderson]

Purchased at 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and added a bed slide.

Greg Anderson
Wisconsin

[ALANSD]

added Prodigy brake controller and a 7 Pin hitch adaptor to my new to me 2006 Expedition 5.4 V8
Sucker tows like a dream.

[nvestysly]

I haven't made the repair yet but I've ordered the part - a new multi-function switch for the steering column of our 1996 GMC Suburban. The vehicle is 19 years old and has over 170,000 miles. However, this will be the 3rd time the multi-function switch has failed. Arrrggghhh!

I'll post a few pictures when I perform the repair later this week. The video below was very helpful in determining that I am capable of performing the repair. The internet can be a wonderful thing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkt9tfgJFdI

[slowmover]

Setting the adjustable aftermarket stinger for the Hensley Arrow.

New breakaway switch, new tongue jack, and chain + 7-way extensions.

R&R the truck starter, a new pair of batteries, and a half mile of batt cabling with quite a few minor and major connections.

Going thru the water heater at present. 1989 Suburban. Will probably leave propane capped for now.

Brake and bearings, next. And new brake controller. Thinking of adding separate charge line to TT batts.

Dodging heavy rains or intermittent showers. The south side of town is under water.

[Tincampers]

2003 Suburban 2500 4WD. Replaced the rear bump stops. The originals were completely gone and I was getting a nasty rear axle kick in the butt when riding over touch terrain. I will also be replacing the ones for the front axle too. They are called lower control arm knuckle bumpers.

[Tincampers]

Here's what those front bumpers look like old and new. It made a huge difference in the ride.

[J. Morgan]

My last tow vehicle repair was to pull the 4.8 engine out of my wife's Tahoe and replace it with a "freshened" 5.3...

Then we pulled the trailer to NM and AZ on an extended trip.


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

[MaineStreamer]

Originally Posted by mrprez

Here's what those front bumpers look like old and new. It made a huge difference in the ride.

What are those and how did the old one burn up?