Come on, you have to have more mud on her than that. Last time I was "almost" stuck, I ended up with mud all over the hood, windshield, cab and bed sides. And that was with the ATs...the MTs should do a much better job of coating things.

 

Kind of had the same thought. I get worse looking than that just delivering to farmers on wet dirt roads..... and my truck is dirt brown to start with!

RJ

 

Knew these comments were comming.... Hey the axles were draggin... Front one was in the ground.... Didn't have a chance to stop and turn donuts in the mud... Was worried about getting through!!! Truck has been muddier before hauling hay out of wet pastures, not something I enjoy in the Dodge! Much better suited for the yota....

 

Now, now. My truck was not that dirty either and it was BURIED. Old truck, not black truck.

 

For the hood, windshield and cab mud, you've got to crank the front wheels back and forth while gunning it. Always worked for getting me extra dirty and keeping/getting me moving.

 

OK well back to my tire wear, took it to a Goodyear and they threw it on the lift to check alignment and guess what?? Ball Joints are shot... Mainly the side where the tire is worn badly... about a 1/4" of play was kind of scary to watch the knuckle move up and down that much.... So what do I need?? New upper and lower ball joints obviously.. New axle seals? that shaft is moving around in the housing imagine they are worn... Think quick! need to get stuff ordered!

Dang Truck... As if installing a $2200 clutch and cleaning it wasn't enough she throws me this curve.....

 

Dont see you need axle seals unless you want to....(these trucks use a sealed bearing hub....so no seal needed....only in the axle tube...and i woudl only do it if it was leaking).......i see just upper and lower joints. Rent a ball joint press from Autozone. You have to somewhat rig it to work but should be fine. Get a good pickel fork as well. More for the old ball joints than your steering stuff....a 2lb sledge usally will knock those loose. Dont pull the axle nut off...you can pull the axle and wheel Hub bearing assembly out all at once. PLUS THOES AXLE NUTS TOTALY SUCK! (At least the ones i have pulled) Might not hurt to have an extra set of hands to help get it back in....slightly akward.....other than that....not a bad job....we did Ryan Woods at a DTR meet at my house in 06. I would say about 2 hours a side.......might look at fnt brakes and rotors if needed while you are there......

 

Brian - maybe adjustable upper ball joints would be a timely upgrade?

Moog #K7448 is a good starting point - think they're for 3rd gens...

 

Alright well went to Orielys and picked up the two upper balljoints.... Moog units. They had the two lower joints but one was a different design than the other so I had them order two more... One had splines around the outside and the other was smooth like the two uppers I got... Dunno obviously a design change somewhere with the same part #... Scary

 

Since I probably won't make it to Alvarado until Saturday morning, I'm going to beg off fixin' chili until the next go-round. Roberts bergers are pretty darned good, so I don't think anyone will go hungry.

 

I'm upset with last said post! I've missed the last two meets!! I need Chili!!! oh ya why not showing til Sat??

Bring you a couple good cigars, if you have chili!!! j/k I do plan on bringing some of the new stash for anybody who wants one....

 

Family.....................

My bud is in town, but didn't bring cigars this time.

 

Hey guys I know alot of you are talking about bringing campers or something to sleep in there, but is any of you guys staying in any hotels? I will be coming up there Friday night looking for a hotel room and if some of yall are staying in a certain one maybe my buddy and I can get the same one and we can all hang out through the night.

btw, any luck on that dyno yet? I have been reading a few other boards and I dont think anybody else knows that the dyno plan fell through, hope there isnt going to be a riot or anything...

k.hood

 

Charlie, if you are NOT coming until SATURDAY.....I am very dissappointed. I understand if the family says stay, but would love for you to be able to join us Friday if any way possible. I have a bed reserved for you!! Chili or not!

If you still can't come until Sat....you can prepare the Chili there if you want. What do you need? I have some pots/pans, stove etc.

 

Im sure there will a few guys at the hotels. But you are welcome to hang out with us if you want by the RV.