Guns International

What have you done to your vehicle lately?

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Texas

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Lost Spurs

    Active Member
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Sep 24, 2011
    895
    76
    BCS
    Finally slowed down enough in life to get some work done on the chariot. I am fashioning a 1" lift kit for my wagon (2009 mercedes e320) it will include spacers for the front struts made out of aluminum. I got new top strut mount bushings that I installed longer carriage bolts into for a quick swap that is easily reversible. Just have to pull the front struts and bust them down. I can level out the rear easily as it has air suspension. I can then use the factory machine to recalibrate the level sensors and lock it in.

    I will be installing new engine and transmission mounts along with new front axles during the job. Will probably do a brake fluid flush at the same time as the fluid is looking pretty dark.

    I'll finish up with an alignment to fix all the wear angles from the lift. (Have to do the level calibration on the lift anyhow).

    Last Saturday I installed a new fuel pump and filter that was leaking from the top hat. Mercedes has a 15 year extended warranty on that so the man paid for parts and paid me to install them.

    A couple weeks ago I had installed engine and cabin filters and replaced the blower motor and regulator that was on the mend. I had also replaced the thermostat and right rear 02 sensor that was tossing a check engine light. Topped off that with a replacement intake manifold. They are a weak link in this particular engine and a common failure point.

    All in all that should catch me up for maintenance and fix all the broken / wore out stuff I found. Hopefully it will be good for another year or two. All in about $1200 bucks and probably 15 hours of work. To have billed it would have ran well over 20 or 25 hours.
    db80c6f4efda4566fc87e1235e975d61.jpg


    Sent from my SM-G998U1 using Tapatalk
    Texas SOT
     

    lonestardiver

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Dec 12, 2010
    4,615
    96
    Eagle Mountain Lake area
    Not much yet, just bought my new to me GMC Sierra SLT to replace my Silverado that got t-boned and totaled back in February. Although I have ordered an O-Sh!t handle for the drivers side and decent all weather mats for the rear of the cab.

    Looking for a good deal on a BAK revolver X4 or X4s tonneau cover.
     

    southtexaspilot

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Jun 8, 2009
    3,106
    96
    San Antonio
    Nice!
    I miss my Ram...

    If you’re ever interested in Carli suspension products, I know Sage Carli and can get good-guy discounts from a distributor


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

    Thanks! Four years ago I would of jumped on that. I went BDS with Fox all the way around. Power Wagons are hard to shop suspension bits for.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    pronstar

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Jul 2, 2017
    10,540
    96
    Dallas
    Not much yet, just bought my new to me GMC Sierra SLT to replace my Silverado that got t-boned and totaled back in February. Although I have ordered an O-Sh!t handle for the drivers side and decent all weather mats for the rear of the cab.

    Looking for a good deal on a BAK revolver X4 or X4s tonneau cover.

    So my buddy was a BAKFlip distributor, he still might be.

    I can usually get stuff drop-shipped to you at close to cost if he’s still doingnit...LMK if you’re interested

    I’ve got an F1 and I think it was under $800


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
     

    Lost Spurs

    Active Member
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Sep 24, 2011
    895
    76
    BCS
    So a Saturdays work done. The pics probably loaded in a scattered way but that's tapatalks fault.. Started at 8AM. Pulled the front struts out, removed axles. I didn't get a pic of those but it was a perfect example of dry rusted cv joints that have been void of grease for a couple years. Pulled out worn motor and transmission mounts. You can see the engine mounts that show collapsed vs new.

    In with new mounts. Replaced transfer case fluid as the rear was accessible. Sucked and filled the front diff with new oil. There is a slight pinion leak but it will have to get way worse before I go after that. Installed new front axles.

    I had to finish up one front shock spacer. Got that done and disassembled the front struts to install the new top mount with longer studs. Put both of them in and installed the struts. On the passenger side I had to pull the caliper and steering knuckle off. It is a tight fit getting the axles to get past the cir clip that holds the inner.

    With the front end done and re-assembled, I did a brake flush while I was trimming it out and cleaning up a bit. Nice to have a power flush machine to push in new fluid. The crap that came out was green and had clearly Been there for many years.

    With it running, I did a quick spin around the shop and onto the alignment rack. I did have a nasty rattle noise over the speed bumps. A quick check found that the lower bolt for the sway bar end link was left loose on both sides. A quick brap and that was fixed... none the less, I had to tweak the rear ride height to match the front. The wagon has air suspension so all I had to do was re-calibrate the level. With the rear where I wanted it the voltage was out of range. I had to shim the sensor and tweak the bracket a bit.

    Overall the alignment was just a toe and go. You can see the ride height out of spec front and rear. Fixed right rear toe to correct thrust angle. Front caster was good. Front camber is in a bit, I could have fixed it but installing adjuster bolts was the last thing I wanted to do. If I get abnormal wear on the tires I may revisit the camber. Otherwise a quick front toe adjustment and she drives right as rain.

    You can see the final result. Overall I am happy with how it turned out. If I could go back I would order a 3/4 inch plate. On full droop the front upper joint is really tight, during driving it seems OK.

    As soon as the tires wear out I'll track down some all terrain tires. It came stock with 245/45 17. I got factory 16's with 225/55 r16. I am thinking a 215/65 16. A touch narrower and a bit taller. I'll top that off with a 5 or 10mm wheel spacer to bump them flush with the fender.

    Done and home by 2pm. Now I am watching cartoon barbie with the littles. Don't get better that this.
    08078f97cfbe0a959d51e5d02b7c6e90.jpg
    9c693e13f841c21ef5b002670c4199f3.jpg
    8e021f859dd254b8df80579c55174744.jpg
    bd21fa07deccd6632699114b2d22013e.jpg
    b2416147284151f2aec0ef87c5f5afb0.jpg
    af9879767e9116dc7c2fafcc03ef4b9e.jpg
    1c7cfea1d56373baeb21852f712aa608.jpg
    0c622e114c61ba5f10d61a285acc1879.jpg
    c59d36bcb48624ef8734aed5c45d76b0.jpg
    8a40e5e699fa7b9a0efcc02dc313c90a.jpg
    b76dff12df94842b743812a8aaf25440.jpg
    6d3e67daf0a0f4e21d268e8a20f90306.jpg


    Sent from my SM-G998U1 using Tapatalk
     

    lonestardiver

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Dec 12, 2010
    4,615
    96
    Eagle Mountain Lake area
    So my buddy was a BAKFlip distributor, he still might be.

    I can usually get stuff drop-shipped to you at close to cost if he’s still doingnit...LMK if you’re interested

    I’ve got an F1 and I think it was under $800


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

    I found one last night....$785 plus tax with free shipping last night. Should be here Monday.
     

    TheDan

    deplorable malcontent scofflaw
    Rating - 100%
    8   0   0
    Nov 11, 2008
    27,542
    96
    Austin - Rockdale
    So a Saturdays work done. The pics probably loaded in a scattered way but that's tapatalks fault.. Started at 8AM. Pulled the front struts out, removed axles. I didn't get a pic of those but it was a perfect example of dry rusted cv joints that have been void of grease for a couple years. Pulled out worn motor and transmission mounts. You can see the engine mounts that show collapsed vs new.

    In with new mounts. Replaced transfer case fluid as the rear was accessible. Sucked and filled the front diff with new oil. There is a slight pinion leak but it will have to get way worse before I go after that. Installed new front axles.

    I had to finish up one front shock spacer. Got that done and disassembled the front struts to install the new top mount with longer studs. Put both of them in and installed the struts. On the passenger side I had to pull the caliper and steering knuckle off. It is a tight fit getting the axles to get past the cir clip that holds the inner.

    With the front end done and re-assembled, I did a brake flush while I was trimming it out and cleaning up a bit. Nice to have a power flush machine to push in new fluid. The crap that came out was green and had clearly Been there for many years.

    With it running, I did a quick spin around the shop and onto the alignment rack. I did have a nasty rattle noise over the speed bumps. A quick check found that the lower bolt for the sway bar end link was left loose on both sides. A quick brap and that was fixed... none the less, I had to tweak the rear ride height to match the front. The wagon has air suspension so all I had to do was re-calibrate the level. With the rear where I wanted it the voltage was out of range. I had to shim the sensor and tweak the bracket a bit.

    Overall the alignment was just a toe and go. You can see the ride height out of spec front and rear. Fixed right rear toe to correct thrust angle. Front caster was good. Front camber is in a bit, I could have fixed it but installing adjuster bolts was the last thing I wanted to do. If I get abnormal wear on the tires I may revisit the camber. Otherwise a quick front toe adjustment and she drives right as rain.

    You can see the final result. Overall I am happy with how it turned out. If I could go back I would order a 3/4 inch plate. On full droop the front upper joint is really tight, during driving it seems OK.

    As soon as the tires wear out I'll track down some all terrain tires. It came stock with 245/45 17. I got factory 16's with 225/55 r16. I am thinking a 215/65 16. A touch narrower and a bit taller. I'll top that off with a 5 or 10mm wheel spacer to bump them flush with the fender.

    Done and home by 2pm. Now I am watching cartoon barbie with the littles. Don't get better that this.
    08078f97cfbe0a959d51e5d02b7c6e90.jpg
    9c693e13f841c21ef5b002670c4199f3.jpg
    8e021f859dd254b8df80579c55174744.jpg
    bd21fa07deccd6632699114b2d22013e.jpg
    b2416147284151f2aec0ef87c5f5afb0.jpg
    af9879767e9116dc7c2fafcc03ef4b9e.jpg
    1c7cfea1d56373baeb21852f712aa608.jpg
    0c622e114c61ba5f10d61a285acc1879.jpg
    c59d36bcb48624ef8734aed5c45d76b0.jpg
    8a40e5e699fa7b9a0efcc02dc313c90a.jpg
    b76dff12df94842b743812a8aaf25440.jpg
    6d3e67daf0a0f4e21d268e8a20f90306.jpg


    Sent from my SM-G998U1 using Tapatalk
    What tires are you going to put on?
     

    Lost Spurs

    Active Member
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Sep 24, 2011
    895
    76
    BCS
    What tires are you going to put on?
    I am leaning to either toyo open country a/t 3 or general grabber a/tx. I am too cheap for bf Goodrich all-terrain. The 215/65 r16 I am looking at doesn't leave too much for options. I just want to be able to run dirt roads that may get slick and will surly have rocks and branches to drive over.

    I have a decent set of Michelin mxm4 tires on the 16 inch rims now. They just won't wear out. It probably doesn't help that I just poke around town. The younger me would have turnt them to dust long ago...

    Sent from my SM-G998U1 using Tapatalk
     

    lonestardiver

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Dec 12, 2010
    4,615
    96
    Eagle Mountain Lake area
    Amazingly Amazon delivered the Revolver X4 a day early....then as I was half way through the install they showed up with the A-pillar handle.

    Finished the cover install in about an hour taking my time. Wasn’t difficult, an extra hand may have helped at 2 points as you attach the rails.

    The A-pillar handle takes maybe 5 minutes....most of that time is running the ratchet on the bolts. The packing on the handle by Amazon was actually decent for once. It was double boxed with enough paper to keep the inside box from moving.....where did they get this packer?

    Tomorrow the rear floor covers arrive.

    Then to decide on subwoofer under rear seat or locking storage under the rear seat. Leaning toward the locking storage so I can carry a truck gun and keep it secure.
     

    RedArmy

    Well-Known
    TGT Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Nov 26, 2017
    1,103
    96
    Watauga
    Got bored with my truck so decided to change it up from almost all white to chrome. I added new mirror caps, door handles, window trim, tailgate handle and belt moldings all in chrome. I also changed the tail lights to some more modern looking ones, I always hated the shape of the stock tail lights. I upgraded my fog lights to smoked lenses. I also replaced my front bumper since some sorry person put a ding in it while it was parked.

    Removing the crap ton of screws that hold the valance on was the only hard part of replacing the front bumper.
    gv8B2Uf.jpg


    New smoked led fogs.
    W1s2Pyf.jpg


    New tail lights, I really like these.
    cvq1g3K.jpg


    YBWfgu9.jpg

    Now, lift kit? I'm thinking about it.
    ylsyewt.jpg
     

    Dawico

    Uncoiled
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Oct 15, 2009
    38,007
    96
    Lampasas, Texas
    Finally installed my airbags on the new truck. Honestly was a total pain this time. Not sure if the directions were wrong or I didn't follow them correctly.

    I looked at the pictures a bunch of times to be sure I put the units together correctly but still had to loosen and slide all the slotted bolts after the bags were in.

    Oh well. It's done now.

    You can see the amount they lift the rear but you wouldn't want to ride empty like that. It would beat the crap out of you.

    I t'd the lines together and ran them into the cab hooked up to a 12v inflator. This way I can adjust them as needed. Beats the compressor kits for $300+.

    I have always had the 5k lbs. kits but went bigger this time.
    5497cebf6347f7cc57e2b06356319708.jpg
    719f2db333a7354caa23d498a6bf4199.jpg
    a6dd8bb2839a216d40ff5d69e6981796.jpg
    fab7a32ef601017084e46d9999ac94bb.jpg
    f81795456643fef87d7fc9f16faebb7f.jpg
     
    Last edited:

    lonestardiver

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Dec 12, 2010
    4,615
    96
    Eagle Mountain Lake area
    I installed the Tuffy in console lockbox in my truck. Simple combination lock, enough to discourage most smash and grab miscreants.

    Then I attached the 2 swing out tool boxes.
    These were an eBay find that was 2 for the price of one of the UnderCover swing case boxes. $199 + tax and free shipping. Looks just like the name brand. Only catch as indicated on some of the truck forums there were no instructions in the boxes…but a quick view of a couple of YouTube videos is all you need.
     

    Dawico

    Uncoiled
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Oct 15, 2009
    38,007
    96
    Lampasas, Texas
    I actually changed a wore out trailer tire yesterday. Wore to the point of the steel belts showing.

    Trying to remember the last time I did that. May not have ever honestly.

    They usually grenade on the highway.

    This is my last Load Range D tire too. The others are all Es.
     
    Top Bottom