Recent content by Shakes355

As someone who's never owned a gps outside of their cellphone, I think it's worth mentioning that cell service isn't guaranteed across a lot of the country. Still pretty easy to get lost regardless of age.

I'm sure other will chime in with battery powered solutions, but for my money I'd be hard pressed not to go with a cheap gas inverter generator. Maybe not the most convenient since it's another chunk of equipment to carry, but its a tried and true solution. And even though the cheapo's don't...

Nice find on the tester. Glad you've ruled out an internal engine problem as well. I do have some questions/thoughts on the trans though. 2013/14 jeeps with the W5A580 had notorious programming. (Personally I think Chrysler and Ford have some of the worst on the market in general.) And there...

PCV systems tend not to work at higher rpms on any vehicle. But Chrysler doesn't exactly put their best minds on designing their systems either. The baffles in the valve cover are designed to provide surface area for the oil vapors to condensate on and prevent "splashing" up into the breather...

Brand matters and systems matter, to be sure. There are plenty of reasons for folks to be uncomfortable with computerized systems (see: BMW owners) But as a rule, I like to call it the illusion of complexity coupled with tighter operating tolerances (see: smaller margin for error). The wiser of...

Not my normal trail rig, but prepping for another Gambler at the end of the week. Some minor surgery and a hope and a prayer it makes it to the peninsula and back.

Very good idea definitely worth trying. Sections 2-3 are a bit far for me for a class though. But with the density of the members in that general area I hope you can have a successful turnout

In the US, there is no legal certification process after delivery of the vehicle. Only the vehicle manufacturer or an authorized upfitter who received an incomplete vehicle can set GVWR. Any modifications you make can increase (or decrease) the safe effective payload, but the rating (for legal...

Sharp rig. Enjoy the event. I did OG in June with something only slightly less capable.

Obviously for us full size guys, there are just gonna be sections we can't pass. So the main thing is being comfortable with all four corners and knowing your limit. For everything else, have a spotter and the humility to do plenty of Austin Powers-ing to put yourself in a position to succeed.

Smritte pretty much has you covered there on all counts. I'll just add that, in general applications, brake noise comes in 3 flavors: metal contacting rotor, rocks contacting rotor, and vibration. -Rocks and debris are self explanatory. -Metal contact can be backing plates(bent), clips and...

As I come from a more rural background, I developed my skills while hiking out to camp/hunt. And I still default to much of it even when exploring by vehicle. Since the resurgence of the "bushcraft", "tactical", and "survival" fads in popular culture, I think a little too much weight might be...

I know the thread was started over a week ago so not sure if you managed to select the tools you need yet. Many of the sizes for the 1/2 ton Chevy/GMCs are the same starting in '99/'00. The main ones to have are: *1/2" Drive Sockets: -22mm[7/8"] - lug nuts (if still original), tie rods, lower...

Test light (not led) and a $19 craftsman multimeter will get you pretty far on just about any rig. I also carry a Power Probe on more remote outings.

I keep a roll of stainless bailing wire in my kit permanently. Also take it on every camping trip in our other rig. I've used it to hang broken exhaust and heat shields, secure hoses in lieu of clamps, lash down racks, cargo and broken hinges, keep tools together (box end wrenches, etc), fix...