Search results

  • HTML tutorial
  1. Shakes355

    Getting Lost...

    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.
  2. Shakes355

    Best power solutions for running a Block Heater on an e350 w/out an outlet?

    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...
  3. Shakes355

    JK 3.6 Liter - Oil in Air Filter

    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...
  4. Shakes355

    JK 3.6 Liter - Oil in Air Filter

    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...
  5. Shakes355

    Are newer vehicles preventing you from choosing them for overlanding due to complexity?

    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...
  6. Shakes355

    What Did You Do With Your Rig Today?

    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.
  7. Shakes355

    Any interest in a trail repairs class?

    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
  8. Shakes355

    Is there a way to legally increase the GVWR of a vehicle?

    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...
  9. Shakes355

    96 XJ "Sally"

    Sharp rig. Enjoy the event. I did OG in June with something only slightly less capable.
  10. Shakes355

    Turn radius

    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.
  11. Shakes355

    PowerBrake

    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...
  12. Shakes355

    Using Bushcraft Skills While Overlanding

    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...
  13. Shakes355

    Hex Keys, Ratches, Sockets, Spanners & Wrenches

    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...
  14. Shakes355

    Electrical Tools - which ones do you carry and why?

    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.
  15. Shakes355

    Tools you love, cant live without!

    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...
  16. Shakes355

    Exhaust heat wrap

    I'd have to defer to someone else about titanium wraps specifically, but in general heat wraps are generally more hassle than not. The main issue besides longevity (because they do break down over time) is that the wrap holds moisture and contamination against the pipe and causes it to rot out...
  17. Shakes355

    Leaking steering gear

    I tend to agree with Smritte but Euro stuff is tough, because Maval and ZF/Bosch all do their own remans and are OE suppliers. I assume this is for the Volvo, but the sprinter (Mercedes) should be a similar situation. I spent a number of years in a Volvo shop and the cost difference on new and...
  18. Shakes355

    Regearing

    So it's always a good idea to regear when bumping up tire size, regardless of what vehicle or transmission you have. That 4.0 is a torque machine at low RPM so Jeep was able to get away with those tall rear gears paired with the AW4. It was the best compromise for off road use and highway...
  19. Shakes355

    Spare tire(s) placement

    I can certainly respect your concerns here, but you drive a Suburban and let's face it, GM didn't exactly build them with weight or handling in mind. The biggest factor is going to be size. If you're running stock(ish) sized spares, neither roof or rear bumper is going to make all that much...
  20. Shakes355

    What I love about overlanding

    I had a much longer response hashed out but it started to get all mushy, so this is what I'll say. The natural environment provides me a level of comfort and peace that I cannot achieve elsewhere. Seeking out those places less traveled affords me the opportunity not only to access it, but also...