Hey Chaps,
Well its been a couple of years since the LR got it's cert and a couple of routine problems have finally got the better of me and so I'm tinkering with a few bits and pieces at the moment as well as a general service.
Worst mechanical problem, I've got a new wide angle rear driveshaft on the way as the shortened factory series 2a rear driveshaft has been binding up, most obvious when travelling at 100km/hr then lifting off the gas lightly. I think it is exaggerated due to a bit of slop in the center diff. While looking into replacing the driveshaft, I've been sent some info that stating the front driveshaft needs to be installed between 22.5 to 45degrees out of phase because the front diff and transfer case output flanges aren't parallel as per 110 setup. Currently front driveshaft is in-phase but always attributed my vibration to the rear driveshaft binding, so will look into this further once the new rear driveshaft is installed.
With the new rear driveshaft, I'm hoping I will be able to install the 2" shock droppers in the rear and get the advantages of my rear spring retainers. The old driveshaft couldn't handle the additional angle with the shock droppers installed.
Changing the oils showed the gearbox oil to be clean as a whistle, transfer case and overdrive a little dirty so might change them a little more often. They also seem to have the highest factory oil leak rate.
I had trouble on one trip with 4wd not selecting and didn't have a 4wd light, so wired up a green LED so I know definitely if 4wd is in or out. Bit easier than doing hill climbs to find out the centre diff is out.
I've got a bluetooth-RS232 adaptor ordered for the MSII so I can run MSdroid on my android phone to make minor tuning adjustments on the fly. It's coming from the states all pre-configured so will give an update on how that works out. I'm also thinking of screwing an old android phone to the dash permanently to show extra gauges I don't have, like battery voltage, throttle position, IAC stepper motor position, TPS, injector opening time. The MSII has proven 100% reliable, but still has a couple of on/off throttle response improvements I want to teak, response is just a little harsh, bit to much fuel, so I plan to pull that back.
Im removing my reserve fuel tank as it's always leaked, even with the POR15 tank sealer in their so, time to make a new one from alloy so I don't have to carry around jerry cans. Also planning on making another primary tank with internal fuel pump and surge tank so I don't have to listen to the noise of the external fuel pump whining, which gets a bit tiring at the end of a long day.
Want to make a highlift jack and spare wheel mountings on the rear rollbar braces. Would be good to get the weight of the spare wheel off the bonnet as well as it's starting to take its toll on the bonnet frame and driving the truck quickly offroad, it feels like I've got a bit much weight on the front axle, and could do with about a 2 inch springlift to increase diff to bumpstops. Think the original springs have just sagged a bit.
Also want to add some sound deadening material underneath the seatbox, gear box tunnel and floor to try shut up the exhaust and gearbox reverberation inside the truck. Was thinking dynamat type product, does anyone know of a good place to source it from? Seems quite expensive on trademe at about $150/m2.
Also trying to figure out how to make a kenworth truck style roof liner to quiten things down as well.
What a yarn, pic from the last trip
but knew we could turn back at any time, the weather never got any worse with just light snow and crud, took 3 vehicle 2.5 hrs, didn't go up from Shelter hut as the weather was rubbish & didn't want to tempt fate. Chains on all 4's the whole way, water holes very full so deep, many bonnet depth. Time to pull out the starter motor...... and radiator.....
What Glue did you use?