ALTERNATOR #2

I seem to have really bad luck with alternators in all vehicles. 

The Zuk already has had a Chevy alternator conversion, which means much larger output than the tiny and expensive Suzuki alternator.

The 1st Chevy alternator in this rig blew its regulator in the middle of a trail. The 2nd one died with no output.

To be fair, I've no idea how old they are, so it was time for a new replacement.

I opted for one to fit a 1999 GMC 1/2 ton rated at 130A. This thing is HUGE! So big, I had to extend the extended mounting bracket :)

With a 3 year warranty so I don't have to worry about it for a while ;)

 

CAB WINCH CONTROLLER

On the last few runs my fancy-pants wireless Warn winch controller has had a few problems with dropping it's wireless connection.

I changed the controller batteries, but I don't know if it doesn't like being used inside the Zuk cab, or the voltage drop on the battery is killing the connection momentarily.

So, I installed a cheap $15 ATV handlebar mount winch mini rocker switch, and hooked it up to the Superwinch/Warn controller ports.

I just need to make a dash mount for it....

TOYOTA 4K CARBURETOR 21100-13170

Before I bought the parts rig that donated the TBI system, I ordered a Toyota 4K carburetor 21100-13170 and a carburetor spacer off ebay.

The carb came in long after the TBI swap and it's been sat on the shelf taunting me to get it tested.

So last night I swapped the TBI for the Toyota 4k carb.

The swap is pretty simple but a little time consuming - replace the intake manifold, fuel pump, distributor and do a little wiring.

There is a channel on the stock carb spacer that needs to be filled in, and another channel to be made for the enricher circuit.

The Carb is in and it fired up immediately and it idles really well.

I broke the temperature sender and I need to make an accelerator bracket before I can take it out for a test.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEEL BEARING

Axle oil has been leaking despite replacing the axle seal. 

During the last club run, the wheel bearing started making a nasty clicky noise. I've known the bearing was bad, so it was time to replace it.

I have a trail spare that has the bearing and newer style removable backing plate. This allows the axle to be removed without having to remove the backing plate (and open up the brake circuit)

So I zipped off the old bearing, and modified the old brake backing plate so the axle bearing would slide past it with having to remove it. 

I'll rebuild the other axle.
Now I can replace the axle on trail in 20 minutes if needed :)

 

ELLERSHOUSE CLUB RUN

Took another successful tour of Ellershouse. 

Unfortunately Ron went over some ice which broke to land him in some deep water. He left his engine on and it took on a lot of water. Hopefully we'll hear some good news about Ron's Jeep soon! 

Matt was out in my old Xterra and it was really cool to see Matt giving it good workout :)

Michael and Matt both attempted the infamous culvert, but it was too icy to get through it without some winching.