The build of Balder

[Sgt_USMC]

I wonder if the fact that this song was playing on my radio was factor.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Changed the transmission fluid and filter, and did an oil change. Couldn’t do the tcase, so that will wait until I get to Florida. All that’s left is rotate/balance at DT, OPDA, and registration. Then hit the road on Friday.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

I was pleasantly surprised when I dropped the trans pan and the fluid looked very good! The magnet in the pan had nothing worth commenting about. That tells me there is no abnormal wear or problems! I’m looking into adding a Derale trans cooler while I’m in Fl just to help the trans stay in this condition for the long term.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Got the tires rotated/balanced and paid the god awful registration. I still need to do the OPDA before I head out.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Not feeling very good today, but managed to get the OPDA swapped out. That marks the end of the maintenance phase. While I’m in Fl I’ll be looking into a couple mods to start off the real fun!

 

[Sgt_USMC]

So yea, after talking to a doc today it looks like I may have fractured a bone in my hand. Just my luck! The wrench slipped off the hold down bolt for the opda and I slammed my hand into the alternator hard. I can’t hardly lift anything with that hand and can’t make a fist without severe pain. I still got the inside cleaned very well for the wife and packed all my tools in it despite the pain. Just have to toss the luggage, a small cooler and then hit the road tomorrow.

 

[black pearl]

So yea, after talking to a doc today it looks like I may have fractured a bone in my hand. Just my luck! The wrench slipped off the hold down bolt for the opda and I slammed my hand into the alternator hard. I can’t hardly lift anything with that hand and can’t make a fist without severe pain. I still got the inside cleaned very well for the wife and packed all my tools in it despite the pain. Just have to toss the luggage, a small cooler and then hit the road tomorrow.

That sucks man! Hopefully it doesn’t bother you too much on the road.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Thanks, I don’t foresee it giving me too much of a problem unless I go on autopilot and grab the emergency brake with my right hand.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Day one is in the books. Around 412 miles, 100+ temps crushing at around 75-80 the whole way. Jeep performed wonderfully. Tomorrow will be about 440 miles. Still many miles to go.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Day 2 is done. Not as hot today, but still a lot of miles. Made it to Van Horn Tx. Going to be leaving pretty early, for a few reasons. Cruised around 80 today, and found that if I keep the RPMs around 2500 I get pretty decent mileage even with the Jeep loaded down. Was getting around 16-17 for the most part. It isn’t like the close to 20 MPG that we get in her liberty, but I’ll take it for a 16 year old brick with wheels!

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Day 3 done. Made it to our friends house in Georgetown Tx. LONG day. Around 433 miles. Just one more stop and this cross country exodus will be done for now. Eventually I have to go back to ca.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Day 4 is in the books! Left Georgetown Tx around 8:30, and pulled into the hotel in New Orleans at 6:30. 518 miles today. Not much further now!

 

[black pearl]

Day 4 is in the books! Left Georgetown Tx around 8:30, and pulled into the hotel in New Orleans at 6:30. 518 miles today. Not much further now!

Your making good time!

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Yep! I planned to cruise around 65-70 the whole way, but have been keeping it around 75-80. Only have a short 4 hour hop tomorrow and this trek will be completed, for now. We are planning to take our time when it comes time for me to head home. See the sights instead of just being on a tight schedule and just drive past them. Museums, sights, landmarks. He enjoy history deeply and enjoy learning when ever we can.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

And we are done! The last 211 miles are done, and we are beat! Over 1990 miles done. Not bad at all for a 16 year old beast with over 133k on the clock when we started!

 

[wayoflife]

And we are done! The last 211 miles are done, and we are beat! Over 1990 miles done. Not bad at all for a 16 year old beast with over 133k on the clock when we started! View attachment 376012

Hell of a drive in a TJ! Nicely done and glad you're safe

 

[Sgt_USMC]

I had a nice sight in Tx. Two nicely built JLs. Looked like they were sitting on 40s. One was Tuscadero with matching rings on the bead locks, the other was all blacked out. Both had hitch cargo carriers with coolers, and were just jamming down the freeway.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

So fun stuff has continued. It felt a little sluggish today, and when I got back to the house I smelled something odd. I got out and checked things out to find that my p/s rear caliper is grabbing. I knew the rubber lines would need changing in the next year or so, but now it’s at the top of the list. I’ll put a parts store one on while I save up for pads, rotors and calipers from black magic brakes. I’ll also put on all new brakes lines when I do them.

 

[Sgt_USMC]

Finally got around to ordering brake lines. I’m replacing all 5 of the rubber lines. Going stock for the rears, and extended for the fronts so I don’t have to do them again later on.

 

[bmkrinne]

Finally got around to ordering brake lines. I’m replacing all 5 of the rubber lines. Going stock for the rears, and extended for the fronts so I don’t have to do them again later on.

I had to replace all of the rubber brake lines on my 05 F250 in the last few years. I think the rubber lines have a finite service life, at which time they shit the bed!