Cruzer's Re-Build for the Rubicon

Haha it’s all good I’m not in a hurry. I already have them or I’d definitely keep them!

 

Decided to give the truck a look over and found this mess. I guess the bad RCV boot issue has struck again

 

Ouch…that’s a drag

 

I think u need to quit while your ahead just buy a tank

 

I wonder if a branch or something tore it? I have about 20k miles on my RCVs and they look totally fine

 

Anything is possible. It would have had to come in from the front and knick that little spot.



It happened somewhere between leaving T2S, Vegas, and getting home. I’m thinking somewhere closer to home though cuz the tear was small when I found it. When I had to leave the house and drove for about 10 miles the hole grew bigger.

I took it off yesterday. There’s some piece of metal that is visible, probably some support brace or something.



I’m working with RCV warranty to take care of it. We’ll see what happens.

 

On my way to T2S I jumped on one of those big rig CAT weigh scales at a Loves gas station. My truck was loaded with camping gear, tools, parts, and with 40s on it was a porker!




This morning I got my truck weighed again but with the ability to weigh individual tires. This time my truck was free of all the gear and is rolling around in my daily driver weight: full spare and tools in the rear passenger side, half tank of gas, bed rack with recovery gear on driver side, and armor everywhere.



TOTAL: 7200
Driver Front: 2210
Passenger Front: 1840
Driver Rear: 1610
Passenger Rear: 1540

No wonder my driver front side is sagging a lot. Looks I may have to adjust the preload on the driver coilover to balance it out. I'll add a half inch shim to the driver side leaf as well.

 

Nothing like doing trail repair on a cool Friday morning. Heard my diff clicking while in 4Lo. Saw some diff fluid leaking out. Got to level ground to take a look. The diff to frame mounts were loose, like finger loose. Put 3/4 of a quart of gear oil and got back on the trail.



Still heard the clicking sound so decided to swap out the RCV axle with a cheapy one. Got back on the trail, clicking went away.

Went through some sharp switchbacks and heard a loud pop Cheapy axle broke. Calling it a day and heading down in 2wd.

Happy Friday y’all!

 

Cheapy axle blew up. Put RCV back on.

 

Damn. Trying to ruin a weekend. Don’t let it happen!

 

Just made it home. Going again on Sunday. Just gonna let the RCV axle blow up, hoping it doesn’t.

 

How did your rcv hold up? Are you happy with them? Seriously considering theses axles… any help appreciated

 

Wow what timing! I've been meaning to vent about these axles. First, let me state that these are great axles - when they're working. My passenger side inner boot had a tear and caused grease to go everywhere. I initiated a warranty claim with RCV, they are going to send me a new boot kit with grease. RCV did make a comment that the tear was probably caused by going over the maximum 28 degree angle. I went wheeling this past Friday and the driver side axle starting clunking/popping. I submitted another claim but this time showing my axle angle to shut them up about that. At this point I'm in limbo but it has also taught and reminded me that even though the axles are supposed to be bulletproof that I need to carry OEM spares. Cheap aftermarket spares bind at full droop or at full lock when turning, on my truck, and that they do and will explode if I wheel on them with my 40s aired down.

I've got friends on RCV axles. Some with no problems. Some with problems initially but have cleared up. So I'm hoping these problems clear up and I can go wheeling again. Would I buy them again? Yes, because I believe these are the only axles that can handle what I'm doing.

If you're snapping OEM axles, then get RCV. If you haven't had any CV problems yet, then save your money, and just carry a spare. I can switch out CV axles in 20 minutes - I'm getting good

 

Oh and to answer your question.... plans fell through on Sunday so I didn't go wheeling. The RCVs are fine when not in 4wd.

 

Harbor Freight has a 10% coupon on anything right now.... Is it finally time to pony up and buy a welder?

 

Didn't know you were looking for one.

 

Not that I want to delay you, but with Black Friday and cyber Monday so close it might be worth it to wait just a tad longer

Also welding is fun AF! Do it!

 

I wasn’t but HF rarely discounts the welders.

 

Hmmm like I just told Warren they rarely discount the welders. How about this? I head to my local store (before going to work) and IF they don’t have the Vulcan 140 then I’ll hold off til BF.

 

You drive a hard bargain. Sold. Send it!

Definitely get a good mask, makes a huge difference!
Oh and quality gloves that fit well. I don’t remember what gloves I have, but got them at a welding supply shop. Went snug and they broke in just right.

 

How much is the V 140. I've got one of my first welders here that would likely be a lot cheaper and out perform the 140. It's a rebranded Lincoln that I replaced with something bigger. IIRC it's gas and flux compatible. You'd still need a bottle though.

 

I have a Lincoln Pro-Mig 180. Does flux and gas. Works great for me. Sometimes wish it ran a little hotter but I think that’s more a problem that I use it with an extension cord (big ass super thick welding cord but still adds resistance)

 

What are people’s thoughts on those new multiprocess welders that are popping up (yeswelder)? People seem to be swearing by them

 

$550 it has adjustable voltage and wire feed. How much you looking to let go yours for?

 

Haven’t heard of that one. Guess I’ll take a looky.

 

Bro deal $200. It's on it's own cart that accommodates a bottle but you can use flux core (not recommended) too. As I recall, it a Home Depot, Century welder that's actually a Lincoln rebrand. I'll head up to the pump house and grab a pic for ya.

 

Soooold! You gonna go to Sac? If so, bring it.

 

Got that Bro-Friday deal

 

I’ve seen them on Instagram but haven’t really looked into them. What I’ve seen is good, but that could be the marketing. Really don’t know. They look promising for sure