Hello from Houston, TX

[mrandig]

Hi All:

Tomball, TX here (just NW of Houston).

I'm going to introduce myself as new member, but I actually joined this forum in May 2022. It's just taken me this long to get around to posting.

With all of my other projects are now squared away, I guess 2025 is the time to start working on my M998. I've got a lot to do, and I'm not quite sure where to start, but I guess making this thing roadworthy is a good place to begin. Unfortunately, this truck has been sitting around back behind the barn since 2022, and it even took a hit from a falling tree during hurricane Beryl. At least it was already ugly, and the tree was on the small side. It actually sat so long the tires rotted away, so these will need to be my first purchase. 

Looking to forward to learning as much as I can from everyone here. I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions.

 

[Mullaney]

Hi All:

Tomball, TX here (just NW of Houston).

I'm going to introduce myself as new member, but I actually joined this forum in May 2022. It's just taken me this long to get around to posting.

With all of my other projects are now squared away, I guess 2025 is the time to start working on my M998. I've got a lot to do, and I'm not quite sure where to start, but I guess making this thing roadworthy is a good place to begin. Unfortunately, this truck has been sitting around back behind the barn since 2022, and it even took a hit from a falling tree during hurricane Beryl. At least it was already ugly, and the tree was on the small side. It actually sat so long the tires rotted away, so these will need to be my first purchase. 

Looking to forward to learning as much as I can from everyone here. I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions.

View attachment 938365

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Wel I guess you need a belated Welcome to the Outfit! Or not... Anyhow, I guess the first thing I would suggest is that you go download the TM's (Technical Manuals) for your new to you vehicle. The "Dash 10" (File Name ending in -10) would help you a lot. I mean there are things you can learn about - like starting the truck the right way - will save you money on parts...

Then, at some point in time you will need to go through the wiring. Remove the bulbs in the light sockets and wire brush those connectors clean. Assuming you have no batteries or that they are dead, cleaning without disconnecting the batteries will be safe (no sparks!). Then after scrubbing those connection points, use a little bit of Anti-Oxidation paste in them before you put the bulbs back in. And for now, just leave them as incandescent bulbs. Changing to LEDs will cause you more pain than you can imagine... At least to start with.

Yeah, you could start with new tires - but hearing the clatter of the 6.2 will help motivate you to get some more done to the truck. You might want to check your oil level in the motor and transmission. Then go the rest of the way through the gearboxes and check those too... There IS lots to do, but if you do it one piece at the time you could be rolling around your neighborhood in a few months.

Good Luck and Best Wishes for you and your truck!

There are several members down your way...

 

[dr3d]

Howdy back, from down the road a piece in Pearland

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[SCM35A2]

Welcome to the site!

 

[mrandig]

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Wel I guess you need a belated Welcome to the Outfit! Or not... Anyhow, I guess the first thing I would suggest is that you go download the TM's (Technical Manuals) for your new to you vehicle. The "Dash 10" (File Name ending in -10) would help you a lot. I mean there are things you can learn about - like starting the truck the right way - will save you money on parts...

Then, at some point in time you will need to go through the wiring. Remove the bulbs in the light sockets and wire brush those connectors clean. Assuming you have no batteries or that they are dead, cleaning without disconnecting the batteries will be safe (no sparks!). Then after scrubbing those connection points, use a little bit of Anti-Oxidation paste in them before you put the bulbs back in. And for now, just leave them as incandescent bulbs. Changing to LEDs will cause you more pain than you can imagine... At least to start with.

Yeah, you could start with new tires - but hearing the clatter of the 6.2 will help motivate you to get some more done to the truck. You might want to check your oil level in the motor and transmission. Then go the rest of the way through the gearboxes and check those too... There IS lots to do, but if you do it one piece at the time you could be rolling around your neighborhood in a few months.

Good Luck and Best Wishes for you and your truck!

There are several members down your way...

Thanks for heads up on the electrical and other items. I've got a total of 58 "to-do" items at the moment, and that doesn't include anything I find along the way.