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I finished this a few days ago, but am just now getting around to posting it.
I recently purchased a pair of brand new 1100R20 Goodyear G286 tires to put on the front axle of this truck. Being that its over 100 degrees in the shade, I had a tire shop do mount the tires. They took the old tires off and put the new tires, tubes, and flaps on. The old tires were getting pretty cupped on the outside, so I also adjusted the toe in on the truck. The toe in measured about 1/4". It was somewhat difficult to break loose the threads on the tie rod, but I set it to 1/16" in and it seems to still drive okay. I'd hate to tear up these nice tires, so I'll keep an eye on them.
Although you can't see it in the photos, I also took off all the wheels and tires and cleaned all the lug studs and cap nuts. I wanted to be able to change a tire on the side of the road if I had to. Since I was doing most of the work anyways, I measured the roll out of the tires and put the largest opposite the smallest. This truck used to get a bit of back and forth rocking at speed and I think its because the one axle with the taller tires was fighting the other. It no longer does this.
Installing the convoy lights was easy. I deviated from the instructions in that I did not use the included toggle bolts to attach the light assembly to the pedestal mount. I have no idea why they include toggle bolts for that application. I have a buddy making some covers for the lights for when they're not in use. I fear the sun will destroy the beacon plastic shortly if I don't cover them up. I have seen some pretty cloudy, faded ones before.
I also changed out the tubular grille usually found on the XM809s for the slat type, as I think they are more aesthetically pleasing.
Future plans for this truck include the lollipop signals, side clearance lights, and a new CARC paint job. I already have the lights, but have yet to put them on. I will probably wait until it cools off to paint.
I recently purchased a pair of brand new 1100R20 Goodyear G286 tires to put on the front axle of this truck. Being that its over 100 degrees in the shade, I had a tire shop do mount the tires. They took the old tires off and put the new tires, tubes, and flaps on. The old tires were getting pretty cupped on the outside, so I also adjusted the toe in on the truck. The toe in measured about 1/4". It was somewhat difficult to break loose the threads on the tie rod, but I set it to 1/16" in and it seems to still drive okay. I'd hate to tear up these nice tires, so I'll keep an eye on them.
Although you can't see it in the photos, I also took off all the wheels and tires and cleaned all the lug studs and cap nuts. I wanted to be able to change a tire on the side of the road if I had to. Since I was doing most of the work anyways, I measured the roll out of the tires and put the largest opposite the smallest. This truck used to get a bit of back and forth rocking at speed and I think its because the one axle with the taller tires was fighting the other. It no longer does this.
Installing the convoy lights was easy. I deviated from the instructions in that I did not use the included toggle bolts to attach the light assembly to the pedestal mount. I have no idea why they include toggle bolts for that application. I have a buddy making some covers for the lights for when they're not in use. I fear the sun will destroy the beacon plastic shortly if I don't cover them up. I have seen some pretty cloudy, faded ones before.
I also changed out the tubular grille usually found on the XM809s for the slat type, as I think they are more aesthetically pleasing.
Future plans for this truck include the lollipop signals, side clearance lights, and a new CARC paint job. I already have the lights, but have yet to put them on. I will probably wait until it cools off to paint.
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truck is looking good
