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- Location
- Dallas Tx
It's taken me some time to pull the trigger on the right rig but it's finally here - we just drove home our M1085A1 project truck. Over time it will turn into an Expedition rig but until then, it's time to update, restore, and replace all those mechanisms that have a reputation of failing. We picked it up in Maryland from a great guy (thank you for all your help!) and drove it back to Dallas over the last 5 days - the initial shake down trip was a success (super lucky). Took back roads for the first half the trip and then freeways the last 2 days with 5hr'ish travel days with stops in: Natural Bridge VA, Gatlinburg TN, West Memphis AR, and Hot Springs AR (with some quality time at the Oaklawn Casino). While we were in Gatlinburg TN enjoying some shine, we had a group of Jeeps come by and leave us a duck on the truck - as they approve of its off-road prowess- that was a fun surprise. It was a huge treat to see the country through that big windshield, the truck cruised the backroads with no problems and on the freeways a constant 60MPH with the engine fan kicking on every 5 mins - BTW that sucker is loud!
For any truckers on this site - THANK YOU for your patience with us in the right lane as we were just casually chugging along.
So now the fun part ~ there are some things that need to get fixed:
1) I've gotta fix the hydraulics -it no workie. The entire hydraulics are dead and I'm debating deleting the spare tire lift and replacing the system with an electric over hydraulic cab tilt system since the spare tire will go somewhere else. Need some experienced folks to tell me if that's a terrible idea or if it's reasonable. I saw that the Acela trucks have it and made me wonder if it was a reasonable upgrade?
2) the CTIS controller is solid red and needs to be replaced. The tires held constant pressure the entire trip and the system seems solid, short of the controller. Curious if any Spicer LMTV controller will work as a 'plug and play' replacement?
Driving the truck back with the Mrs. over the last 5 days, made us appreciate the need for insulation all over the cab, installing A/C, improved seats, and some Eco hubs as later additions. It's funny how 98 degrees and a hot bouncy truck cruising down the road can start a fight with wife with just a casual look - it's like a perfect powder cake for trouble. Also, I want to give a huge THANKS to everyone who posted regarding finding insurance and getting your truck titled in TX. I had to visit two county offices to get it done but for the most part it was drama free.
In the meantime, looking forward to getting to know the truck and the SteelSoliders site better during this journey. If there are any local DFW folks, please reach out! We're hoping to join any local get togethers or meet up!
For any truckers on this site - THANK YOU for your patience with us in the right lane as we were just casually chugging along.
So now the fun part ~ there are some things that need to get fixed:
1) I've gotta fix the hydraulics -it no workie. The entire hydraulics are dead and I'm debating deleting the spare tire lift and replacing the system with an electric over hydraulic cab tilt system since the spare tire will go somewhere else. Need some experienced folks to tell me if that's a terrible idea or if it's reasonable. I saw that the Acela trucks have it and made me wonder if it was a reasonable upgrade?
2) the CTIS controller is solid red and needs to be replaced. The tires held constant pressure the entire trip and the system seems solid, short of the controller. Curious if any Spicer LMTV controller will work as a 'plug and play' replacement?
Driving the truck back with the Mrs. over the last 5 days, made us appreciate the need for insulation all over the cab, installing A/C, improved seats, and some Eco hubs as later additions. It's funny how 98 degrees and a hot bouncy truck cruising down the road can start a fight with wife with just a casual look - it's like a perfect powder cake for trouble. Also, I want to give a huge THANKS to everyone who posted regarding finding insurance and getting your truck titled in TX. I had to visit two county offices to get it done but for the most part it was drama free.
In the meantime, looking forward to getting to know the truck and the SteelSoliders site better during this journey. If there are any local DFW folks, please reach out! We're hoping to join any local get togethers or meet up!
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