Where I've been hiding

It's been far too long since I took a moment to update the blog. Been working on a few things with the m38 squeezed in when I can. 

We last left off with me healing from a replacement ICD implant to keep my heart running, and me finishing off my alternator conversion.  

In February I managed to get my license reinstated, right about the same time as the worst snowstorm of the season. 

To put my ICD to the test, I had to partially dig my TJ out of a snowbank, inflate (and change ultimately) the front passenger tire. Once I had air in the tire I dropped it in four low and it pulled itself out of the snowbank ready for action. 

Life sort of got in the way for a bit, in a good way. Some travel and family time while we waited out the winter.

 

 

April saw my son and I out take out our RC 4x4's. I've had the TJ for years and had to order in some new NiCad batteries, and his is fancy with USB charging and four wheel steering. I taught him all about poser shots on a rock in the yard. 

 

 

 

In May and June I jumped back into the disc brake conversion on the m38. I've buttoned all the lines up and everything is connected, I only need to add fluid and bleed them at this point. I am working towards getting some clamps on the frame to hold the lines in place and prevent them bouncing around the frame rails

 

I've now completed a fuel pump block off, replacing the block of wood (I am dead serious) that a previous owner had made. I had to replace the oil line from the block to the filter, as the one there blew itself apart during a test fire. Yes, a test fire. With the fuel system complete, I hooked up a small tank, primed the carb, and fired up the engine. 
It developed oil pressue, the alternator started charging, and everything ran perfectly. I was happy as can be. 

 

 

 

  

Trackick Build List

I'm currently working through Brennan's Garage excellent Trackick brake conversion on the m38. The kit from Brennan is a set of brackets (two sets in my case - 4 wheel disk) that allows mounting of Geo Tracker (and the like) calipers and disks. A complete part list from RockAuto (and Amazon) is provided at the end of this article.

 

The first step is ridding the axles of the drums, hardware, and backing plates. I took the opportunity to inspect, replace, and lube all my bearings. The Trackick braket bolts to the axle using the same bolts that held the drum backing plates on (and mounts the spindles on the front).

Once the brackets are mounted and hardware is torqued to spec, the disks slide on. In my case, I did have to open up the lug holes to match my new studs. Your mileage may vary, just be aware that making parts from different vehicles fit isn't always an exact science. After the disks, it time to mount the calipers. Brennan includes mounting bolts and spacers to line everything up accordingly.

The flex hoses are Chevy S10 lines. The front's will reach the stock hard lines, while the rears will require some moddification to the hard lines to make space and accomodate the flex lines.

RockAuto parts list - full disclosure, I found the calipers local for a little cheaper in Canadian dollars
2 x DYNAMIC FRICTION 33147009
2 x DYNAMIC FRICTION 33147008
2 x CENTRIC 90848009 OE Grade
4 x DORMAN H380280

Some M10x1.0mm banjo bolts from Amazon
I went all new, but remanufactured is also an option.

For reference, I used these as vehicles:
1994 Geo Tracker for disks, calipers, and pads.
1998 Chevy s10 for flex lines.