Badzook II Slooowly Progressing. Murphy's Law Wins Again.

[badzook]

Well,

I have been doing pretty well getting Bad II ready for the trails. That is until Friday...

I started wrenchin' on this rig three weeks ago.

The previous owner had slapped a Cheap and Incomplete lift kit on this rig.. The brake lines were stretched tight while sitting static... Duh..

The springs were sacked and twisted. The brakes were spongy and down to the rivets... The perches were welded on wrong. And Blah, Blah, Blah..
I probably should have started out with a Unaltered Zook instead of spending so much time correcting the screw-ups on this one.... But, the body on this one is sweet and it's worth the trouble. And I'm here now so....

I started by installing Lockrite Lockers in the rear. I had to rebuild the diff anyway so it made sense. I made a few angle adjustments to the perches on the axles and installed lengthened driveshafts, extended brake lines, new shoes etc..

Then while checking out the cause of the Loose Steering I found the Kingpins Seized and Front Diff leaking. So, I decided to do an entire rebuild of the front axle assembly too. While I was in there I decided to install Lockers in the Front Diff as well.

http://www.tri-state4x4.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_12.JPG


I'm now at 12" of lift over a Stock Samurai. I don't have an RTI ramp to play on but it should do fairly well.

Now, it flexes pretty well and drives great. Smooth, no vibes and even corners pretty good too.

http://www.tri-state4x4.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_71.JPG

http://www.tri-state4x4.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_72.JPG

http://www.tri-state4x4.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_73.JPG


Thursday Night I took it for a "Trial" Trail Run and those lockers were performing flawlessly. Man those Lockers are AWESOME !!! They are pretty quiet and only "unload" once in a while.

The entire project seems to be going smoothly and I thought I was going to be ready real soon...

Then all Hell breaks loose.

I was climbing some sandbanks testing out the locking abilities of those lockers. I was doing some Seriously Steep Hillclimbs.

And Then,
I smell something burning and see some smoke blowing past the headlights when I stop.....WTH ??

Weird smell Like Burning Brakes and Burning Oil Mixed ????? It's late at night.... No tools, not even a flashlight DUH . I thought I was just going for a quick test run and hadn't given it much thought. I didn't even have my Cell Phone. Real Smart HUH ???..So, I turn around and head home real quick and then realize I'm not moving very fast . There will be no Quick. The Clutch was fading fast........

I finally make it back and PEE U Stinky.... Oily...Messy...

Get some light on the subject and see what reminds me of the EXXON Valdez. I blew a rear Main Seal and Soaked and Smoked the clutch.

Guess those Lockers brought out the weakpoints on this rig...

Soooooo, Out comes the Engine.

http://www.tri-state4x4.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_34.JPG

Actually these were taken after I degreased the Oily mess. That's why it's so clean..

http://www.tri-state4x4.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_93.JPG

and in goes s new seal and a Centerforce Dual Friction Ceramic Clutch..


http://www.tri-state4x4.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_91.JPG

I wonder what's in store for me on the next "Trial" ride..LOL

Pretty soon if this keeps up, I'll have rebuilt the entire rig....Aargh....

So much for a substitute wheelin' rig...

badzook 8)

[flippy71]

that is a bummer, but let me say this, that is freaking amazing what you did to that rig. coodoos. I am happy when i can change all the fluids in my rig. shows me i still have a long way to go. outstanding badzook, from what i just read and saw you will have her back together in short order.

[XEON]

You get Badzook I done? LOL Well seems like you got lots of work to get anything done right. I had to replace my u-joint and got that done with no problems except a busted bolt. I wish that was your case simple fixes but no you have to go and pull the motor out. That sucks. Well good luck hope everythign works out in the end. If you need any help I am around.

[badzook]

Justin,

Thanks for the offer... Pullin' the motor was just another afternoon for me.

No Biggie.. I'll have it wrapped back up by this Friday I think...

I have a couple of local friends that stop by and wrench ( read as drink ) with me.. Sometimes I think they divert me more than help me though LOL..

Imagine hearing an impact wrench go off in a quiet neighborhood. It tends to attract some attention. Nobody seems to mind too much though.....

A few of my neighbors stop by sometimes and pitch in too. I think they get a kick out of watchin' me tear these things down and rebuild em'..

I would like to make it on the Barrens Memorial Day Camp and Ride.

If I make it I'll caravan down with you guys. I'll figure it out by the end of next weekend... I should still be able to finish the bigger stuff on the Zook by then ( I hope ) ...

Bad 8)

[XEON]

Cool I finalyl get to wheel with ya Rod! :) And camp and have a good time. Cool if you need a hand that does nto drink I am there! :). Hope you get most of the stuff done so you can wheel with us. Are you goign to trailer it?

[sentinal02]

now you see why i carry so many tools. lol. though i don't think i have enough in there to fix a rear main on the trail. at least not by myself. would need at least one more strong guy to get the tranny down. looks like you still need to transfer the cage and the bumpers over though :wink:

[badzook]

now you see why i carry so many tools. lol. though i don't think i have enough in there to fix a rear main on the trail. at least not by myself. would need at least one more strong guy to get the tranny down. looks like you still need to transfer the cage and the bumpers over though :wink:

No way would I try to do a rear main on the trail or even on an overnite trip.. I needed the redwrench a few times. Besides it's an 8 hour job anyway ( including bee.. I mean Coffee Breaks ) .:lol: :lol:

This rig is only a "Temporary Substitute" for my orig zook. When I've finished Bad 1 Bad II is going to a good friend of mine who just loves this thing.. He doesn't have the skills to build one so we're doing this one together so he get's an education on wrenchin' & wheelin'.

Then we'll have one more member and he'll have a rig to wheel with.

I put this rig together using only spare parts that I had lying around.

I promised myself that I'm not robbing parts from the Orig badzook rig.

I'm planning to build that Bad 1 up all the way and what has been done on it is done. It actually is moving along too, but slower that I wanted it too. Looks like September or October now. Having trouble scoring some Specific parts. I might have them made at the local Machine Shop...I'm designing a Twin Stick too. I've found some Hybrid Birfields Toy / Suz that are on their way as we speak. I'm building that axle to be indestructible this time...I cant' find that 1600 engine set-up that I want. They are scarce. I might go with the 4.3 Vortec because they're a dime a dozen and they put out 210 hp. Then there will be alot of fabbing to do..

We'll see which way it goes...


Cool I finally get to wheel with ya Rod! Smile And camp and have a good time. Cool if you need a hand that does nto drink I am there! Smile. Hope you get most of the stuff done so you can wheel with us. Are you goign to trailer it?


You're right we haven't actually wheeled together yet..:roll:

I'll be driving my Cherokee If I go to the Barrens.. You have to be licensed and insured with a lift certification on your rig to wheel there. The Rangers check you out constantly and issue those pesky little coupons if you aren't up to snuff... I'm afraid 12" of lift on the zook is way over the legal limits there...My Cherokee is completely legal there..

This is State Lands and it is patrolled by Police and Park Rangers..It is legal wheeling but there are rules that have to be respected...I've been there a few times and been stopped with my Zook. I managed to beat the lift law because it is registered as a Passenger Car and not a Truck. In NJ there are no lift laws for Passenger Cars "Yet "... :lol: :lol:



badzook 8)

[sentinal02]

You have to be licensed and insured with a lift certification on your rig to wheel there.

even when the state you're registered and inspected in doesn't have a lift certification test? :huh:

[badzook]

You have to be licensed and insured with a lift certification on your rig to wheel there.

even when the state you're registered and inspected in doesn't have a lift certification test? :huh:

Heh, it's funny that you ask that.

I was stopped in my Zook down there about two years ago. The DEC officer was trying to issue a ticket for not having the Proper Lift Certification. But I was let off on a technicality. My Zook is registered as a Passenger Car. This was done by NYS DMV not me.. Currently, there are no lift laws on the books for Passenger Cars. in NY or NJ. .The Officer was polite and professional but boy was he PEEEOED :lol: :lol:

New York actually does have a "Modified Vehicle Certification Test". There is a list of guidelines that you have to meet to be properly registered and inspected. This only applies to Trucks or Commercial Vehicles not Passenger Cars. If you modify your vehicles ride height or suspension you are supposed to re register your vehicle as modified and it must be inspected at an authorized Inspection Center ( Usually at a State Police Barracks not your local Garage).

New York is currently going through an entire revamping of the Inspection System and this information is changing constantly..

Did you Know, there is now ( im 240 ) emissions testing here ( Orange Co. )and it is tied directly into DMV in Albany? Ther're talikng about cancelling the waiver program too.. This means if you fail you get 30 days to pass or turn in your plates...

So, technically, there is a certification here it just isn't a tilt test yet..

I have taken the Inspectors Course and hold a current Inspectors License.
I have to occasionally go to classes to keep it up to date...If I get caught with a vehicle that isn't up to current emissions laws I could loose my license and face penalties..

This is the reason I am having such a difficult time decicing on what powerplant to put in the badzook 1. If I build it up, I am supposed to re register and then the laws might change later with reguards to engine transplants and modifications.

When they test the emissions it has to put out exactly what the "Book" says.. Even if I put in a bigger 4 cyl it won't pass.

It currently has all of it's stock emissions in place and I want to keep it registered as it is and use it as my DD..

Right now they can't touch me.......8) ...:lol:

bad 8)

[sentinal02]

Did you Know, there is now ( im 240 ) emissions testing here ( Orange Co. )and it is tied directly into DMV in Albany? Ther're talikng about cancelling the waiver program too.. This means if you fail you get 30 days to pass or turn in your plates...


last i knew they were doing statewide emissions, but only on cars from 96 and newer i believe. the southern teir might be a bit stricter though. i know when i went they didn't have to do it for me. but around here a lot of guys were dropping the inspection license because of the change over. too costly for the equipment when you're only charging the customer like 5 bucks more. not to mention having to tell all the regulars that they now have to get a new cat, but that might not fix it, then try an O2 sensor, but that might not be it either, etc. a lot of them don't want to deal with it.

[badzook]

Yup,

Quite a few shops have thrown it the towel completely too..
It's not going to get any easier .

Some States have been trying to get all of the classic cars off the road too. With the small amount of people doing Engine Swaps and driving Classics I don't see why they should even care..

It's just a waste of taxpayers money making up all of these rules and then enforcing them...

Eventually only the Dealers will be left.. And, that's just the way Uncle Sam wants it.

badzook

[wrangler]

I would like to make it on the Barrens Memorial Day Camp and Ride.

If I make it I'll caravan down with you guys. I'll figure it out by the end of next weekend... I should still be able to finish the bigger stuff on the Zook by then ( I hope ) ...

Bad 8)I live in central jersey...I can caravan with u if u want...just incase somthing goes wrong on ur newly repaired rig..it might be a good idea to ride down with another rig. Urs looks sweet though...i'm still riding stock

[XEON]

I would like to make it on the Barrens Memorial Day Camp and Ride.

If I make it I'll caravan down with you guys. I'll figure it out by the end of next weekend... I should still be able to finish the bigger stuff on the Zook by then ( I hope ) ...

Bad 8)I live in central jersey...I can caravan with u if u want...just incase somthing goes wrong on ur newly repaired rig..it might be a good idea to ride down with another rig. Urs looks sweet though...i'm still riding stock

hes comming down with us. We are little closer to him. We might meet you on the highway. But we will all be at the Ranger Station. Badzook we need to start planning times and stuff and where to meet. Sent me an email.

[XEON]

I would like to make it on the Barrens Memorial Day Camp and Ride.

If I make it I'll caravan down with you guys. I'll figure it out by the end of next weekend... I should still be able to finish the bigger stuff on the Zook by then ( I hope ) ...

Bad 8)I live in central jersey...I can caravan with u if u want...just incase somthing goes wrong on ur newly repaired rig..it might be a good idea to ride down with another rig. Urs looks sweet though...i'm still riding stock

hes comming down with us. We are little closer to him. We might meet you on the highway. But we will all be at the Ranger Station. Badzook we need to start planning times and stuff and where to meet. Sent me an email.

[wrangler]

tell me what roads ur gona take to come down...and i'll see if i can meet with u guys on the way down

[rockdawg]

Hey Rod, Just wondering If you made any progress on Badzook I?

[badzook]

Hey Al,

You guys must think I got lost somewhere while out wheeling... :lol: :lol:

Actually, yes I am making progress.... Slow but Steady... 8)

I've been trying to find the time to work on it lately and I have..... but not as much as I would like..

If it isn't for working overtime or the house plumbing acting up or stuff like that I'd be much farther ahead..

It does have springs & axle housings under it with completely rebuilt diff's installed. The Longfields are in it..

I will have a "Complete" rolling chassis by the end of next week and I'll post some pics then.

Right now it resembles more of a "Workbench" than a Zook... :lol:

I have all the parts I need to get it rolling and steering.

right now..

I'm having trouble sourcing some parts for further down the assembly line..

I can't find a solid disc ceramic clutch. I know for a fact there is one built for it. I just can't find it... I really don't want to use a dual friction with the pucks. I'm not thrilled with the idea...

I have the T/C re - geared to 4:16 and I'm installing a 2WD LOW option.

I'm planning to have it finished before the leaves fall....:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

For now Bad II will do....


badzook