Truck project

Started with a 3 in spindle lift on the front,
























Before


After












Truck was sitting a little low, and the suspension was a bit soft. We put on a new set of Fabtech 3" lift spindles. When we took everything apart, we found a lower ball joint was sloppy so we replaced them on both sides.
The front end of the truck was lifted 3" and that means we have to lift the back to level it out. The back got an add-a-leaf , which is one more leaf spring with a sharper bend, added to the stack. Some time this week we will add a 1" spacer in the back under the springs. 'A' was a ble to help only a little, because she was getting ready for Homecoming. We had a spectator. I think it was a wolf spider:















She and 'H' went with two of their Highschool friends. they went out to eat first, then to the dance.

Injury, rain, and Volleyball

'A' started off the weekend with an attempted field goal on the bed post.



Saturday 'A' took her PSAT tests at school. Then, 'S', had a volleyball game, and they had a close battle but came up short. She is showing lots of promise in the sport.

















Saturday night the girls went to the movies.
Sunday morning We had a fundraiser carwash in the rain. We had one car show up, and we all got wet, but it was for a good cause. We raised money( tickets were pre-sold) for the new team, and we bonded.















We left there, and I had an alarm installed on the new rig ( A's Ranger)
While driving around that day, I noticed a horific squeal under the hood. The neighbor and I, troubleshot the issue for 2 hours. We removed the belt, and replaced the idler pulley( that didn't fix it) All the squealing seemed to come from that area. We sprayed some wd-40 on the back of the pully, and the sound temporarity went away. I sprayed again in the clutch pulley of the AC compressor, temporary fix.
I finally took it to my mechanic, and he replaced it with a smaller serpentine belt, and the problem went away. I am glad that fixed it, but I would have bet it was going to be something bigger like the compressor itself.
Serpentine belt installed = $83

Loaded the gun, pulled the hammer back...... Bought 'A' a truck

As the Ad read:
This is very clean inside and out vehicle. Comes with power door locks, power windows, CD Radio, bedliner, quality tires.
No accident.
V6 3.0L engine, 2WD No oil leaks, engine and transmission in perfect condition.
New brakes, oil.
All components in working condition.

She is very excited to have something to drive. She likes the idea of a truck, i guess because it is a little tom-boyish, and rugged. It is small enough to make it maneuverable in Parking lots, and get good gas milage. But large enough to haul her gear, and protect her.
Today she drove it to school for the first time. We picked it up last night.
Our town isn't the smoothest place to drive, as the high influx of immigrants leads to disarray, and indeciscion on their part, leaving her to play dodge-car.

















She added her first bit of Flare: