Rob

The bear has been giving you the rain you've been missing. They call that "Golden Showers". Rob

It would not hurt to change any of the lubrication in the truck. The cases can condensate and of course water will go to the bottom and possibly be agitated upon the trucks use. I would crack the drain plugs loose and see if any water comes out before actually draining. If no water, drive around to get everything warm, then drain and replace. Most oil hubs do have a drain plug in the center cap. If the front hubs are grease, the cap will look like an oil filter canister. It will also unscrew from the hub like an oil filter. Rob

I lubed that shaft and the rings well. The range cylinder was not leaking but the kit was complete for both the range, and splitter. I didn't realize you had to remove the rear section to re ring the splitter. Hope I can remove the safety wire, back out the jamb bolt, and remove the shaft without haveing to dissassemble the complete back end for access. I have all the gaskets so no problem and this trans is spotless inside. It really came apart easily except they used silicone on the gaskets upon assembly. Rob

Well with the ongoing saga of my transmission in the R model I got everything I'd wanted changed and swapped from one tranny to the other. Got the PTO overhauled with new gaskets and seals, mounted to the trans with about .009 backlash in the gears. new seals in the rear, and bottom, new gaskets anyplace else that was touched. The trans is suspended from a fork of my skid steer while I manuever the trans jack to set the trans upon it. I decide that since it is hanging at eye level and the air lines are all connected up, I'd charge the air system again and operate the shift functions. Well low and behold, the splitter cylinder leaks a little through the exhaust port. I couldn't hear this before as the trans on a pallet and this port exhausts downward. Kind of a pain because the back section has to come off the trans to change the seals on the actuator rod. Oh well, I'll take care of this tomorrow but thought I was nearing the end of the ordeal. I'll know next time. Rob

The Gorilla always had a preference for air conditioning. Don't make no difference with the bear. Rob

You'll prolly like this. http://www.wimp.com/disappearingprank/ Rob

Light the rocket? These guys will show you the way but you may get burned a little. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/1195/

Get a photo posted. I have boxes of headlamps adjusters and may be able to get something to work. If not, glass the hole shut and install generic as I've done several times. Rob

Oil or grease packed hubs? Oil hubs have a rubber plug in the center of the cap window which is clear. No real difference to check the seals in any big truck than a small truck with grease packed hubs. Look on the back side through an inspection hole for grease running. If you pull the front hubs replace the seals. Since there is not history so to speak, it wouldn't hurt a thing to either pack, or change the oil in the front hubs at a minimum. I would check/change all fluids myself. Rob

And congrats to you!!! I'm happy to see you finally get a truck of your own. I'd seen that one also but wasn't interested as too many already, (not really). Hope to see you through your restoration. Rob

In your application a hydraulic driven compressor would be very efficient but will still be a parasitic load on the engine. It will however be less than an engine driven compressor, (which is neglible). For the sake of simplicity, I would stay with a belt driven unit as parts are readily available. Most Thermo-King dealers support the brand around here. Should you damage a piece on something not readily available, it may take a while to get parts. Rob

Naw, comfort is important to an operator; more comfort, more production, less bitchin, more time for beer drinkin. Rob

I certainly like mine! Got my new ball bearing front casters for it today. Should make it roll real easy across the floor up to the spindle. Same guy has an OTC king pin press for sale also. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=JVAhr4hZDJE&vq=medium#t Rob

The sun is a lot more intense there than here is the reason for the locale blurb. A lot of operators up here don't care for the tint as they work at night. Rob

I have installed many Red Dot units myself over the years. Should you go with one of their units, build a cage out of some type of metal mesh, (such as old milk crate(s)) for a cover in addition to the plastic one supplied. Near every one I have worked with, or seen, this cover is broken or cracked where the retaining fasteners hold it to the frame. They are fragile as they age due to the sun beating on them, and the heat they must reject from the system. I think if you incorporate a 15-18MBTU unit, you will be happy. I would however still tint the windows in your locale. Rob

You guys are right on both counts. I never knew how "good" chilli dogs were until a teen, and B models never had seat belts so needed something to hold me to the upholstery. Rob

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=JVAhr4hZDJE&vq=medium#t Rob

Received this in an email this morning: Northbound on I-5 (88 miles south of Seattle).. The federal government is now petitioning to have these signs removed or Washington state will be denied additional monies for interstate highways. The State of Washington replied, they will secede from the Union rather than be intimidated. These are a matter of free speech paid for by a private citizen. It seems the Obama government uses intimidation and ignores the first amendment when they want to silence someone. Northbound on I-5 near Chehalis, WA (88 miles south of Seattle )

That looks like me in one of grandpa's B models, (except I never wore shorts). Good photo. Rob

Seen this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OTC-5090-Back-Buddy-Heavy-Truck-Brake-Drum-Dolly-Jack-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem415b6ac188QQitemZ280706597256QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools Rob

That was the prototype. Our current incarnation works on the "self gasification" principal and requires no open flame. Simple process really; eat plenty of chilli dogs, tacos, califlower, (pickled of course) and wash it down with a cold brew and the beginnings are set into motion. You must be prepared and hang on tightly as the acceleration is astounding, yet comes without announcement. Rob

Says something to the tune of it's pole comes up without assistance. Wonder what that's like? Rob

AS DO WE ALL!! Rob

The old fuel cap was doing the venting. The new cap is sealing the tank. There should be a vent in the top of the tank. Most have a hose attached that runs down the backside of the tank and is open to atmosphere. If there is no vent as mentioned, get another fuel cap correct for the application. Rob

I have an extra pump but would not be willing to ship it that far being unknown. I've never seen the engine run and I think it's stuck from sitting but supposedly ran well when in a truck. I It is an 865 pump without "Dynatard". I'll get it off the engine and send it in for testing. I'll be in Chicago/Naperville all next week, would you like it shipped from there? Rob