The SX/4 money pit

[Gil-SX4]

You should all so change the hatch shocks both need to be change at the same time.
On the wheel locks looks like you are going to see if you can get them off with some Vise-Grip pliers.

[Smitty]

I tried the vise grip routine but the center caps prevent getting a grip.  Have to figure out my socket size.  A 1 inch is too big and a 15/16 is too small.  Need to find the metric sizes that match up and maybe it will be the right size to hammer on there and get those brakes working.  NAPA has a kit..... $90.  I will take the air chisel to it first.  new studs are only a few bucks.  My welder sits in a box, unopened so I have not figured out how to use it yet.  The holdup to getting this thing going is those pesky wheel locks.  Might be time for the BFH.

[Gil-SX4]

Thats what I hate about the wheel locks if you loose the key its a hassel.
Yea just cut it off save time or you know what ells migth worke one of dose rubber belt wrenches, or hiting it with a screw driver or chissel to get it to start turning. I've done that with a long screw driver it takes some time and effort.

[Smitty]

looks like tomorrow will be a major project day  .  bought a 24mm socket today that got all four locking lug nuts off so I am good to go on getting those brakes working.  I bought a FSM off Evil Bay and it came today so I might just have a clue as to what I am doing.  I have the new valve cover from Turner 4wd, the new radiator from Rockauto, new belts hoses and water pump from NAPA.  Also have the new hatch lift rams from Rockauto.  Going to be a busy day.  First I have to finish the brakes on Skeezix's Cherokee.  85k on the factory rear shoes.  We won't use it now until the winter so maybe I could postpone it for a while  .  Have a whole bunch of little parts to install and a good compound on the paint to do but maybe, just maybe, I will put tags on it next week and see how it does on the open road.

[IowaEagle]

Sounds like you will be busy.  You will need for the front caliper bolts, unless they have been replaced with hex head ones, a hex bit.  Drat, I don't remember the size.  I will have to check my own post when I asked that question.

[Smitty]

7mm, got it

[IowaEagle]

Yup, that is it.

[Smitty]

Well, so much for the best of plans.    there are some moderate to strong winds today and we have been without commercial power most of the day.  Right now we are on generator power and that uses the power feed to the garage to supply the main house so I can not work in the garage.  Oh, I could but I would not have any power tools, only lights and no heat.  Since it is about 40 out there, I would need some heat on these old bones.  I did manage to break one of the rear drums trying to get it off so it is probably good that I stop working today.

I also found that the rear air shocks don't hold air.  Have to check the lines to see if one is blown or unhooked.  Maybe when we get back from downstate tomorrow night I will have some play time.  Only if I behave though 

[IowaEagle]

Murphy's law kicked in with full force I take it?

[Smitty]

Yep.  probably won't have commercial power until tomorrow.  We have everyting all wired for the generator since this happens often.  The toy garage has always been considered a luxury to power it with the generator so I can't play tonight.  You know though,... Skeezix's sauna has power and she is headed to it now.  Why can't I have my toys too    Although, with the sauna going, I have to shut off the elec hot water heater cause it is too much of a load to run both 200 users at the same time.  Maybe there is some benefit to living closer to civilization.  Nah.

[Smitty]

Got the driver side brake drum off and everything looks fairly new.  I ordered drums from rockauto as I destroyed the pass side drum and it is still not off.  The Ebrake cables are froze up so they are ordered too.  Front pads are shot but the rotors are good.  Once all that gets here, I will get the brakes finished.  Maybe tonight I will start the valve cover and radiator changeout.  I think I will follow IowaEagles lead and do a partial smogectomy.  I do need to leave some stuff to pass the smog inspection here.  While doing the water pump and radiator, I am very tempted to do the timing chain also since half the stuff is out of the way.

Did find out that the 4wd engages.  I needed to use it to get into the garage since the mud was still deep from the last of the melting snow.  (at least I hope it is the last snow)  I was not sure it was working but with the car up on jackstands I found the front driveshaft engaged when I spun the front wheel.  So maybe that is working too. 

I will be leaving work early today.  Have to be home this afternoon to receive a delivery of new flooring materials so I can work on the car while waiting.  Once the flooring is here though it means another project to tackle.  Whew, 1800 sgft of T&G 5" Maple to put down.  That will take a few evenings 

[IowaEagle]

Thats a lot of flooring.  When you are done you can come do mine.  Yeah, you might as well do the timing chain while you have other stuff out of the way.  How do the calipers look?

[Smitty]

I am going to get new (rebuilt) calipers from NAPA locally.  I do not want the hassle of dealing with a core from Rockauto.  Even if they are half the price of NAPA.  I really might just do new rotors too as they are rather inexpensive.  Everything I add to the "to do" list though takes time and pushes back the date when I can actually start driving it.  Have to balance out what is really necessary and what can wait.

[IowaEagle]

Yeah, fresh new components will make your Eagle smile.  If the NAPA calipers do not come with new mounting bolts I suggest you get them too.  Unless yours have zero corrosion and/or rust.

[Smitty]

Last ones I got for the other Eagle came with bolts and anti rattle clips