04.06.2024
Hammered a 13mm impact socket onto the cab mount bolt, then gave it a turn with the breaker bar. As expected, it barely budged a fraction of an inch before snapping off. JOY! The mount is in pretty shape, so looks like I'll be rebuilding it.
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04.07.2024
Right at the end of the day I had some free time, so I broke out the plasma cutter to run a few test cuts on the old scrap mower deck. The little guy cuts nice, especially considering the steel is a hair thicker than 7mm (9/32') and I was severely limited by the available power (a single 20A/120V outlet) and air supply. I ran the cutter at 30A / 55PSI, but could only do a few inches before I ran out of air. Currently, I can't run the compressor and cutter at the same time. It would definitely work better with more juice and a constant supply of air.
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04.08.2024
Played with the cutter a bit more and ended up getting the gearbox pedestal cut through. Took a bit of jockeying (plug in and fill compressor, unplug compressor; plug in cutter, make 3-4" cut, let machine cool; repeat process), but I managed to get it done and I only popped the breaker once. Pretty sure that was because I either went too long on the second cut (far side), or there was a ground issue...or maybe both. Not the prettiest cut, but given the circumstances I'll take it. Definitely better (IMO) than using a death-wheel on the grinder, that's for sure.
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I don't feel like doing this "dance" with the bracket, plus it would be nice to have a bit more juice for the welder when I do the frame reinforcement. Running both on 240V should also be significantly better for the equipment's health as well.
Don't need (or have) to spare money to spend on an inverter generator at the moment, nor do I want to chance it with a standard (high THD) one. I also don't feel like limiting myself with a time constraint by renting one. So I ordered another 40' 8GA extension cable.
The voltage drop on these cables is 0.46% (for 240v @ 22A), which should be perfectly fine even when using two together. The welder is spec'd with a max input requirement of 20.9A @ 230V (±10%) for MIG/FCAW, and both 240V plugs in the house test just a hair over 242V. To be extra safe, I'll verify the voltage at the end of the cords just before using it.
I originally planned on using the dryer outlet (already have the adapter), but I changed my mind. Moving the dryer out of the way to gain access to the plug is nothing short of a nightmare. Instead I'll just hook to the range outlet under the kitchen island, as it's significantly easier to access. It's only for a few hours...so it'll work. I ordered a NEMA 10-50P to 6-50R adapter so this'll work. The compressor will be fine on the 20A/120V outlet.
Not a huge issue waiting on the orders, as Mother Nature is being a bit uncooperative at the moment. It should clear up later this weekend. Speaking of orders...
I sent the ProComp rear shocks back to Amazon (last day for returns) on Mon the 8th [-$52.48]. After looking at everything, I just don't need the hassle of trying to recreate some mounting system for them. The Tuff Country shock adapters might have worked, but their availability is questionable and it would add another $30 or so after shipping. That's assuming I could get the stock sleeves out of the ProComps, which I doubt (most likely bonded).
I originally intentionally kept the shocks I ordered cheap, as I might
[probably will] replace them again in the near future, should I
[when I] lift the truck. That's why I didn't grab a decent set of monotube shocks. Well, change of plans.
The KYB Monomax 565074s are on closeout for $39/ea at TireRack [$82.68 shipped]. They're listed for 1-3" lift, but the specs show them to be nearly the same lengths as the ProComps. I'll have to keep an eye on the compressed length, but they should work. Especially if I throw an add-a-leaf into the packs, which I may end up doing. Should be here tomorrow or Friday.
Shock | Application | Compressed Length (in) | Extended Length (in) |
KYB Monomax 565061 | stock K1500 | 16.30" | 25.91" |
KYB Monomax 565074 | 1-3" lift K1500 | 16.73" | 26.38" |
ProComp 927503B | Nissan Titan | 16.30" | 27.80" |
Gabriel 43163 | stock K1500 | 15.69" | 25.05" |
RANCHO RS55190 | 0-3" K1500 | 16.08" | 26.36" |
Bilstein 24-020435 | stock K1500 | 15.61" | 24.63" |
I'll probably keep the front in for now, as they suffered some minor cosmetic damage and are not returnable. Worst case, I'll replace them with the matching KYBs and use the ProComps on an (possible) upcoming trailer build.
RUNNING TOTAL: $6528.72