Diaries of a Daily Driver

[GunMetalGrey]

Well it didn't last long!
Got rid of the 540 earlier in the week. It was one problem after the next and wasn't worth any real money. I can use the money to keep the E36 on track as well.

I did do some upgrades to the current daily to improve its usefulness in snow.
I said bye to the bro truck wheels and hello to stock wheels with BFG All Terrain KO2's.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't like the way it looked before! But, I should see increased MPG's, the ride is nicer, the tires are quieter, and man do they grip! I look forward to more snow to see what they do.

[jc43089]

Stock wheels look better IMO...  Looks good.  You could always use some small spacers if you want it to look more aggressive.  Those are 6x5.5 wheels right?  What kind of offset?  I have some Taco steelies that I used on my cruiser for a while that would be good winter wheels.

[GunMetalGrey]

jc43089 said:

Stock wheels look better IMO...  Looks good.  You could always use some small spacers if you want it to look more aggressive.  Those are 6x5.5 wheels right?  What kind of offset?  I have some Taco steelies that I used on my cruiser for a while that would be good winter wheels.

Wheels are indeed 6x5.5, and I'll be running these tires year round. It'll be nice to have the ability to air down in summer on trail without worrying about smashing a wheel on a rock lol.

This is becoming my maintenance thread....
208k miles (on the dot) front left wheel bearing was howling quite loudly. Got that replaced.
"Bolt in bearings" .... yeah okay. 

I got to run it in a small amount of snow this weekend and man is it a different feeling now. It actually hooks up and I can slide it without fearing for my life. Stopping is massively improved, but not the same as a car with snow tires. Overall I'm very satisfied by the tire swap. 

Now to see what it does tomorrow in 3-5" of snow

[GunMetalGrey]

208700 miles
Starter solenoid clicked on me a couple times the other day when trying to start it. It was fine since, but bought a new starter to not have to fear its failure.
After buying the starter I looked up how to replace it, then ordered intake manifold gaskets because that needs to come off to get at it. Neat...

Horrible ergonomics for replacing that. My knees hurt from pressing into the bumper while standing on a 5gal pail for extra height. 
Threw new manifold gaskets in and also replaced the spark plugs (also not that fun for the rear cylinders).

Good news, it runs better, feels like it has more power back, and also cranks twice as fast.

[GunMetalGrey]

Oh yeah, the other wheel bearing up front is starting to make noise. 
No surprises there!

[Jdesign]

I like how this thread is now for your truck....

[GunMetalGrey]

Jdesign said:

I like how this thread is now for your truck....

'Tis the daily driver right meow!
It's also very nice to have documented maintenance somewhere for reference later.

[Jdesign]

I agree, and carry on, your title fits the bill!

[GunMetalGrey]

Since this is already a truck thread...
I've been keeping an eye out for one of these for a fair bit now, they do not pop up often, and when they do it comes at a premium, but this one popped up for a great price.
Introducing the new rig.

08 Titan Pro-4x Long Wheelbase! Featuring an E36 that I need to sell, and a Nic with a broken hand. 

But why?
4 years newer, 50k less miles, 4x4 with locking diff, 7' 3" bed, 10k lb towing capacity.
It also comes with a 37 gallon fuel tank that drains you bank account every time you need to fill it! 

This thing is by far the largest vehicle I've ever driven. It comes in just shy of 20.5 feet long tip to tail, and the roof stands about 7 feet tall.
It has been lifted 6", and I will likely rework the wheels / tires with something that fits the lift better.

The extra room will be great for bike trips, as I've had to use hitch racks already on the other truck to have enough room for bikes, people, gear, and coolers. 

Now to wait for the next eBay sale to get some wheels and tires...

[KaiserRolls]

Truckstuff

[YoungCR]

My suburban has a 42gallon tank, its great being able to go 700-800miles on a roadtrip without filling up! or at least 2 weeks around town. Congrats on the new purchase. Did you sell the old truck already?

[Boris3]

GunMetalGrey said:

But why?

4 years newer, 50k less miles, 4x4 with locking diff, 7' 3" bed, 10k lb towing capacity.
It also comes with a 37 gallon fuel tank that drains you bank account every time you need to fill it! .

I like this suggestion.  When used truck trading up, along with price range in mind,  think at least 4 years newer and 50k less miles.

[Rekpoint]

GunMetalGrey said:

Since this is already a truck thread...
I've been keeping an eye out for one of these for a fair bit now, they do not pop up often, and when they do it comes at a premium. 
Introducing the new rig.

08 Titan Pro-4x Long Wheelbase! Featuring an E36 that I need to sell, and a Nic with a broken hand. 

But why?
4 years newer, 50k less miles, 4x4 with locking diff, 7' 3" bed, 10k lb towing capacity.
It also comes with a 37 gallon fuel tank that drains you bank account every time you need to fill it! 

This thing is by far the largest vehicle I've ever driven. It comes in just shy of 20.5 feet long tip to tail, and the roof stands about 7 feet tall.
It has been lifted 6", and I will likely rework the wheels / tires with something that fits the lift better.

The extra room will be great for bike trips, as I've had to use hitch racks already on the other truck to have enough room for bikes, people, gear, and coolers. 

Now to wait for the next eBay sale to get some wheels and tires...

What kind of MPGs are you getting when towing? I'm looking into getting a smaller truck for towing. I'm currently looking at extended cab short bed 1st Gen duramaxes ideally 06-07

[GunMetalGrey]

YoungCR said:

My suburban has a 42gallon tank, its great being able to go 700-800miles on a roadtrip without filling up! or at least 2 weeks around town. Congrats on the new purchase. Did you sell the old truck already?

That's an impressive amount of fuel! Being able to fill up when gas is lower cost is quite handy! 
I have not sold the old truck yet, though it is up for sale. 

Boris3 said:

I like this suggestion.  When used truck trading up, along with price range in mind,  think at least 4 years newer and 50k less miles.   

It wasn't my intention, but I would agree that it's a good way to go! 

Rekpoint said:

What kind of MPGs are you getting when towing? I'm looking into getting a smaller truck for towing. I'm currently looking at extended cab short bed 1st Gen duramaxes ideally 06-07

Haven't done any towing with the new one (same engine as the other though)
I didn't do any long distance towing with the other one so I'm not entirely sure what it did. Better than a new Tacoma though, that much I do know! 
WiBimmers discount does exist on my existing Titan, crew cab. 
I should just make a quick ad on the for sale section here.

[GunMetalGrey]

160k mile update:
Fixed broken connector on diff lock position switch, and now the locking diff functions properly.
Put the under seat subwoofer from Titan V1 into Titan V2, and thanks to an aftermarket headunit that was installed in the new truck, it's a better setup all around. 
Installed a driveshaft spacer to push the driveshaft back into the transfer case, this is needed due to the lift. 
Put the sidesteps on from Titan V1
Put on my homemade headlights
Installed window rain guards
Fixed a sway bar end link
Replaced positive battery clamp
Put on some new wheels and tires

Old setup (KO2's from last truck on stock wheels)
Looks like it skipped leg day

New setup (35x11.5 Falken Wildpeak AT3W on some 18x9 et0 wheels)

It's been nicer to drive than the last one, and the driveshaft spacer helped cut down some low speed vibrations.
Last tank averaged 12.1 MPG (mostly all city) on the smaller tires, so she surely likes using fuel... 
First bike trip with it will be soon, and I'm looking forward to that!

[KaiserRolls]

I’m late to the party. Is this a 2wd truck?

[GunMetalGrey]

KaiserRolls said:

I’m late to the party. Is this a 2wd truck? 

The new one is not. Pro-4x this time

[KaiserRolls]

GunMetalGrey said:

The new one is not. Pro-4x this time

Oui, LWB option. You very patient lol

[jc43089]

35x11.5 = fuel mileage it was nice knowing you.

[GunMetalGrey]

KaiserRolls said:

You very patient lol

Haha, in finding the truck itself, or in finding a spot to park?