The Active X control is to play this audio file.
Tool Music Codes by SongArea.com

page 1 - YOU ARE HERE
page 2 - Modifications
page 3 - Sportage specifications
page 4 - Random Ramblings
page 5 - Swap Meet

April 7 2008:After ditching on my way to work on January 31, I've removed the front carpet, swapped the front and rear differential oil to Amsoil, destroyed the front-most universal joint, and got my LT235-75-15 tires mounted on some steel wheels. I also removed the front anti-sway bar since the bushing were rotted away. Once the front driveshaft is back in and I finish extending all of my driveline breathers into the engine compartment, I might just get to spend some quality time behind the wheel gettin all kinds of dirty. Stay tuned, this is about to get good.

January 3 2008:I switched the engine and transmission over to Amsoil synthetic oils and noticed a little improvemnet in fuel mileage, but the big difference was in the transmission. Shifts are easier across the board at all temps, most notably on cold starts in freezing weather. Operation is quieter, and I can also pound through the gears like a sportscar without grinding any of them. In the spring I'll swith over the transfer case and differentials.
Besides that, I've started the slow process of designing a throttle body spacer to improve throttle response. Fuel tank skid plate is still in the works too, it's just really hard to find time lately.

July 15 2007:Found I have a busted coil spring, but so far it doesn't affect much, it's just a bit noisy. Eventaully I'll replace them, probably go with lift springs while I'm at it. A bit of trail running has shown that I tend to scape the fuel tank on occasion. The money for the 235/75/15s is nearly together, so I'm hoping in the next month I'll have that done and actually go wheelin with some guys and get a few good action pics up for yous. I also made a bit of progress on my custom grille, which I want to have done before I go wheeling.

April 6 2007:Finally fixed my power steering leak. Ended up replacing the entire 2 piece high pressure line to the tune of about $125. Now I just have to replace the busted studs that hold my fluid resevoirs once we thaw out. Again. Also, I've figured a way to semi-permanently lock my stock hubs so I can carry them as spares out wheelin. I'm prioritizing my oversized front splash guard / skid plate over the stock replacement fuel tank piece. And 30 inch tires may very well give way to front and rear locking differentials. The theory is that if all 4 tires turn together, I don't really care what tires are on it.

March 27 2007: Now that it's warm again, the struts aren't making noise... yet. Maybe I won't mess with them after all. I got bored while doing an oil change and swapped the pitiful horn out for a '92 Dodge Dakota one, and I have decided to use and started modifying a set of 15x6" 2wd Ford pickup wheels I got a while back to clear my hubs so I can put my dirt tires on them. The center just needs to be opened up a bit. Luckily I kept my stock hubs (for size reference) and happen to work at a full service machine shop. Lastly I did a little dumpster diving and picked up some expanded alumininum (like a kitchen hood filter) and decided to use it behind my stock grille "tuner style" to add protection from flying rocks and such. Pics of all 3 will follow shortly.

March 9 2007: My tires are finally starting to lose noticeable grip with 37,500 miles on them. Meaning I have to drive like I've got new all season tires, not new snow tires! I've also picked up a power steering leak that will have to be fixed before the suspension.

February 2007: Installed Bosch Platinum +4 spark plugs. I am very impressed with these over the stock NGKs. Much smoother and just a bit more power (hills tell no lies.) And by the way, 4wd + snow tires = rally car style driving on nearly any winter road!!

November 2006: Warn manual locking hubs installed.
I'll probably do dampers all around in the spring, then LT235/75/15 all terrain tires will follow to prove out the truck off road before I get into more serious mods.

Here it is... body damage and all.

expand

expand

expand

These are 15x5.5" wheels from a CJ-7 that I will use for dedicated snow tires. The 225/75/15s seen here had to be returned.

expand

Here is the remains of my front "splash guard". I removed it to fix my A/C and decided to replace it with 1/8 inch plate steel.

expand

Here is the cardboard template with masking tape to hold bends in position.

expand

And here is the replacement plate in 1/8 inch steel.I only put in small drainage holes to keep the engine protected and prevent hang-ups. This piece is actually a prototype, as the one I will install on the vehicle will be peened for added strength and will be large enough to protect the front differential and engine oil pan.

expand

expand

Here is the finished piece installed on Hydra747's Sportage

expand

If you would like to build this yourself, here is a JPEG blueprint I made. I apologize for the quality. There's only so much I can do with Microsoft Paint. I would love feedback from those of you taking on this project. If you can't do this yourself, email me and see what happens.

expand

I'm already formulating a new style of plate for the front, because I got a some feedback requesting more drainage. Ask and ye shall recieve...

Here is what was left of my factory fuel tank skid plate. The silver piece is a fiber insulation that did a fabulous job of keeping the plate and tank from rubbing. As an added bonus, it held water right against both steel surfaces! The results speak for themselves.

expand

This is the first stage of a cardboard pattern that I'm using to fabricate a new skid plate out of 1/8" steel plate to replace the one above. The new piece will be insulated with small rubber pieces and have holes for adequate drainage.

expand

We're thawed out, now I just need some time and money...

Check back and see the buildup to weekend off roader.
In the meantime, you can email me at JEMoser@Blazemail.com
I'm always up for some wheelin or related events!

page 1 - YOU ARE HERE
page 2 - Modifications
page 3 - Sportage specifications
page 4 - Random Ramblings
page 5 - Swap Meet