Copperhead14
Observer
That is a good looking truck. Can’t wait to see you build it. You live in and explore a beautiful area.
1986 GMC S-15
- Thread starter Andrew_S
- Start date
57 pages. I'll admit I didnt read every single post, but it's kept me going for a few weeks now dipping in for a few pages at a time.
Some thread, hope you and the family are doing well. Will the new truck build be getting it's own thread? throw up a link if it does.
It's a lovely truck and all, but my god the scenery steals the show. Some day I'm gonna have to get myself over to western canada, hire a truck camper and go expolore.
Some thread, hope you and the family are doing well. Will the new truck build be getting it's own thread? throw up a link if it does.
It's a lovely truck and all, but my god the scenery steals the show. Some day I'm gonna have to get myself over to western canada, hire a truck camper and go expolore.
Andrew_S
Observer
^ Having spent 25 years in eastern Canada, I can confidently say that the countryside in British Columbia is stunning. We’ve only just begun to explore it.
The new truck will be getting a build thread in the new year. I've done a fair bit of work so far, but I will hold off until I really get going on it. I'm stalled out waiting for parts presently.
It's been a minute... Mostly because this thing has been more or less rock solid and I haven't had much "work" to post.
I had to pull the t-case a couple of months ago. The 38 year old input seal finally failed.
It's hard to make it out but it split in 5 places. The end result was the transmission pushing fluid into the t-case and eventually out the breather. I put this off for like 3 months and occasionally drained the t-case and topped up the trans every 500 km - it's a very inefficient way to flush a transmission...
4 hours to pull everything apart, 30 seconds to change the seal...
The reason it took so long to take apart was because "Well I'm at it..." I may as well change the rear main, trans input seal, pan gasket & filter, trans dipstick tube & tv cable seals, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket etc, etc.
And then I made the job extra fun by stripping out one of the trans/t-case adapter bolts...
I've had a nagging oil weep/drip for a year+. Assumed it was the rear main, turns out it was the oil pan.
This was not a fun job at all. All back together and it's oil leak-free, but I have developed a small weep at the t-case to adapter... I'll yank the t-case over the winter and reseal it, again.
Some inspiration for the new build. Our fire department's new bush truck, single rear wheel conversion and 40s. Just needs a camper.
Just in time for hunting season,
This thing works great in the mud. Double locked and tires at 10psi it digs really nicely.
The only thing I had to do to the camper was swap out the crap rocker switches for another set of, likely what I will soon call, different crap ones.
The new truck will be getting a build thread in the new year. I've done a fair bit of work so far, but I will hold off until I really get going on it. I'm stalled out waiting for parts presently.
It's been a minute... Mostly because this thing has been more or less rock solid and I haven't had much "work" to post.
I had to pull the t-case a couple of months ago. The 38 year old input seal finally failed.
It's hard to make it out but it split in 5 places. The end result was the transmission pushing fluid into the t-case and eventually out the breather. I put this off for like 3 months and occasionally drained the t-case and topped up the trans every 500 km - it's a very inefficient way to flush a transmission...
4 hours to pull everything apart, 30 seconds to change the seal...
The reason it took so long to take apart was because "Well I'm at it..." I may as well change the rear main, trans input seal, pan gasket & filter, trans dipstick tube & tv cable seals, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket etc, etc.
And then I made the job extra fun by stripping out one of the trans/t-case adapter bolts...
I've had a nagging oil weep/drip for a year+. Assumed it was the rear main, turns out it was the oil pan.
This was not a fun job at all. All back together and it's oil leak-free, but I have developed a small weep at the t-case to adapter... I'll yank the t-case over the winter and reseal it, again.
Some inspiration for the new build. Our fire department's new bush truck, single rear wheel conversion and 40s. Just needs a camper.
Just in time for hunting season,
This thing works great in the mud. Double locked and tires at 10psi it digs really nicely.
The only thing I had to do to the camper was swap out the crap rocker switches for another set of, likely what I will soon call, different crap ones.
Andrew_S
Observer
The wife made it happen one evening on this great looking Sow.
I kept at it for another week,
First snow arrived early Oct
A couple of days later I connected with this smaller muley, which is making fantastic table fare.
A friend of ours got a small buck as well, so we had a little meat-cutting party.
A couple of days later, we topped off the year with this beautiful cinnamon bear.
We didn't get out much in Nov for moose hunting but hit the road a few times.
Nov 3rd I was starting to get stuck in some drifted areas, that's a strong indicator this winter is going to be a doozy.
We saw lots of moose in the last 2 weeks but nothing legal for us to shoot. I stalked this cow/calf within 50 yards a few days ago.
Slid off the road pretty good last week when I was solo. I was so thankful for that winch, what a useful piece of gear when you need it.
This truck puts in a shift this time of year.
Some more drift/winch action. Locked, aired down & rear tire chains on. Just couldn't stay on top and keep momentum.
full on winter at elevation right now
The last couple of days we were trying pretty hard and had a couple of great opportunities that didn't materialize. Couldn't beat this scenery though.
and that's a wrap on '24 hunting season. Ice fishing is right around the corner with a cold snap hitting this week.
I kept at it for another week,
First snow arrived early Oct
A couple of days later I connected with this smaller muley, which is making fantastic table fare.
A friend of ours got a small buck as well, so we had a little meat-cutting party.
A couple of days later, we topped off the year with this beautiful cinnamon bear.
We didn't get out much in Nov for moose hunting but hit the road a few times.
Nov 3rd I was starting to get stuck in some drifted areas, that's a strong indicator this winter is going to be a doozy.
We saw lots of moose in the last 2 weeks but nothing legal for us to shoot. I stalked this cow/calf within 50 yards a few days ago.
Slid off the road pretty good last week when I was solo. I was so thankful for that winch, what a useful piece of gear when you need it.
This truck puts in a shift this time of year.
Some more drift/winch action. Locked, aired down & rear tire chains on. Just couldn't stay on top and keep momentum.
full on winter at elevation right now
The last couple of days we were trying pretty hard and had a couple of great opportunities that didn't materialize. Couldn't beat this scenery though.
and that's a wrap on '24 hunting season. Ice fishing is right around the corner with a cold snap hitting this week.
Copperhead14
Observer
Great looking hunts. Glad to see your post, can’t wait to see the new build. The little one is getting bigger.
That brush truck looks like the one from First Attack Engineering in Northeast Indiana.
That brush truck looks like the one from First Attack Engineering in Northeast Indiana.
Andrew_S
Observer
The amount of money I've seen thrown into these bush trucks is unreal. It would fun to take one out and properly put it through it's paces.
Thanks, planning to post the new build in the full-size area shortly.
Thanks, freezers were definitely full this winter. New build will get posted shortly.
This is a beautiful part of the country. Even after a decade living out west, we still appreciate what we have available to us. The new build will get posted shortly.
The wife and I went out for a date night last Friday. This is a local spot very close to our place with a million-dollar view.
Bacon & eggs over a fire the next am, and back home to enjoy the remainder of the weekend.
This will likely be the last post in here for quite some time as I shift all of my efforts to the new truck.
New truck build thread: https://forum.expeditionportal.com/...e-cry-once-1-tons-40s-a-custom-camper.247824/
& a teaser of what I've been up to:
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paulforeman
Active member
I'll go follow the new build as well; love the photos of you little kiddo looking up at the new rig!
Andrew_S
Observer
This thing is still alive.
I did a little maintenance on it over the summer,
Split the t-case and fixed the leak once and for all
Next up, I messed with the sway bar again a bit. Cut down these links as they were about 2.5" too long.
After that, I widened the front bar. I have very little hope this will hold up long term, but it's doing surprisingly well for now. Sleeved it with some 5/8" DOM.
Flexed it up as a test and I was quite surprised it didn't just bend.
Last up I replaced the lower control arm bushings. I'm pretty sure I installed these backwards last time and they were pushing out. All is good now.
Other than that, we've just been getting out and enjoying the woods when time allows.
Hunting season is a day around the corner, this thing is about to go from daily status to bush beater again.
I did a little maintenance on it over the summer,
Split the t-case and fixed the leak once and for all
Next up, I messed with the sway bar again a bit. Cut down these links as they were about 2.5" too long.
After that, I widened the front bar. I have very little hope this will hold up long term, but it's doing surprisingly well for now. Sleeved it with some 5/8" DOM.
Flexed it up as a test and I was quite surprised it didn't just bend.
Last up I replaced the lower control arm bushings. I'm pretty sure I installed these backwards last time and they were pushing out. All is good now.
Other than that, we've just been getting out and enjoying the woods when time allows.
Hunting season is a day around the corner, this thing is about to go from daily status to bush beater again.
ThundahBeagle
Well-known member
I just this hour saw one of these in burgundy at a fast food place while I was on my lunch break. Waited around to chat with the owner a bit. His was a 2wd Sonoma SLE. Something elegant in its simplicity
HUMMER/Expeditions
Well-known member
Beautiful little truck. Beautiful pictures 
N.Penley
Member
Andrew,
1. How is the transfer handling the additional stress of the SAS & slightly higher horsepower?
2. Have the suspension mods met your expectations or is there anything you suggest doing different?
3. Have you ever considered removing the rear window and creating a pass through into the camper?
I have recently been looking for an aluminum camper top to camp in and have been looking at the breezer windows and simmer options to allow me access to the and bed through the rear window. My project is moving much slower than yours but your progress and adventures are inspirational.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1. How is the transfer handling the additional stress of the SAS & slightly higher horsepower?
2. Have the suspension mods met your expectations or is there anything you suggest doing different?
3. Have you ever considered removing the rear window and creating a pass through into the camper?
I have recently been looking for an aluminum camper top to camp in and have been looking at the breezer windows and simmer options to allow me access to the and bed through the rear window. My project is moving much slower than yours but your progress and adventures are inspirational.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrew_S
Observer
No issues with the transfer case at all. These little NP207's can handle a lot more than what I'm throwing at it. The only thing I may add in the future is a SYE to the rear.
The SAS has been great, wish I did it 5 years prior. We can absolutely fly down bush roads and it just soaks it up. I still need to finish the front bump stops, but aside from that I wouldn't change anything else.
A pass through would be nice in some circumstances but I think the cons would outweigh the benefits in this setup. We would get a lot of noise and heat transfer and I don't think we would crawl through the back window over the bench seat much. I also use this truck quite frequently without the camper and that changeover would be radically different with a passthrough. Currently I can pull the camper and have my truck back in about 10 mins if needed.
Bit of an adventure update here. We did a fair bit of hunting out of this rig in the last month,
The wife managed to bag this nice little mulie on her due date early Oct.
I managed to get this white tail doe later in the week
Pretty neat experience having our oldest with us just before our youngest was born.
Some random shots
First dusting of snow mid Oct
This twin ARB set up has been such a welcome improvement. The ability to air up and down conveniently is so beneficial on the trails.
Bit more snow on the trails
These are the kind of days I wish I had my bigger chainsaw with me...
Looking for moose
Hands down the dirtiest this combo has ever been. It's been a wet fall.
This camper has been so deadly. 1 minute to full set up and about ten mins to bring it up to a toasty temp. I don't think I would change anything about it. For 2 people camping the way we do, this is just about perfect.
The SAS has been great, wish I did it 5 years prior. We can absolutely fly down bush roads and it just soaks it up. I still need to finish the front bump stops, but aside from that I wouldn't change anything else.
A pass through would be nice in some circumstances but I think the cons would outweigh the benefits in this setup. We would get a lot of noise and heat transfer and I don't think we would crawl through the back window over the bench seat much. I also use this truck quite frequently without the camper and that changeover would be radically different with a passthrough. Currently I can pull the camper and have my truck back in about 10 mins if needed.
Bit of an adventure update here. We did a fair bit of hunting out of this rig in the last month,
The wife managed to bag this nice little mulie on her due date early Oct.
I managed to get this white tail doe later in the week
Pretty neat experience having our oldest with us just before our youngest was born.
Some random shots
First dusting of snow mid Oct
This twin ARB set up has been such a welcome improvement. The ability to air up and down conveniently is so beneficial on the trails.
Bit more snow on the trails
These are the kind of days I wish I had my bigger chainsaw with me...
Looking for moose
Hands down the dirtiest this combo has ever been. It's been a wet fall.
This camper has been so deadly. 1 minute to full set up and about ten mins to bring it up to a toasty temp. I don't think I would change anything about it. For 2 people camping the way we do, this is just about perfect.
