Okay guys another check in for the truck. I changed the oil/filter to Rotella T 15w/40 and Napa gold something that the LR mechanic gave me. You should have seen the stuff that came out of that engine! It was Black. She feels much happier now I think. I drove it 500km this past weekend to do some camping on the beach at my yet unopened cottage. The truck was perfect for driving down the road to the cottage, which in the spring time has been known to get some cars stuck. We then turned north again and drove another 100km north, just to see what was up there. Pulled off the highway at a yet unopened provincial park. Had a picnic in the back of the truck, went for a walk, and then turned around and drove back. I know you guys won't believe this but on the way up, and back, i calculated that we were averaging almost 19mpg. The truck, from Totally full, to above a half tank drove 350km. I then put 25L in it, and drove it back down to exactly the same spot on the gas gauge, right above half. Got 205km out of that gas. Now, it is entirely possible the gauge is off. I have a totally stock truck, with the bottom of my bumper still intact and relatively bald road tires, going 100km/h in the right hand lane and not speeding up to maintain speed on hills with 91 octane in it, so who knows. I'm going to change the plugs this week, I found the champion copper 12something serial number that was recommended in this thread. But about the gas mileage. That number makes me not want to lift it or put AT tires on it. 19mpg is just so good. I was thinking before I drive for three weeks out to Atlantic Canada in the fall I was going to deal with all the maintenance issues over the summer then upgrade the suspension to OME MD or something and put new tires on (235/85). I was thinking what I might do now, if the suspension doesn't sag too much with the weight of our gear, is just wait to do that and go with like 245/70's without the upgrade. I know I need new tires so I have been looking at the BFG A/T, general grabber AT2, Michilin LTX. Just dunno which way to go yet.
I also bought a grease gun and some grease to be able to get all the U joints and slip shafts. The unfortunate thing is that, for the front U joints the grease gun tip part that goes onto the nipple fits between the yoke and the nipple, but for the rear it does not. So I was able to grease both slip shafts and the front U joints, but not the rears yet. I guess I may have to file down the metal tip part? Anyone had this issue before?
Thanks guys! Here she is!