It just happened!

Irun said:
I finally got a chance to drive the LJ after the coolant system update. Happy to report all is well and there are no issues/leaks. I'm not happy to report I'm an idiot. The A/C wasn't working, so I broke out the gauges to check the system. After a little bit of trouble shooting, I discovered that I had neglected to plug back in the connector for the clutch cycling switch that goes into the accumulator drier. I had removed the connector when replacing the heater hoses, due to needing better access to the spring clamps. :oops:

Apparently, now I have an issue with the backup camera. Every time I press on the brakes, the backup camera comes on. As soon as I get off the brakes, the camera goes out. More trouble shooting time! :(
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Backup camera should trigger on the reverse circuit not the brake.
 
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Is there an @Irun detailing thread? Any tips, products or methods you like or don't like?

I think staying on top of it is helpful and not letting the dirt and grime build up too much over time. Same would apply to maintenance.

Reading through your threads is therapeutic in a way. Kind of like a wheeler dealers show but specific to tj's lol where they bring new life into older cars and trucks.
 
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It's looking like a plan is starting to formulate for the LJ. If I go with a Savvy UA I can have roughly an 18" to 18.25" belly height on 33" tires. This is more than I had on the previous LJ with 35" tires. It was at roughly 17" with a UCF Extra Clearance skid.

I see the following coming over the next year, depending on parts and time availability:

- Big hub kit, with 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern
- 5.13 gears with front and rear lockers
- Either a 241 or 231 with SYE (TBD)
- 3" Nth Degree springs
- Savvy control arms
- Savvy UA
- Savvy Rockers/Sliders
- Savvy Body Lift
- Savvy gas tank skid
- MML
- BBK
- 33x10.50 tires (likely a 17" metric equivalent)
- Transmission and power steering coolers, with trans temperature gauge
- Shocks are TBD, but I'd like a custom tuned set, if possible/practical
- Other odds and ends
 
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Working on....

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My Ryobi 1/2" impact died this past weekend, as did my second drill. After 13+ years with Ryobi, I broke down and bought some new battery powered tools. As much as I wanted to go with Milwaukee, I couldn't justify 3X the cost for the type of work I do with them. After doing some research I ended up going with HF Hercules. We'll see if it's a decision I regret!

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Irun said:
My Ryobi 1/2" impact died this past weekend, as did my second drill. After 13+ years with Ryobi, I broke down and bought some new battery powered tools. As much as I wanted to go with Milwaukee, I couldn't justify 3X the cost for the type of work I do with them. After doing some research I ended up going with HF Hercules. We'll see if it's a decision I regret!

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Curious to see how you like them. It would sure be nicer for some things. Hard to give up on the old air tools.
 
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Irun said:
My Ryobi 1/2" impact died this past weekend, as did my second drill. After 13+ years with Ryobi, I broke down and bought some new battery powered tools. As much as I wanted to go with Milwaukee, I couldn't justify 3X the cost for the type of work I do with them. After doing some research I ended up going with HF Hercules. We'll see if it's a decision I regret!

View attachment 319340
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pZyVJ0b.gif
 
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Wildman said:
Curious to see how you like them. It would sure be nicer for some things. Hard to give up on the old air tools.
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I rarely ever use air tools for anything mechanical now, and haven't for several years. This is likely why I've worn out a couple cheaper battery powered tools.
 
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Irun said:
My Ryobi 1/2" impact died this past weekend, as did my second drill. After 13+ years with Ryobi, I broke down and bought some new battery powered tools. As much as I wanted to go with Milwaukee, I couldn't justify 3X the cost for the type of work I do with them. After doing some research I ended up going with HF Hercules. We'll see if it's a decision I regret!

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I have several of HF brand battery tools. Industrially I would go with Makita hands down (what I use for work), but around the house, I've never had an issue with HF stuff. I think my impact wrench is Bauer brand and that thing absolutely rips.

Years ago we bought some drills from HF for my dad's office furniture business. They were definitely used industrially, and they lasted well over ten years. I think my grandma still has one of them.
 
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Jamison C said:
I have several of HF brand battery tools. Industrially I would go with Makita hands down (what I use for work), but around the house, I've never had an issue with HF stuff. I think my impact wrench is Bauer brand and that thing absolutely rips.

Years ago we bought some drills from HF for my dad's office furniture business. They were definitely used industrially, and they lasted well over ten years. I think my grandma still has one of them.
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I've only used the drill and 1/2 impact guns so far, but am impressed with the quality. They are definitely better made than my Ryobi tools, which have been reliable for a long time. They just don't have the power I need.
 
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Irun said:
I rarely ever use air tools for anything mechanical now, and haven't for several years. This is likely why I've worn out a couple cheaper battery powered tools.
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I have not embraced the battery powered tools yet. It seems every time I have bought battery tools 5 years later my batteries are DEAD but they've updated their platform and I can't get new batteries.

But I'm seriously looking at slowly starting to get some to start replacing my air tools.
 
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Irun said:
My Ryobi 1/2" impact died this past weekend, as did my second drill. After 13+ years with Ryobi, I broke down and bought some new battery powered tools. As much as I wanted to go with Milwaukee, I couldn't justify 3X the cost for the type of work I do with them. After doing some research I ended up going with HF Hercules. We'll see if it's a decision I regret!

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Hello, my name is Jeff and I have an addiction in addition to Jeeps 😂

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Wildman said:
I have not embraced the battery powered tools yet. It seems every time I have bought battery tools 5 years later my batteries are DEAD but they've updated their platform and I can't get new batteries.

But I'm seriously looking at slowly starting to get some to start replacing my air tools.
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I was an air tool user until I tried my first battery powered impact. Now, I have to remember to start my compressor, if I need it. Stick with Milwaukee...they've been using the same style batteries for a LONG time now.
 
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Wildman said:
I have not embraced the battery powered tools yet. It seems every time I have bought battery tools 5 years later my batteries are DEAD but they've updated their platform and I can't get new batteries.

But I'm seriously looking at slowly starting to get some to start replacing my air tools.
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I've had some of the same Ryobi batteries for 13+ years and they never changed. That said, I wouldn't buy their stuff now. It's okay for occasional homeowner use, but not up to the task for the work some of us do. Once you make the change, you'll wonder what took you so long. Not running a noisy compressor, or dragging out a hose to constantly trip over, is a big plus.

As Mike said, Milwaukee would be my top choice. I just couldn't justify the 2x to 3x cost difference for my use. Whatever you do, pick something that is better quality and, if at all possible, brushless. Here's a simple chart with an idea of the differences between brushed and brushless.


Brushed Motors


Brushless Motors

Working PrincipleFixed magnets outside and copper coils on rotor.Permeant magnets on rotor and copper windings on stator.
DesignSimple constructionRequires electronic circuits to control current
Unique FeatureCarbon brushes and commutatorThe absence of carbon brushes
Speed RangeLower speed due to design limitation.Higher speed due to absence of brushes.
Battery LifeNormalEfficient use of battery
Tool LifeMay require periodic maintenance.Longer tool life
  • Pros & Cons
Pros:

  • Costs less
  • Simple and reliable
  • Easy to repair

Cons:
  • Less efficient
  • Higher amount of heat and noise
Pros:

  • 10 to 20% more efficient
  • Less noise and heat
  • Requires almost no maintenance.
Cons:
  • Expensive
 
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Irun said:
My Ryobi 1/2" impact died this past weekend, as did my second drill. After 13+ years with Ryobi, I broke down and bought some new battery powered tools. As much as I wanted to go with Milwaukee, I couldn't justify 3X the cost for the type of work I do with them. After doing some research I ended up going with HF Hercules. We'll see if it's a decision I regret!

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Sheesh! Sign me up. I like the specs on the Hercules. I need to get rid of electric cords and air hoses. I think these are on the list when tax return rolls in.
 
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Irun said:
That's an impressive collection of Dewalt tools. You do have a problem! Not to mention a matching toolbox to go along with the grill! :love:
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Apparently 5 years ago no one wanted green toolboxes, so Lowes put those on huge clearance and I got both of those for right around $500.

In fairness my dad handed down a couple of the DeWalt tools to me when we bought our house as essential starters. Then I’ve added as I’ve gone by shopping sales, clearances, and even remans. I’ve been fortunate to not pay full retail for a single one, but they’re all still going strong.

I’m interested to see how your Hercules stuff works out because I’ve heard good things about them.
 
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