What a PITA... (Rant)

ferretboy · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2006, 07:41 PM

I need to rant, and I figured that this would be a good place. Please bear with me. I REALLY need to get this out before I go postal.

Sent my truck in two weeks ago today for the RCD 6-inch lift/20-inch wheels/35-inch tires. The original plan was to pick up the truck somewhere around mid-week when they were donr.. Little did I know, that the August 2003 build date of my particular Tundra AC was not in fact the newer style for the RCD lift. It was the older version. So, after a week of work by the shop that has been beyond excellent with me, they had to tear the front end down again, get the right spindles from RCD, and have the front end re-done. What the hell ****e happens, right?

Today the truck has been in the shop for 2 weeks. I was supposed to pick it up tomorrow after the aligment is completed. About 45 minutes ago I get a call from the shop saying, "Your wheels... uh....they don't fit". I about went into a friggin' rage right there. I have been planning this lift forever and have had those wheels for going on 8 months. Called the wheel manufacturer up and told them that my center bore was too small, and that they needed to pick up the wheels and make them right. Not only does this suck, but the tires have to come back off the wheels for the machining and then the wheels have to go get machined, and then powder coated again... Eventually, the tires will get mounted and balanced again, and maybe the alignment will be able to be done.

Its going to be another week at least until I get the keys back now, but who knows with the luck I've had so far...

I have about two weeks until I'm supposed to drive the truck out to Prescott, AZ for a buddy's wedding and was hoping to have the truck into another shop for re-gearing... Doubt that's going to happen now. I'll just drive 600+ miles of freeway with my transmission screaming at me... grrrrreat!

Luckily the shop is beyond cool... and at least the wheel maker is willing to make it right... I swear that my wheels (that have powder coated faces) better be perfect when I get them back! They are brand new with ZERO miles on them...

Thanks for the space...

DevinSixtySeven · #2 (**permalink**) 08-26-2006, 01:27 AM

personally i'd go 007 and show up to the wedding last minute in a tux on the gixxer

.

...that sux. at least theyre all making it right, it could be a lot worse...ive paid for work in the past that was done incorrectly and sometimes there's nothing you can reasonably do about it. fortunately it sounds like theyre taking care of you.

make sure when they machine the rims they leave tolerance for the powdercoat or youll be bald when you get 'em back

good luck

-sean

ferretboy · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 05:08 PM

On another positive note, I did call up the shop yesterday morning and asked them to throw on the Energy Suspension steering rack bushings since the truck is still on the lift, and hasn't been aligned yet...

So I'm still on my bike for another week... worse things have happened...

(Thanks for your post Devin... if the wedding wasn't so far away - I totally would! 600 miles on a bike that gets about 120 miles to a tank full ain't gonna fly though! LOL)

ferretboy · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 02:09 PM

Got my truck back.. I have a mild rear driveline vibration that I'll have to take care of... and the wheels will go on soon - I hope.

Anyways, here's a before and after of the truck. Before, Daystar leveling front kit and a rear AAL. After, RCD 6-inch with good ol' AAL still in place (not sure if I'm going to remove the AAL or not.)

STEALTHSR5 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 02:16 PM

Lookin' good!

The back does sit higher than the front. Aside from taking the AAL off, you could see if you can find shorter lift blocks.

ferretboy · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 02:58 PM

Here's a larger Overall After shot...

I didn't even notice that they had left the AAL in when I picked up the truck... Should have, since I had to adjust my receiver a few times to get my trailer to sit level (had to trailer my GSXR back home). Any ideas what's causing the driveline vibration???

I have to admit, the truck looks STUPID with stock wheels & tires... Can't wait to get my wheels back... They looked awesome... even sitting in the bed - lol

Another positive note: the truck will end up being aligned on a killer Hunter Alignment rack... by someone who knows how to use it...
(Jim at IMZZ Industries in Brea, CA)

DevinSixtySeven · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 11:06 AM

probably vibrating cuz it's WAY down there...your driveshaft angle reminds me of some of the old fords i see driving around. your pinion angle is probably in need of adjustment, grab a shim and make 'er point at the tcase.

-s

ferretboy · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 12:27 PM

Since I plan to have a full size spare in the bed locked down, and a toiol box as well as a tonneau cover, I think I'm leaving the block as well as AAL in place and see how the oeverall stance is affected with the added weight of the spare, tool box and tonneau installed. Should bring it alot closer to level with 200-ish lbs of added weight in the rear - Plus I just prefer the AAL ride compared to stock rear leaf springs.

Noted on pinion angle adjustment. I know that the RCD blocks are angled... just not enough to account for the extra lift of the AAL. The vibration isn't bad at all - but I can feel it, so its bugging the crap outta me.

T-Case? What T-case?!? lol - its a 2WD!

Imdone · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 03:39 PM

You need to pick up my RCD Trac-Bars!!!

I noticed something odd about mine as well after it was done, then I got some fender washers and dropped the CSB lower and it went away. Watch your CSB from here on out, it will wear out a lot quicker with that lift.

I think the kit should have come wtih angled spacers to keep the CSB in-line with the propeller shaft. But it doesn't...

mustang67408 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 04:51 PM

I left the AAL in mine (2WD) when I added the RCD and then used 3" Lift blocks instead of the RCD 4" and she sits nice and level, even with my spare in the bed.
I agree with you, I like the ride with the AAL.
IMDONES TRAC bars will definatly help your spring wrap. I would have bought them, but had already ordered the BUDBUILT TRAC bar.
Can't wait to see finished pics.... so far so good

.
I know your frustrated, just hang in there. It will be worth the wait.

DevinSixtySeven · #11 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 04:53 PM

does a 2wd also have a double cardan driveshaft with an extension joint at the tail? (i have a 4wd or i'd know

)

mustang67408 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinSixtySeven

does a 2wd also have a double cardan driveshaft with an extension joint at the tail? (i have a 4wd or i'd know

)

NO it doesn't.

ferretboy · #13 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 05:12 PM

CSB = Carrier Bearing? Right?

I haven't been under the truck yet - (that's for this weekend) - I'll be installing my Westin side bars....
But, I'm pretty sure that the kit came with a carrier bearing spacer... didn't it?

Thanks guys.... sucks to be driving a killer truck, with a killer suspension on stock bald tires... lol

Can't wait for my wheels to come back!

On another note, I think I have my tonneau handled and as soon as I get the wheels/tires handled, I'll be adding a FabTech flat mount tire carrier to the rear bed floor, and then having the bed interior sprayed with Line-X.

-Good thing I have a friend who owns a Line-X dealership!

mustang67408 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferretboy

CSB = Carrier Bearing? Right? Yes, your right

I haven't been under the truck yet - (that's for this weekend) - I'll be installing my Westin side bars....
But, I'm pretty sure that the kit came with a carrier bearing spacer... didn't it? Yes it did

It's a great kit, I have done 3 of them now, and had to fix 2 others that were done by someone else.(major FUBAR)(right GLENN?)

Does your buddy give discounts on LINEX to TS members?
I could make a weekend family trip down to CA.

I need the rear flip down door of my car trailer done to protect the wood.

ARE YOU COMING TO THE LAS VEGAS MEET? It's SUN NOV 12 , there is already other TS members coming from out of state.

Victor

ferretboy · #15 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 06:17 PM

I would totally love to make the LV Meet - however...

The first week of November is SEMA, and I'll be there all week (in Vegas). Once I get back, I'm taking my family to see BMG (Blue Man Group) that weekend. The following weekend I'm headed to Mexico on my first and only vacation in more than 10 years.... which will put me somewhere in Cabo, Mazatlan or the like during the meet...

Damn...

When's the next one?