Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up
In 2006, we spent a lot of time spinning wrenches here in the Autoblog Garage in the process of taking on common maintenance tasks and a few performance upgrades. For your convenience, we've compiled links to each of the posts after the jump.
We already have some things in the works for 2007, but we'd also love to get suggestions for additional posts from our readership. Keep in mind that we need projects that have a relatively broad appeal, and we're a bit limited in our selection of "test subjects"; beyond that, we're all ears, so please share your ideas.
Big-brake install on a 1996 Chevy Impala SS: Part I, Part II, (Part III coming soon)
Rebuild of a Tremec T56 6-speed manual: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV
Install of a disc-brake rear axle on a 1996 Buick Roadmaster: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV
3" body lift and 35" tires on a 1996 GMC K2500
Underbody coating with polyurethane bedliner
In-tank fuel pump R&R
Spark plug replacement
Oil change
Oil analysis
Transmission fluid/filter replacement
Differential fluid replacement
Transfer case fluid replacement
Brake pad/rotor replacement: Front, Rear
Air filter maintenance
Rebuild of a Tremec T56 6-speed manual: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV
Install of a disc-brake rear axle on a 1996 Buick Roadmaster: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV
3" body lift and 35" tires on a 1996 GMC K2500
Underbody coating with polyurethane bedliner
In-tank fuel pump R&R
Spark plug replacement
Oil change
Oil analysis
Transmission fluid/filter replacement
Differential fluid replacement
Transfer case fluid replacement
Brake pad/rotor replacement: Front, Rear
Air filter maintenance
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James 10:35AM (1/02/2007)
Suggestions: CV joint or CV boot replacement, or maybe a half-shaft swap
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Eric Bryant 11:51AM (1/02/2007)
Boy, that'd be difficult - I don't own any FWD cars :) Seriously, though, we'll see if a friend needs that task performed, and if so, it'll get documented and written-up.
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drolds1 12:26PM (1/02/2007)
Uh, Eric. RWD cars with IRS also use CV joints, as well as 4WD vehicles.
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Eric Bryant 12:50PM (1/02/2007)
Uh, drolds1 - I don't own anything with IRS, either. Although I will give you that my K2500 uses CVs up front, but I doubt those will need replacement before I finally decide on doing a solid front axle swap.
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drolds1 1:21PM (1/02/2007)
I didn't want anyone to come away thinking that only FWD cars use CV joints, a common misconception.
How about an auto trans rebuild? Something that's always mystified me.
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Eric Bryant 3:45PM (1/02/2007)
No problem - to be honest, I'd actually forgotten that my truck had CVs up front (I'm far more used to dealing with the U-joints in solid axles.
"How about an auto trans rebuild? Something that's always mystified me."
Heh - funny you should mention that one. Check back in a month or two.
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thefultonhow 9:00PM (1/02/2007)
I don't need it, but I bet a lot of people could benefit from a how-to on replacing a clutch. It would be interesting to see if you could find both a transverse-layout and a longitudinal-layout car that needed the job, as the process is of course a bit different.
Small stuff like how to install an aftermarket headunit could also be useful, as that is one of the main upgrades people do to their cars.
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Alex (nedge2k) 1:24AM (1/03/2007)
How about accident damage repair? Turbo replacement/upgrades? Roll cage install?
@James - CV boot is a piece of cake, just get a strechy one :) As for the joint, just get a new dshaft from a scrappy and do a straight swap. Detach the hub from the lower wishbone and it's pretty straight forward from there. Have a bucket ready for the gearbox oil tho! (obviously all depends on ur make/model of vehicle but should apply to most)
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patrick 1:15PM (1/03/2007)
hmm...definitely how to convert a carbureted car to EFI....I have a test subject and some parts collected already (:
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