I passed smog!
Well, the Trooper did... I didn’t.
To be honest, I’m glad it didn’t pass sooner. It used to run rough when warm and misfire occasionally. Sometimes it would want to die immediately after starting. Also, I’m getting 8 MPG on this tank so far. If I hadn’t been forced to find and remedy the culprit, a leaking fuel pressure regulator, I wouldn’t know what it’s like to hear the engine purr like a tiger, never misfire, and acheive double-digit MPGs. Every additional fix and modification now makes the truck feel younger and stronger.
I think the desire to finish can blind us to the advantage of the process. Desire sacrifices quality for speed and makes us accept that which should not be tolerated in the name of progress. The knowledge that fools reject and wise men accept is that the path to success is marked by many failures suffered, fought, and eventually overcome.
Also, I replaced my battery holder.
The Tally
Rig + Parts: $4,126
Gear: $829
Total/Budget: $4,955 of $5,000
The List
Smog and registration- Alignment
- Oil change
- Check other fluids
- Shocks
- CV Axles
- Install ball joint spacers
- Fix ABS wire
- Reattach fender flares
- Clean and de-stinkify interior
- Rear sway bar links
- Replace antenna
- Fix spare tire mount
- Replace rear wiper
- Adjust steering gear mount
- Install quieter exhaust
- Install RTT
- Install CB radio
Replace fuel pressure regulatorWheels and tiresLevel suspensionExhaust gasketsCheck plugsReplace valve cover gasketsBattery holderPCV valveInstall stock airboxReplace air filterReplace gas capManual hubsRoof rackReattach interior panelsCenter capsInstall shift selectorRefit transfer case lever bootCheck pitman and idler arm, tie rod endsReplace front wipers