What did you do to your SMB today?

[Viejo]

It's my understanding that plywood layers are placed perpendicular to each other and the bending strength is about the same in any direction.

[rockbender]

Originally Posted by Viejo

It's my understanding that plywood layers are placed perpendicular to each other and the bending strength is about the same in any direction.

It looks like a 7-ply sheet was used which will certainly help, but without referencing any backup data I'd say that the strong axis would take twice the load for the same deflection.

[stanw909]

Very,very strong. I did not mess around with this bed. I only wanted to do it once. Never thought of flex but it doesn 't feel like it bends at all.

[PatO]

Why get dirty! I had the Atlas II transfer case front output shaft seal replaced at M.I.T. Drivetrain Specialist here in San Diego. They were recommended by Advance Adapters. It had been leaking for awhile. I also had them change the case oil. For those interested they charged $85 labor for seal, the seal and de-greaser was $32 and $42.50 labor for the fluid change, I provided the Amsoil GL-4. That could be some incentive for those do-it-yourselfers out there. They said the next Sportsmobile will be a bit more. The AMSOil filter block was in the way so they had to completely remove the driveshaft.

So far so good and I will test it over New Years out in Anza-Borrego. At this time I would definitely go back there for other axle, gear and hub service.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Finally pulled the FICM out. It is still good, but I want to upgrade and keep this one as an emergency spare. I couldn't order the new unit until I proved to myself that I could pull this one out.

Getting the coolant reservoir out of the way was easy.

Hardest part was removing the air filter housing. The two nuts hidden in wheel well were interesting, but getting the rubber bushings out of the fender was the real stumbling block.

The FICM comes out on its mounting bracket. Remove the three harness connectors (locks on top and bottom of each), three bolts (front, top and bottom) and it slides right out. Now I can order from FICMrepair.com.

Mike

[Gooseberry]

Changed the location of the 4wd light so it's not so distracting and moved the switches around to add one. The new switch is for a set of small rigid LEDs that will light each side so I can see right or left on the trail. Swapped out the icom 2m radio for a smaller easier to program Kenwood along with new antenna and mount. The old mag mount lost its magnet and broke its base and the kenwood was only a little more then the replacement mic for the icom.

[PatO]

Yesterday I cleaned the starting battery terminal posts. Doesn't sound like much, huh? A lucky few will know differently.

I did this because I'm having "charging" difficulties. I wanted to make sure the posts were clean and independently test each battery since I broke conventional wisdom 8 months ago and replaced a 10 month old battery that failed and left its mate in place. My current symptoms are intermittent cold hard starting with all 8 glow plug codes (P0671-8) manifesting. This does not set the CEL but I see them on ScanGauge. This includes a cloud of white smoke when it finally catches. Warm starts are fine. The battery light persisting for a minute or two after cold starting. Low voltage while driving - about 11.2 - 11.5V MAX. Turn on the lights it goes to 10.8. Low FICM Logic and Vehicle voltages - 10.5V to 11V instead of 12. FICM Main voltage remains at steady @ 48V so maybe Ed's upgrade last summer paid off. The battery voltage gauge is in the middle of the battery icon which I think is low and it wiggles when I turn on the light which agrees with previous statement. Very little difference between idle and cruising voltage. With the AIC on Charge Protect the same 11.2V is all it can muster. Normally this would be 13.6V.

Back to a shop it goes! I was going to go out to Anza Borrego today and stay through Wednesday but it didn't seem wise.

It's already had 1 alternator replaced 5 years ago. If that is what it turns out to be I'll up the output to this bad boy: https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/2004~...oduct_overview

If it turns out to be more interesting than that I'll start a thread in the Engine section.

EDIT The alternator (regulator?) is toast. In order to do this in a timely manner the shop will replace it with a high output version he can get locally and what he has in his own truck. Also then it will be on shop warranty too. It's especially unfortunate timing because we had the front all apart just 3 weeks ago for a BPD water pump, new CAC hoses and clamps, a very expensive heater hose to timing cover and a new serpentine belt.

I might start a new poll - How BROKE are 6.0L PSD owners.

Pat

[dparkwy]

PatO I put one of those alternators in my rig last year and it has worked like a champ. I had been having charging issues but didn't pinpoint the problem until a long drive when the voltages kept falling and falling. I finally had to stop and put a battery charger on at a convenience store so I could make it home.

Hope your issue is an easy fix.......

[macmcintire]

I brushed the snow off of my SMB so I can hopefully go camping soon.

[larrie]

Ordered a 10 gallon fresh water tank to replace the one that the PO removed. It was on sale. After much consideration I decided get a horizontal one that fits under the dinette seat on the passenger side instead of the original vertical style that was located under the sink. I am changing the tank location because the storage space under the sink is much more accessible that the storage under the dinette.