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I had a similar issue with the Dexter brake lining separating from its shoe. Not too many miles on the trailer when it happened. I kept having to fiddle with the brake controller and thought something wasn't right. Thank goodness I caught it early enough before a long trip. Good for Dexter...

Any motorcycle, no matter the manufacturer, would rust similarly if exposed to salty environments for an extended period of time. Zinc plated and painted steel do not survive very well along the shoreline. Even galvanized steel eventually succumbs to rust rather quickly. Aluminum will corrode...

You mentioned looks and handling for mostly pavement driving. You cannot beat Bilstein's ride height adjustable 5100 series for your Tundra. It utilizes stock springs and tops out at 2-1/4" lift, which makes alignment easy after the install. The ride will be a bit more firm, but nothing jarring...

I have a Cardo Packtalk and sometimes it has a mind of its own. Can be very frustrating when it misbehaves.

Increasing tire circumference creates more contact with the road compared to widening. Benefits are a compliant ride and enhanced straight line traction. Cornering grip can be enhanced by stiffening the sidewalls, which low-profile tires offer. For passenger vehicles, taller tires with low...

^^^This! A thoroughly lubed o-ring on the cap allows for easy removal during the next change. I've yet to have a stubborn cap ever since lubing it good and plenty before installing.

I was wondering the same thing, but I cannot see any steel inserts on the transfer and differential cases

Yes, interesting that Toyota specs copper, steel, and aluminum gaskets for aluminum cases on one vehicle. Yet, Honda specs aluminum gaskets on the CR-V and Pilot's transmissions and differentials. I'm not a mechanical engineer, but logic tells me gaskets should be softer than surfaces they're...

Several discussions on this site regarding aluminum, copper, and coated steel drain plug washers, but very few on steel crush washers. I'm curious why Toyota uses steel crush washers on drain plugs for aluminum transfer cases and transmissions. For example, my Tundra and Highlander both use...

I agree there's a sense of satisfaction wrenching on your own vehicle. Knowing all fasteners are torqued to spec and put together properly gives me piece of mind. There's always the risk some knucklehead was in a hurry and missed a step. I've experienced this with both dealerships and...

I agree, the 4.0L OHV engine is a reliable workhorse. Not the fastest 0-60 times, but great low-RPM torque for a compact truck.

Jeepman, you are correct about vehicles here in Oregon. Suspension/frame corrosion from road salt isn't a concern in most parts of the northwest. The Ranger is still looking good for its age.

Only members on this forum can appreciate my joy. Others just don't get it. Pulled the intake and valve covers to replace gaskets and was surprised how clean the 4.0L OHV looks. Bought new in 98 and changed oil/filter approximately every 5,000 miles. Only used whatever synthetic 5w-30 was on...

Definitely a step in the right direction for H-D. While on rides over the years, some of us would swap bikes until our next stop and I had an opportunity to try out a Sportster. I couldn't wait to get off that thing. There was nothing "sport" about it. Good to see an American brand upping their...

I couldn't help but chuckle while going through the local listings of motorcycles for sale. Marketing probably isn't this person's strong suit.

As was mentioned, motorcycle chain lube is great for all types of hinges. After the carrier solvent dries, a sticky grease film remains in place for quite some time.

@Trav, that's one nasty valve cover! No, my valve cover wasn't nearly that bad, but it was ugly. It appeared to have enough flow for blow-by gasses, but I need to give it a good solvent bath when adjusting the valves in a few months. And, yes, I did replace the PVC valve while doing this job...

@ctechbob , I wanted to adjust the valves while everything was off, but noticed lots of sludge baked onto the adjuster nuts. I only had part of a day to work on this, so my thinking was run high detergent oil for a couple of changes, and then adjust when I'll have more time this June. The most...

I replaced leaky valve cover gaskets on my wife's 2005 Honda Pilot a few days ago. Has 198K on the odometer. For several years I would use whatever synthetic was on sale at Walmart, but over the past few years almost exclusively Supertech synthetic 5w-20. We've owned the Pilot since new and it...

I agree! This forum has several members who are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I don't have an engineering degree, so when a member takes their time to explain concepts in layman's terms, I grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read. Lots to learn.