Update on my 96

[Rev_D21]

We replaced the ruptured brake lines over the last couple weeks, only having Saturdays to work on it. The truck stops really good now. Everything on my to do list is complete except the windshield which is being replaced on Monday. I should have this thing running down the road legally by Friday. She's ugly but she runs and stops with good heat, I need nothing more than that right now.

[JC87HB]

thats awesome!!! i need to do my pads on the front brakes.. recomendations of what else to do?? i am runnin a fairly large tire so its a pain stopping cuase i have to double pump to get pressure (i know i need to bleed them).

[Rev_D21]

Get a heavy duty pad with material that doesn't fade, I have a set of carbon metallic pads waiting for my 95. The 96 came with brand new, unknown brand, front pads. HB's seem to have squishy pedals no matter how much you bleed. I am going to have a set of braided stainless covered lines made for the 95 this spring.

[seang]

Also, and this is important, what every D21 owner should frequently do is inspect the front caliper slides (guides) because they can get stuck, and then only one half of the caliper will slide.

It will still work when it's stuck (but not 100%) so it's best to check them, clean them, and lube them generously with synthetic caliper lube.

Don't use wheel beariing grease, the caliper lube isn't expensive, and it just works better for this trust me.

I can pull my lower slides without taking off the tires, it's really easy. Those are also the ones that get hit the hardest by nasty weather, so it works out nicely. Still have to do it, though.

[Rev_D21]

The slider seizing is a Nissan thing. I have seen Sentras, Altimas, Xterras and the like all have slider problems when rust is involved. I lubed the sliders on the 96 as well, some jerk forgot the boots! I replaced the boots, hit the sliders with the bench grinder, lubed with synth caliper grease and then reassembled. That should be done every 7500 miles as far as I am concerned.

[Rev_D21]

New windshield installed today. We are ready to rock! First test flight from work to home coming this Thursday once all the legals are in order. Can't wait!

[Rev_D21]

Plated and insured. Maiden voyage from work to home tomorrow night.

[Rev_D21]

And the maiden voyage was a success! Drove 31 miles home at speeds ranging from 30-65mph. It's like driving my 95 except different. The bench seat has got to go, I have some old buckets that were in my 95 last year, they should work just fine. The alignment still needs to be done in a major way but it still tracks good going down the road. No vibrations other than the huge snow tires I have on the rear. The radio leaves a lot to be desired but once again, I have an extra that I removed from the 95 last year. It shifts good and brakes alright. The engine runs nice and strong. The true test comes tomorrow morning during my commute to work. Wish me luck!

[JC87HB]

Good luck rev!!! i might try and get new calipers!

[Rev_D21]

And she did fine @75 mph on the NY thruway this morning. She's around the corner getting inspected. Hopefully all the work lets her pass with ease.

[Rev_D21]

UPDATE:

Passed NY inspection! We are good to go!

[Rev_D21]

UPDATE:

Bench seat gone! Old buckets from the 95 are now in. Also tossed out old broken OEM radio, replaced with the old stereo out of the 95. I cleaned out the interior and transferred the nice floor mats from the Mazda to this one. Looking good for 2010. I heard snow is coming on Wednesday which will give me a chance to try her out. Not a bad running little truck so far.

It's nice to have two trucks to swap parts around.

[Desert Rat]

Ugh...brakes.

My master cylinder just isn't cutting it anymore and the pedal has gone to the floor one too many times on a scary steep switcback.

I have a new '98 Dodge MC ready to install. Much larger bore size to move fluid to the big single piston GM calipers in the front.

[Rev_D21]

I may still have to replace my MC. The brakes work but not as great as I would like.