The post whore thread.

[Irving]

An impact is exactly what rounded that bolt off so cleanly. I tried going down in size from 13mm to 12mm to pound a socket on, but it wasn't having it. I should have tried pounding on a 1/2in socket. I considered filing it flat on a side, but I wasn't sure why. Filing for vise grip purchase makes sense.

[HoneyBadger]

Thanks for all the thoughts on the drain valves, everyone. I think I'll definitely consider it for Mrs. HoneyBadger's daily driver. I'll have to take a good look under the Xterra to see what the situation is and how protected that area is, and then I'll decide if it's worth it.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Good morning.

Sure HB.. Yeah, if the oil pan drain is higher than the lowest part of the engine cross member, you'll probably be alright.

Glad you got the plug out, Irving. I can't find the sockets I'm talking about so you can see what I mean...but they're knurled/curved in a reverse fashion, and have sharp "teeth" that drive themselves into the sides of the stripped bolt head. As you apply pressure to back the bolt out, the teeth dig into the damaged bolt head and it comes right out 99% of the time.

I can take a pic of them tomorrow, they're pretty neato.

[buffalobo]

Today is repair/service the autos day.

The Mopar gets new shocks and tire rotation and the Toy gets a new brake line that has a hole from rubbing bracket.

Wish I had the $70 for custom fitted steel braided lines instead of spending an hour fabricating/bending the tube from parts house. Need it on the road tomorrow and can't wait for parts to ship in either.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Good luck with everything, Lobo.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Alright, raise your hand if you've ever come across a big spider web in your yard somewhere, and then actually looked for a little bug to toss into it. Spiders can do some cool shit. lol.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Ribeyes for lunch this week, woot !

So excuse me, but I'm gonna go rub my meat now.

[buffalobo]

Alright, raise your hand if you've ever come across a big spider web in your yard somewhere, and then actually looked for a little bug to toss into it. Spiders can do some cool shit. lol.

Many times. One of the minions favorite activities when out here is to find/collect bugs.

We have captured Wolf spiders 4" in diameter(across body and legs)and build very tough web lined homes in the cracks that form when our clay soil dries. Not much fun to feed, when they detect you they tend to wait/hide until you leave then dart out and attack prey.

Some sort of Spotted Orbweaver, they build large webs(18" + diam) to catch flying insects and are fun to feed, catch bug(small grass hoppers work well cause they struggle so hard and really vibrate web) and throw against web.

Even an occasional black widow, which are put in gallon jar(with some dirt, grass, twigs, etc like a fully furnished condo) and put in cool dark place. Hole in the lid with tape over it allows bugs to be thrown in.

[brutal]

Today is repair/service the autos day.

The Mopar gets new shocks and tire rotation and the Toy gets a new brake line that has a hole from rubbing bracket.

Wish I had the $70 for custom fitted steel braided lines instead of spending an hour fabricating/bending the tube from parts house. Need it on the road tomorrow and can't wait for parts to ship in either.

I should probably install these new brake pads on my truck.

I also need to get it out on a buddy's rack and change the oil.

Hell, I think I've got over 15K on the diff fluids now too for that matter.

[Irving]

Obc, I actually stumbled across a socket just like you decribed in my tool bag last night, but for 10mm.

HoneyB, the drain plug on my Focus is on the back of the pan, but on the Amigo it is right up front.

I did a surprising amount of vehicle maintenance yesterday. Well, not a lot, but just stuff that really needed done.