I know I could have it worse. You tell me that because you are one? My parents were both Truck drivers growing up. Not anymore of course but my brother who is two years older than me is a Diesel Mechanic but he also drives over the road now. It is funny you mention truck drivers because I would actually love that job, I love driving and I love trucks. I say that now though becuase once I did it and was gone all that time driving all the time I'm sure I would hate it. I grew up around that stuff though

 

My best friend I grew up with was a Canine AP in the Air force. He ended up hating it, but probably just because the whole time he was deployed they parked his dog and him to guard a landfill in the Philippines. Apparently at that time it was common practice to jump the fence and collect cans to cut into shingles and siding for huts. So he guarded empty cans and it rubbed him the wrong way. lol

 

I was born into the industry, Dad owned two service stations with both heavy truck and auto repair and a tow/wrecker service for both. So I grew up driving heavy haul towtrucks on down to all the mechanical for both. Several times during occasional lean times I had to make do and drive for a living for some extra income but never liked being gone from home. I now own two shops but in the process of shutting down the one in California. I am now moving into a semi-retirement situation and do mostly freelance and diagnosis consolation for other repair facilities. Turns out I guess I am now the "go to guy" as a last resort for heavy truck problems. lol

 

Sounds like you got quite the reputation then! I was stationed in California for about 4 years up in the Long Beach area enjoyed it a lot there. I also a good buddy who lives out in Prescott, AZ. I see your from Arizona. I'm originally from Western NY(Buffalo area) but while im in the Navy I will plan to keep us over here for as long as possible. The Navy is a different world over on the East Coast so I would much rather finish my time on the West coast before we decide if we are going back East.

Currently in Washington which is amazing up there despite the rainy weather!

That's awesome you are gearing for retirement!! Bet that feeling is great I'm sure you have had your hard days so it will be well paid off when it comes. What are your plans when you retire?

 

More WORK! lol Dad is now 82 and can still jog around the block and mount truck tires. All because he never stopped physically working. I am currently 56 and can still work circles around these kids now days. So even if it is just on my own stuff I will continue on until I just can't physically do it anymore. Hopefully I will be as spry as Dad when I get his age!

California is NOT business friendly anymore. They regulated me right out of business...

 

That is fine California is a bunch of whiny people anyhow. I hate thier gun laws, cost of living and stupid smog laws for vehicles.

I could never live there when I DD a 2005 F350 Dually Diesel that has just about everything done to it. If I were to go back and live there legally my truck would have to be sold to someone out of the state.

I agree with running around until you just can't anymore. Another good reason to retire from the Military at 42 because I will still work but my next job will be just to keep me busy and not really care about the money. I'm never one to be rich and pretty much a simple living way of life guy. My wife is the same we don't need fancy stuff. I will have my house one day with 10-15 acres of land. Aside from that I just want to retire and watch my kids grow older sadly and spend time with them. Another reason I got the Jeep so that way my Son who is 12 years old will grow up helping me work on it and maybe it will be his but if not it will be a great Dad/Son project that he can take those experiences and pass it along.

 

I don't mean that in a bad way to the good people from California that are not like that lol

 

So what is everyone's thought on 1 ton steering? Is it wise or good choice with a 4.5" lift? I mean what is the added benefits of it? The kit below seems like it is solid deal and you can adapt it to your existing OE setup just have to drill out the parts it says to fit. I would still need Track bar and bracket of course but this would be something worth it?

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...serts-Included

 

Morning! I wanted to continue this yesterday but had to run. Your retirement is going to be at least a great steady basic security income for you no matter what you do after. We think like you do. It really doesn't take a whole lot to make us comfortable like it does most. It is good to see someone your age not falling for the perpetual consumerism and status competition indoctrination.

 

Your fine I figured you probably got busy plus I'm on the other side of the world right now so completly different time zone. Yea we are simple and when I was younger I thought I needed all that fancy stuff to set me apart from the rest of the group. Not anymore, far from that now. Heck we don't even have cable TV just internet because nowadays you can do anything from the internet.

 

That and I don't teach my kids to sit around game systems and TV all day we shut that off first thing in the morning and go out and do things as a family. If wife and I need a break then we allow it.

 

That and I don't teach my kids to sit around game systems and TV all day we shut that off first thing in the morning and go out and do things as a family. If wife and I need a break then we allow it.

 

Alright so I got the VIN# today and looking online quick Jeep VIN search this came up. Not sure how accurate it is but if someone knows who or where I can go to look it up through Chrysler then let me know.

4-Speed Automatic AW4 Transmission
Dana M30/181MM Front Axle
3.55 Rear Axle Ratio

If that is what it is this okay to start? Assuming I can upgrade all this of course to better options and gearing but right off the bat is it okay for now?

 

I have stock gearing on my D30...Its okay. Fine until you can scrape money together to regear.

 

I went to the website spoke with a live agent and they gave me the same information. They said I can e-mail them and get the build sheet but I don't think I need to do that at this point. I could also call the dealer and have parts department cross check it. They are not open right now different time zone then me but I will try that later.

From what I got though my rear is 3.55 gearing with 175mm rear axle. I'm trying to get the previous owner to send me a photo of the pumpkin cover or if there is a tab on it to identify the type. Would be nice to know what rear I have. Assuming the D30 can be in the rear with 3.55 gearing or is that a D35 only?