What did you do with your Grenadier today?

[CountyV8]

Finally, after months, I decided to do a hand wash of my Grenadier today (exterior; the interior I did some time ago).

This is always a good moment to discover some problems, like this ...
View attachment 7866894

The lower part of my RAI (Raised Air Intake) is loose.
Apparently the screws (still present) are screwed in some plastic studs, and these became loose and damaged.
OK, I did quite some off road in June in Romania, and scratched the car with branches, therefore probably this is also the origin of my problem.
But anyway, "built on purpose?".

I dismounted the RAI and unscrewed the studs and did put them back at their location after some "plastic bending". Anyway, I think these plastic studs (the two white things on the next picture) will have to be replaced sooner or later.

View attachment 7866899

Its not a. snorkel.

 

[Logsplitter]

Its not a. snorkel.

It’s a good job that @Jean Mercier didnt mention the word snorkel then

 

[Jean Mercier]

Hi Jean,

did you manage to disconnect the light inside the rai?

I tried, but desisted, as it was not necessary for my temporary repair

 

[schiles]

Wrapped and ready for “pinstripes”.

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[Tazzieman]

All ready for a weekend away with the van ; LHS airbag not inflating normally.
Rear spring has come off the axle perch and is jammed onto it. Tried to free it before work ; no luck. Airbag hissing a bit .
Not sure if it was a bad install (not by me) or I've dislocated it offroad.
Ordered a new airbag as there's no point in taking it to the installer and finding it's worse than just a split top hose.
Edit:
It's all fixed. Managed to get the installer to put it up on the hoist this afternoon.
They had to remove the shockie and spring to inspect the bag ; the hard line was kinked and split but repairable.
Lesson learned : do not put more than 5psi in the bags (Originally I was told keep 10 in...) when going offroading when there may be significant suspension flex. The bag will prevent the spring extending, and in my case it looks like it has spun around and unable to reseat itself.
So if you have a trailer, deflate when not towing and if there is likelihood of a large flex.

PS I reckon I've driven on it "injured" the past week , including some light offroad, and even maybe some heavier trail stuff last week..
Luckily no major drama!

 

[Migs]

Got the eibach springs and 35x11.5 r17s put on today.
Getting rdy for Moab Oktoberfest!

 

[Znarfgh]

All ready for a weekend away with the van ; LHS airbag not inflating normally.
Rear spring has come off the axle perch and is jammed onto it. Tried to free it before work ; no luck. Airbag hissing a bit .
Not sure if it was a bad install (not by me) or I've dislocated it offroad.
Ordered a new airbag as there's no point in taking it to the installer and finding it's worse than just a split top hose.

I also had a problem with my new airbags. Got no reading on the pressure gauge RHS and could not inflate or deflate the bag. Eventually removed the valve stem and manage to deflate by rocking the vehicle. Installer is on the other side of town but will stop by on my next run that way for them to check it out.

 

[Logsplitter]

I also had a problem with my new airbags. Got no reading on the pressure gauge RHS and could not inflate or deflate the bag. Eventually removed the valve stem and manage to deflate by rocking the vehicle. Installer is on the other side of town but will stop by on my next run that way for them to check it out.

Oh this is not boding well! I’ve ordered the same airbags as @Tazzieman.

 

[Tazzieman]

Oh this is not boding well! I’ve ordered the same airbags as @Tazzieman.

See my edit above

 

[Logsplitter]

See my edit above

Thanks. So in in hind-site although I’ve ordered them they may not be right for my use case as I like to take off road routes on my travels even though fully loaded. Uprated springs may be the answer for me.

 

[Tazzieman]

Thanks. So in in hind-site although I’ve ordered them they may not be right for my use case as I like to take off road routes on my travels even though fully loaded. Uprated springs may be the answer for me.

In that situation , if you are loaded up, the pressure means it's very unlikely the spring could come off ( is what I was told.)
I guess it depends upon how loaded up and how aggressive the driving is.
If you're not really loaded up you don't need the airbags!
IMO (and others will have their's) the airbags are there to keep the vehicle at normal ride height and thus allow control/safety at speed on the bitumen.
When offroading with a trailer you are travelling slowly , and porpoising and swaying aren't such a big deal.
I have an offroad van, and will just deflate the bags if there is a serious flexy situation.

 

[Znarfgh]

Thanks. So in in hind-site although I’ve ordered them they may not be right for my use case as I like to take off road routes on my travels even though fully loaded. Uprated springs may be the answer for me.

Uprated springs are definitely the way to go but they are expensive - AUD 1,000 per pair. Airbags are the less costly alternative and they do have a warranty so don't be too concerned. I've had airbags in the back of my Disco for many years without a problem.

 

[Tazzieman]

Uprated springs are definitely the way to go

I haven't ruled this out, but don't want to compromise unloaded ride quality.
I'll wait and see what others report on the longer term.

 

[NoAge Hunter]

I put some self iluminating stickers on the switches - makes it easier to see/remember the functions

 

[Tazzieman]

I put some self iluminating stickers on the switches - makes it easier to see/remember the functions
View attachment 7866953

What does the Ed Munch sticker activate? Hopefully not a scream

 

[NoAge Hunter]

What does the Ed Munch sticker activate? Hopefully not a scream

Hey Tazzieman,
It is to activate the alien landing light on the roof top

 

[Logsplitter]

I put some self iluminating stickers on the switches - makes it easier to see/remember the functions
View attachment 7866953

A source for those please. They would be very helpful

 

[Tazzieman]

A source for those please. They would be very helpful

Printed Series Auxiliary Switch Labels (Upfitter) - 2017-2020 F-150 Raptor, 2017-2022 F-250 / F-350 Super Duty / 2024+ Grenadier

Easy to apply Over 120+ labels Fits OEM upfitter switches Printed Series Auxiliary / Upfitter Switch Labels The convenience of the auxiliary switches in the Ford F-150 Raptor, Ford F-250 Super Duty, and Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicles is relatively unquestioned. They are labeled Aux...

www.stickerfab.com

 

[YIPPE]

Utilised my friday off for a day out bush with the fam. Had my 3 old steering the gren back to the main road with a smile ear to ear the whole time.

 

[NoAge Hunter]

A source for those please. They would be very helpful

Believe it or not- Aliexpress- a full set for 3 Euro or something like that.