I love this story. I kinda felt like I was watching the Breaking Bad of Van repairs!!!!!? What a beautiful outcome, "People helping people". We all win. I am deeply touched by your friend's hospitality. Love all of you!!!!
Your experience with strangers helping out mirrors my experience when I've been in a bind. It's amazing how generous and kind people can be. And that makes us better b/c a restored faith in humanity means that we're ready to help someone we don't know when that time comes. Another super episode! Standing by for more!
Totally agree! We both look forward to being in a situation when we can help out fellow travelers whether it be on the road or one day when we’re stationary.
Really really enjoyed this 2 parter- Such a battle. We all go through adversity, deal with insecurity + try our best at a fix. It's good to know that others who I respect don't always have all the answers first try. It's relatable and comforting. Glad it worked out. Best part was the wonderful help from kind people + a heartwarming thank you at the end. Restoring faith in humanity indeed. Love your story + your videos, looking forward to the next one!
Thanks for watching Mark, we’re stoked that you’re enjoying watching our videos! We’re blessed to have a lot of good people around to help us work through adversity. 😁🙌🏻
Mechanic tip, if you pull the safety glasses down over your eyes you don’t have to squint as hard to keep the frame rust out. That said, way cooler to wearing them up top. Great vid, good job!
We really couldn’t have done it without them! And to think I was toying with the idea of doing this in the desert.🤦🏼 Here’s to no further mechanicals! 🍻
Great series! I enjoyed watching your work through your problems and overcome each one! I look forward to your “slow roaming” and not the “stopped roaming” you’ve been experiencing. Jose and Lauren are obviously the best and so is Megan for being your partner in the adventure. Behind every great man is a great woman…rolling her eyes!
We’re sure ready to be slow roaming once again! Good people make a challenging situation so much easier, and it’s a wonderful thing that one of those people is my life partner.♥️ Thanks so much for watching!
Great job and perseverance with the installation! I'm interested to see how the G80 does for you in comparison. You know this is leading up to a 4x4 vs 2wd showdown, right? 😂
Us too! On both fronts. Super stoked on the road ahead. Already from the little bit of gravel driving we’ve done she’s smoother and has way better torque. Much excite!
Ever since I swapped my leaf springs in rear diff we had multiple problems as well, from the leaf springs rubbing on the frame that we fixed to the shock mounts not being welded correctly by the mechanic that we had weld them! And then the transmission just all of a sudden went out which we are getting rebuilt now for a good 2500 bucks
Shoot! Thats why I was so adamant about getting a bolt in axle. We were considering having a pick truck axle put in which would have meant custom shock mounts and spring perches being moved and then a special u-joint. Thats a bummer that your transmission went out, I’m a little worried about ours as well. Were there any noticeable symptoms before it died? Thanks for watching, maybe we’ll catch you on the trails one day!🙌🏻🙌🏻
CONGRATS! on getting everything completed, and learning a TON along the way. I will share with you what I have learned in "van" world, and that is that most older vehicles are all SAE, but newer models coming in are metric. So buying parts going forward, you may find that all bolts are metric. While that may have been a small part of the issues, it is something to simply store in your head for future. I also wondered if everything was torqued to spec, and knowing you, it probably was and I simply missed it. Sae journeys ahead and I'll be waiting for your next video.
Hey Jackie! I didn’t actually realize that about SAE vs metric sizing. I’m from the Toyota world so everything is metric, starting to work on Chevy’s I’ve had to learn a whole new sizing chart, although it’s all metric. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
At some point I will be going through similar issues. I am not as mechanically comfortable as you so my exterior build out (when I finish the interior)is gonna pinch me in the pocket book for sure! You were the first channel I came across that was building out an express similar to what I was planning. Thanks so much for sharing your content!! Still debating the high top modification, but definitely a lift kit with progressive leaf spring upgrade and a differential locker. My van build is going toward a stealth mobile office for catastrophe insurance adjusting on the road. You are walking many of us through critical challenges. Again, THANK YOU!!@@SlowRoamers
@@vanlifeadjustments radical! I'd really suggest the hightop, it really ads to liveability. If you ever decide to so, go to High Top Vans in Washington, let them know I sent you. I've got a little review on the suspension coming up with some thoughts that might be of value to you. Glad I'm serving up the info you're looking for!
Drive Betty into the backroads west of Catavina in baja, the lead to remote beaches and eventually north to Santa Rosaliita (the beginning of 7 sisters) super fun adventure for sure!
@@SlowRoamers Nice! the main trail has just been graded all the way to "Faro San Jose" I spent new years in the area with some friends, trail is easy but a storm got us as we left, we almost didn't make it out, anyways it should be a moderate trail at worst, Baja Almanac and advice from locals are gold, good luck, can't wait to see the baja series!
@@ambienteterrazas Awesome! Thanks for the Beta, we're stoked to explore that region of Baja and it's good to know we won't be up against too much while getting that remote.
It has been one hell of a journey, that’s for sure. Definitely didn’t expect it to go this long, but not sure I would have had it any other way. I have an intimate knowledge of the vans suspension system now and feel really confident taking it apart.😁😁
@Roamlndr what it's all about. And how you learn your build. Very cool of the people opening up there homes and shops for you all. Hope in humanity restored. Love following along. Been living in my build in my driveway for the last few weeks due to a foot surgery and my actual home being to far of a hike from the driveway. So youtube has kept me sane. Ready to be out and filming again myself.
Sorry, wasn't around for the airing or I would have most certainly chatted it up. Had an early morning bike ride! But I just finished watching and WHEW! what a ride lol. I waited with bated breath every time Alex drove off the driveway curb. Glad everything is in smooth working order and I'm sure the hard journey made the ending so much sweeter. Cheers!@@alistairjackson7658
I haven't looked up the correct gear oil weight for your axle, but never put in a heavier weight oil than what is called for because once it heats up it gets too thick and will cause all sorts of issues. Is 85w140 the factory recommended oil with a G80 and that diff?
Congratulations what a team effort ! Your new AZ friends are so generous “Energy and persistence conquer all things." You now have lots of spare parts / bolts and can swap out any part of your drive line or suspension in your sleep ! Your first remote beach will be so sweet 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇲🇽☀️🏖️🚐 🍻
It's had every part in the front end and steering replaced with multiple alignments throughout the process, and it's still all over the road on the highway. I've had actual mechanics try to diagnose it and just shrug their shoulders lol it's a mystery @@SlowRoamers
From the dana media library PowrLok pdf. “Some otherwise good lubricants produce "chatter" or "bumping" in turn ing corners with Limited Slip Differentials. Many vehicle manufact.urers find it necessary to specify a special lubricant or lubricant additive for use with Limited Slip Differentials.”
lol, welllll…one of my favourite motto’s is “learn by doing.” That more or less sums it up. I’ve had a lot of teachers along the way, but all the learning was born out of necessity. Never could afford to pay other people to do my own work. 🤷🏼♂️
Hey there: Looks like you know, or have learned through experience, what needs to be done to vehicles for Baja travel, congrats. But I have a question for you; any ideas about trailer leaf springs? I go through a new set almost every trip, and I can't figure out what to install. And unless you travel in Baja, you just don't know. My mechanics just look shocked every time I get back from down there. And the rear end on my Tundra sits a little low. I put in Sumo Springs on both the trailer and the truck, but only so so results. Any ideas?
Well, you’re right about Baja adventures being the death of springs. For your truck, I’d suggest putting a higher quality set of progressive leafs from Deaver under the truck and maybe some airbags to help them out. As for your trailer, perhaps trailing arm suspension by Timbren. I’ve towed a trailer once on a trip to the south and came back and sold the trailer, so I have enough experience to know it’s not for me. My trailer had torsion axles. So, perhaps a custom progressive leaf for your trailer…?🤔 Sorry I can’t be of much more help.
Quick questions from someone who has not seen your prior vids. Pardon me. 1. What's the tire diameter (or it's designated sizing) 2. What was the ring-and-pinion ratio before you swapped? and what is it now. Thank you!
@@SlowRoamers Gracias! I'm about to do the same to my rig... lower the gearing .4-ish and add an Eaton Detroit Truetrac.... some time before May this year. Already have tires exactly 3" larger diameter than what truck was built with (30.5 to 33.5"). They're the new Toyo ATIII in 34 X 10.5 X 17... You rock for making your 2WD the best it can be!
I love this story. I kinda felt like I was watching the Breaking Bad of Van repairs!!!!!?
What a beautiful outcome, "People helping people". We all win. I am deeply touched by your friend's hospitality. Love all of you!!!!
Love you, mom! We’ve been well taken care of.😊
now I want new leaf springs for my F150
Oof, I’m sure that could be arranged. Maybe talk to WTD…?🤔
Your experience with strangers helping out mirrors my experience when I've been in a bind. It's amazing how generous and kind people can be. And that makes us better b/c a restored faith in humanity means that we're ready to help someone we don't know when that time comes.
Another super episode! Standing by for more!
Totally agree! We both look forward to being in a situation when we can help out fellow travelers whether it be on the road or one day when we’re stationary.
Really really enjoyed this 2 parter- Such a battle. We all go through adversity, deal with insecurity + try our best at a fix. It's good to know that others who I respect don't always have all the answers first try. It's relatable and comforting. Glad it worked out. Best part was the wonderful help from kind people + a heartwarming thank you at the end. Restoring faith in humanity indeed. Love your story + your videos, looking forward to the next one!
Thanks for watching Mark, we’re stoked that you’re enjoying watching our videos! We’re blessed to have a lot of good people around to help us work through adversity. 😁🙌🏻
I really like the Chevy Express van. Looking forward to see what they are made of!
Same here! They’re pretty tough and, in our experience, get you pretty dang far! Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
@@SlowRoamers No problem… I’m glad your video popped up on my TH-cam feed. I’ll continue to watch, like and comment.
@@Louie12673 yaaas! Love that. Please do.
Mechanic tip, if you pull the safety glasses down over your eyes you don’t have to squint as hard to keep the frame rust out. That said, way cooler to wearing them up top. Great vid, good job!
LOL, yeah. I get caught up in what I’m doing and totally forgot they’re there sometimes. 🤣 Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
LOL, yeah. I get caught up in what I’m doing and totally forgot they’re there sometimes. 🤣 Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
A shout out to your Phoenix friends! Good luck on your travels and hope of no more problems for a long time.
We really couldn’t have done it without them! And to think I was toying with the idea of doing this in the desert.🤦🏼 Here’s to no further mechanicals! 🍻
Great series! I enjoyed watching your work through your problems and overcome each one! I look forward to your “slow roaming” and not the “stopped roaming” you’ve been experiencing. Jose and Lauren are obviously the best and so is Megan for being your partner in the adventure. Behind every great man is a great woman…rolling her eyes!
Nice, haven't heard that last part before. So true!! 😂
We’re sure ready to be slow roaming once again! Good people make a challenging situation so much easier, and it’s a wonderful thing that one of those people is my life partner.♥️ Thanks so much for watching!
Great job and perseverance with the installation! I'm interested to see how the G80 does for you in comparison. You know this is leading up to a 4x4 vs 2wd showdown, right? 😂
Thanks man, it is, I’m down to battle. Are you van enough?🤣
I definitely wanna see this happen! Where yas gonna meet? You guys oughta do a shared vid!
Dang! Glad you finally figured all that out! Looking forward to seeing where the upgraded Betty will take you!
Us too! On both fronts. Super stoked on the road ahead. Already from the little bit of gravel driving we’ve done she’s smoother and has way better torque. Much excite!
Ever since I swapped my leaf springs in rear diff we had multiple problems as well, from the leaf springs rubbing on the frame that we fixed to the shock mounts not being welded correctly by the mechanic that we had weld them! And then the transmission just all of a sudden went out which we are getting rebuilt now for a good 2500 bucks
Shoot! Thats why I was so adamant about getting a bolt in axle. We were considering having a pick truck axle put in which would have meant custom shock mounts and spring perches being moved and then a special u-joint. Thats a bummer that your transmission went out, I’m a little worried about ours as well. Were there any noticeable symptoms before it died? Thanks for watching, maybe we’ll catch you on the trails one day!🙌🏻🙌🏻
CONGRATS! on getting everything completed, and learning a TON along the way. I will share with you what I have learned in "van" world, and that is that most older vehicles are all SAE, but newer models coming in are metric. So buying parts going forward, you may find that all bolts are metric. While that may have been a small part of the issues, it is something to simply store in your head for future. I also wondered if everything was torqued to spec, and knowing you, it probably was and I simply missed it. Sae journeys ahead and I'll be waiting for your next video.
Hey Jackie! I didn’t actually realize that about SAE vs metric sizing. I’m from the Toyota world so everything is metric, starting to work on Chevy’s I’ve had to learn a whole new sizing chart, although it’s all metric. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
Congrats coming through the other side of these challenges!!
Thanks so much!🙌🏻🙌🏻
At some point I will be going through similar issues. I am not as mechanically comfortable as you so my exterior build out (when I finish the interior)is gonna pinch me in the pocket book for sure! You were the first channel I came across that was building out an express similar to what I was planning. Thanks so much for sharing your content!! Still debating the high top modification, but definitely a lift kit with progressive leaf spring upgrade and a differential locker. My van build is going toward a stealth mobile office for catastrophe insurance adjusting on the road.
You are walking many of us through critical challenges. Again, THANK YOU!!@@SlowRoamers
@@vanlifeadjustments radical! I'd really suggest the hightop, it really ads to liveability. If you ever decide to so, go to High Top Vans in Washington, let them know I sent you. I've got a little review on the suspension coming up with some thoughts that might be of value to you. Glad I'm serving up the info you're looking for!
Drive Betty into the backroads west of Catavina in baja, the lead to remote beaches and eventually north to Santa Rosaliita (the beginning of 7 sisters) super fun adventure for sure!
That’s one of our planned routes!!
@@SlowRoamers Nice! the main trail has just been graded all the way to "Faro San Jose" I spent new years in the area with some friends, trail is easy but a storm got us as we left, we almost didn't make it out, anyways it should be a moderate trail at worst, Baja Almanac and advice from locals are gold, good luck, can't wait to see the baja series!
@@ambienteterrazas Awesome! Thanks for the Beta, we're stoked to explore that region of Baja and it's good to know we won't be up against too much while getting that remote.
Great video man! I figured me and my family were the only full-time overlanders that had so many issues at one time
Ah, well, vehicle maintenance is never an IF, it’s always a WHEN and that applies to everyone.
Ah, well, vehicle maintenance is never an IF, it’s always a WHEN and that applies to everyone.
Smells like progress!
Darn tootin right it does! 🤣🤣
Another good video. If we get to Baja first, we’ll save you a spot. 😊
You’d better! But I think we’ll be crossing soon. 😁
You all have ran the gambit on this axle swap.
It has been one hell of a journey, that’s for sure. Definitely didn’t expect it to go this long, but not sure I would have had it any other way. I have an intimate knowledge of the vans suspension system now and feel really confident taking it apart.😁😁
@Roamlndr what it's all about. And how you learn your build. Very cool of the people opening up there homes and shops for you all. Hope in humanity restored. Love following along. Been living in my build in my driveway for the last few weeks due to a foot surgery and my actual home being to far of a hike from the driveway. So youtube has kept me sane. Ready to be out and filming again myself.
Those Chevy Vans are not built as heavy as the Fords, but the prices reflect it - the Chevs are a lot cheaper. Looks like you performed a good repair.
Nicely done 👌
Thanks Craig!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Super stoked on this!
Whew!!🙌🏻🙌🏻
Me too!
Let's try live chat as it airs.
Sorry, wasn't around for the airing or I would have most certainly chatted it up. Had an early morning bike ride! But I just finished watching and WHEW! what a ride lol. I waited with bated breath every time Alex drove off the driveway curb. Glad everything is in smooth working order and I'm sure the hard journey made the ending so much sweeter. Cheers!@@alistairjackson7658
I haven't looked up the correct gear oil weight for your axle, but never put in a heavier weight oil than what is called for because once it heats up it gets too thick and will cause all sorts of issues. Is 85w140 the factory recommended oil with a G80 and that diff?
Good thing to think about, I’ll have to look in on that.
Congratulations what a team effort !
Your new AZ friends are so generous
“Energy and persistence conquer all things."
You now have lots of spare parts / bolts and can swap out any part of your drive line or suspension in your sleep !
Your first remote beach will be so sweet 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇲🇽☀️🏖️🚐 🍻
100% agreed, there were loads of silver linings to our struggles. Thanks for watching! Stay tuned to those beaches!
please come to oregon to find out why mine doesnt drive straight
Sounds like an alignment problem.🙁
It's had every part in the front end and steering replaced with multiple alignments throughout the process, and it's still all over the road on the highway. I've had actual mechanics try to diagnose it and just shrug their shoulders lol it's a mystery @@SlowRoamers
G80 is the gm rpo code but I believe the Dana super 70 uses the dana heavy duty PowrLok limited slip unit rather than the traditional g80 gov locker
Oh, interesting. Hmmm. That means that I need to get some additive in there if it’s an LSD.
PowrLok heavy duty limited slip in my opinion is far better than the g80 gov lock which fail at a higher rate when abused.
QU40218 Dana 4 Ounce Bottle Limited Slip Lube is supplied by Dana-Spicer for all Powr-Lok™ and Trac-Lok™ and similar limited-slip differentials.
From the dana media library PowrLok pdf. “Some otherwise good lubricants produce "chatter" or "bumping" in turn ing corners with Limited Slip Differentials. Many vehicle manufact.urers find it necessary to specify a special lubricant or lubricant additive for use with Limited Slip Differentials.”
Where did you learn your mechanical skills? I rebuilt a 51 Willy’s CJ3A Jeep in the 80’s
lol, welllll…one of my favourite motto’s is “learn by doing.” That more or less sums it up. I’ve had a lot of teachers along the way, but all the learning was born out of necessity. Never could afford to pay other people to do my own work. 🤷🏼♂️
Hey there: Looks like you know, or have learned through experience, what needs to be done to vehicles for Baja travel, congrats. But I have a question for you; any ideas about trailer leaf springs? I go through a new set almost every trip, and I can't figure out what to install. And unless you travel in Baja, you just don't know. My mechanics just look shocked every time I get back from down there. And the rear end on my Tundra sits a little low. I put in Sumo Springs on both the trailer and the truck, but only so so results. Any ideas?
Well, you’re right about Baja adventures being the death of springs. For your truck, I’d suggest putting a higher quality set of progressive leafs from Deaver under the truck and maybe some airbags to help them out. As for your trailer, perhaps trailing arm suspension by Timbren. I’ve towed a trailer once on a trip to the south and came back and sold the trailer, so I have enough experience to know it’s not for me. My trailer had torsion axles. So, perhaps a custom progressive leaf for your trailer…?🤔 Sorry I can’t be of much more help.
Did you get a 410 re gear? Also did you install the G80 yourself
4.10 regear, yep. Turns out the “locker”
I have is a PowerLok LSD which has performed really well.
Quick questions from someone who has not seen your prior vids. Pardon me. 1. What's the tire diameter (or it's designated sizing) 2. What was the ring-and-pinion ratio before you swapped? and what is it now. Thank you!
Current tire size is 285/75/16, factory size 245/75/16, factory ratio is 3.73, new ratio is 4.10
@@SlowRoamers Gracias! I'm about to do the same to my rig... lower the gearing .4-ish and add an Eaton Detroit Truetrac.... some time before May this year. Already have tires exactly 3" larger diameter than what truck was built with (30.5 to 33.5"). They're the new Toyo ATIII in 34 X 10.5 X 17...
You rock for making your 2WD the best it can be!
Get shorter springs no brainer👍👍🙏
I just can’t believe you’re using that widowmaker to lift up the van. Get a better jack my man
Way to persevere! @AZTroopyBC