BigBrother-84

These fires aren’t usual. An average year has 258 forest fires for 20,400 acres burned. We're still in June, and 475 fires already destroyed 2,870,000 acres. As an example, here is an uncontrolled fire in the region where my friend has a fishing camp (LG-3, James Bay). See the fire progress for these dates (June 2-12-22): I have a thought for all the fire fighters up there.

Wow, really impressive! Yesterday (June 24th) was the Quebec National Day. At present, there is a province wide total ban on open fires, because of the forest fires, mostly uncontrolled. Even no fireworks... Let's say the Holliday is somewhat quiet. Mont-Tremblant's Iron Man competition was cancelled this morning, because of the smog. Here's this morning at my chalet, and what this view normally looks:

Hi Gentlemen! Yesterday, finished installing a NOS speed control "Dealer Installed Kit". Had to plug the system to an free engine vacuum port. I took off one plug cap and discovered it was completely dry and cracked… although it looked good. I share this in order to remind members that our trucks aren’t young and little things like that should be part of a regular renewal check list. Easy to forget, but can interfere with engine performance.

Wow! What a boat trip! Welcome aboard Tim!

Hi Gentlemen! Last week at my local salvage yard, there was this curious seat, first time I saw one of these. This truck is a 1986 Explorer. Anybody familiar with this kind of bench seat?

I’ve got a roll one. «Lo Pro» brand. I like it, no issue. What I was looking for: · Roll (not folding); · Can be easily pulled off the bed; · Does not interfere with the bed rail.

I agree with you Gary. I would add that speed control on a manual drive is somewhat different than with automatic transmission. Fist time I tried it, I learned two "lessons": • Going downhill, it can't shift down alone... So, even if the Speed Control tries really hard, the truck will accelerate if too steep and compression not enough to maintain the speed. Requires the driver's action to brake of downshift. • After braking on a flat road section (then Speed Control disengages automatically) and manually downshifted from 4 to 3, I touched "resume"... and realized after few seconds I was still in 3 and steadily riding at 55 mph!

John, I fully second you, this site is amazing, and its people too!

I confirmed it doesn't. But the default settings seem accurate and precise. Slight variations on hilly road, but not more then my 2018 Volt or my 2019 Terrain. And when I set the desired speed, it stays there. If it wasn't this very slight "jerk" effect, I would say it's perfect.

I was going that way, following my friends advices, when the manufacturer informed me that they do not ship out of continental US. I went with my local NAPA reconditioned one, and I can say that I am really satisfied. Like you, I am not driving a lot each year, no rough trails neither. It does the job... for the moment!

Hey Gary, you shoot so fast! Maybe you could move your answer too?

Hi Gentlemen! I know this is an old thread (Feb-Mars 2020), and maybe this subject came back couple of times (also found this conversation), but I it is still not clear to me: Is hood insulation worth the effort (and cost, 60$-180$), against engine compartment noise? Or is it mainly heat oriented? Bronco Graveyard indicates the two (heat and sound): «Under hood covers include heatshield barrier insulation panels to protect painted surfaces and to reduce the vibration and noise produced by these large body panels from entering the passenger cabin.» I am wondering if it has a really noticeable effet on the passengers comfort... Somebody tried it and could share his experience?

Hi Gentlemen! Moved my question here, in a specific topic out of the "marketplace".

We'll, I would say that I now understand what you said about «vacuum» vs «all electronic "later"» kits. About the controls, they respond accurately: • Set, resume, acceleration and deceleration work as expected; • SC operates at speed as low as 35 km/h (22 mph). • Can add or reduce speed by small increments (about 1 mph per click). • The system is precise keeping a specific speed. Climbing, flat road, or descending hills goes at steady speed, no big variations. So far, it does the job correctly. I would say that the only drawback is the "smoothness" of the control. You feel each little speed adjustment... Compared to modern vehicles, it acts a little bit "jerky" (but really not so much). Gary, I don't discard the «later all electronic» swap. I'm curious about it and I'll certainly comme back with this project (I am slowly collecting the required puzzle parts). The NOS Dealer Installed Kit was the easy way, ideal for the lazy mechanic I am. But for the moment, even it is not 100% perfectly comfortable, it is REALLY GREAT to give a break to my right leg!

Wonderful pict! And it's true, days are becoming shorter starting now. Already! But forget it, let's enjoy summer time!

Finished to install Speed Control on Big Brother!

Finally! Big Brother is Speed Control equipped! And it works! I installed a NOS Dealer Installed Kit. Very busy at work presently, so found little time here and there, and completed the setup today. Inside: • Brake pedal vacuum switch: • Clutch pedal switch (I added some electrical tape around the retaining tie-wrap, to be sure it won't slide): • Controls arm: • Control Module attached to the main dash harness. I am wondering where the guys with A/C equipped trucks install it : • Speed Sensor: Engine compartment: • General view: • Servo: • Cable attachement. Curiously, none of the instructions suggested setup fitted my engine. But I found a way to install the bracket so the cable is well aligned with its attachment:

"PMGR" means «permanent magnet gear reduction». I was having the same question than you and found this interesting Motor Trend article.

Gary - I read multiple advices about it, and was wondering about the impact of our winter low temperatures here, on lubricants (they tend to jam). I decided to pour some chainsaw oil (medium viscosity). Since I couldn't figure how to take the new cable out of its sleeve, I tried this guy syringe+garden hose trick. Worked well. Didn't take picture of mine, but here is one from his thread (in my case, I poured oil from the other cable end):

Replaced the speedometer cable this afternoon. Wow, I didn't figure it was so long! Almost 8'. Looking at this long snake, I had a doubt, I unpacked the new one and confirmed I ordered (hopefully!) the good one. To pull out the cable, I took out the grummet and had to enlarge the firewall opening. There was already too much stuff going throughout it. No other surprises, although I have discovered that the cable driven gear shows some signs of wear. Not urgent, but I will have to figure to replace it. The rest of the job went well. The speedometer isn't jumping anymore, success.

Happy for you John! Nice story! Sure it is!

Done job! Everything works well, thanks guys for advices!

Replaced the distributor's Stator assembly, and the Rotor too. I had the connector cracked, so decided to replace the whole Stator. Cleaned up everything, it was worth the effort... Before and after picts: It didn't affect the timing, Big Bro still continue to run like a young truck.