Figured I would stop in here and see how everyone has been doing. The Red Raider and its two disabled brothers (Silver Raider and Brown Montero) are still around, plus the Mazda 626 of course, and a new member of the vehicle family. But a little bit more on that later.

The Raider took its first nearly 3 week break (since we picked up the new vehicle the Mazda 626 has been my DD) its ever had, and it definitely is showing the need for some TLC. A new job working 70-80 hours a week doesn't leave much time for wheeling, but it does now supply a little more income which can be used to get some much need fixes for the Raider. The list goes something like this:

Repairs/Fixes:
-2x New Tires Up Front (or maybe 5x Q78 TSLs?)
-Fluids/Basic Maintenance
-Rebuild Weber Carb
-New K&N Air Filter
-Various Front Steering Parts
-Wheel Alignment
-Rear Axle Seal(s)/bearings
-Complete Emptying and Cleaning
-Rear Frame Rust Damage Repairs
-Touch Up Bumpers/Sliders Paint

Then after all thats done I want to start looking at doing a couple mods:
-Lincoln Locker up Front
-4.88 Gear Transplant From Brown Montero
-Toyota Shackles in the rear
-Add-a-leafs in the rear
-Re-crank torsion bars up front (maybe before wheel alignment)

Since the Raider has been retired from DD duty, it will now be a backup vehicle/trail rig only. I thought this day would never come, its been long over due. The Mazda 626 needs some repairs to get it to pass inspection, so that will come first. Then as I get money in the Raider projects will start getting crossed off the list.

And we cannot forget the new member of the vehicle family, the Raider's Red Cousin you might say. It has an LSD, but I wouldn't exactly call it trail ready.... You can see it hiding in the background behind the Raider:





A better picture of it:




So there you have it, the Raider's new cousin that is making this all possible. A 2013 Ford Mustang, just gotta throw some swampers on it and it will be ready to hit the trails right? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

So the running list vehicle family members is:

2013 Ford Mustang (Red)
1996 Mazda 626 (Silver)
1988 Dodge Raider (Red)
1988 Dodge Raider (Silver)
1988 Mistubishi Montero (Brown)

So we will see how it goes.

Welcome from slumber. My Raider has set for more than two years now, due to a laundry list of things to repair/maintain/replace. Wishing yours a speedier recovery... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Long time no see Eli. That's the best thing any of us can do in order to insure we keep these vehicles longer, getting a DD. I've put only 3-4k on my Montero since moving up to VA and staying busy with work.

Eventually you'll find the time around work to do your projects, just be patient. I haven't done much myself. Good luck with the builds & rebuilds. Hope to catch you on the trails! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Good to see you back on the wire. You might be surprised finding yourself piddling with it more than you think having funds to get parts. Front end parts put on over a week. Another week doing the torsion twist. Etc, etc, etc. some of my FL friends are talking of going to Uwharrie in 2014. Would be great to have a guide. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />