Robert Stuart Trail 1812 — 1813

Day 6: August 17th, 2007 Stewartsville (OK4WD)

Yesterday they told me, where I can get inspection and emission. To avoid a long search tomorrow, I already looked up the place yesterday to see, where it is approximately located. And according to the phone book there should also be a Bob Evans nearby. So I drive to this location this morning and take the driving time. It takes me around 30 minutes to get there.

But first I have a relaxed breakfast at Bob Evans. Then I drive again to OK4WD. In the meantime I find the way out of my head, even when I approach from a completely different location…

Eaton Locker Assembly, OK4WD, Stewartsville, NJ

Mounting Eaton Locker, OK4WD, Stewartsville, NJ

Today Jeremy has his free day. But Jason should finish the job. First my new differential will be assembled and installed. He tells me that he likes Harley Davidson. He tries to get a shirt from every Harley Davidson shop. While talking to me he is really working pretty fast. This all looks very professional.

Rental Car, NJ

Now it is time to say good–bye to my rental car. The rental guy is so nice to take a picture of me in the car before I return it.

Exhaust Rework, OK4WD, Stewartsville, NJ

Lift Kit Installation Finished, OK4WD, Stewartsville, NJ

The exhaust system rework is the next task on my truck. This is necessary to give the front drive shaft enough room. Because of the error code in my display, we also order a new O2 sensor. In the afternoon everything is finished and my little truck is able sit on his own tires again — and it really looks awesome with the high lift!

Torsion Bar Adjustment, OK4WD, Stewartsville, NJ

Next task is the wheel alignment. This is the job of Vohn. He explains to me very detailed, how he adjusts what. And the good thing is that he is a perfectionist! As I will realize later, the alignment has never been as good as with his adjustment!

After the wheel alignment is done, the skid plate installation from BDS must be done. My old one for the front cannot be reused. Also the one from the transfer case must have been cut by Jeremy that it will fit again. He really had thrown in an extra hour yesterday for me to get the truck finished!

Custom Skid Plate, OK4WD, Stewartsville, NJ

Unfortunately the BDS skid plate is way too small and leaves all the wiring on the froint differential in an open space. This is something I definitely do not like. Also Jeremy totally agrees with me. He looks for a suitable strong metal sheet and asks Vohn to build a custom skid plate! That is real service!

Then he really has to fight with the O2 sensor, because it is hopelessly rusted in. But finally it works out and he is able to change the part. Around half past six my truck is finished and it’s time to pay. Jason explains to me every single position on the bill, so there is absolutely no question left open. Actually I expected to have a way higher additional payment due to all my extra tasks. But the additional payment is only around $1800 — that also astonishes Jason. But the calculation is correct! Unfortunately Jim has already left. So I decide to stop by tomorrow after my inspection to say good–bye to him.

Highway 22, State Line NJ and PA

Around 7pm I am back at my motel and check the first part of my video taping. Then I drive again to the Outback Steakhouse. I am lucky and get the same excellent server like yesterday. Around a quarter to ten I pay and drive back to my motel. Then I check the rest of my video taping and fall once again dead tired in my bed — tomorrow I must get up really early due to my mechanics appointment…