Mini Project Update : Flash back

There was only 125 Rhino edition P38s made for the US market in 2000 and then a final batch of 150 for 2002. Needless to say these are rare trucks.

So whats the point of this history lesson ?

Against all odds we had another Rhino edition P38 show up at Lucky8’s front door. This poor animal was in desperate need of some BECM work. Once it had a clean bill of health we took the little guy out for some pictures with it’s big brother. Enjoy

From the inside of the stock Rhino

Playing with the angles

And the Poser shot

Project Update : A biff, A bash, but never a crash

Last weeks adventures during Rovers on the Rocks tested all of the armor and gave the Ashcroft ATB a full on work out.  

A Biff 

Before we get to the rock challenge lets have a look at the brand new front steering guard from Terrfirma. 

I was planing on taking some action shots with the guard during Rovers on the Rocks but with in the first few minutes the guard was put to the test. 

The new guard fit with ease and was able to take the abuse.

A Bash 

The steering guard was not the only new piece of armor earning its salt. The tank guard took a beating.

With out the guard the gas tank would not have survived this. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Iar726Zl8Q&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUnCLXtAqip_9qd-T1NenbA

Never a crash 

The P38 performed amazingly and this was partly due to the Terrafirma  beed locks. I aired them down to 8psi and they gave us all the grip we could possibly ask for.

Traction can be a double edged sword. If the tire has more grip then the drivetrain has strength to spin it two things can happen. 

1 the motor bogs down and wants to die

2 the weakest link in the system does its best rice crispy impression “Snap Crackle Pop"

Yep you guest it we went with choice number two. The 4 dot 6 combined with the sticky icky Nitto’s ended in Snap Crackle Pop. We are betting it is the front viscous 1/2 shaft in the transfer case. Unfortunately this neutered the front drivetrain leaving us in rear wheel drive only. The silver lining in this failure is we were able to see just how good the Ashcroft ATB is. 

This situation gave us a unique oppertunity to see the ATB in action.  With the traction control disabled and no power going to the front wheels this was a perfect challenge. Could the Ashcroft unit provide enough torque transfer to the one rear wheel on the ground to push the front two wheels over the rock and dirt mound? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhdpSW9tRBw&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUnCLXtAqip_9qd-T1NenbA

My hats off to the ATB. If the traction control was working, I’m betting it would have walked right out with very little effort.  

Before we get to the poser picture I have two other pictures I would like to share. The first one is of the Mud pod. I am really liking this on the dash.

And the other picture is of the snorkel.  We had a few water crossings and for the first time in a long time I took the P38 back with a dry air filter. 

Finally the poser pic. 

Mini Project update : Covering our Gassets

The stock fuel tank holder was getting scuffed and it was just a matter of time before we ripped through it.

With Rovers on the Rocks just a few weeks away it was a perfect time for the Terrafirma  tank guard to show up. 

The TF unit bolted into place like a dream. All we did to prep for the instal was run it low on fuel. 

The tank guard is available here.

http://www.lucky8llc.com/Products.aspx?ProductID=7889

Poser pic from last years Rovers on the Rocks 

Project update : The space inside

 In my opinion the P38 is smaller on the inside when compared to its brothers of the same generation.  Finding room to tuck away things is difficult and the lack of aftermarket support makes add ons virtually nonexistent.  The issue was finding a good place to mount Carling switches. We needed them to be easy-to-use  and convenient to see.  Our first idea was to put them in the dash where the original fog light switches are.  Unfortunately the Carling switches are larger.  With our options limited we hit the shelves and this is what we came up with. 

  For those of you that don't know, Mud UK produces an accessory pod they call a MUD POD. The MUD POD is designed to sit on the dash of a Defender.  The Defender's dash top has a cut-out for an ashtray.  The MUD POD utilizes the ashtray hole for mounting and the hole also provides a way to run the wires discreetly behind the dash.  The P38 does not have said hole but we will get to that in a minute.  The MUD POD comes in two sizes. 

Full Size 

Or Mini 

Just out of curiosity which one do you guys think looks better?

  We opted for the full size MUD POD. This gives us the ability to put in as many switches as we like.  It also provided additional space for USB ports. 

You can never have enough USB ports and we used every one during the VOT.

 In order to run wires up to the Mud Pod you need to remove the instrument cluster and In this spot drill at an angle  towards the cluster. 

 If you're going to attempt this please believe me, use the utmost amount of caution.  There's A labyrinth of ductwork beneath the dash

Here's the view from the rear seat of the final instal and it kept all of the devices charged during the VOT.

For some extra storage space we looked to the spare tire well that was no longer in use.  

Believe it or not there was room to stick two chairs in there.

Followed by a three second Malamoo tent.

And finally an Oz tent shower. It all fit perfectly in the spare tire well.

 Poser pic on the RTI ramp at Conclave

Project update : Snorkel V2.2

I think we are getting very close to a final product. I'm sure your opinions do not need any solicitation so let me have them.

I want to lower the intake head so it is flush with the roof line. 

With the top lowered I think it will blend into the truck nicely.

Project update : Traction action

The " VOT " Vermont Overland Trophy really prompted us to add a traction aid. We could've went with a bunch of options but we decided to go with the new Ashcroft ABT. The ABT is a limited slip diff using  six helical gears to distribute power. When compared to a true track the Ashcroft unit is far superior in power distribution and build quality.

I can hear some of you complaining already. Yes we could've easily dropped in a locker but that would not have given us any real world experience with the ABT. I really wanted to see how the ABT did with the P38 second-generation traction control throughout the VOT

With the rear differential out of the truck we took it to the secret layer of lucky8's diff Jedi. It is rumored that he repaired an LT230 by only using his feet. I don't know if it's true but when I showed up he was wearing his shoes on his hands.  Here's a look at the Black arts involve  in upgrading the carrier.

 Checking the backlash on the ringing pinion before dismantle.

Out with the carrier

The ABT unit ready to take the place of the week factory carrier.

If you ever give this a go on your own I cannot convey enough how important it is to use Loctite on the ring bolts.

It is so important it deserves a second picture

An interesting bit about the P38 diff.  You can use the same carriers from a D1 But you need a spacer ring to compensate for the difference in thickness.

Just a few more finishing touches left.

With all the extra weight we planned on carrying it was not worth betting on stock axles to get the job done.

It was time for a set of Ashcroft heavy duties! 

And yes they are ABS compatible.

The ABT did fantastic for us at VOT.  Aside from a little noise during low traction situations you would not know it was in the truck.  

L8 VOT Team 

The take away from this adventure is the ABT provides an incredible amount of traction when combined with the ABS system. 

Poser pic courtesy of Amy

OOOh 

I 

almost 

forgot 

.

.

.

Snorkel V2.1