So I've been driving my new big white conversion for almost a month. Have discovered a few little issues (no heat! replaced the thermostat, next is to try and flush the core and see if it helps...busted door latch...busted fan switch, either high or nothing). Nothing detrimental to the cause yet. My mechanic brother in law has been jerking me around regarding the lift kit- I've bought the 2" kit from Overland and I can't get him remotely interested in even looking at the instructions. So, I fired him- and I finally found a dude that's willing to help. He's also a mechanic, has a few buddies with custom Astros and he modifies cars in his free time. Has done lifts, hydraulics, builds big RC planes and trucks and helis... he's a gearhead through and through. So Sunday, I drop it off at his house. I'm a little nervous because I don't really know him- but I do know that he's been really polite and informative, has answered every question and call from me and seems to really know his stuff. I also know where he lives, works, and my husband is a foot taller than he is and has about 50 pounds on him... I can't imagine he'd be planning all of this just to rip me off. He's just a mechanic trying to make some extra money for his family with some side work, which I can respect. He wouldn't quote me an estimate or commit to anything without seeing my van and the parts, which I also appreciated. He's been a million times nicer and more helpful than my own brother in law. So, it's on.
I need to get my wheels and tires ordered this weekend- he's going to leave the existing shoes in place and we're going to take it straight in to his shop after the lift to have them installed/balanced/alignment done. I just sure wish I was more certain about the wheels- everywhere I've read tells me 5 X 5 with 127mm offset- but I have a conversion and I'm worried that they might not be stock wheels under the lame plastic covers. Am I giving them too much credit to think they would have swapped out the wheels?
I will miss you, van. Back to the Jeep for next week. But when I get you back, everyone else will start to understand what I've been after all this time. Will post before and after pictures when I get it back. Then I get to work stripping pinstriping and thinking about paint...
![Rock on! :supz:](./images/smilies/icon_super.gif)