| 2009
Articles |
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The BillaVista Cooling Bible Everything you ever wanted or needed to know about cooling systems: pressure, flow, radiator design, plumbing, surge tanks, thermostats, coolant types, and more - it's all in here. |
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Tube Bending Tech How to bend tubing using the JMR MB1000 manual tube bender. Includes a brave new attempt at video-tech! Learn about bender operation, what makes a quality bender, how to set up and operate the machine, hot to select dies and CLR's, and much more. |
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Tube Notching Tech. How to notch and cope tubing using the JMR TN1000 tube notcher, including large angle notches, offset notches, obtuse angles and notching from the "back side". Explore the features that make the JMR TN1000 a complete "notching machine" with capabilities that exceed even machines costing 10x as much. |
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LS2 Tech Packed with tech, this article is a thoroughly detailed look at the LS2, and includes tech on fuel injection, sensors, MEFI-4, and more. |
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The LS Primer - Part 2 Gen III/IV truck motors in detail, Gen III/IV motors by displacement, GM V8 Development Timeline, Weights and Dimensions, Car vs, Truck Engines, How to Choose a Gen III/IV Motor, FAQ and Factoids, References, and More. |
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The LS Primer - Part 1 RPO's, Generations, Vortec, LS(x), Gen III/IV Design Architecture, Active Fuel Management, Variable Valve Timing, and a detailed look at all the "car" motors LS1 through LS9. |
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Swapping an Atlas-4SP Input Shaft and mating the Atlas-4SP to a TH400 A detailed look at how to swap the input shaft on an Atlas-4SP transfer case, and the many options available for then mating it to the back of a 4wd GM TH400 automatic transmission, including discussion on tradeoffs between clocking angle and spline engagement. |
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The Plumbing Bible - Featuring Russell Performance A detailed look at automotive plumbing covering hose assemblies, fittings, safety, installation, chemical compatibility, pressure drop theory, hose sizing, and all the tech info on the most common fittings from AN to NPT to UNO/O-ring boss and much more. Includes a review of Russell Performance Advanced Fluid Transfer Systems. |
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| 2008
Articles |
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Creating the Ultimate Off-road Auto Shifter How I started with a stock B&M shifter and modified it to create the ultimate neutral-bumping, reverse-slamming off-road shifter. |
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PJF Parc Some stunning photography of a typical day at PJF Parc - a local private offroad park in Quebec, Canada. Photography courtesy of Lonny handwork at MTB Graphics. |
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Installing Driver Restraint Systems A look at the installation, adjustment, wearing, and maintenance of multi-belt driver restraint systems. |
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Driver Restraint Systems A detailed look at the technology of driver restraint systems. This article covers the components, functions, options and related technologies surrounding multi-belt driver restraint systems. |
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Fuel Cell Tech Modifying, installing, and plumbing a fuel cell. Includes a detailed look at the F.A.T.S. system designed by Frank Daless to eliminate fuel spill at any angle. |
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The Coilover Bible- Part 2 Part 2 of an exhaustive multi-part series covering coilover tech. Part2 covers hands-on tech including: installing & removing springs; installing helper coils; teardown, bleeding, and charging; miscellaneous pictures of the inner workings; and changing springs with shocks mounted on rig. |
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The Coilover Bible- Part 1 Part 1 of an exhaustive multi-part series covering coilover tech. Part 1 covers basic shock and spring tech, examines the types of coilovers and their parts, goes over their use and advantages, coves the concepts of installation ratio, wheel rate, and suspension frequency, and concludes with preliminary spring-rate selection. |
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The Brake Bible Theory, component selection, system design, troubleshooting, and everything else you need to know about brakes and braking. |
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| 2007
Articles |
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Installing an Electronic Brake Controller Installation of the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller in a late-model GM truck. |
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2007 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
Tech The story of a man and his truck - articles, tech data, product reviews and a continuing log journaling my life with my new tow rig. |
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| 2006
Articles |
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Tire
Tech
There's more to it than you might think. From bias ply vs radial design
to load and speed ratings to the lowdown on ST trailer tires - there's probably
something new to learn for everyone in this article. |
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Pneumatic
Switches
Imbedded in the ARB compressor review, this combined tech article / product
review teaches you all about pneumatic switches and how to read ANSI pneumatic
switch diagrams. |
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Chopsaw
Notching, Tube Strength & Link Construction Something
for anyone working with tube here. Shows how to notch tube with a chop saw,
has tables and equations for comparing strengths and weights and dimensions
of different tubes, and discusses the theory of designing and fabricating
suspension links - theory that can equally be applied to other tubular projects. |
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Gear
Setup - The mother of all gear setup articles - featuring
the venerable Dana 60 but packed with info applicable to setting up all
gears. Not only the "how" but the "why" of it all. |
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2005
Articles |
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ARB
Tech - What started as a simple review of the new ARB 14-bolt
locker grew into a mini-bible on ARB air lockers, including installation
tips and techniques and a large FAQ section. |
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14-bolt
Gear Setup - Detailed, step-by-step instruction for setting
up gears in a GM 10.5" Full-Float 14-bolt rear axle. Contains theory
and tech of interest and use in setting up gears in other axles too. |
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Doubler
Basics - This article covers the basic theory of transfer case
"doublers", advantages and disadvantages, component selection,
and the basics of fabricating your own adapter to mate two transfer cases
together. |
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Ask
BillaVista - BillaVista answers readers tech questions ranging
from field testing winches and solenoids to swapping 14-bolt axles, to the
difference between single and three-phase power to troubleshooting hydraulic
steering problems. |
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Fastener
Tech - In this monster article BillaVista
covers all aspects of fastener tech, including answering the following
questions:
- Should I use Grade
5 or Grade 8 bolts?
- Should I use a
bolt or a stud? What's the difference?
- Lockwasher, castelated
nut, or Nylock nut - which works better and why?
- What's the proper
method for setting and checking torque?
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Fixing
a sloppy shifter. A quick and dirty little article
about fixing the notorious SM465 sloppy shifter problem. Worth a look
for other manual tranny owners too, as the fix will likely work for other
models too.
Best of all - it showcases
the incredible talent of my new graphic/technical artist, Lonny Handwork.
Check out the full size pic of the 3D cutaway of the Sm465 shift tower
- amazing!! |
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2004
Articles |
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Inside
the Dana 20. Part 2 of project "Uber-20",
this is a combined tech article / product review showing every single
step of the teardown and re-assembly of a Jeep Dana20 transfer case with
the Tera Manufacturing Low20 3.15:1 low range kit.
Also includes some
calculations and discussion on available gear "ratio stepping"
- a concept of great interest to all - regardless of which transfer case
you run. |
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Speedi-Sleeve
Install. A "mini-tech" article showing how
I saved my nasty 14Bolt spindles and cured my perpetually leaky rear wheel
hubs with the trick Speedi-Sleeve from Chicago Rawhide. |
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The
BillaVista 60 Project. My hugely ambitious project to
build, at home, with modest tools and average skill, the biggest badest
Front 4x4 Dana60 axle possible, using the latest and greatest commercial,
off-the-shelf components from the top names in the business. Complete
article combines tech articles on axle shafts and steel/material with no
less than 6 thorough product reviews. |
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Axle Shaft Technology A part of the BV-60 project, this article
also stands alone as a pretty thorough discussion and examination of modern
axle shaft technology - from the materials and heat treatment methods used
to the forming of splines. |
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The
Steel and Materials Strength Bible. Also
a part of the BV-60 project, this article will be of great interest to anybody
who makes or buys or installs ANY part made from steel on their 4x4.
A MUST READ for all fabricators, builders, and bolt-on kings alike. |
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2003
Articles |
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Hydraulic
Steering Bible. An awesome collection of tech on hydraulics
and hydraulic steering systems. Not just how to design and install hydraulic
steering in a 4x4, but system troubleshooting, reservoir design, hose and
fitting catalogues - the works. |
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14
Bolt Bible. Just like the name says...... |
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Front
Dana 60 Axle 35 Spline Stub Shaft, Drive Flange, and "BIG" Inner
shaft tech. Detailed installation of "Big" (non-neckdown,
1981+) inner axle shafts, Dana 70 35 spline stub shafts, and Warn 35 spline
Drive Flanges in a Chevy dana 60 front axle. Ever wondered what the differences
between the "small" and "big" shafts were? What the
35 spline stub shafts are like compared to the stock 60 30 spliners? Exactly
what drive flanges consist of and how to install them? Well, it's all here
- detailed pics, specs, etc. Also detailed instructions on installing u-joints
in axle shafts, and what the heck are all those seals on the stub shaft
and in what order/orientation are they installed? Read it here! |
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Kingpin
Rebuild. Complete specs and pics of a Dana 60 front axle kingpin
rebuild. Includes exploded diagrams, part numbers, and the US military CUCV
manual on the procedure. Also - see my cool little custom grease nipple
skidplates! |
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Driveshaft
401. That's right - this is no entry-level 101 level course
- this is the full-on senior year tech article all about driveshafts. From
definitions to operating principles, geometry to maintenance, this is a
MASSIVELY detailed look at all you need to know about driveshaft tech. Includes
product review of the 4x4 world's finest driveshaft - the famous High Angle
Driveline 1350 CV shaft. |
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One
Ton Rear Axle Disc Brake Conversion. Extremely
detailed look at how I added disc brakes to the GM Corp 14 Bolt rear axle
in the Wolf. Procedure can be used for other rear axles too (D60, D70, etc).
Contains hints and tips on other axles. Includes detailed part numbers.
Also contains excerpts from Military 14 Bolt maintenance manual on axle
shaft R&R and wheel bearing R&R and adjustment. |
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Project
Uber-20. An ambitious little gig to build
an Atlas-killer transfer case at home, bit by bit, as time and money allows.
Start with one dime-a-dozen Jeep Dana 20 transfer case, add a handful of
the best upgrades and add-ons available, and hopefully end up with a truly
world-class transfer case. When it's done, recruit one friend with digital
video, go do something insane with the skinny pedal, and report back the
results. Part 1 complete....more to follow. |
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Tapping a Power Steering Box
for Hydro Assist. A
quick and dirty one on how and where to tap a standard power steering gearbox
for Hydro Assist steering. |
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Recovery Bible.
This article is of interest to any one who owns
a winch, pans to own a winch, pulls the cable for a buddy, or even just
stands around watching a recovery operation. Sections include force
calculation, wire rope, hooks, shackles, rigging, slings, yank straps, and
much more. Technical data and fact you NEED to know for safe recovery
and cannot find compiled anywhere else. Also exposes the "dirty
little secret" of the 4x4 winch industry. Complete references,
glossary, and links included. Includes many excellent Industry and
Military technical manuals in .pdf format. |
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Trailers
and Towing
Article. For
seasoned towing pros and rank amateurs alike. Article includes
several trailer owners manuals for those that have built trailers or acquired
them used without documentation. Many maintenance manuals, technical
procedures, tips, guidelines, safety tips, and parts catalogues included.
Excellent link section and a page full of trailer pics to inspire and guide
the designer, builder, or person contracting a custom trailer. |
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Front Dana 60.
This monster is some 66 pages long, and contains
just about everything there is to know about Dana 60 Front Axles.
Sections include description, identification, dimensions, specifications,
pictures, Bill of Materials listings, parts interchange, assembly specifications,
yokes, gears, lockers, axle shafts, bearings and seals, lockout hubs, u-joints,
as well as technical facts, how-to articles, and a HUGE FAQ. Updated
frequently. |
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2002
Articles |
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The Wolf's
new Paint.
A short article to show what can be achieved as a super-budget paint job
in the driveway with a can of rust paint, a brush, and a few rattle-cans.
Really an excuse to show off pics of my rig, as much as anything else!
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Tow Rig.
Not so much tech as humour. Some good I.D.
shots of a Ford RC Dana60 front axle though. |
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Trailer.
Read along as BillaVista "scores" a
dual axle trailer for $900 Cdn, then realizes it will take at least another
$1500 to make it road worthy and legal. Follow along as our hero dumps
paycheck after paycheck into a 35 year old trailer - see what he learns
along the way. Contains some good tech info on mobile home axles.
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Bill's Buggy.
See all the pics, specs, and details of BillaVista's
latest rig - a multi-link, coil sprung, 350 powered, dual 'cased, one ton
driven, Military tire shod, rip-snortin', home-built wonder.
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8274 Rebuild. .
A complete tear-down and rebuild of the king of all winches - the venerable
Warn 8274. Tons of pictures inside and out. Includes pics of
a cool custom in-cab remote control |
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Rockstomper
Beadlocks.
Detailed article depicting the construction
and mounting of a DIY weld-on beadlock kit. Lots of pics, and a good
primer on how beadlocks work too. |
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Dragging Junk
Home.
'Nuther humorous article about me wasting time and money in a foolish quest
for cool 4x4 parts. Read and laugh along - heck, show it to your spouse
and proclaim "See hon, I'm not the only complete loony!"
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Valve stem protection.
A quick but really cool article about re-locating valve stems for better
protection. Cure that notorious weak point once-and-for-all.
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Dana 70.
Unfinished work of art about the big, bad Dana
70 rear axle. Some good Dana 70 1.5" vs Dana 60 1.31" axle
shaft pics, and some spindle bore measurement comparisons too. I hope
to add more info to this one when time allows. |
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2001
Articles |
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Hybrid Axle.
A crazy ambitious project of mine - take my XJ's Front RCD30 (with it's
4.56 gears and Detroit Locker), cut off the inner yokes, weld on CJ D30
inners, then bolt to them Chevy 1/2 ton D44 from the knuckles out - with
the idea being to retain my gears/locker investment, the light weight and
high clearance of the D30, but get real locking hubs, bigger u-joints, stub
shafts and balljoints as well as "flat top" knuckles for "high
steer". Sounds great - see how it turned out. Of interest
to those considering other Hybrid's too (like D44/D60) as the principles
will be similar. |
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Steering
Pages.
Five separate sub-articles - four being versions one
to four of the high clearance crossover steering I built for my XJ's custom
hybrid D30/D44 axle (but with info and principles applicable to other steering
systems too) and the fifth being all about custom steering - focusing on
the popular Dana 44 "Hy Steer" High clearance steering system.
Also
shows exactly how to identify "flat top" knuckles, and how to
convert Chevy/Jeep D44 5x6.5 outers to Ford D44 5x5.5 bolt pattern
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Anti-wrap bar.
Booty fab homebrew ant-wrap bar for rear leaf "spring-over" suspension,
built for nearly nothing out of tractor hitch "top links" and
a piece of tubing. Ugly but effective. |
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D44 Buildup.
See me find an XJ D44, strip, clean, and paint it, add 4.56 Spicer gears,
Detroit Locker, ZJ disc brakes, a custom truss, and slap it in. |
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Disc brakes.
See me convert an XJ Dana 44 rear axle to ZJ disc brakes with integral parking
brake. |
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Dual battery.
My super-simple bullet-proof dual battery setup using a HUGE orange marine
battery switch. The setup isn't remarkable, but there's good electrical,
battery, and switch tech included, as well as cool marine electrical suppliers.
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Leaf
spring conversion.
The best, and cheapest, way to rid an XJ of the terrible geometry of a 9-10"
lift ......convert to spring-over leaf springs in front! |
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2000
Articles |
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Rear bumper
Low buck home-made rear bumper with receiver
hitch and D rings for towing, plus a swing out tire carrier that also holds
a Hi-lift jack, two 20L NATO jerry cans, and steel ammo boxes for tools
and parts. A little over-the-top but perfect for crossing a continent....and
I was just learning to weld and couldn't put the thing down. |
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Snorkel
Is it booty fab if I make a snorkel out of a dryer vent and abs pipe?
Oh well - it was cheap and effective. |
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1999
Articles |
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Front bumper
Back before I even owned a welder, my good buddy Karl Charest helped me
build a custom XJ front bumper and brush-guard. |
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Box rockers
Way back when - I believe I was one of the first
to cut out my unibody XJ's rocker panels and replace them with rectangular
structural steel tubing. Still one of my favourite mods. |
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Roof rack
The first home-made mod for my XJ...a cool steel safari-style roof rack
that Karl built for me for next to nothing. |
