Had to wrap the new exhaust because of transmission temps rising.

Here is a shot of the new 4" exhaust coming off the turbo.  Big pipe, barely fits in there.  Can't say enough about how I like this 4" exhaust.  Except for one problem. 

If you look carefully you can see where the exhaust actually rubs up against the transmission for about two square inches.  Perfect for transferring those hot exhaust gasses right into transmission temp increases.  When I'd pull up a long grade the transmission temps would rise to 220+. 

I hope this will be the solution.  I wrapped the pipe from the turbo down past the transmission.  I was also able to bend, bang, and knock, the exhaust away from the transmission.  I now have the wrap on there and a quarter inch of clearance. 

I haven't pulled a grade yet to test it.  Confidence is high.  Looks kind of cool wrapped up like that. 

Travel Pictures. Where I've been the last two years.

I just wanted to share some photos of where I've been in the last two years.  I've spent a lot of time traveling in the van.  This last year I've lived in the van more than out of it.  This is La Ventana, Baja 2010.

On the course of the Baja 1000 in 2010.

Moab 2009 exploring slot canyons.

Utah 2010.  Back way to Escalante.

Moab, Utah.  Riding motorcycles.  Slick rock trail in the background.

Utah 2010 more motorcycle riding.

Utah 2010, too cold here, heading back to AZ.

Somewhere in Colorado 2010.

Colorado 2010.

Alta Lakes, Colorado 2010.

Alta Lakes, Colorado 2010.

One more picture of Alta Lakes in Colorado.  My Dad in the process of catching a trout.  This is the perfect sportsmobile camp spot.  It's up a dirt road which keeps RV's and most people out.  It's free, and absolutely beautiful.

Imogene Pass, Colorado.  2010

Mogillon Rim, Arizona.  2011

Mt. Hood, Oregon.  2011

Mt. Lassen, California.  2011

Mud Lake, near Tonopah, Nevada.  2011

Mud Lake, 2011

Mud Lake

One more Mud Lake. 

Van performs well during the 2010 deer hunt in Arizona.

We hunt deer in a very remote area of Arizona.  I decided to drive the van there this year.  No real obstacles, just a long bumpy way in.

We turned on the gps on the way out to see our average speed.  How does 3.7 miles an hour for 15 miles sound.  That is a fast walk.

We went up through araviapa canyon.  Several stream crossings, rare in AZ. 

Climbing out of the river canyon into the hills.

I got stuck here for a minute.  This van is just so heavy.  Had to lock in the rear locker and pulled right out.

Fell into a hole.  Poor tires took some abuse.

Deer in coolers, headed back home.  13 miles as the crow flies, 8 hour drive.  We've already been drawn for 2011. 

Rear Pinon seal goes out while on the road

I was lucky to be near my friend Mark's house in Reno when I had problems.  Found oil under the rear axle in Las Vegas.  Added oil and made it to Reno, NV for repairs. 

We pulled the whole assembly in Mark's driveway.  I was thinking the worst.  Assuming there were a couple of bearings going out.  We had to use a floor jack to get the pinon nut off.  That sucker was really on there. 

After pulling everything apart I'm happy to report that everything looked great. 

It turns out the breather tube for the axle was plugged causing pressure to build up in the axle and blow out the pinon seal.  Good news in the end, but still a lot of work.  That darn carrier weighs about 70lbs.  Needless to say I was very happy to put it all back together with a new seal and go on my way. 

BFG All Terrain AT Failure

Driving down the highway I felt a wobble in the van.  Pulled over at the next rest area and found this bulge in the tire.

Top view shows the tread starting to separate where the bulge is.

Close up of where the tread might separate.  These tires are load range D.  Supposed to be enough for my heavy van.  I'll be buying new tires load range E now. 

If you have to change tires.  A shaded rest area is the place to do it. 

Added 4" Turbo Back Exhaust to the Van

I installed a 4" turbo back exhaust on my van last month.  Found it at Diamond Eye.  


I was very impressed with the kit and ease of install. 
That number is 800-635-9950  I bought the exhaust from TVDiesel.com for only $275 shipped.

Here is a video of the install and some sound clips.