I've gotten a couple of emails asking where I was - was everything all right? Yes, I still check in almost every day, but I usually just scan the threads and read the ones that jump out at me; I'm kinda focused on something else right now.

Since I'm not in school this summer, I've been planning a lot of (and doing some of) upgrades to my full size Bronco (a man's gotta have his toys). I'm spending a lot of time on www.fullsizebronco.com doing research for the upgrades I can afford, and reacquainting myself with another community I've let lapse for a while.

So far, I've got a 175 amp alternator to replace my stock 75 amp and charge my new optima yellow top battery, and a promise of my stepson's new yellow top to set up a dual parallel battery (more reserve power), a new transmission fluid cooler, a remote tranny fluid filter (essentially an in-line engine oil filter, 'cause the filter in the tranny's just a piece of foam), and a set of removable tie downs for the back so I can pull the 35" tire in when I'm wheeling off-road (the tire's weight will rip the spare tire carrier right off). I'm also planning to install an external engine oil cooler, and I'm looking for ways to increase the efficiency of the watercooling system (do we see a pattern here). Being surrounded by California deserts, the heat build up is my biggest enemy.

Another project that I'm tossing around is building a box around my K&N filter and plumbing in an external snorkle to provide a "cold air" supply and facilitate deep water ability; I've already extended the vent lines for my differentials, but I still need to vent the tranny and transfer case.

Here's a pic of my other obsession.