Rocket Man's 02 Denali Build Thread AKA "THE BEAST"

[Rocket Man]

The Pioneer HU I had had been getting a sketchy display where it was just a bunch of lines through it and since getting a new phone, I couldn’t get the wireless CarPlay to work so I bought a new Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX. I decided on a model that doesn’t play discs this time. I like it because it’s a single DIN size chassis with a double DIN face which leaves room for wiring and modules like the SWC. After I got it, I looked at the installation manuals for both and it looked like the harnesses were the same. When I pulled the old one I compared the main harness and it was the same so I just swapped the plugs into the new HU and fired it up. It came with a GPS antenna but I figured I didn’t need it and left it out. All was good until I was setting up CarPlay and it said I needed that do I had to install it under the dash. Actually just stuck it up inside there. So install took me maybe 1/2 hour at most. SWC buttons didn’t work st first. That was a plug not pushed in all the way. CarPlay now fires up instantly- by the time it boots up it’s already connected and playing music. The old Pioneer took a bit, sometimes not until I was down the street. Overall I’m super happy and glad Pioneer kept the same pinouts on their car stereos forever.

 

[Tonyrodz]

The Pioneer HU I had had been getting a sketchy display where it was just a bunch of lines through it and since getting a new phone, I couldn’t get the wireless CarPlay to work so I bought a new Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX. I decided on a model that doesn’t play discs this time. I like it because it’s a single DIN size chassis with a double DIN face which leaves room for wiring and modules like the SWC. After I got it, I looked at the installation manuals for both and it looked like the harnesses were the same. When I pulled the old one I compared the main harness and it was the same so I just swapped the plugs into the new HU and fired it up. It came with a GPS antenna but I figured I didn’t need it and left it out. All was good until I was setting up CarPlay and it said I needed that do I had to install it under the dash. Actually just stuck it up inside there. So install took me maybe 1/2 hour at most. SWC buttons didn’t work st first. That was a plug not pushed in all the way. CarPlay now fires up instantly- by the time it boots up it’s already connected and playing music. The old Pioneer took a bit, sometimes not until I was down the street. Overall I’m super happy and glad Pioneer kept the same pinouts on their car stereos forever. View attachment 447503View attachment 447504

I love Pioneer. So easy to use and install. I found out the same thing about their plugs. Saves a bunch of time if you're swapping out and older to newer unit. I have a NEX hu ready to install into the Vic.

 

[mattbta]

That's a phenomenally sonic album you've got playing. Rotten Apple really tests well on good equipment.

 

[Rocket Man]

Well shit. On my way to a doctor appointment, I stepped on it a bit hard and felt something break. I was maybe 1/4 of a mile from the place so I continued on. It seemed to drive normal until it felt like it didn’t have any power so I manually shifted it down as I pulled into the lot. After a short ways in, the engine died because something in the drivetrain locked up. At least I made it to my appointment on time and as a result crossed off an aortic aneurism from my checklist; I was at high risk and one almost killed my father at about my age. So in the middle of the lot I waited for AAA. I used the app since you have to now instead of being able to talk to a person. So of course, they were sending a flatbed for an AWD SUV. I knew from the last time that when the rear wheels are locked up, it needs to go on a set of dollies and then lift the front so I managed to get a phone number through the app and asked for the dolly truck. It never made it to through because about an hour later a flatbed showed up. I explained about the last guy who tried to use skids to load it but of course this one said he’d done it a lot of times and it would take him 20 minutes to load it and 10 to unload it. OK so do it I said. After a half hour he gave up and said “ his thing is really heavy”. The skids kept popping out and he only had the front wheels on about 2 feet. I told him to stop and call a dolly truck. 2 1/2 hours total to finally get it loaded. I haven’t diagnosed it yet. I’ll probably just wait until spring since my work has to be done on it outside in my driveway. I guess it’s possible it could be the transfer case or rear differential but in reality it’s probably the trans again. I really need to quit driving like a maniac when I get it fixed. This is the last time I swear, but I said that last time. It’s just that I was sure they figured out the issue with this 900HP rated 4l60 and they told me I’d never break it this time. So who knows. I do know it’s a b*tch to pull, box up and ship to the East coast but it has to be done. I still have the box to ship it in. Just have to get through my chemo and whatever comes after. Sigh. I thought briefly about just parting it out or selling it as is and losing a bunch of money but this truck will last the rest of my life if I drive it semi normally and it’s also exactly what I need and want. So I’ll fix it. I might see if I can find someone that I can trust to pull the trans in my driveway while I assist and watch. That’s if it’s the trans. Anything else isn’t bad. Anyway, I’m Ok with what happened. It’s my own left foot’s fault.

 

[07Burb]

Well shit. On my way to a doctor appointment, I stepped on it a bit hard and felt something break. I was maybe 1/4 of a mile from the place so I continued on. It seemed to drive normal until it felt like it didn’t have any power so I manually shifted it down as I pulled into the lot. After a short ways in, the engine died because something in the drivetrain locked up. At least I made it to my appointment on time and as a result crossed off an aortic aneurism from my checklist; I was at high risk and one almost killed my father at about my age. So in the middle of the lot I waited for AAA. I used the app since you have to now instead of being able to talk to a person. So of course, they were sending a flatbed for an AWD SUV. I knew from the last time that when the rear wheels are locked up, it needs to go on a set of dollies and then lift the front so I managed to get a phone number through the app and asked for the dolly truck. It never made it to through because about an hour later a flatbed showed up. I explained about the last guy who tried to use skids to load it but of course this one said he’d done it a lot of times and it would take him 20 minutes to load it and 10 to unload it. OK so do it I said. After a half hour he gave up and said “ his thing is really heavy”. The skids kept popping out and he only had the front wheels on about 2 feet. I told him to stop and call a dolly truck. 2 1/2 hours total to finally get it loaded. I haven’t diagnosed it yet. I’ll probably just wait until spring since my work has to be done on it outside in my driveway. I guess it’s possible it could be the transfer case or rear differential but in reality it’s probably the trans again. I really need to quit driving like a maniac when I get it fixed. This is the last time I swear, but I said that last time. It’s just that I was sure they figured out the issue with this 900HP rated 4l60 and they told me I’d never break it this time. So who knows. I do know it’s a b*tch to pull, box up and ship to the East coast but it has to be done. I still have the box to ship it in. Just have to get through my chemo and whatever comes after. Sigh. I thought briefly about just parting it out or selling it as is and losing a bunch of money but this truck will last the rest of my life if I drive it semi normally and it’s also exactly what I need and want. So I’ll fix it. I might see if I can find someone that I can trust to pull the trans in my driveway while I assist and watch. That’s if it’s the trans. Anything else isn’t bad. Anyway, I’m Ok with what happened. It’s my own left foot’s fault.

Man, be careful and I’d highly encourage you to go with your idea to have someone that you trust help you pull the trans and get her shipped off. With everything you’re going through you’re not going to have the strength or energy to mess with pulling a trans whilst rolling on the ground. Take care of yourself, Mark.

 

[Fless]

Good to hear about avoiding the aneurysm! My younger brother had one fixed that they think was congenital and they caught it before anything bad happened. That's one reason I get periodic heart scans for blockages and this kind of stuff.

If you'll be doing the work soon be sure to get someone you trust to do the big part of the job. You can supervise....

 

[Tonyrodz]

Well shit. On my way to a doctor appointment, I stepped on it a bit hard and felt something break. I was maybe 1/4 of a mile from the place so I continued on. It seemed to drive normal until it felt like it didn’t have any power so I manually shifted it down as I pulled into the lot. After a short ways in, the engine died because something in the drivetrain locked up. At least I made it to my appointment on time and as a result crossed off an aortic aneurism from my checklist; I was at high risk and one almost killed my father at about my age. So in the middle of the lot I waited for AAA. I used the app since you have to now instead of being able to talk to a person. So of course, they were sending a flatbed for an AWD SUV. I knew from the last time that when the rear wheels are locked up, it needs to go on a set of dollies and then lift the front so I managed to get a phone number through the app and asked for the dolly truck. It never made it to through because about an hour later a flatbed showed up. I explained about the last guy who tried to use skids to load it but of course this one said he’d done it a lot of times and it would take him 20 minutes to load it and 10 to unload it. OK so do it I said. After a half hour he gave up and said “ his thing is really heavy”. The skids kept popping out and he only had the front wheels on about 2 feet. I told him to stop and call a dolly truck. 2 1/2 hours total to finally get it loaded. I haven’t diagnosed it yet. I’ll probably just wait until spring since my work has to be done on it outside in my driveway. I guess it’s possible it could be the transfer case or rear differential but in reality it’s probably the trans again. I really need to quit driving like a maniac when I get it fixed. This is the last time I swear, but I said that last time. It’s just that I was sure they figured out the issue with this 900HP rated 4l60 and they told me I’d never break it this time. So who knows. I do know it’s a b*tch to pull, box up and ship to the East coast but it has to be done. I still have the box to ship it in. Just have to get through my chemo and whatever comes after. Sigh. I thought briefly about just parting it out or selling it as is and losing a bunch of money but this truck will last the rest of my life if I drive it semi normally and it’s also exactly what I need and want. So I’ll fix it. I might see if I can find someone that I can trust to pull the trans in my driveway while I assist and watch. That’s if it’s the trans. Anything else isn’t bad. Anyway, I’m Ok with what happened. It’s my own left foot’s fault.

Sounds like me and you had the same driving instructor. Hope you figure it out, and it won't be too bad to fix.

 

[adventurenali92]

Well shit. On my way to a doctor appointment, I stepped on it a bit hard and felt something break. I was maybe 1/4 of a mile from the place so I continued on. It seemed to drive normal until it felt like it didn’t have any power so I manually shifted it down as I pulled into the lot. After a short ways in, the engine died because something in the drivetrain locked up. At least I made it to my appointment on time and as a result crossed off an aortic aneurism from my checklist; I was at high risk and one almost killed my father at about my age. So in the middle of the lot I waited for AAA. I used the app since you have to now instead of being able to talk to a person. So of course, they were sending a flatbed for an AWD SUV. I knew from the last time that when the rear wheels are locked up, it needs to go on a set of dollies and then lift the front so I managed to get a phone number through the app and asked for the dolly truck. It never made it to through because about an hour later a flatbed showed up. I explained about the last guy who tried to use skids to load it but of course this one said he’d done it a lot of times and it would take him 20 minutes to load it and 10 to unload it. OK so do it I said. After a half hour he gave up and said “ his thing is really heavy”. The skids kept popping out and he only had the front wheels on about 2 feet. I told him to stop and call a dolly truck. 2 1/2 hours total to finally get it loaded. I haven’t diagnosed it yet. I’ll probably just wait until spring since my work has to be done on it outside in my driveway. I guess it’s possible it could be the transfer case or rear differential but in reality it’s probably the trans again. I really need to quit driving like a maniac when I get it fixed. This is the last time I swear, but I said that last time. It’s just that I was sure they figured out the issue with this 900HP rated 4l60 and they told me I’d never break it this time. So who knows. I do know it’s a b*tch to pull, box up and ship to the East coast but it has to be done. I still have the box to ship it in. Just have to get through my chemo and whatever comes after. Sigh. I thought briefly about just parting it out or selling it as is and losing a bunch of money but this truck will last the rest of my life if I drive it semi normally and it’s also exactly what I need and want. So I’ll fix it. I might see if I can find someone that I can trust to pull the trans in my driveway while I assist and watch. That’s if it’s the trans. Anything else isn’t bad. Anyway, I’m Ok with what happened. It’s my own left foot’s fault.

Doesn’t sound like fun day at all……. I agree bring I a trusted right hand guy!

Huh…. Learn something new everyday….. had no idea AAA doesn’t do the phone call deal for tows…. Is that just an Oregon thing or nationwide? Had mine towed a week ago after the oil cooler line fitting at the radiator snapped and at the line pop off and dumped 5 quarts of oil in my driveway and the drainage easement at the street, while it was warming for me to drive it down to the mechanic to replace the lines for me…. I called the number on the back of my AAA card like I always have when I needed to. it took maybe all of 30 seconds for a dispatcher to pick up and get me setup with a tow. I sure hope they don’t stick with an app…… I’d much prefer a person on the phone. So I can explain why I need a deck truck/rollback for my AWD….. lol

 

[Rocket Man]

Nobody needs to worry about my strength or stamina at this point at least. I still have 100% of both and honestly have never felt better. I’m walking with the doggo about 4 miles a day and still have too much energy. Chemo has had zero effect on me other than a very mild case of tinnitus that should be temporary. My hair has quit growing g but isn’t falling out either. It’s nice to not have to shave my head or face. I can’t even sleep more than 7 hours a night still, and wake up ready to roll every day at 5:00 without an alarm, which is not the norm for a 65 year old with or without cancer. I must be doing something right. Eating healthy, exercise, mental attitude, etc. Our first walk of 2 miles starts at 6:30, in the dark and freezing temps lately. The truck will wait until spring, at which time I’ll see if things change. I still don’t know what they will want to do, but I know what I want to do which is save my bladder and let chemo/ immuno, radiation finish this stuff. I really feel I’m going to be fine. We will see. I’m a tough old bastard. Last summer I worked myself into real good shape and as a result I was feeling the best I have in 10 years. The cancer is a setback but I’ll get over it and be better than ever. That’s the plan anyway but I’m not going to get ahead of myself. I’m living in the here and now. Thanks for all your concerns guys!

 

[adventurenali92]

Nobody needs to worry about my strength or stamina at this point at least. I still have 100% of both and honestly have never felt better. I’m walking with the doggo about 4 miles a day and still have too much energy. Chemo has had zero effect on me other than a very mild case of tinnitus that should be temporary. My hair has quit growing g but isn’t falling out either. It’s nice to not have to shave my head or face. I can’t even sleep more than 7 hours a night still, and wake up ready to roll every day at 5:00 without an alarm, which is not the norm for a 65 year old with or without cancer. I must be doing something right. Eating healthy, exercise, mental attitude, etc. Our first walk of 2 miles starts at 6:30, in the dark and freezing temps lately. The truck will wait until spring, at which time I’ll see if things change. I still don’t know what they will want to do, but I know what I want to do which is save my bladder and let chemo/ immuno, radiation finish this stuff. I really feel I’m going to be fine. We will see. I’m a tough old bastard. Last summer I worked myself into real good shape and as a result I was feeling the best I have in 10 years. The cancer is a setback but I’ll get over it and be better than ever. That’s the plan anyway but I’m not going to get ahead of myself. I’m living in the here and now. Thanks for all your concerns guys!

Definitely glad to hear you’re feeling good!