FUTURE_OF_GM

The new bolts likely just have that pre-applied threadlocker stuff on to them. I think I would just clean them well and apply some new red grade threadlocker if you're real concerned about them. That was my plan. The bolts looked really good, so I figured they were fine. I can't help but be a worrier though, it's my nature.

Interesting you bring that up... Supposedly, the 2001 model year brought 'floating rotors' to the Mustang. So I was sure that I wouldn't have to remove the spindle nut. Come to find out; I was wrong. I guess maybe some of the later builds or maybe the 02s have that set up (?) But hey, lets face it. The Mod Mustang (99-04) is basically a modified Fox Body, so the technology at it's core is antique, LOL.

If I were to buy a small SUV thingy, the Terrain would be at the top of the list because it looks macho and NOT normal. I like the fact that it's love it or hate it and I really love the stance. I'd also probably buy a Terrain Denali. However, I'm worried that 'Denali' is beginning to be whored out too much. I mean, I remember when Denali meant something MORE than a quasi tacky chrome grille, big wheels and rocker panels (like an upgraded powertrain and better interior) I just wish GM would be a little more conservative on throwing the name around so much. It's one GM sub-brand that's actually successful. We don't need to ruin things. If it were up to me; I'm not so sure the Acadia Denali and HD Denali would exist at all. And I'll reserve judgment on the Terrain until I see it, but I'm leaning towards 'no' there as well.

Better yet, I've even heard some people say that the nut shouldn't be tightened at all. (a.k.a. "Back it off a bit") I had planned to torque it, but it was a rush job and I didn't have a wrench. In the discussions/process of taking the wheels off again to tighten everything down, this 'great debate' came up. On a related note, I've read a lot of horror stories of caliper bracket bolts backing out or flat out breaking and causing a lot of damage on Rangers and Exploders. Since the Mustang system is basically the same, that sent up some red flags to me as well. I found out that some manuals recommend replacing the caliper bracket bolts every time new pads are installed. I don't really buy that, but I'm definitely going to keep an eye on them, probably checking them each oil change.

As some of you know, I recently did my first brake job on the Mustang. I pulled the spindle nut to replace the rotors and then re-installed the spindle nut. Here's the catch: I merely tightened the spindle nut with a socket set instead of a torque wrench. I did this by letting a friend hold the socket and wrench and me almost standing on it. (literally) I'm 330lbs, so that's probably a lot of pressure. The official number is 258 ft/lbs. So, should I pull the wheels off and use a torque wrench on the nuts? I can't get a straight answer from anyone. One mechanic says that EVERYTHING needs to be torqued, another mechanic and a guy at the parts house says just hand tighten everything.

So the anti-Zeta buys a Zeta... Hell: it is frozen. Congrats though! I probably would've picked something besides Synergy Green, but different strokes...

Awesome... Maybe this guy is the true Lutz heir.

Unprofessional? Yes. Extreme? Absolutely. It's just a f**king word.

Yeah, I got that 'invite' too I really don't see how people think one day is going to make a difference. I guess it's the psychology of just not feeling helpless. The gas situation is out of everyone's control, so they figure they'll assert themselves and gain back some control. (eventhough it's theoretical) I think it's a waste of time.

I too am hoping they do more than just a grill change on this one like they did ont the Full Size GMC. Just please no oversized cheap plastic grills. GMC has a lot of potential that has yet to be realized IMO. What's interesting though is that I really like the Sierra, but hate the Silverado. In fact, if I were buying a truck right now, the Sierra Denali would be my first choice.

Very cool and very sad at the same time... So much of our history as a nation and as a society resides in manufacturing and 'creating'. Yet we continue to demolish these structures daily. I lived in a historic textile mill for 3 years. Loved every minute of it.

Looks just as bland and 'blob-tacular' as the Silverado... I'll hold my breath for a more PROFESSIONAL GRADE offering.

Nice! Last I heard, it was Europe only. I'll definitely see them in May.

The Focus slays this thing. I mean, technically, we've already seen the Cruze hatch. http://img68.imageshack.us/i/16671gj6.jpg

I certainly hope not... I love NHRA, but Cadillac doesn't belong there. And yes, I certainly see the CTS coupe dying... After all, GM kills EVERY unique product it has.

"Chevrolet's Favorite Car" LOL I dunno man, I really want to like it (because I liked the concept and the spy photos) but something about it just doesn't sit well with me.... BOR-ING.

"Conquer the world and self destruct." - MetallicA

1) Try not to hate my life... 2) Try not to hate the world... 3) Try not to hate Toyota.... LOL... Just kidding. (About it all, but ESPECIALLY about the Toyota part)

What I know and can remember: My grandfather on my mom's side was quite the car guy. I never met him, but a lot of people say I'm just like him with my taste in cars and interest and jeckyl/hyde disposition. He was an avid Chevrolet man and owned a variety of now classic Chevy models. One of his last cars was a red and black '59 Impala. He also raced on the Grand National circuit against the likes of Buck Baker, Ralph Earnhardt and Junior Johnson. I believe his race car was a 40 Ford. My grandmother on that side usually rocked a VW Beetle and as a result my mom's first car was a vintage Beetle. After my grandfather passed, my grandmother traded her beetle on an AWD Subaru (Probably why I hate the sound of Subarus) then an original Plymouth Voyager (so a bunch of us could road trip on weekends) She presently has a Ford Ranger. My grandfather on the other side was a Mopar man for a little while, then he started buying Ford trucks. His most recent two trucks were Ford Rangers. His wife (He and my dad's mom divorced after their kids left home) always bought Buicks. Her last car was a '93 Buick Regal. My grandmother on that side married a farmer that bought strictly Ford trucks and as a result she also owned Fords until she passed away. (First: 2 Escorts and then a Tempo) By the time my parents married my mom had a vintage Beetle and my dad had a '66 Mustang fastback (after owning and trading various muscle cars). He promptly traded title for title on a 60's era Oldsmobile "Mafia Mobile"... "So that he and his friends could go to lunch in comfort". He still kicks himself for letting the Mustang go (and the many other cars that, at the time, no one thought would be worth anything) Eventually, mom and dad started buying and building Jeep CJs. When I came into the picture, they were afraid that I'd fall out of the CJs so they sold their current one and bought a Toyota Starlet (which started my resentment for Toyota) My dad would eventually pick up and older model Ford truck that was a mechanical nightmare. (This started my conditioning to be anti-Ford) Each morning he'd be so pissed at that truck, LOL. Finally he'd had enough and he traded the Ford on a 1976 Chevrolet long wheelbase 4X4. It was two-tone red and white and was affectionately dubbed 'Betsy'. That was one of the best trucks we've ever had. We put that thing through hell (four wheeling into rugged terrain to chop firewood, towing things, etc.) and it came out like a champ everytime. I remember coming up our road and a friend of ours would run up behind us and tage us on the bumper with his truck. I loved it; seemed like a scene from my favorite show at the time (The Dukes of Hazzard) Eventually we bought a boat for weekends at the lake and we needed something a little more trustworthy, so we found an 87 Chevy 4X4 with all the chrome trim, mag wheels, a chrome brush guard and all that fun 70s-80s stuff. It was a beautiful truck (for the time) and was dad's first V6 truck. I had Discovered Winston Cup at this time (circa 88-89) and had become a huge Dale Sr. fan. (Thus further cementing my love of Chevrolet and hatred for Ford) This is also about the time our automotive family started growing to about the size it is today. We had the Starlet (still going strong) and the '87 Chevy 4X4. Then dads job provided him with an '89 Ford 4X4 (This truck is still going strong, pulling duty on a christmas tree farm) and dad found and bought an old primered up (but straight) '67 Chevelle Super Sport. This car began my love with the raw nature of vintage hot rods and muscle cars. 1994 rolls around and we decide that it's time to replace our family car (The Starlet) with something bigger and nicer. After much debate and a lot of talking (unfortunately A LOT of talking to my grandmother's new neighbor: a Toyota salesman) and a few too many Corolla test drives, mom (who has a sweet spot or Toyota in her heart after our excellent experience with the Starlet) and dad decide that a Chevrolet Corsica, though bland, is the way to go. By this time my dad's Ford work truck has been replaced by a much cooler Jeep Cherokee and we had decided to pick up a new hobby: horses. We sold the boat and bought a small camper. Mom and Dad were never really satisfied with the Corsica, so they decided to consolidate our 2 personal vehicles into one and traded the aging '87 Chevy 4X4 and Corsica on a specially ordered 1996 Chevrolet K1500 with all the bells and whistles. Our vehicle stable now included the camper, horse trailer, the K1500, the Starlet (which was originally to be sold, but due to my mom's attachment to it, was just kind of chillin') the '67 Chevelle SS and dad's Cherokee. 1998 rolls around and I pick up my '73 Camaro one day before I officially get my license. It's bright, sounds mean, looks angry and fits me just perfectly. The neighbors call it a death trap and condemn my parents for allowing me to get it. By 1999 mom and dad have decided that they want a bigger camper and they trade up to a 30 foot fifth wheel. Dad gets a cool new Dodge Durango as his work vehicle but also sells (against my will) the '67 Chevelle SS saying he's just not that motivated to deal with it anymore. The 1996 Silverado has been a quality DISASTER with GM even giving us money back on repairs and mom and dad swearing that they'll NEVER buy another Chevy again. They're looking hard at these 'new fangled' Ford Super Dutys and all they have to offer. While I'm not horribly opposed to the idea, I don't like it. Mom proposes a Toyota Tundra given the Starlets good quality and I get super pissed and shoot that down. Mom and dad eventually trade the '96 on a 1999 Silverado Z71 with all the bells and whistles. 2000 rolls around and I find my '68 Camaro and purchase it (I'm 18). 2001 brings the loss of my dad's job and suddenly the family is in need of a second daily driver. The Starlet is pulled out of mothball to become that vehicle. 2002 brings major restoration to my '73 and while it and the '68 are still semi-daily driven I am in need of a cheap daily driver to lessen road wear. I buy a 1990 Lumina at auction for $1000. 235,000 miles and it runs like a top but the overall cheapness of the car really makes me hate this era GM. Contrast that to the overall durability of the mechanical bits which makes me really hate the media for talking $h! about GM reliability. 2003 brings the death of the Lumina due to a cracked block (at almost 300.000 miles) I knew this would be the case as I had noticed block sealing chemicals in the A/F long before. 2003 also brings a new $800 beater; the 86(?) Jeep Commanche to the family. It looks like $h!, but runs like hell. (Except for a brace on the front axle that would make the front of the truck vibrate, jump and skip wildly and randomly at 60-70 MPH. The first time this happened, I almost had to clean my pants. But after a while I got used to it and actually became kind of reckless with it. I always had fun 'surprising' un suspecting passengers with it because I had mastered a way to actually make it happen on my own, LOL. At one point, this had been a fleet truck and it was illegal 15 ways from sunday (then again, most of my cars are illegal in one form or another ) but I really miss having a 4X4. 2004 meant that the GF would be going to Charlotte for college. I knew the Jeep wouldn't be a sure bet on making it there, so I started looking for "a car payment". I found the first 2001 Focus; a bare bones LX model and took out a loan. 6 months later it got totaled. The next month (02/2005) I found my beloved Focus ZX3 that I would keep until last year when it was totaled. Why Ford? Simply because they were the ONLY domestic automaker that offered a compact (of the era I wanted to pay for) that was competitive, not a snooze to drive and not a snooze to look at. And by this time I had adopted my domestic verses import philosophy instead of the GM verses Ford philosophy. The GF had a Cavalier and I hated every inch of that car. When that Focus left, I found my current daily driver, the 2001 Mustang GT convertible. During this time my parents would rotate in, then rotate out the aforesaid '93 Buick Regal from my dads side of the family. (Though reliable and smooth, this car further cemented my/our hatred for 90's era GM cars) Dad would be provided an F150 work truck and now a Ram work truck. And they decided to buy a new small SUV to 'downsize' for fuel costs, LOL. Our current family fleet includes: my Camaros ('68 & '73) which usually sit in the garage (which sucks) my 'stang (the daily driver) The Silverado Z71 which is used to tow and haul things, the Ram which is dad's daily driver. The Jeep Liberty which is mom's daily driver and the Starlet, which unfortunately, is sitting in the elements again. Other than my parents, my only other 2 influences were my uncles on my moms side. One was a mechanic that owned a multiple shop business. He was an avid Dale Sr. fan like me and breathed everything Chevrolet. He had quite a few cool projects and usually had some of the latest and greatest bow-tie products sitting in his driveway. The other was an avid Ford truck man that always had really cool Fords and rigs to work on or restore. (EDIT: It's kind of one big pile of crap... But I don't feel like editing my ramblings, LOL)

I never understood the appeal of that show anyway.

I know, right? The fun of a real road trip IS stopping and taking your time.

Ummm, yeah.... That's racist.

Uhh, what?! Anyway; back on topic. Fossil Fuel all the way! Electric cars will not make my list until desirable electric cars are available. The Karma is awesome, but it isn't attainable. There are conditions though. Ideally, I'd have something like a 3 modern car garage: Something to have fun with (Corvette Z06, Camaro ZL1, CTS-V, Charger SRT- Something for utility (GMC Terrain, Ford Flex, Jeep Grand Cherokee) and my commuter (Chevy Volt, Cruze Diesel, Focus Electric) I don't think electric will ever be my first choice of vehicle though. Too sedate and boring. I've said this before here) The electric car is to the ICE car what the diesel locomotive was to the steam engine. It distills the romance and life out of the machine. Personally, I'm glad the electric car fad is gaining people... More GAS-O-LINE for my gianTass V8's

I agree... It's such a sad time to be a young person. I'm so grateful that I grew up prior to this mess. The kids are a lot smarter than people think, they know the hopeless world that they'll inherit (and that is compounded for the kids in alternative schools)

I think she should be promoted... Do I think it was appropriate to vent online? Probably not. But at least she does care ad that's very hard to find this day in age. The problem with schools IMO is much like the problem with politics. These 'institutions' only serve to reflect the decay of our society as a whole. The instructor can make try as hard as possible, but the student must know their role and be responsible for their performance. My mom has worked at an 'alternative' school for a long time now. I've witnessed firsthand the effects of worsening students every year and a staff that either seems to be at it's breaking point or completely disengaged and clocked out. It's very sad and it makes me fear for my future and the future of this country. Forget college; these kids will struggle to merely exist day to day.