Griff's Garage

[Valkyrie]

Well, after much waiting and calls to Torklift, they finally informed me a few weeks ago the 86 hitch was available for pre-order. I place an order and surprisingly, had it on my front porch less than a week later. I took the rear bumper off and went to install this Sunday and when I got to the putting it on stage, realized it's a style where the receiver is inside/behind the bumper cover. You're meant to cut a hole in the bumper cover behind the tag and install this swing down plate holder to block it/swing down when in use.

I'm really not crazy about cutting holes in the new car and also about driving around basically sans plate... so I put the bumper back on and said fuck it. I have requested they RMA it for full refund as there is ZERO info on the product page alluding to the fact that it isn't a regular fucking hitch.

I'm very annoyed, still haven't heard back from them as of 72 hours later. I may just ship it back and stop payment on my card if I don't hear something soon.

I'm honestly debating at this point... transporting mountain bikes is one of the primary reasons I bother owning a car. May also just get the dumb Slambert one and be limited to one bike which also kind of sucks.

'ing a car for bike transport purposes is next level does the bike not fit inside?

I fit a road bike in mine, but a mountain bike is bigger and dirtier. It would be a huge PITA.

He's got other reasons anyway... oh

[coogles]

Well, after much waiting and calls to Torklift, they finally informed me a few weeks ago the 86 hitch was available for pre-order. I place an order and surprisingly, had it on my front porch less than a week later. I took the rear bumper off and went to install this Sunday and when I got to the putting it on stage, realized it's a style where the receiver is inside/behind the bumper cover. You're meant to cut a hole in the bumper cover behind the tag and install this swing down plate holder to block it/swing down when in use.

I'm really not crazy about cutting holes in the new car and also about driving around basically sans plate... so I put the bumper back on and said fuck it. I have requested they RMA it for full refund as there is ZERO info on the product page alluding to the fact that it isn't a regular fucking hitch.

I'm very annoyed, still haven't heard back from them as of 72 hours later. I may just ship it back and stop payment on my card if I don't hear something soon.

I'm honestly debating at this point... transporting mountain bikes is one of the primary reasons I bother owning a car. May also just get the dumb Slambert one and be limited to one bike which also kind of sucks.

'ing a car for bike transport purposes is next level does the bike not fit inside?

Zero shot of a mountain bike fitting inside one of these. The trunk opening is quite a bit smaller in this generation to boot.

Sucks Griff, can't believe they'd not clarify that "hey, you have to punch a hole in your bumper for this thing to work."



Thinking of as well, except I wouldn't replace it. I like the thing, but between the payment, insurance, and registration I'm at about $650/mo, and I definitely don't get $650/mo of enjoyment out of it. It's not depreciating to that same degree and so it's not like I'm throwing away all of that money, but owning it still seems a bit stupid.

[max225]

'ing a car for bike transport purposes is next level does the bike not fit inside?

I fit a road bike in mine, but a mountain bike is bigger and dirtier. It would be a huge PITA.

He's got other reasons anyway... oh

The Prophet from the Desert called it since day 1... "The second you get the sport car will fuck ya"

[max225]

'ing a car for bike transport purposes is next level does the bike not fit inside?

Zero shot of a mountain bike fitting inside one of these. The trunk opening is quite a bit smaller in this generation to boot.

Sucks Griff, can't believe they'd not clarify that "hey, you have to punch a hole in your bumper for this thing to work."



Thinking of as well, except I wouldn't replace it. I like the thing, but between the payment, insurance, and registration I'm at about $650/mo, and I definitely don't get $650/mo of enjoyment out of it. It's not depreciating to that same degree and so it's not like I'm throwing away all of that money, but owning it still seems a bit stupid.

Yea the "$500 a month" to keep my C5 around did it for me as well... once you start counting the $$$ it's over IMO. There is no $$$ rationale to keep a sports car.

[Valkyrie]

I fit a road bike in mine, but a mountain bike is bigger and dirtier. It would be a huge PITA.

He's got other reasons anyway... oh

The Prophet from the Desert called it since day 1... "The second you get the sport car will fuck ya"

I don't even want one anymore because music gear doesn't fit well. In another timeline I would be first in line to buy the orange car this Fall. It's badass.

[D Griff]

Well, after much waiting and calls to Torklift, they finally informed me a few weeks ago the 86 hitch was available for pre-order. I place an order and surprisingly, had it on my front porch less than a week later. I took the rear bumper off and went to install this Sunday and when I got to the putting it on stage, realized it's a style where the receiver is inside/behind the bumper cover. You're meant to cut a hole in the bumper cover behind the tag and install this swing down plate holder to block it/swing down when in use.

I'm really not crazy about cutting holes in the new car and also about driving around basically sans plate... so I put the bumper back on and said fuck it. I have requested they RMA it for full refund as there is ZERO info on the product page alluding to the fact that it isn't a regular fucking hitch.

I'm very annoyed, still haven't heard back from them as of 72 hours later. I may just ship it back and stop payment on my card if I don't hear something soon.

I'm honestly debating at this point... transporting mountain bikes is one of the primary reasons I bother owning a car. May also just get the dumb Slambert one and be limited to one bike which also kind of sucks.

And yet, here you are, with a two seat sports car.

Well the other primary reason is for fun... no real need for work/commuting purposes. It's never been an issue before, a bike rack on a sports car hauls a bike just as well as a stupid

[D Griff]

Well, after much waiting and calls to Torklift, they finally informed me a few weeks ago the 86 hitch was available for pre-order. I place an order and surprisingly, had it on my front porch less than a week later. I took the rear bumper off and went to install this Sunday and when I got to the putting it on stage, realized it's a style where the receiver is inside/behind the bumper cover. You're meant to cut a hole in the bumper cover behind the tag and install this swing down plate holder to block it/swing down when in use.

I'm really not crazy about cutting holes in the new car and also about driving around basically sans plate... so I put the bumper back on and said fuck it. I have requested they RMA it for full refund as there is ZERO info on the product page alluding to the fact that it isn't a regular fucking hitch.

I'm very annoyed, still haven't heard back from them as of 72 hours later. I may just ship it back and stop payment on my card if I don't hear something soon.

I'm honestly debating at this point... transporting mountain bikes is one of the primary reasons I bother owning a car. May also just get the dumb Slambert one and be limited to one bike which also kind of sucks.

'ing a car for bike transport purposes is next level does the bike not fit inside?

Nah, not my mountain bike. it seems no less dumb than any other around here

I'm still hopeful to find a resolution to the hitch sitch.

[SAWCE]

And yet, here you are, with a two seat sports car.

Well the other primary reason is for fun... no real need for work/commuting purposes. It's never been an issue before, a bike rack on a sports car hauls a bike just as well as a stupid

How frequently when you're out on rides is Allison using the ? Would she refuse to drive the car when you're out if you used the Jeep to haul the bike around?

[D Griff]

'ing a car for bike transport purposes is next level does the bike not fit inside?

Zero shot of a mountain bike fitting inside one of these. The trunk opening is quite a bit smaller in this generation to boot.

Sucks Griff, can't believe they'd not clarify that "hey, you have to punch a hole in your bumper for this thing to work."



Thinking of as well, except I wouldn't replace it. I like the thing, but between the payment, insurance, and registration I'm at about $650/mo, and I definitely don't get $650/mo of enjoyment out of it. It's not depreciating to that same degree and so it's not like I'm throwing away all of that money, but owning it still seems a bit stupid.

They even tout that it's bolt on with no drilling required Technically true, but they fail to mention that sawzalling IS required https://torkliftcentral.com/2023-subaru ... iler-hitch .

[D Griff]

Well the other primary reason is for fun... no real need for work/commuting purposes. It's never been an issue before, a bike rack on a sports car hauls a bike just as well as a stupid

How frequently when you're out on rides is Allison using the ? Would she refuse to drive the car when you're out if you used the Jeep to haul the bike around?

Yep, refuses to drive a manual.

[SAWCE]

How frequently when you're out on rides is Allison using the ? Would she refuse to drive the car when you're out if you used the Jeep to haul the bike around?

Yep, refuses to drive a manual.

I'll do you a solid and trade you the Elantra for it

[max225]

https://www.gr86.org/threads/good-news- ... ycles.931/

Suction cups seem cool

[D Griff]

https://www.gr86.org/threads/good-news- ... ycles.931/

Suction cups seem cool

I think I'm probably going to buy the receiver in the first pic in that thread and just be limited to the single bike. If a more normal hitch comes along later, I'll but that and sell the Slambert.

[D Griff]

Yep, refuses to drive a manual.

I'll do you a solid and trade you the Elantra for it

[D Griff]

Well, I did end up replacing both batteries on the Both tested a bit low on voltage, so I figured it was time. Costco had the main battery for $170, AutoZone had the aux for $130. The aux was a real fuckin' PITA as it's buried below the fuse box, other battery, etc. Forum bros led me to believe removing the fender was the easiest access which turned out to be a really bit of advice. In removing, almost all of the plastic clips broke, had to visit three stores to find them. Fortunately my area has a bunch of auto parts stores close by. Quite an ordeal/expense, between the driving around and work, probably three hours of time and $300 to change the battery on a car that's only 3.5 years old.

but it's been otherwise great so I can't be that upset. I will likely look further into aux battery delete if this happens again in three years.

Who else has owned ZF8 cars here and do you change the tranny fluid? This is nearing 50K miles and calls for basically no maintenance (no call for diff fluid, trans fluid, coolant flush) in the manual. I'm I'm down with oil changes only for life. We will probably have this car for a long while.

[max225]

Well, I did end up replacing both batteries on the Both tested a bit low on voltage, so I figured it was time. Costco had the main battery for $170, AutoZone had the aux for $130. The aux was a real fuckin' PITA as it's buried below the fuse box, other battery, etc. Forum bros led me to believe removing the fender was the easiest access which turned out to be a really bit of advice. In removing, almost all of the plastic clips broke, had to visit three stores to find them. Fortunately my area has a bunch of auto parts stores close by. Quite an ordeal/expense, between the driving around and work, probably three hours of time and $300 to change the battery on a car that's only 3.5 years old.

but it's been otherwise great so I can't be that upset. I will likely look further into aux battery delete if this happens again in three years.

Who else has owned ZF8 cars here and do you change the tranny fluid? This is nearing 50K miles and calls for basically no maintenance (no call for diff fluid, trans fluid, coolant flush) in the manual. I'm I'm down with oil changes only for life. We will probably have this car for a long while.

So the ZF fluid change is a bit odd. I believe you replace the entire pan since it's plastic and has the built in filter. And the fluid used to be quite expensive... Overall its about $300 in parts in my recollection.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/ ... ons.94302/

Looks like the wrangler is a bit less part intensive.

[D Griff]

Well, I did end up replacing both batteries on the Both tested a bit low on voltage, so I figured it was time. Costco had the main battery for $170, AutoZone had the aux for $130. The aux was a real fuckin' PITA as it's buried below the fuse box, other battery, etc. Forum bros led me to believe removing the fender was the easiest access which turned out to be a really bit of advice. In removing, almost all of the plastic clips broke, had to visit three stores to find them. Fortunately my area has a bunch of auto parts stores close by. Quite an ordeal/expense, between the driving around and work, probably three hours of time and $300 to change the battery on a car that's only 3.5 years old.

but it's been otherwise great so I can't be that upset. I will likely look further into aux battery delete if this happens again in three years.

Who else has owned ZF8 cars here and do you change the tranny fluid? This is nearing 50K miles and calls for basically no maintenance (no call for diff fluid, trans fluid, coolant flush) in the manual. I'm I'm down with oil changes only for life. We will probably have this car for a long while.

So the ZF fluid change is a bit odd. I believe you replace the entire pan since it's plastic and has the built in filter. And the fluid used to be quite expensive... Overall its about $300 in parts in my recollection.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/ ... ons.94302/

Looks like the wrangler is a bit less part intensive.

Thanks, that is a nicer write up than what I'd seen. Seems like a bit of a PITA as well for a fluid change. I wonder if it actually matters/needs to be changed.

[max225]

So the ZF fluid change is a bit odd. I believe you replace the entire pan since it's plastic and has the built in filter. And the fluid used to be quite expensive... Overall its about $300 in parts in my recollection.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/ ... ons.94302/

Looks like the wrangler is a bit less part intensive.

Thanks, that is a nicer write up than what I'd seen. Seems like a bit of a PITA as well for a fluid change. I wonder if it actually matters/needs to be changed.

depends. If you plan on keeping it to 150-200k yes, if you're going to keep it to 100k no.

[Desertbreh]

Well, I did end up replacing both batteries on the Both tested a bit low on voltage, so I figured it was time. Costco had the main battery for $170, AutoZone had the aux for $130. The aux was a real fuckin' PITA as it's buried below the fuse box, other battery, etc. Forum bros led me to believe removing the fender was the easiest access which turned out to be a really bit of advice. In removing, almost all of the plastic clips broke, had to visit three stores to find them. Fortunately my area has a bunch of auto parts stores close by. Quite an ordeal/expense, between the driving around and work, probably three hours of time and $300 to change the battery on a car that's only 3.5 years old.

but it's been otherwise great so I can't be that upset. I will likely look further into aux battery delete if this happens again in three years.

Who else has owned ZF8 cars here and do you change the tranny fluid? This is nearing 50K miles and calls for basically no maintenance (no call for diff fluid, trans fluid, coolant flush) in the manual. I'm I'm down with oil changes only for life. We will probably have this car for a long while.

I'm going to change the tranny fluid in the 440i @ 50K miles. Use ZF Lifeguard Fluid only. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/lifegu ... 7109031201. And yes, of course flush the coolant and change the diff(s) fluid.

[Desertbreh]

Thanks, that is a nicer write up than what I'd seen. Seems like a bit of a PITA as well for a fluid change. I wonder if it actually matters/needs to be changed.

depends. If you plan on keeping it to 150-200k yes, if you're going to keep it to 100k no.

Drive around in a Chevy Traverse with 200K miles on it, you are a peasant of infathomably low caste. Drive around in a Jeep with 200K miles on it, you are a rugged individualist with an old soul and incredible depth of character. Change the fluid.

[D Griff]

depends. If you plan on keeping it to 150-200k yes, if you're going to keep it to 100k no.

Drive around in a Chevy Traverse with 200K miles on it, you are a peasant of infathomably low caste. Drive around in a Jeep with 200K miles on it, you are a rugged individualist with an old soul and incredible depth of character. Change the fluid.

Yep. Regardless of whether we’re the long haul owners it’s worth preserving well.

[D Griff]

did suggest if we have a kid that I keep the 86, keep the Brep Beep as a daily and get her a new car but I don’t think I’m going for that, too much and I don’t really want two SUVs.

[J-Ho-Fo-Show69]

did suggest if we have a kid that I keep the 86, keep the Brep Beep as a daily and get her a new car but I don’t think I’m going for that, too much and I don’t really want two SUVs.

Haha. She tried to pull the ole Switcheroo on ya!

[D Griff]

did suggest if we have a kid that I keep the 86, keep the Brep Beep as a daily and get her a new car but I don’t think I’m going for that, too much and I don’t really want two SUVs.

Haha. She tried to pull the ole Switcheroo on ya!

Kinda but I think she thought she was doing me a solid, keeping the 86 and Beep Beep. Reality is who knows what’ll happen, I’m not too worried, hopefully we can just make these two cars work as long as possible.

[D Griff]

86 also needs new pads and rotors at 6400 miles

Kind of wild that the factory stuff on a car that comes with free track time held up so poorly. It was on track for one hour total and has maybe five or six days of mountain road aggressive driving, the rest is highway/derping about.

I took it to the Toyota rape palace because the brakes were making noise and they were basically like ‘you must have been tracking this car and this isn’t covered under warranty’. So time for some better pads and rotors.