The Mule: Part 3 – Light & Please Stop… – Banneker Motoring, Ltd.℠

So… ongoing repairs and “testing” of miscellaneous things. Due to weather and time, the suspension amongst the long list of other items had worn out. The truck is over ten years old afterall. To no surprise that the Mule will need some TLC. Which gave me the opportunity to try some upgrades.

Brakes, Rotors, and Suspension

Brakes, springs, and even the foam bump stop are all beyond their usefulness

New rotors, pads, brake lines, springs, and shocks

oetiker ear clamps purchased separately and you will need a tire iron to wedge the bags in

Both sides tee’d together and fed through the bumper to a schrader valve

Items Used	Cost (avg)
POWER STOP K2068 Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Upgrade Kit	450.00
STOPTECH 95066502 Rear Stainless Steel Lines	100.00
STOPTECH 95066002 Front Stainless Steel Lines	61.00
KYB 345073 Rear Shocks	60.00
KYB SR4079 Front Shocks	183.00
Timbren GMRYS4 SES Suspension Upgrade	225.00
Air Lift 60769 1000 Adjustable Air Helper Springs	88.00

Lighting

I also decided to experiment with some HID kits. I could have went with LEDs, but I like the lumination created by HIDs. Initially, I used OPT7. I bought 2 for the headlights and 2 for the fogs. Those died frustratingly fast. I called them on their warranty… 3 times to be exact. So, I tried two more manufacturers before I found one that’s currently, apparently reliable. From what I’ve read so far that you should expect roughly 1-2 years before replacement of the ballast modules depending on frequency of usage. I went with an AC ballast HID kit from Innovited due its availability. If you commute to and from work and its always dark, don’t expect longevity. However, I do run my headlights every time I drive the Mule so I will update on how long the modules and/or bulbs lasted. The manufacturer claims that the AC version should last for years, but I’m going to let time determine that.

I also created a separate dedicated fused circuit to power the HIDs instead of having them use the default light circuit of the old halogen bulbs. The old light circuit only controls the extra relays for each HID ballast module. With the different brands of ballast modules, I found myself making various bracketry using whatever I had laying around in the shop. I put more effort into the Innovited ballasts with the fuse box being placed underneath the air intake and sealed for water protection.