Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - Richland MS

Morning at Twiltley Branch, December 15, 2008, Twiltley Branch Campground, Collinsville MS

This rack is too small

And this rack is too big.... GCR Tire Center is on Route 49 South, right in the heart of Jackson's heavy equipment row. They don't mess with these little one ton jobbies. They sent me across the street to another shop, who sent me down the street, who sent me to Shipp's Truck Specialist, Inc. Ah, this rack (a pit actually) fits just right. And I like the way the shop fits too.

This thing needs work

Not only did I find a rack that fits the rig but I found a shop that fits me. I'm not happy with the typical modern shop where your vehicle disappears into the back room and the only person you have to talk to is a clerk wanting your signature authorizing them to empty your wallet. This is a real shop with real mechanics. This is Bill Shipp and his two mechanics, Jimmy and Len, who spent couple of hours with me giving this puppy a proper inspection and discussing my options.

They found several things that need attention on this 16 year / 100,000 mile old rig.

Tomorrow, assuming all the parts arrive, they'll replace the worn out drag link and tie rod ends and the rear Bilstein shock bushings. And then give it a proper alignment. I'd had two ball joints replaced last spring on my way back east from New Mexico; they're fine as are the other two that did not get replaced then.

Next year I'll deal with the deteriorating rear spring bushings. The rubber is starting to dry rot but they think the bushings should be good for another year at least.

Night camp

Wal-Mart Parking Lot in Richland MS

Wal-Mart Supercenter in Richland MS

Wal-Mart Supercenter Store #17, 3200 Lusk Drive, Neosho, MO 64850 - (417) 451-5544

I chose this particular Wal-Mart in the Jackson MS area to boondock at for its convenience to the alignment shop I had an early morning appointment with. This neighborhood on Rt 49 South is a busy, noisy commercial area with lots of heavy truck traffic but it quiets down at night.

• Good level parking, shared with lots of trucks
• Busy commercial neighborhood
• Verizon cell phone service is excellent
• Verizon EVDO Broadband service is excellent
• Find other Wal-Marts in the area
• Check the weather here