98 ZJ Slow Build [Archive] - Outlawed Offroad

mygrayzj

04-10-2012, 03:46 PM

The switches for my lights
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/TopLightSwitches.jpg

My first upgrade that I completely forgot about, my new stereo and speakers (Wasn't taking the door panel off to get pics of speakers lol)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/Stereo2.jpg

Another pic of my CB
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/CB2.jpg

CB Antenna mounted to the roof
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/CBAntenna.jpg

FRONT RIGHT BEFORE/AFTER
Before
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-03-03134404-2.jpg
After
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/FRCleaned.jpg

FRONT LEFT BEFORE/AFTER
Before
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-03-03134331-1.jpg
After
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/FLCleaned.jpg

BACK LEFT BEFORE/AFTER
Before
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-03-03134331-2.jpg
After
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/BLCleaned.jpg

BACK RIGHT BEFORE/AFTER
Before
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-03-03134404-1.jpg
After
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/BRCleaned.jpg

Sorry the before pics are so small, like I said I didn't get actual pics of them before so I just cropped them from other pictures

evilpersona

04-10-2012, 04:06 PM

i went to pepboys and got a can of vht nite shades and did like 2 or 3 light coats and it worked fine

Tat2dfreak

04-10-2012, 09:35 PM

1241

Friends on mine used to live in that 2nd floor apartment.

Goonies.nsd

04-10-2012, 10:38 PM

Friends on mine used to live in that 2nd floor apartment.

And the pickup you parked next to looks like 565matts neighbor. He borrowed his neighbors truck when he got in the accident.

mygrayzj

04-10-2012, 10:48 PM

Friends on mine used to live in that 2nd floor apartment.

Hah how long ago? You positive it is the same place lol?

And the pickup you parked next to looks like 565matts neighbor. He borrowed his neighbors truck when he got in the accident.

And how long ago was this, because he just got it from a friend who we work with, but not sure how long they had it. Truck has been in the East Northport area for a bit though. I love the thing, at 6'6 my buddy has to jump to get in it, there is no center console, it is loud as a mother, and it looks like a beast.

Tat2dfreak

04-10-2012, 11:01 PM

Hah how long ago? You positive it is the same place lol

Yeah is on Harrison Dr between Grant and Wilson, small parking spot on the street and a driveway is a hill, maybe '07 early '08 they live on Polk now.

mygrayzj

04-11-2012, 12:13 AM

Lmao guess you live around here.. Spot on. Guessing you spent some time at your buddies place to pull the house out like that :P

mygrayzj

04-11-2012, 12:16 AM

Just a small addition today, nothing too big. Finally got my flashlight all mounted and ready :D
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/FlashlightMounted.jpg

Tat2dfreak

04-11-2012, 01:12 PM

Lmao guess you live around here.. Spot on. Guessing you spent some time at your buddies place to pull the house out like that :P

Yeah, I live off of waterside.

mygrayzj

04-11-2012, 01:58 PM

Yeah, I live off of waterside.

Oh so you and I are like half a mile apart lol.

mygrayzj

04-15-2012, 11:33 PM

Ok more forward progress today! Plus some stuff that I completely forgot about..

First addition and my most awaited one, TOW HOOKS!!!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-04-15230256.jpg

Other addition. power steering skid (I think..)?
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-04-15230429.jpg

And the ones that I totally forgot I had done, the hitch receiver and gas tank skid (which is probably going to come in handy lol
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-04-15230510.jpghttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-04-15230520.jpg

Now I have the transfer case skid left to put up there, and then I need to find more shit to do (And more importantly the money to do it) :D

HuLuD44

04-16-2012, 06:10 AM

Finding more to do is never the problem, money, yea! ahahah . Are those all factory skids? Im sure ull find once you start really bashing them you ll want to upgrade to some more heavy duty 3/16" armor. But they ll def do you some good. And tow hooks are one of the most important things to do. No matter how much a rig is built it can always go down and need a good yank ahhaha

mygrayzj

04-16-2012, 08:38 PM

Yeah they are all factory off the other ZJ we bought. Maybe someday I will need the upgraded stuff, but for now it is just a precaution so f I do hit something I am protected. And as far as the tow hooks, I had been waiting to get them ever since I bought the Jeep, only problem was finding the factory ones. Now that I have them and they're all mounted up, I am ready to go :D

Goonies.nsd

04-16-2012, 11:00 PM

And how long ago was this, because he just got it from a friend who we work with, but not sure how long they had it. Truck has been in the East Northport area for a bit though. I love the thing, at 6'6 my buddy has to jump to get in it, there is no center console, it is loud as a mother, and it looks like a beast.

Matt was driving it about 6 months ago. He helped his neighbor build the truck. I didnt check it out to closely so i cant be sure thats it. But the truck was from Northport.

Goonies.nsd

04-16-2012, 11:03 PM

mygrayzj

04-16-2012, 11:29 PM

Yeah im running stock skids on the 92 XJ. Good stock protection and will handle most things. As long as your not attacking rocks LOL. Did you get the transfer case skid from the V8 ZJ?? Thats a good upgrade as well.

No rocks just yet, after I get lifted and all that I will be though. And I did get the transfer case skid, just haven't put it in yet.

mygrayzj

04-22-2012, 11:23 AM

Time to finally use the phrase if it breaks, upgrade it. Unfortunately sooner than later, and on my birthday, but shit happens..

Happy birthday Scott, from Jeep
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-04-22110707.jpghttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-04-22110740.jpg

orangecrush4u

04-22-2012, 02:11 PM

Now time for a nice cat back!!!!!!

mygrayzj

04-22-2012, 04:56 PM

Fuck yeah lol, it is getting upgraded now, been waiting for it to break :D And it sounds pretty good without the tailpipe, and doesn't smell up the truck so I am fine with it until it gets done lol

Tat2dfreak

05-08-2012, 05:58 PM

Tried to respond to your PM but you in box is full.

I have seen your jeep a few times around there, didn't see you this morning, my radio is usually cranked up so I don't here much else.

mygrayzj

05-09-2012, 12:35 AM

Lmao yeah I saw your lights and I was like oh shit I sort of know him lol. If I wasn't running late as it was I would have been a real weirdo and jumped behind you for a bit lol

joe

05-13-2012, 08:52 PM

cool

mygrayzj

05-14-2012, 01:01 AM

Thanks Joe. I haven't updated any of my new things to be done, haven't had much time either though tbh. Will try to do tues and wed when I am off work :D

mygrayzj

05-16-2012, 08:05 PM

Finally some long awaited progress has been made.
Last wednesday I took a ride out to CT to pick up a brush guard
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-05-09151020.jpg
What a pain in the balls lugging it on and off the ferry, but whatever it is so nice.

On the way home I saw some CARnage in front of Stony Brook Hospital
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-05-09163000.jpg

Today, finally, I got that baby mounted up and on there, AND got to keep my tow hooks on :D
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-05-16194443.jpghttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-05-16194450.jpg

Mounted like this (Kind of pissed I had to cut my bumper though :( )
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-05-16194458.jpghttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-05-16194503.jpg

And went in a bit of mud and sand, got stuck in sand, dug myself out yada yada yada fun day. Also found out that going through deep water is not a good idea with the cat being the last exit point, oops. Engine started bogging and losing everything it had in it, got me scared as shit.

Goonies.nsd

05-16-2012, 08:16 PM

Sounds like you pissed the O2 off. They dont like water LOL.

mygrayzj

05-16-2012, 09:47 PM

Yeah I got really scared and then figured i just got water in there and clogged it up, just waited for the shit to evaporate inside. Lasted about a minute or so, but it was not a fun minute or so. If you hydrolock the engine what happens, does it just die, or will it drive for a little bit (Because it crossed my mind at first even though I hadn't gone too far in the puddle).

Goonies.nsd

05-16-2012, 11:22 PM

Nah water shouldnt be able to travel that high up the exhaust. You wanna keep it out of the intake. And it sounds like the reason it bogged was the O2. Its the sensor rite after the cat. It helps measure the fuel mixture for the computer controled injection. They dont like to get wet on the outside of the pipe let alone water getting rite on the sensor inside. They dont like the drastic temp change.

mygrayzj

05-17-2012, 12:16 AM

Oh, well I thought it was in he cat because all I have running off of it is about a 12" inner pipe from my old muffler that refused to come off lol. Can dipping the o2 in water damage it any, or will it be OK?

mygrayzj

07-04-2012, 03:22 AM

No recent updates for this thing, soon to be done are rebuilding or replacing my rear axle and getting a new transmission. Got some 2" pucks in the mail the other day that I may put on soon just because I am desperate for lift, but we will see...

Cybergrunt

07-04-2012, 12:55 PM

Hey, just caught up on some reading. ZJ is coming along nice! Was that a V8 tcase skid that you got? I'm not sure if you replied to John. If so, good they got some heft to them. Rims came out great!

mygrayzj

07-05-2012, 02:17 AM

Hey, just caught up on some reading. ZJ is coming along nice! Was that a V8 tcase skid that you got? I'm not sure if you replied to John. If so, good they got some heft to them. Rims came out great!

That's funny I just read yours too lol, looking great as well. Yeah it was a V8 one, didn't even know John asked :D. And thanks, I think they came out pretty good too, have to do it again soon actually starting to get brake dust all over again.

mygrayzj

07-06-2012, 12:21 AM

My head hurts, finally ripped into the rear axle today. Turns out I have a bad carrier bearing bad axle bearings, and one bad bearing race. One spider gear is a little chewed up but hopefully not a problem. Pinion/bearings for it are fine, very few shavings in the axle cover, ring gear is fine, and everything else is apparently good I guess. Hopefully the carrier bearing and axle bearings fix my grinding noise (never bothered me but nice to have gone) and the noise that I got around left turns. My dad is thinking the noise had something to do with the limited slip because it was only left turns and stuff, anybody know if a carrier bearing would mess that up or are there other things we should take a better look at inside that could cause that exclusively? Hopefully have it back together by tomorrow afternoon/night. Need it ready for Sundays meet :D
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-05233401.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-05233336.jpg sorry must have shook when i took pic lol
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-05233307.jpg

mygrayzj

07-06-2012, 04:17 PM

Out with the old and in with the new, almost. Got everything ready to be put back in, now it just has to be done. Guess that will be left for tomorrow before work :D

The new axlehttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-06140930.jpg
Trying to get old one outhttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-06140941.jpg
Almost therehttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-06142433.jpg
Axle finally outhttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-06150005.jpg

saharacon87

07-06-2012, 04:25 PM

[QUOTE=mygrayzj;47176]Out with the old and in with the new, almost. Got everything ready to be put back in, now it just has to be done. Guess that will be left for tomorrow before work :D

The new axlehttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-06140930.jpg
[/QTE]
Looks good, nothin' like an axle swap. I assume this is the new axle your swapping in. Looks like the springs were cut off with a torch at the junk yard haha They just torch everything off.
Do you plan on lifting it while it apart?

mygrayzj

07-07-2012, 12:56 AM

Lol yeah they cut EVERYTHING! Except wires and I think the sway bar links were still intact lol. I am going to stick a 2" BB while I am down there, but no actual lift yet, don't have the money :(

Goonies.nsd

07-07-2012, 09:05 AM

Looking good. Its becoming truly your truck. You know have some serious wrenching invested in the truck now. Makes the truck more and more your own.

mygrayzj

07-07-2012, 04:31 PM

I think it is more my dad's truck than mine as far as wrenching goes LOL. Finally finished up today and took for a test drive, Lifted, loaded, and UNlocked. Put in the 2" spacers, got the axle mounted and installed and everything else together. Was a big task for a 2 man garage crew (One being me who knew very little what needed to be done). I like the look with 2" done, can't wait to upgrade.
Unfortunately didn't have phone on me in garage so I couldn't snap any pics while working on it, but got these 2 after finishing :)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-07150839.jpghttp://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-07150819.jpg

mygrayzj

07-08-2012, 12:56 AM

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-03-03134331.jpg

TO

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-07150839.jpg

saharacon87

07-09-2012, 08:52 AM

Looks good man. Best way to learn is to crawl under there and start taking stuff apart. What did you run for shocks?

mygrayzj

07-09-2012, 04:16 PM

Looks good man. Best way to learn is to crawl under there and start taking stuff apart. What did you run for shocks?

Thanks. I am gonna run 5100's once I scrounge up the money, but until then they will be stock. Probably going to run the stocks until I ditch the BB and go with a real lift, it held up real well wheeling last night and my on road driving isn't horrible with the stock shocks.

mygrayzj

07-14-2012, 04:09 PM

No building, but a new mark for my engine.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/162000miles.jpg

mygrayzj

07-31-2012, 07:51 PM

I bought some clear sidemarkers, so I decided it was also time to get some non-yellowed headlights to make the sidemarkers look better, and because it is nice to see when night driving. What a PITA the headlights were though, guess that's what I get for 38 bucks shipped for the pair from rockauto lol. Anyway, here are some pics.

Before
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-31171947.jpg

After
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-31185433.jpg

I am dumb and realized I needed before and afters only after removing the left HL so I only have the after for it, but it leaked water and what not and was even worse than the right side.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-07-31185441.jpg

Sorry, forgot about my build thread until this was published, delete if you choose mods.

mygrayzj

07-31-2012, 07:52 PM

Bandit1

07-31-2012, 08:18 PM

I had a better idea rather than delete you post I brought it over here to insert in your build thread.

mygrayzj

07-31-2012, 08:24 PM

I did that already lol thanks though. I posted the thread and directly after I was like oh shit, I have a build thread for stupid little things like this haha

Bandit1

07-31-2012, 08:34 PM

hahaha, yea but why waist the time you put into it, LOL

mygrayzj

07-31-2012, 08:37 PM

I didn't, I just copied and pasted it over lol, kind of like you did. Now it is there twice, does that make it double as effective lol

Bandit1

07-31-2012, 08:39 PM

I didn't, I just copied and pasted it over lol, kind of like you did. Now it is there twice, does that make it double as effective lol

well i didnt copy and paste, and its still your post... I just use one of the magic mod buttons I have. and yea it makes it double as effective since you can now see when you turn your headlights on at night. oh yea, how about some before and after shots of the light patterns from the driver seat? (if you have any befores)

mygrayzj

08-01-2012, 01:45 AM

Crap I didn't even think of that... They are definitely much brighter but I need to adjust the left one so it actually aims down toward the road lmao

Bandit1

08-01-2012, 09:01 AM

Crap I didn't even think of that... They are definitely much brighter but I need to adjust the left one so it actually aims down toward the road lmao

yea, no one really ever does think of it. and PM sent

mygrayzj

08-13-2012, 01:08 AM

And now for the moment you all (I) have been waiting for!!!!!! My little stock Jeep is not little or stock anymore, she is now sitting about 4 inches higher and on 32s. Big thanks to Chris (evilpersona) for the mechanical help and Geoff (tripleg) for moral support. Again I told myself and Chris that I would take a lot of pics, and then once we got started I soon forgot I had said that and forgot. Fortunately everything went in fairly easy thanks to air and impact guns, but unfortunately I have some loose ends to buckle up now that it is over. Going to need 2 adjustable trackbars, an SYE, probably new upper and lower CAs all around (definitely uppers first though) and I am going to be upgrading all of my steering components with 3/4" heims and 1.5" 1/4 wall D.O.M tubing soon. Lockers are still a light year away, but will be had eventually. Onward and upward from here!

Thank you jeep for making the left upper front shock bolt the biggest pain in the ass to get to. This was before I forgot about taking pics
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-11104005.jpg

Front done, should I just leave it like that?
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-11141227.jpg

Probably the scariest part of the whole thing was this mark of where the bumper needed cutting, yuck.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-11181400.jpg

The end result of the right side, thanks to Chris for starting it out and making it look good. Some sanding and it will be perfect.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-11185320.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-11141233.jpg

My crappy cut on the left side of the bumper, hopefully it will look better once I grow a set and trim my fenders
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-11185329.jpg

Bleh
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-11180642.jpg

Need some pics of the complete end result, for some reason I didn't take any.

mygrayzj

08-16-2012, 01:18 AM

Next step!! IRO adjustable trackbar for the front. Down the line my buddy is going to sell me his RC bracket and we will make this one double shear, but for now single will be fine. Then I need to fix the DS vibration, possibly get a rear adj trackbar, and I will be set until something else goes wrong..

stan98tj

08-16-2012, 01:57 AM

Nice! Looks a little more aggressive now. Keep it up.

mygrayzj

08-16-2012, 02:12 AM

Thanks man, it feels it too unfortunately. I enjoyed having the compact car ride, I can now say I am driving a truck lol. Can't wait to wheel it.

orangecrush4u

08-16-2012, 10:14 AM

Looks good, I did a smilar cut on my discos front bumper.

LILWB

08-16-2012, 11:40 AM

Looking good Scott! Thanks for the rack parts!

evilpersona

08-16-2012, 02:04 PM

shoulda seen his face when he was told he had to cut the front bumper. it was priceless. lol having the air tools was a great time saver.

mygrayzj

08-16-2012, 02:29 PM

Looks good, I did a smilar cut on my discos front bumper.

That's a shame lol, I guess it could always be worse.

Looking good Scott! Thanks for the rack parts!

Thanks D.J, and no problem hope they're working for you!

shoulda seen his face when he was told he had to cut the front bumper. it was priceless. lol having the air tools was a great time saver.

I don't wanna talk about it. And yes without the air I don't think that would ever have been put in lol.

As for my new trackbar I just got the invoice email from IRO, and OF COURSE there was an issue.. Trackbar bushings are backordered yuckkk. BUT, I called them up and got a guy named Jason and told him my little sob story that I can't really drive much and yada yada yada so I am getting a set of used bushings to ship the baby out today or tomorrow and then they are gonna send me new bushings once they get them in! Works for me :D

evilpersona

08-16-2012, 02:36 PM

did u go with the iro single shear or double shear?

mygrayzj

08-16-2012, 03:05 PM

Single for now, in a month or maybe 2 I should be getting the double shear bracket from a friend though and will upgrade at that point

LILWB

08-16-2012, 04:12 PM

What about Rusty's Off Road? Much bigger company, $10 cheaper and will always be in stock.

Tat2dfreak

08-16-2012, 05:52 PM

Rustys stuff is junk.

mygrayzj

08-16-2012, 10:46 PM

What about Rusty's Off Road? Much bigger company, $10 cheaper and will always be in stock.

Honestly didn't even think of them, but I always thought IRO was a great company and had great products so it kind of sealed the deal for me. And their customer service was very good to me today so I will definitely stand by them. Not extremely priced either...

Goonies.nsd

08-16-2012, 11:05 PM

mygrayzj

08-16-2012, 11:13 PM

IRO is a great company and the truck looks good. Coming along. The first cut is always the deepest Budump bump.... Now that you hacked it a little you will be slicing and dicing like crazy. And i see the driveway getting full. Your parents must love you LOL.

That cut scared me more than my first time at Rausch... That's how bad it was lol. And my dad is absolutely LOVING that I have owned 3 of the same Jeep basically at one point, LOVED IT! not.. But he doesn't mind letting me do it as long as I can make some cash/parts/both out of the deal. And I can tear mine apart with minimal help now, which I am sure he doesn't mind much either lmao. I can't wait for this front TB to get here, still trying to avoid spending another 160 on a rear one but it seems like I am going to have to. Then I need to figure out this driveshaft vibration. Depending on my hours next week I might drop by Planet if you're not too busy. Is there any way to increase the pinion angle without adj arms?

Goonies.nsd

08-16-2012, 11:37 PM

Dropping the transfer case. But you give up clearance. Only thing beyond that or adjustables is a Hack and Tap and CV driveshaft. BUT the kit you have should have rear lower fixed arms?? Correct? You can just get adjustable uppers in for the rear and leave the fixed lowers. Thats what im going to run in the 93 ZJ. I just tossed the fixed lowers in yesterday and with just a half inch longer lowers it kicked the pinion just enough i have a very small vibe. So the adjustable uppers on on the quick list to be put in soon.

mygrayzj

08-16-2012, 11:46 PM

I already dropped it, not helping any lol. Maybe I will order adj uppers now before I blow the $$ on anything else lol. Trying to find someone with slightly used ones though because those babies aren't cheap new

mygrayzj

08-17-2012, 11:10 PM

Next order was some Ironman4x4fab rear UCAS, once they are here and installed along with my front TB I should be good to go for a little bit without any driveline vibes and stuff. Rear trackbar is going to be experimented on (flashbak has a method that he used with his ZJ that worked for him so we may give it a go on mine and see what happens). I wanted to get the JJ arms from Ironman but I just saw Dom uses the poly ones and if they hold up to his abuse they are MORE than enough for mine lmao.

mygrayzj

08-19-2012, 12:35 AM

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-17151135.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-17151130.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-17151119.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-17151111.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-17151103.jpg

HuLuD44

08-19-2012, 01:52 AM

. I wanted to get the JJ arms from Ironman but I just saw Dom uses the poly ones and if they hold up to his abuse they are MORE than enough for mine lmao.

They dont really hold up to my abuse as ive turned a few of them into putty....They are cheap to replace ($6/Joint) and should last ure rig a few years st least . I think they will be fine for what your shooting for on ure first round build. If you have the coin, then of course go JJ but def not necessary. I on the other hand will be upgrading past poly as I design my full tri 4 link to JJ/.75 heims.

saharacon87

08-19-2012, 02:10 AM

I <3 JJs
Jeeps coming along great btw

mygrayzj

08-19-2012, 02:47 AM

They dont really hold up to my abuse as ive turned a few of them into putty....They are cheap to replace ($6/Joint) and should last ure rig a few years st least . I think they will be fine for what your shooting for on ure first round build. If you have the coin, then of course go JJ but def not necessary. I on the other hand will be upgrading past poly as I design my full tri 4 link to JJ/.75 heims.

I could definitely use the coin in other areas right now so I went with polys, don't think it will be an issue for me.

I <3 JJs
Jeeps coming along great btw

Thanks James, you Stan and Dom better know that the only reason it is lifted like this is from you playing on the comp course last month lmao. Once all this gets finished we have to organize another run together where I am actually in my own drivers seat behind you guys.

mygrayzj

08-25-2012, 01:35 AM

Again these pics are way out of order, but you get the point. Decided on the color I will be painting most all parts that will be on the Jeep. Krylon regal blue, nice and dark and goes well with the silver. Adjustable track bar is in, adjustable uppers in the rear are in, and alignment is done. Had dw yesterday but not anymore since John and his guys are kick ass. Have to earn my planet sticker somehow lmao.

Finally got a flex shot with the new tires, there are about 1/2" from clearing the fenders which unfortunately means it's trim time :'(
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-23232456.jpg

Mocked up the window guards after painting them, like the look now I just need to grab the double sided tape and stick em
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-23184431.jpg

Decided to take the rear door from the parts ZJ before letting it go to the scrapper. Looks pretty stupid but I kind of like it at the same time. Going to wind up getting a factory color rattle can and give it a go, can always put the dented door back on. Also the blue window guards, I don't like them so much on this side too many colors going on..
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-23184421.jpg

My new trackbar
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-23181425.jpg

Left side Ironman UCA
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-23181410.jpg

Ride side Ironman UCA
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-23181401.jpg

Thank you big bad brown man!!!!!! These things were heavy as a som'bitch and were installed instantly. Ripped that package open like a 12 year old on xmas morning. Best part, THEY FIXED MY DS VIBRATION!!!!!!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-23162820.jpg

Took the brush guard off, and will probably keep it off. Going to take the pushbar from the parts zj, sand it down and paint it and then put it on. Need to look down the road, or trail should I say and realize that hitting things with the guard I had on is only going to fuck up the front of the car, at least I can hit rocks and other objects with the new one. Plus it will be much much much much much much much x10000000 more sturdy (happy Geoff)?
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-22200631.jpg

Blue window guards ready for action
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-22200337.jpg

Homemade discos? Sure why not, 1/2" universal clevis pins and a couple R-keys. Might need to think a little further into this before pulling the trigger and going for it though.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-22175421.jpg

tripleg

08-25-2012, 09:11 AM

you made my day now lets go to rausch

mygrayzj

09-11-2012, 11:51 PM

The Jeep saw some little tidying up things today, half because I have been dying to do them and half because I needed to clean my garage floor..

When Geoff and I went to Rausch I realized just how handy power outlets come in, trying to charge 2 phones a cooler and a GPS at the same time isn't possible with 2, so I used the one from the other ZJ (wanted both but the cig lighter wouldn't have been so easy..)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-11164344.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-11164403.jpg

Finally fixed that left fog light, looks a lot nicer
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-11190706.jpg

End result, looks factory
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-11190717.jpg

Finally ditched the factory floormats for some Goodyear slightly better ones
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-11190722.jpg

Put on my blue rainguards and swapped the silver cladding on instead of the gray, Makes the white door not quite as obnoxious. The one thing I didn't get to today was re-tying that trailer wiring. Will have to take 2 seconds and do it tomorrow lol.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-11190852.jpg

Yesterday I also removed the drop bracket for the rear axle. Now it is only off about 1/2" which I can deal with for now since it was enough to stop the sidewall of my left tire from getting chewed up by the fender.

Also found yesterday that my cat is just about finished serving its purpose. Thankfully I saved the one from the other Jeep which is fairly newish. Need to get that done before the end of the month Rausch trip if I wind up going.

Xjbrianli

09-19-2012, 09:37 AM

That's my arm! I'm almost famoushttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/19/yva9upap.jpg

mygrayzj

09-19-2012, 10:44 AM

That's my arm! I'm almost famoushttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/19/yva9upap.jpg

That arm will make it in the big leagues right there. I will make you a star

mygrayzj

09-25-2012, 11:04 PM

Today was a Jeep day, but unfortunately the Jeep was being a bitchhhh. Left school and went to pick up a new tranny mount, because I have been wanting to do it just because. I had planned to get it done quick and easy, then go fishing with my buddy at 5. Come 4 o clock when I had to leave for my friend's house the Jeep was still in pieces, just got the new mount in but everything was on the floor. Figured whatever I would just do it later. Driving to my buddies I read the groupon I was using and it said reservation req'd, so I called. They don't run boats until Thursday wtfff. Wouldnt care but the thing expires Sunday and I have no other time to go. OK no big deal, I will just go throw the Jeep back together. So I get home, put my gloves on and get to work. Had to decide whether or not to put the T case drop back in, so I decided I would leave it out and see how it goes. Continue to try to line the xmember up for 5-10 min, finally get a bolt in and of course it is way off. I flip the tranny mount around thinking that was the issue, wrong. Then I realized the xmember was the wrong way, so I flipped it around and it lined up. The 4 bolts went in pretty easily and I was set. Took a ride down to Ace to get the hardware for the t case skid, nasty nasty nasty nasty x10000 vibrations from like 40-45, time to put the drop back in. Get the crossmember down and all, all 4 drop things were started and it went really easily. I get to the LAST FRIGGIN BOLT and it starts spinning. So I take it out and adjust, start it a little bit, it spins. I take it out, and of course it chewed the god damn threads up inside the frame. So I used a die to redo the threads on the bolt, but couldn't find the right size tap. Went back to Ace (for the 3rd time now) and ask if they have it. Only size they didnt have was 10-1.5 the size I needed. So I went to another hardware store, they were closed. Finally took a ride to Harbor Freight and picked up their 40 piece set for 13 bucks, which HAD THE RIGHT SIZE! Get home, tap the hole, still no good. Great.. Now we drill out the hole to a bigger size and use a 12-1.75 tap instead. Then lining it up was a bitch and all that, just way too big a hassle that shouldn't have happened. Then I figured we would replace my bad cat with the new one I had from the parts Jeep. Took the cat in the garage and looked at the pipe coming out, turns out the muffler pipe was still there a bit so we took a flashlight and looked down a little further to see what the hell was going on. Good thing we did, because the fucking cat was hollowed out by the PO. SOOOO, we just took mine off and hollowed it for now so it doesn't rattle. Didn't get everything done like i wanted to today but tomorrow is another day, and brown santa should be here with my diff cover :DD

mygrayzj

09-28-2012, 12:22 AM

The Jeep saw a lot of loving today. First off, she got her nice new blue diff cover on, what a BITCH! Guess that's what I get for trusting the "scratch and dent" ebay sellers, 2 bolts didn't want to line up right so got em in as best I could. Then I finally got my t-case skid on which I have been waiting to do for soooo long. Next up I took out the swaybar, bent it up and my homemade discos have been made for about 7.50 and some time + effort (universal clevis pins and r-keys, should work beautifully). And my steering skid is back on. All I have to do tomorrow is grease up, check fluids, and off to Rausch I go. I plan to go hard this time, so let's see what I break :D

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-26191430.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-27191902.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-09-27211314.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-08-22175421.jpg

mygrayzj

10-12-2012, 02:30 PM

New transfer case chain ordered and new 4.5" RE rear springs too :D

Xjbrianli

10-12-2012, 03:08 PM

See that wasn't so bad

mygrayzj

10-12-2012, 03:14 PM

Wouldn't have been done if that other ZJ didn't sell yesterday lmao

stwilson74

10-12-2012, 08:59 PM

Don't forget to correct your disconnects before you head back to RC too, those weren't doing you any favors last trip out.

mygrayzj

10-12-2012, 09:08 PM

Don't forget to correct your disconnects before you head back to RC too, those weren't doing you any favors last trip out.

What was wrong with them..? They helped me out big time lol

stwilson74

10-12-2012, 09:10 PM

They might have helped you out somehow... but I am pretty sure your inner fenders hated them! lol

mygrayzj

10-12-2012, 09:13 PM

Lol they're just fenders. They definitely helped though because remember when I stopped at that turn on the bottom of J-2 because I thought I was floating even though all 4 were still on the ground lol. My fenders just don't like my tires because they don't tuck under them right so the lip gets pulled out..

HuLuD44

10-12-2012, 09:46 PM

What make diff cover was that?

mygrayzj

10-12-2012, 10:39 PM

Rugged Ridge

mygrayzj

10-18-2012, 12:28 AM

Today the baby got a little bit of work done, brown santa showed up with a nice big box of rear coils for me. Rubicon Express 4.5" rears, to fix my saggy ass. Went in pretty nicely, had to fight a little on the left side getting it in, but Brian (xjbrianli) lent a hand and everything went smoothly. He has a few pics of me flexing them out because my phone was dead, will get some pics tomorrow or Fri. No more rubbing out back and they look and feel so much better, very happy :D

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-17183011.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-17183216.jpg

mygrayzj

10-24-2012, 11:33 PM

Long delay, but here are some flex shots, normally I would be beyond stuffed from this but I still have more to go with the new coils
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/imagejpeg_2-1.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/imagejpeg_3-1.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/imagejpeg_4-1.jpg

Just ordered a hack n tap for the new t case before I put it in :D Finally gonna get rid of that dreaded t case drop and these DS vibes

mygrayzj

10-25-2012, 11:50 PM

Threw some new joints in the x flex front UCAs I bought, they were shot...

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-25220327.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-25220339.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-25220357.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-25224156.jpg

mygrayzj

10-29-2012, 12:31 AM

Got some nice flexing out in Northport on the boat ramp

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-28193340.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-28193412.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-28193429.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-28193447.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-28193510.jpg

mygrayzj

11-11-2012, 09:23 PM

Got a few things done today, and found out doing the hack and tap is gonna be quite the bitch. Had a nasty vibration from 40-50 and a bad clunk when turning the wheel, so Brian and I popped out the rear driveshaft and found the U joints are beyond shot. Since it will be replaced with the SYE anyway just greased up the bearings and lubed the slip yoke, nasty vibration fixed. Next went around and greased the entire front end, clunking fixed. Have to be more privy to that, I rarely grease things up which I see is a bad idea..
And after chewing up about 5 bits, 3 of which were concrete bits I found that drilling the hardened case steel is not nearly as easy as I had hoped. SOOOOO I need to either a)Have it done by a machine shop, b) Go through another 10 bits, or c) find someone with a drill press and get er' done. Grrrrrrr

Goonies.nsd

11-12-2012, 09:00 AM

Or C use a good drill bit LOL. Concrete bits have no cutting ability on something that hard. A good bit will slice through it like Buda.

mygrayzj

11-12-2012, 01:05 PM

I tried carbide and cobalt which the home depot guy said Oh yeah, that will work just fine. So much for that, and the IRO manual says to use carbide. Very frustrating

mygrayzj

11-13-2012, 11:15 PM

Real CB Antenna acquired! 5' Firestik tunable tip in blue, now I just need to figure out my coax situation. I have a cable running back to the magnetic antenna I have on now but it doesn't have a plug, it runs directly to the CB. Any idea if there is an end that I can cut the current wire and crimp on to plug into the mount instead of running an entire new cable?

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-11-13224933.jpg

mygrayzj

11-15-2012, 09:29 PM

Soo glad to finally have gotten this SYE done, pretty much.. Only took 2 trips to home depot, about 6 drill bits (Would have only been 2 if we used the right ones to begin with), and a lot of time and annoyance. AND I finally one upped my all knowing father, "I know what carbide bits do, it's not going to work. If you want to open it and then try to return it when it doesn't work go ahead but I'm not coming out." BOOM IT WORKED lmfao. Tapping it was a real bittchhh since on the ZJ it doesn't need to be cut so we had to burrow the hardened stuff out to about 3/8 to get into the softer tappable stuff. Now I need to get a bolt that is lie .75" longer and it's ready to go in.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-11-15210452.jpg

Also got the washers for these flex joints today and they are together nice and snug and ready to go in.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-10-25220339-1.jpg

And this is my beautiful new mallet, the love of my life, apple in my eye. I will cherish it forever until Brian remembers to take it back.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-11-15210522.jpg

Xjbrianli

11-15-2012, 11:15 PM

I'm takin that mallet even If have to kill for it

Xjbrianli

11-15-2012, 11:15 PM

Like a sir

mygrayzj

11-15-2012, 11:39 PM

How ya gonna kill if you don't have a mallet to kill with? Looks like you've lost this battle thanks for participating!

Xjbrianli

11-16-2012, 11:21 AM

Your goin down like a sweet muffin

mygrayzj

11-16-2012, 03:59 PM

That means this is an appropriate time for this video, have some toast Brian.
http://muffinfilms.com/m.html

Xjbrianli

11-16-2012, 04:16 PM

How the fuck did you even Find that?

mygrayzj

11-16-2012, 11:52 PM

Guy from work lol told me about the site wednesday night because he used the same quote on me lmao

mygrayzj

11-25-2012, 10:49 PM

Well today has been so long awaited for me. I AM BACK IN 4WD! Got the new t case in with minimal problems, just a lot of cursing, grunting, dirt, and elbow grease.

As always I got pretty much 0 pictures, just a few when I thought of it. This is my crossmember, doesn't she look pretty. Bent both sides right over the bolt, one side I tried cutting away with the wizz wheel but then once Brian finally showed up we were able to bend it with some vice grips and a little wizzing.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-11-25145716.jpg

And here may very well have been the cause of my problem. I never knew tranny fluid was supposed to be black! Plus there was about 1/2 maybe 3/4 of a quart in the damn thing. Completely my fault for being neglectful and not checking it at all since buying the truck.. Learned a lesson there.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-11-25204749.jpg

Now that it is all together I have a few issues that need taking care of, hopefully nothing major though. I get a nasty nasty idle vibration in D, is sounds like my center console is shaking really bad and wants to explode. And I don't get any full time, I can hear the thing spinning inside, but it is like it is disengaged (Not sure if having no front drive shaft has any effect on this because both PT and 4L work...).

Next up I need a new front axle (need ball joints, but it's an excuse to start looking for a HP30), definitely need a beefier crossmember after putting 2 through the shitter, and I need to replace the U joints on my old front (now rear) driveshaft. To be continued...

mygrayzj

12-18-2012, 11:12 PM

Went 2 wheeling today since I have no front driveshaft in some mild little trails and puddles and what not and finally blew my front left hub bearing. So now I need to wait until I get my new HP30 and I can drive again.. Yay! Scary ride home from the outlets in deer park with that though lmao

mygrayzj

12-26-2012, 05:42 PM

She's getting some loving this season. Pulled the busted axle out saturday morning and pulled the new HP out of the donor truck. Woke up sunday morning and started on the new one before going to work, finally got the holes in the cover so they aren't a pain (had to burr them out a little bit, pain in the ass but worth it). Got the new uppers in and adjusted, and replaced my trackbar bushing. Came home from work and popped the new axle in, took about an hour and a half or 2 hours to get in, taking our time to line up the uppers to how they should sit instead of making them a predetermined length based on internet findings.

Old one out
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-22113432_zps19dcaffa.jpg

Empty space
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-22113446_zps2d0730c6.jpg

Didn't take any new pics, always forget..

Read the other day on NYCJC that Quadratec was doing 100 dollar certificates for 80 bucks so I bought 2 and ordered a new JKS Rear TB, U-joint for my rear axle, 2 3/4" D rings, and a snatch block, pretty much got the d rings and snatch block for free, needed to use the entire 200 on one order and I figured they would come in handy one day.

And today happened to be that day, unwrapped a nice 6k HF winch for Xmas yesterday, and decided that I could go trade it in for the 12k model instead and spend the extra 90 bucks that I could never bring myself to spend. I stood there and looked at it on this milk crate for at least 20 minutes, I think I'm in love.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-26145126_zpsff93a17d.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-26145746_zps380ba6c9.jpg

brunkhorse

12-27-2012, 02:45 AM

I was debating between that or the engo winch. Ended up w the engo 10k winch. So far its worked well.

I took advantage of that quadratec deal also I got 4 $100 gift cards for $320. Kinda regret only buying 4 and not 6! Will probably put it towards my rear bumper

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

wb joe

12-27-2012, 08:15 AM

good for you.getting there

orangecrush4u

12-27-2012, 11:30 AM

Let me know how that winch works out, was thinking about getting one for the rover..

mygrayzj

12-27-2012, 01:02 PM

Brunk I thought the limit was 2 of em? I probably wouldnt have bought many more anyway because they don't have too much I am really interested in.

Joe it's coming along slowly, I still have a lot I need to do but money is going to slow down big time with my other job ending this monday :/

And crush, I have never seen the 12k, but a friend of mine has a 9k and I have seen it take a hugeeee amount of abuse and pull him out of a lot of crap, and still works great. Plus the warranties are cheap and easy if you decide to go that route.

Cybergrunt

12-27-2012, 01:42 PM

My cousin has the HF 9K on his Expedition. Being 2 wheel drive he's had to use the winch a bunch of times upstate and it's worked perfect. He also moved a heavy wooden shed across a flat ground a good 20' on his property. It's taken some good abuse. Just know that the Badland winch hardware will rust quickly if left uncovered or uncoated. Keep you eyes open for the HF coupons for the 12K, they have it for $299. I have extra coupons if someone needs one.

mygrayzj

12-27-2012, 06:36 PM

That's the one I just used on this :D ended up costing 91 bucks for me to upgrade from the 6, which is fine because I could just never get myself to drop 325 on it. I am going to waterproof the control box, lengthen the wires and mount it under the hood, and get/make a cover for the winch itself to protect it.

Goonies.nsd

12-27-2012, 11:29 PM

Looking good. The Badlands seem to be holding there own. I too have seen them take some abuse. I know our XJs and ZJs really only need a 9000. But when your dealing with a lesser brand i think 12000 was the way to go.

mygrayzj

12-28-2012, 02:28 PM

mygrayzj

01-01-2013, 03:05 PM

Threw my stock tires on to see if my big ones are the cause of my high speed vibrations (which they were), man it looks funny with them.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-27155812_zps357475a0.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-27155829_zps4916750a.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-27155842_zps299672ec.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-27161552_zps40720812.jpg

And same day I got my new goodies from Quadratec, rear adj. trackbar, 2 D rings, and a U joint, still waiting on the backordered snatch block.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-28144032_zps3f9bb451.jpg

Not the one I originally set out to replace, but after finding out my Double Cardan wouldn't move laterally we opened it up and found this (Wound up replacing it with the not so shot joint I replaced on the other side of the shaft

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-28212300_zps59f992fa.jpg

And I am so jealous of gas in NJ

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-29024716_zps0ca09bf4.jpg

And then of course I wound up doing some testing at Rausch since I spontaneously got off of work the night that a couple friends from Forbidden Jeeps were going (NO I'M NOT FRIENDS WITH ALL OF THEM, QUIT GIVING ME SHIT lol)

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-29111010_zps0f48f74e.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-29111029_zps7b096994.jpg

And I got to witness this, a Jeep I am sure some here will recognize. May even put a smile on a couple of faces, took a dive into an 8 ft. ditch on trail E (a green)

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-29124847_zps701ac928.jpg

And as we left PA the Jeep hit a new milestone

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2012-12-30005904_zps70557d56.jpg

mygrayzj

01-03-2013, 07:13 PM

Mini cardboard bumper mock up started, need to do a little more of the bottom and then can move on to a life sized one. Picking up the new Explorer for my 8.8 in 30 min, if anybody who lives near me (Tat and Brian are the only ones I can think of at the moment..) has a spare donut, bavarian cream preferred that I could have that would be a friendly gesture.

mygrayzj

01-03-2013, 11:50 PM

Victory, got my 8.8 and had a little fun too. Tomorrow gonna drain all the oil from the engine, take the belt off, and throw a brick on the gas pedal, and of course do a few 6k neutral drops. Getting turned into a little metal cube at gershow soon anyway :D

LILWB

01-04-2013, 11:00 AM

and of course do a few 6k neutral drops. Getting turned into a little metal cube at gershow soon anyway :D
Video please!

Tat2dfreak

01-04-2013, 12:55 PM

So you bought it for the rear and your going to do 6k neutral drops with it, say by,by to that rear.

saharacon87

01-04-2013, 01:10 PM

Wait so you bought an explorer with an 8.8 and your gonna do neutral drops with your doner vehicle before you swap the parts from the doner vehicle to your jeep?....

mygrayzj

01-04-2013, 07:47 PM

The rear is out, its on the front 2 wheels and dragging on the leafs in the rear, have a video of it being driven down my driveway with a wood block under each leaf lmao. Was gonna blow it up today but of course when I took the trans cooler out that was added I completely forgot about the lines that run the fluid through it so I had 4 quarts of mess to clean in my driveway lol. I will hopefully blow it up tomorrow, before it comes to be taken away.

mygrayzj

01-15-2013, 09:18 PM

So I noticed a while back that I smelt some sort of oil burning under my Jeep after shutting it off, but never saw anything that pointed to a problem and eventually the smell went away. I was trying to find some noises that have been urking me for a while (ever since I did the t case swap), and of course my first culprit was the case. I was getting a spinning noise that almost sounded like the front yoke spinning around really fast with no driveshaft attached, but when I zip tied it in place it did not move and the noise persisted. So I decided to hop under and look at the case, and of course it was super low on fluid. I noticed a couple months ago as well that I had a t case fluid mess under the Jeep (looked like an oily murder scene), and of course I was conveinently in Center Moriches looking at an axle an hour away from home. The dust cover shot off and there was oil all over the place. So here I was freaking out that I had no fluid in it and something was gonna go horribly wrong, so I went to Autozone that was 2 mi away and bought a pump and some tools (because I removed my toolbox to fit the axle that I didn't end up buying). I got under, took the fill plug out and started pumping fluid in, but for some reason none of it went in. I got my head high enough to see that the thing was full of fluid, so I must have lost a little bit by the seal and it flung out on the driveshaft and made a huge mess over nothing (I thought). So the other day I filled the case up, now knowing there was a problem, my spinning noise was gone, and I was happy. But the smell came back, and after leaving the bitch for 5 minutes I would come back and see a small puddle of fluid lying right under the dust cover where the seal is. Long story short, the seal somehow died whether I messed it up or the case did so I went and bought a new one today and put it in. Problem solved, I do not see any puddles and no smells or noises. Better stay that way.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-15210349_zps3d28984a.jpg

Next problem.. now I get some good tranny slippage at low speeds and sometimes when accelerating. Guess that means this weekend is gonna be my balls out tranny fest, if anybody wants to join let me know, it should be fun.

And today in the mail my snatch block finally came from backorder. I love Quadratec, they shipped it out yesterday and it got here today.. How much better does it get?

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-15210404_zps5060732f.jpg

orangecrush4u

01-16-2013, 09:22 AM

Puddles and smells are always annoying!!! glad to see you solved the problem..

mygrayzj

01-16-2013, 10:41 AM

Puddles and smells are always annoying!!! glad to see you solved the problem..

Just a little bit lol, thinking now it makes sense but at the time I thought nothing of it. Just glad it's fixed

mygrayzj

01-16-2013, 11:15 PM

The girl is getting some crazy amounts of loving right now. I decided that it was time to redo my crappy old headliner, so I took everything out and got the foam pretty much cleaned off, hopefully I will pick some fabric and 3M up tomorrow and reinstall this badboy.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-16201304_zps5c05a457.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-16201551_zps9b7ab45a.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-16204911_zpsd0f36126.jpg

Also got tired of looking at the 8.8 sitting on the floor, so I threw it on the work bench and learned to use the torch. Didn't want to embarrass myself with a picture of the apron, mitts, and sleeves my father bundled me up in, but Brian will vouch and say it was funny. Got all the old brackets cut off, and now I am starting to grind everything down so she can get a nice paint job. Need to order the new brackets hopefully soon. Gonna try to have the new bumper/winch, transmission, and possibly the 8.8 done by Rausch the end of Feb. Probably won't get the 8.8 in though because I need to regear the front and that's gonna cost a little bit.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-16222305_zpsfbc799a2.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-16222336_zps09a59a3b.jpg

mygrayzj

01-18-2013, 12:39 AM

Finished up grinding the old brackets off of the 8.8, completely forgot to take pics though. Waiting for my flap wheels to get here then I am going to bare the entire thing down to metal and hopefully order the Artec kit n kaboodle in the near future with hopes of getting this thing ready to go in once I get my locker and gears for the front.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-17165847_zpsd74c30db.jpg

Also picked up my fabric and adhesive and got the headliner done. Looks SOOOOO good! For anybody who is thinking about doing this, use 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive, http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100067550/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=3m+77&storeId=10051#.UPjfyGdwTTc

That stuff worked AMAZINGLY, we took a blow gun and blew it for 10 seconds and it was super tacky, and sticks really really well. I am happy with the end product, aside from breaking a few plastic trim pieces, but no biggie John will have another parts ZJ eventually lmfao.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-17235337_zpscd49fa07.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-17235352_zpsebac6e8c.jpg

mygrayzj

01-21-2013, 01:15 AM

So yesterday and today I embarked on my most difficult journey yet, a transmission swap. My old one started slipping like hell at low speeds like in parking lots and a lot when accelerating from stop signs and stuff so I figured with today and tomorrow off it was time to bite the bullet and get er' done. It, of course, was a BITCH, sort of. Getting it out everything went pretty smooth, took the three of us 3.5 hours but there was a bunch of dicking around and what not going on. Once it was out just threw all the tools into a big box and packed up for the night, it was a long day. Got up and started working at 12, this time with only 2 of us. Got the trans onto a motorcycle jack and with a couple 4x4s it was high enough to bolt on. Got all the bolts started and everything was really smooth. Everything UNTIL I had to connect everything. The electrical connectors were all no big deal, but for some reason my shifter linkage would not clip on, it just slid on and off and refused to stay on when shifting. So we ground it down to make it thinner, and got a super small C clip to go right above the connector on the ball that the linkage goes on. That was a half hour of my life I will never get back, god damn it sucked getting that little thing on there. Not quite sure how it is gonna come off when I swap it again lmfao. Then after that we got everything going and got the crossmember and everything bolted on. I was under the truck bolting on the driveshafts doubling over in my mind to make sure we got everything, but we didn't. The CPS was not in, the most difficult of all that plugs into the top of the transmission... Of course. We fought getting hands up there and getting it around the kickdown cable and in it's spot for about 40 min, but finally got it. So once that was done we bolted all the loose ends up, but I needed to move the car to get 2 of the front DS bolts tight. Well once everything was on and ready for a test drive, guess who forgot he had driveshaft bolts to tighten? THIS GUY! I took off up the road and something got really shaky and right away I realized what it was. Crawled her home and pulled back in the garage, find out I lost a bearing cap but found it right in the road by my driveway. Threw the baby on and tried again. Works beautifully, a little bit weird shifting from 1-2 sometimes but I think the PCM needs to be reset and the kickdown cable adjusted. And the best part is my dad didn't get one bit dirty the entire time, so I don't have to listen to him bitch and moan lol. She is coming along, running out of things to do..

Twins!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-19213215_zpsc0fa7cdf.jpg

A nice engine indeed..
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-20104903_zpsf880f840.jpg

Going up!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-20104913_zps1df8c4c1.jpg

Like my old tranny fluid?
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-20120855_zpsb90993e5.jpg

It's in! (Sort of)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-20120935_zps78717372.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-20121015_zpsb7b71a75.jpg

My bolts
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-20121034_zpsc91307b4.jpg

And then naturally I stopped taking pictures, but it came out well. Probably removed about 10 lbs of caked mud from the underside too lmao. Finished the installation of the new one at about 830, so it was about a 12 hour project with 2-3 people crawling around on the garage floor doing stuff. Totally worth it

mygrayzj

01-29-2013, 12:30 AM

Done did some more roof lights today, keeping with the spirit of kickass LEDs which in my case are not kicking any ass. Got these 2 Hella fog lights from that 94 parts XJ since my friend didn't want them, and one was missing a bulb so I figured I would make it better and order an LED H3 bulb from superbrightleds (I contacted Hella and they said it's a standard H3 bulb in there). Well to my surprise the normal bulb outdoes the LED bulb 10-fold. Thankfully, it is easy enough to switch to a normal bulb and hopefully it looks right. Took a few hours to mount the things up and get them all wired and switched, but I have been dying for good reverse/fuck you lights for a while, so it's well worth it. Still think I am gonna get some good mini F-U lights from OLB though when I get the money for under the bumper lol. Was able to run the wires through the same hole as the other lights also, and got power from the CB which was already wired into the fuse panel.

White light
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-28171612_zps8d17cac5.jpg

LED light
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-28171820_zps090f5313.jpg

As they sit
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-28194206_zps7eb9cf97.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-28194222_zps60f8e676.jpg

Old hole
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-28194238_zps52552441.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-28194354_zps400a323a.jpg

Need to get some more pics of the end results, didn't want to do anything but eat once I was done lol. Put the switch right into my center console next to the auxilary power port I installed, easy access for assholes with brights :D

Also backed into a tree in the woods yesterday, love not having a metal bumper all I got was a little crack
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-28162155_zps5dcf0626.jpg

mygrayzj

01-29-2013, 11:37 PM

Got a good bit done today on a few things. First off, I went and changed that damn LED bub for a regular halogen one, and it is much better. They project practically straight beams that can be manipulated as necessary (the second pic they are both shining almost the exact same line so it doesn't look so good).

Old
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-29185630_zpse811a807.jpg

New
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-29190248_zps756dbb0e.jpg

Also went and bought a knot wheel and some primer from ac and got the ball rolling on the 8.8, once that is all done I am ready for bracketry and stuff. I wish I could just clear coat it lol
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-29224146_zps8c2e9721.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-29224154_zps9d5234b3.jpg

Primed
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-01-29225152_zps59e9b762.jpg

Should be able to get the other half just about done tomorrow and then it is a waiting game

mygrayzj

02-04-2013, 02:12 PM

Picking up some new meats tomorrow. 33x12.5r15 BFG KM2's from Mavis. They have em online for 201/tire but I called they number and they brought it down to 190, plus free shipping to the store, and I am hoping we can do a little cash deal. Then I need to get them mounted, balanced, and aligned and I will be all set for Rausch

mygrayzj

02-04-2013, 03:27 PM

Or not.. GOD DAMNIT! I called GY and got a price 199 ea mounted balanced for 33x12.5r15 MT/R Kevlar's. I love the KM2s but I am reading that for a DD the MT/R's are more long lasting and about equal in mud and rock. Plus they outperform the KM2s big time on snow and ice. And I have seen the MT/R's perform on ice and snow one trip at Rausch, and rocks and stuff the other. Both times they kicked ass, but the only time I have seen KM2s was my first trip watching Dom's truck. Decisions decisions. Either way I will be getting something tomorrow afternoon, I guess it will be a surprise.

EDIT: Decision has been made, 192.50 mounted and balanced from Goodyear in Commack for new 33" MT/R K's with lifetime balance warranty.

mygrayzj

02-05-2013, 12:06 AM

So in anticipation of the new tires, I decided to do some fender chopping today. The first side did not come out amazing, I had a lot of chipped paint. The second side was better, I used a lot more heat from the heat gun when I bent the tabs up.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04210859_zpse8835fed.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04211116_zpsd673557d.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04213548_zps9e8df84e.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04214426_zpsdbfa7c31.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04215121_zps9aa96f0b.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04220147_zps2e9a97a2.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04220354_zpsa966360a.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04220935_zps7e754185.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04221424_zps766f2aec.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04222624_zps469f289f.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04222633_zps2e686682.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04223041_zpsbd739d9c.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04223813_zpsd246ec6d.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-04223834_zps065a4c9e.jpg

From beginning to end of the process

mygrayzj

02-05-2013, 09:19 PM

I think I am in love.. The ol' girl isn't looking so girly now with a men's shoe on. Took a few hours, but I got me some beautiful new tires. So far they don't make much noise at all, they handle well as far as not having an alignment goes, and they are comfortable at highway speeds. Had to do a lot of smacking the pinch seam the get them not to rub, but got it done.

Old shoes:
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05150031_zps193a2343.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05150038_zps286a9327.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05150044_zps93f2e6ab.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05150050_zps3246bd02.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05150057_zps93e1bb09.jpg

The new tire I am getting
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05154351_zpscbf84a52.jpg

A work in progress:
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05160135_zps6f9d740f.jpg

On the Jeep
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05162620_zps99ceea83.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05163917_zps17ca20c0.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05171731_zpsa80b3594.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05171743_zps31e5e646.jpg

And it rolled 168,000 on the ride home:
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-05165527_zps66e2bd83.jpg

Tat2dfreak

02-05-2013, 10:36 PM

Are those bigger than your old tires.

mygrayzj

02-05-2013, 10:47 PM

Yup lol 33s instead of 32s

Cybergrunt

02-05-2013, 10:55 PM

Looks good with the new shoes!

mygrayzj

02-05-2013, 10:58 PM

Thank ya thank ya :D I can not wait for Rausch

M12LRV

02-06-2013, 01:56 AM

looks good with some 33s!! didnt know you could trim a ZJ fender, then again, never looked into it much... looks good!!

mygrayzj

02-06-2013, 11:24 AM

Thanks! Yeah you can trim it, wasn't too bad. The rears are more difficult because the door is there but I dont know yet if I really need to. Have to do some testing still

Cybergrunt

02-06-2013, 01:38 PM

Well don't grind to much of it away, you don't want to get a ticket in PA. Especially with the little town cops!

mygrayzj

02-06-2013, 02:06 PM

This is true... Totally forgot they're sticklers about that stuff. But normally I travel with people who have way worse than mine :P Just need to do a little more pinch seam hammering. How come the tires shift when put into reverse, I can be in drive or park and spin the wheel to full lock either way clear, but once I put it in reverse my left tire hits the little box that is toward the front of the car at about 3/4 turn either way. dont know what the box even does, will take a pic later if i cant figure it out

orangecrush4u

02-06-2013, 04:56 PM

Grab a set of flares.

mygrayzj

02-06-2013, 05:51 PM

Too expensive right now, have other things far more important to worry about

mygrayzj

02-06-2013, 10:49 PM

I finally finished up the 8.8. Spent a couple more hours sanding and removing dirt and rust and dust and junk from it and it's finally all cleaned and primed. Now I need to order some damn brackets, it's welding time! Unfortunately that has to wait a few weeks for my tax return lol

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-06204459_zpsae9cf013.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-06211006_zps7279751b.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-06211021_zps7ff535a6.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-06211027_zps23e377ed.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-06215850_zpsb138f506.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-06215855_zpsdfd84bd7.jpg

I find I am taking a lot more pictures with my new phone because it doesn'tdie and randomly shut off al the time, and the camera is easy to take multiple pics without it freaking out. Plus it's got a good cam in it lol

Xjbrianli

02-06-2013, 11:58 PM

It's gonna break

mygrayzj

02-07-2013, 04:30 PM

Glad you're gonna be helping to fix it! Or break it.. as long is there are no U Joints..

orangecrush4u

02-07-2013, 04:31 PM

It looks great, nice job!

mygrayzj

02-08-2013, 12:40 AM

Thanks! Today I took the evaporator canister and moved it so I can actually turn my damn wheels to the right. Kind of a pain in the ass removing the header and everything to move it over but could be worse. Also contemplated installing my tranny cooler but just wasnt feeling it tonight. Another day... And I finally got all the pinch seam smacking done so I don't have any rubbing. AND I went to have my shitbox aligned and found out that my 6 month old track bar's tie rod end is shot, thanks IRO! Someone is getting a nice phone call from me tomorrow. Also tripped my 1 year old upstream o2 sensor the other day (So much for NTK lasting..) Thankfully Rockauto will warranty that still so not a huge deal. And that is about all I am getting done before Rausch. Did find out I am getting a decent tax return though, so that pretty shit brown 8.8 is gonna be getting some brackets verrryyyy soon. To be continued...

mygrayzj

02-12-2013, 06:51 PM

So my idle got really rough the other day and started jumping while I was letting it warm up in the garage after doing some little work to it. Hopped in to shut it off and voila there was an engine light (surprise!). Checked it and my 11 month old upstream O2 sensor (Which I made sure to buy NTK!!) was throwing a heater circuit code. Unplugged the sensor and the problem went away, so I figured it was the sensor that was the problem. Thankfully Rockauto is easy to deal with and sent me a new one under warranty no questions asked. Got it today and threw it in there and problem is all gone, thankfully.

mygrayzj

02-16-2013, 11:18 PM

Went and got aligned the other day at Planet, thanks John, no more insane pulling and my wheel wobbling is not nearly as bad. He also threw me a pair of stock rear coil insulators that I threw away when I did my 2" spacers in July. When I stepped my lift up and ditched the blocks, the coils were directly on the unibody, and they started chaffing it. So I threw the insulators in there, and while everything was out decided what the hell and removed the rear swaybar. Tomorrow I think I am going to pull the t case off and glob some silicone on the mating surface of the trans and case, didn't even think to replace the seal on the tail of the trans and of course it's leaking. I plan to do some damage to the piece of crap at Rausch anyway and there is a 5 speed swap in the thought process so since I can't get the right seal to do it silicone will do the trick for the month or 2 until the transmission gets swapped AGAIN.

Goonies.nsd

02-17-2013, 11:38 AM

Silicone is the way to go. I never use a gasket. And i silicone them all even if they dont leak. They may not leak all the time so people dont worry about it. But they will at some point LOL

mygrayzj

02-17-2013, 10:10 PM

Ya know I am an asshole. I just bought the damn seal earlier for the 14 bucks it cost. It took 10 seconds to replace. But I didn't bring out the silicone. However.. there is a notch in the metal for fluid to drain out if a leak does spring up (could just silicone that shit too, but I didn't haha). Took a little less than an hour to get the case out, seal was all of 10 seconds, and then about 3 hours to get it back in, what a nightmare. Tried multiple times to get the thing in there alone and I just couldn't. Dropped it once after almost getting it on and then decided to wait. My dad came out and gave a quick hand, and then I got it all back together fairly quickly. But then I went to start it and I had killed the battery from leaving the key on, no big deal. Threw the charger on and went to start it and it acted like it started but sputtered off so I figured I stopped cranking too soon. Let it charge up a little more and tried again, and it cranked and cranked and cranked until I gave it gas. It wouldn't hold an idle.... If I let of the gas it would stall out and need to be gassed to start back up. After revving it at like 1500 for over a minute it finally settled down and idled on it's own. Now it works fine, but it bogs down the first few seconds when I start it (don't need to give it gas anymore though).

old shot seal, hard as hell and cracked in about 5 places
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-17183640_zps5c187622.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-17183645_zps296a7c17.jpg

Also buttoned up some other stuff, my 2nd to last rausch trip with NYCJC my caliper froze up after getting out of the city, but it never did it again so I never looked into it. But I pulled the front tires off today and decided it would be wise to check, one pin needed some grease but none of them were reallllly bad. Also straightened out my swaybar link that I bent last trip. And just for you John, I cut the shock boot off of my other shock, ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-17164207_zpse7c0298c.jpg

And I found the loud ass clunk I had been getting when turning the wheel. I was going over all my bolts and stuff, and my left LCA bolt was funky, I could spin it very easily with a wrench, but it would not tighten up. I also noticed that when I would spin it the arm would move inside the axle mount. So I took the old bolt out and found that the holes of the axle mount are starting to wallow out. grabbed a new bolt and stuck a crapload of washers on it and the problem is fixed for now, won't matter soon anyway since I am using a different housing once I regear. Had to use the good ol' bottle jack trick I saw in one of John's build logs to get the hole to line up.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-17161050_zps1efb040b.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-17161056_zps964071e2.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-17161153_zpsa9b7ec0b.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-17161528_zps3f890572.jpg

So for Rausch I have a couple things that need tending to:
I need to figure out what the HELL caused my truck not to idle, because that can not happen at Rausch.
I need to drill a couple holes in my floor for some new crossmember hardware, 2 bolts on one side are now spinning in their holes for some reason and not providing a whole lot of strength
Check all fluids and grease everything up
Rausch time

Tat2dfreak

02-18-2013, 12:19 AM

The idling rough is from the battery going dead. Disconnect the terminals and touch them together, if will reset the computer and should be fine.

Goonies.nsd

02-18-2013, 10:15 PM

Listen to Tat. Common problem with the ZJs. And YES im very happy to see the boot off LOL. And im glad my little bottle jack trick worked for ya. And while im patting myself on the back i do remember saying your clunk could be a lose control arm bolt. Im just sayin LOL.

mygrayzj

02-18-2013, 11:01 PM

Thanks Tat, I actually haven't done it yet since the problem stopped but definitely going to tomorrow or wed just in case.

John - it was gawking at me when I had everything apart, so I decided to make you happy and yank it off lol. Did the rears also when I installed the insulators lol so I am totally bootless. That bad rear shock pissed all over me, it was horrible I should have left that one on lol. And I totally did not hear you say it could be a CA bolt, I am taking credit for this one haha. But it's back again, guess I will just deal with it until I get the new axle, the bolt is loc-tited on there and is plenty tight, just won't stay in place because of the hole :/

And in other news today I yanked the interior all apart to cut the floorboard away and drill the L/S crossmember holes to 7/16. Went to Ace and grabbed some nice grade 8 hardware, so now my crossmember is being held in by 4 bolts instead of 2. All in all it wasn't hard to do, but removing all the kick panel crap to peel the carpet up just enough is a real pain in the balls. Enough so that I am going to wait until it is necessary to do it on the R/S, I will just save the bolts and stuff I bought.

Cut the floorboard already, just made a flap in the carpet to fold up
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-18215614_zps644e69cf.jpg

Flap up to access bolts
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-18215621_zps2132db09.jpg

All conveniently covered up by floormat
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-18215650_zps709601bb.jpg

Rausch checklist:
Check fluids
Grease everything
Load the truck
Hit the road

Tat2dfreak

02-18-2013, 11:31 PM

As the computer relearns in will correct itself.

stwilson74

02-19-2013, 08:12 AM

John - it was gawking at me when I had everything apart, so I decided to make you happy and yank it off lol. Did the rears also when I installed the insulators lol so I am totally bootless. That bad rear shock pissed all over me, it was horrible I should have left that one on lol. And I totally did not hear you say it could be a CA bolt, I am taking credit for this one haha. But it's back again, guess I will just deal with it until I get the new axle, the bolt is loc-tited on there and is plenty tight, just won't stay in place because of the hole :/

Get the axle into position and the tack weld the washer to the bracket. Pull the control arm and finish weld... no more problem... although it should stay put properly torqued.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk HD

mygrayzj

02-19-2013, 11:21 AM

Get the axle into position and the tack weld the washer to the bracket. Pull the control arm and finish weld... no more problem... although it should stay put properly torqued.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk HD

Thats actually what I was planning on doing, just need to wait until tomorrow or thurs when my buddy who can weld has a minute to do it for me. Thanks for the tip though!

mygrayzj

02-20-2013, 09:25 PM

The truck is Rausch ready. Got everything greased, checked all my fluids, cleaned everything up and got it all organized. My fenders are not going to like me much after this trip, but that's ok.

mygrayzj

02-21-2013, 10:44 PM

I forgot all about one thing that is pretty important.. MY T CASE SKID! I killed the nutcert in the frame last time taking it out, so I never put it back on and sort of forgot I had it. Drilled the 2 holes in the crossmember and the one on the unibody out to 9/16 to fit the 3/8 nutcerts we have and got the skid mounted up. Lets see how not pretty it looks after this trip lol

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-21184606_zpsf0321d73.jpg

Goonies.nsd

02-21-2013, 11:43 PM

Theres gonna be alot of Smurf blood marks on the Rausch trails between you and Geoff.

mygrayzj

02-21-2013, 11:45 PM

I love killing smurfs, you ever heard one scream as it gets mashed into a rock?

M12LRV

02-22-2013, 06:56 AM

Made me burst out laughing in a silent house... lmao... looks good. Making me remember to ditch the t case drop and get a skid....

mygrayzj

02-22-2013, 01:19 PM

Thanks man

mygrayzj

02-24-2013, 10:39 PM

Amazingly tired and beat after the ride home from Rausch, but it was a fun and for the first time broken weekend. Will post a full report tomorrow.

mygrayzj

02-25-2013, 11:11 PM

Let the fun begin! Rausch trip #4 over, and the truck kicked some ass this time. It also kicked some parts to the dumpster for once.

Day 0: After stopping at Cabela's, Brian and I decided to get some taco smell. In the parking lot there was a nice little ravine that I decided would make a nice flex test spot. It flexed alright, popped the rear bumper right off the little tabs on the side. That problem only got worse as the weekend commenced, so bumpers are not on the upgrade list.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-22210210_zpsd61b2cac.jpg

Day 1: Hit the trails around 830-845. We ran some greens/blues, nothing crazy. Got to Crawler Ridge..? and I went to throw her in 4LOW and the lever went loose. I busted a bushing and had to shift in by hand under the truck. Not the biggest deal but pain in the ass.
I came up to the rocks and we noticed I had a little bend in my tie rod. It was there previously, but had gotten somewhat worse between the 33s and one part where I gave it a little hell.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-23100643_zpsba899f96.jpg

So I ran the easy line half because of that, half because I knew I couldn't make the hard one lol. Got to the next trail and had Brian giving a little spotter advice. All the sudden he said I quit, get out and look at your shit. I hopped out and my tires were toed in opposite directions and one was turned the other straight. Needless to say, tie rod no more, it was now a V-rod.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-23104048_zpsdbd52053.jpg

Thankfully Geoff's buddy Rob had a spare from his XJ in the tow rig at the hotel, so they were nice enough to run and grab it for me. Just about had the destroyed one out by the time they got back, damn cotter pins, so we swapped one tie rod end over (one was bad on the new tie rod) and threw it in, and off to the trails again.

The rest of that day went well for me, and nobody else broke anything.

Enter Day 2:

We started a little late, got on the trails a little after 9 and ran the NE Property. We were going along and came across a trail that split either black or blue. Of course I decided to try the black. Everything was fine, I was picking fine lines until the last 75 feet of the trail. I landed something on a nice sized rock and off with my exhaust from the muffler back. Couldn't do anything for it on the trail, so we ratchet strapped it up and I drove to the parking lot. Used Rausch's hacksaw and wizz wheel and cut the tailpipe at the high peak where it goes over the track bar (which is what stopped us from ripping it out whole), and threw it in the back seat.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24103138_zpsc7011a08.jpg

Back to the trails, I decided that since Geoff left I didn't want to slow down Dom and Matt so I saw NYC meeting their buddy in the lot and hooked up with them. We ran some of the South blues that we did the day before, but they're fun anyway lol. We were running 10-A and wound up on 10-B instead, so when we came to the part that we had to climb the downed tree around the right turn (Dom, Matt, and Geoff will know where I mean) we all decided to park and BS a little. Well as we were BSing one of the NYC guys trucks started rolling away (Neil, he has a stock red JK Rubicon). Brian and Mike got it mostly slowed and the rest of us got it stopped so Neil could run in and put it in gear. He tripped trying to get over to it and busted his knee open real bad. Rushed him out of the trail and he managed to drive himself to the hospital , 17 stitches later. And with that wheeling terminated.

Hit up Arby's with Matt and Dom and we left short after. Driving down the road at about 50 I started getting some not so nice noises and pulled over into a parking lot. Jacked up my driver front and shook the wheel, sure and shit I blew the hub. Limped to Rausch 5 miles and parked out by the garage. Got the wrong hub from Rausch which we found out after getting the old one off, and Brian happened to talk to some random guy who THANK GOD had a spare hub that I needed from a 44.. Returned the wrong one to Rausch and paid 40 for the right one from crazy dude in the parking lot. Threw it in, and it got me home. Note to self, BRING SPARE HUBS. In the process we busted:
A harbor Freight Screwdriver
A harbor freight adapter set (In somebodys 6" snap on extension that he was nice enough to lend me thankfully he wasn't mad)
A 1/2" Stanley Breaker Bar
Our asses.
*I now understand why mechanics spend 5x as much on Snap on/MAC/Matco tools.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24153828_zpscefec059.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24153836_zps882db865.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24153858_zpsbf88213f.jpg

Random Pics I took throughout the weekend:
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24131617_zps581dfa25.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24131624_zpsc253701c.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24112251_zps2bdb4222.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24112256_zps81eae959.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24115452_zps1f0d3bdc.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24115833_zps91670b8a.jpg

Silly Race raptor:
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24165504_zps101f4e0f.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24165511_zps89cb3909.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24165514_zps7cbcb162.jpg

All in all kickass weekend even though I broke stuffs. New list of upgrades:
Front and rear bumpers
Axles
Steering setup
Possible Novak shifter
More fender cutting
2" higher lift (blocks most likely)

Goonies.nsd

02-25-2013, 11:22 PM

Yeah we dont like to spend all that money on SnapOn tools. But it beats busted knuckles and bloody hands. And wasnt it you that got annoyed at how easily i got the pins out with a pair of cutters? Guess it didnt work for you?

mygrayzj

02-25-2013, 11:31 PM

Yeah now I get it lol, plus when you break a tool you need you're kinda screwed lol. And yes it was me who got mad at you, cotter pins hate me and I hate them back. I spend 20 min trying to get the left side one off the knuckle, it wouldn't pop out enough to grab with my shitty pair of dykes. Wound up getting the wheel nut off with a 3/4" breaker bar with a 1/2" adapter, it was all we had left after the 1/2" BB shredded lol

mygrayzj

03-05-2013, 08:38 PM

Took a large step in the right direction today, just ordered new USA Standard Gear 4.11 Ring and Pinions for the 30 and the 8.8, along with full master installation kits for both.

Forgot to mention last week on the way to Rausch I pulled the trigger and called up Artec and ordered the 8.8 Truss and axle swap kit. That got shipped out yesterday and the install kits will be shipped tomorrow. Unfortunately the R+P's were special order and will not be here for about 3 weeks, but I need to build some cash back up to have em done anyway. John I see some business coming your way!! lol probably going to have you do the axles and transmission rebuild in one shot, need to bite the bullet one of these days. Before I can have the 30 done though I need to buy the locker still, that will be the next purchase. It's so close I can taste it lol, to be continued!!

orangecrush4u

03-06-2013, 09:28 AM

How the hell did the wheel snap of the raptor???

mygrayzj

03-08-2013, 01:34 PM

Race raptor lmao, idk there were 5 or 6 of them on the high speed course and someone did something not very right lol

mygrayzj

03-09-2013, 01:25 AM

Front axles just don't like me lately. Think I trashed my R/S shaft U joint dicking around in some snowpiles. Got a nice loud screeching for a bit on the way home and have a slight rotational vibe. Jacked the wheel up and spun it and got the same screeching. Thankfully it wasn't a hub this time lmao

orangecrush4u

03-09-2013, 09:14 AM

Guess those axles are not that strong. hmmm..... Its been one of those weeks for ya hah.

mygrayzj

03-09-2013, 01:11 PM

Hah it's not even that, it's just that I have been trusting the parts in them which are plenty old.. My LP 30 had 158k on it before it got swapped, I am sure it never got a new hub, and we have no clue how many miles are on the HP 30, we estimate somewhere in the 200k area so it's all bound to happen eventually lol. Would my best option be buying some spicer 5-760x's and throwing one in to replace the busted shaft (May as well buy a spare while I am at it too lol), or are there better ones for similar prices around?

On a better note, got my 8.8 gear install kit yesterday :D
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-09130138_zps96b62acd.jpg

mygrayzj

03-11-2013, 11:47 PM

It's all coming together. I got 2 pretty boxes from UPS today, thank you Brown Santa! Artec 8.8 truss and brackets CHECK. This thing is pure beef, I thought the truss was gonna make up most of the weight, I was wrong. All of these brackets are heavy duty as hell. I screwed with it a little before work and all I can say is it's gonna be veryyyyyy interested piecing together lol.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-11142216_zps8ce79709.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-11142035_zps576b1167.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-11141215_zpsdb0b7d56.jpg

Also came today is my Dana 30 gear install kit, now all I need is the rings and pinions to get started. Was going to open it but I was way too preoccupied by the truss lol.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-11135613_zps1d501788.jpg

And the final step in part buying for my regear, pulled the trigger on the Detroit mechanical for the front, got a kickass deal from Summit saving about 50 bucks so how could I pass it up. That will be here by friday-ish and then 2 weeks on the R+Ps. By then I should have about enough money to get either the 30 or 8.8 geared, hopefully. Everything is coming along so nicely, finally this baby is gonna have some customization to it! Plus it should be pretty beastly offroad with locked front and LS rear :DDDD

And the other day I hit my next landmark, 169,000 miles
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-10165947_zps7ba3ba15.jpg

mygrayzj

03-12-2013, 04:01 PM

Got 2 emails from Summit earlier, assuming one was a confirmamtion the other a shipped notification. Turns out my R+Ps are on the way too, they will be here Wednesday! I'm gonna be doing some major drooling for a little while lol

mygrayzj

03-12-2013, 10:51 PM

Also gonna be ditching this god damn white door soon, thank you Geoff for having a parts truck the same color as mine lmfao.

mygrayzj

03-14-2013, 12:15 AM

More parts, more problems, more work today.

So I went to look at a cheap Jeep earlier in Huntington, needs work would be a parts truck if i wind up with it because the trans is practically brand new and mine is practically destroyed. He mentions that with the car comes a few things he had bought a while back, such as a u joint and 2 HUBS! I was acting like I didn't own a car, so I was like oh you have hubs for the front, my buddy blew his would you sell them outright? So I gave him 35 bucks for two brand spanking new hubs from carquest, since I go through them like nothing now. Replaced both of them tonight just for the freaking piece of mind, and they better not explode. Was going to be buying a new Timken one tonight on Rockauto anyway, so I got lucky he had em.

old
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13203602_zpsec9582df.jpg
new
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13203605_zpsf8415795.jpg
some nice hub bolts, came out like cake
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13211604_zps0482b8e7.jpg

Also got another box today
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13154753_zps0cd0eb55.jpg
NEW GEARS!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13223719_zpsb6b7fc0a.jpg
HP 30 4.11
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13224251_zps885398ad.jpg
8.8 4.11
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13224256_zps7a2f2203.jpg
Look at the size difference!!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13224322_zps10045d44.jpg

Also started mocking up the truss, it all goes together so nicely, can't wait to put it on for real
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13233127_zps553c94af.jpg
By the left side coil bucket
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13233132_zps3c3b858b.jpg
By the right side coil bucket
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-13233136_zpsbe1c073b.jpg

Last package comes tomorrow and that will be my locker and then everything is ready to regear

LILWB

03-14-2013, 03:56 PM

...... Driving down the road at about 50 I started getting some not so nice noises and pulled over into a parking lot. Jacked up my driver front and shook the wheel, sure and shit I blew the hub. Limped to Rausch 5 miles and parked out by the garage. Got the wrong hub from Rausch which we found out after getting the old one off, and Brian happened to talk to some random guy who THANK GOD had a spare hub that I needed from a 44.. Returned the wrong one to Rausch and paid 40 for the right one from crazy dude in the parking lot. Threw it in, and it got me home. Note to self, BRING SPARE HUBS. In the process we busted:
A harbor Freight Screwdriver
A harbor freight adapter set (In somebodys 6" snap on extension that he was nice enough to lend me thankfully he wasn't mad)
A 1/2" Stanley Breaker Bar
Our asses.
*I now understand why mechanics spend 5x as much on Snap on/MAC/Matco tools.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24153828_zpscefec059.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24153836_zps882db865.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-02-24153858_zpsbf88213f.jpg

Scott, I saw this back when you posted it and wanted to comment but didnt have time. There is a much easier way to do this rather than breaking all sorts of tools. I cant remember where I first saw this but it was also covered in a recent issue of JP mag.

Forget about trying to shove screwdrivers, pry bars, Spackle knives, gasket scrapers, penises ect between the unit bearing and the knuckle and trying to pry it off. You obviously know by now how well that works... or doesn't work.
Get your long extension or breaker bar or some other long piece of strong metal
place one end on the u-bearing flange and the other against the coil bucket, shock mount, sway bar end link mount, pumpkin.... basically any part of the axle that stays still when you turn the wheel.
Turn the motor on and turn the steering into the object you placed against the u-bearing flange. The power steering will push the flange against the extension that is jammed up against the stationary portion of the axle. The force should pop the unit bearing right off the knuckle. Thats it!
Work smarter not harder!

mygrayzj

03-14-2013, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the advice DJ, I had actually noticed egodfrey said something like that on some thread I was reading don't remember which, but I couldn't get it to work last night when I replaced them either. To be honest I didn't grab many extensions, onlt a 3" and 1" but couldn't make them fit between the unit and anything so I went hammering away lol. Now I know, thanks!

Tat2dfreak

03-14-2013, 05:53 PM

If there junk anyway just beat them off with a hammer.

mygrayzj

03-14-2013, 08:04 PM

Well one was, but it came off easy because I just replaced it lol. I killed the other one nailing it with the hammer though, so now I need to buy a spare.

mygrayzj

03-14-2013, 08:09 PM

And the day has come, I finally got my locker. Last of 4 packages to arrive, now I'm ready to be regeared.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-14195810_zpsd766ffd6.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-14195920_zps990730b3.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-14200113_zps86bdf1e8.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-14200121_zpsad617ef3.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-14200130_zpsf0ddc307.jpg

Question.. What the hell does this mean, I need to get new carrier bearings/races than came with the Alloy USA Install kit http://www.4wheelparts.com/Drivetrain-Differentials/Dana-30-Reverse-Master-Installation-Kit.aspx?t_c=12&t_s=237&t_pt=5094&t_pn=ALY352032&Manufacturer_PQ=Alloy+USA
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-14200253_zpseb9f75a7.jpg

Just kidding, realized I have the Detroit locker not the Eaton E Locker Whoops

orangecrush4u

03-15-2013, 09:08 AM

Bet you can't wait to test it out!!!!

mygrayzj

03-15-2013, 09:29 AM

You have NO idea lol I'm gonna die waiting for my next trip to Rausch lol

mygrayzj

03-17-2013, 11:52 PM

Well yesterday I decided it would be smart to try to chop my rear fender since I rub like a mother up in it. I planned to do what I did up front and just cut the little lip off and then slice it and fold it up, but once I cut the lip I realized the two pieces seperate big time. I wasn't sure how to go about it at that point, so I cut the outer fender metal off (the silver) and had the inner fender hanging there. So then I cut a big chunk of the inner out which now seems like it was a bad idea from a structural standpoint. AND the fender looks like shit, so I totally fucked myself. But I guess live and learn... Have to try to get some metal in there and weld it to at least make it a little bit stronger, and do something to waterproof it because a leaf bag isn't gonna work for too long. I am scared to do the other side now lol.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-16161526_zps30554ea9.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-16173919_zps7230f2e1.jpg

Today I didn't get much done other than getting the interior panel off to access where welding needs to be done. Plus, I talk about all this welding as if I know how to do it, so I borrowed my buddies old little arc welder and some sticks and am starting to fool around with it. Once I get decent enough with the crappy arc he's gonna let me try my hand with his miller MIG :D and then I can get my own and actually be able to weld my own stuff. Also got the HP 30 housing from him that I have to clean up and reinforce and have the gears put into. Baby steps...

*We also had a little flexing going on at his place at one point just for giggles. Of course his truck trumped mine and our other friends, but it was fun.

Me on 2 stock tires and a little Toyota tire
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-17163048_zpsf7fa72f0.jpg

Dennis on 2 stock tires and 2 little Yota tires lol
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-17164021_zps0b37fdf2.jpg

mygrayzj

03-20-2013, 10:25 PM

I made a box!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-20215442_zps53ffa334.jpg

Xjbrianli

03-21-2013, 07:59 AM

Gold star for you! See if your dad will hang it on the fridge

orangecrush4u

03-21-2013, 06:44 PM

Is that your first practice weld? Hey its together, everyone has to start somewhere.. I have yet to learn.

mygrayzj

03-21-2013, 08:45 PM

Is that your first practice weld? Hey its together, everyone has to start somewhere.. I have yet to learn.

It's the first practice putting things together. The other side of that larger piece of metal is covered with little puddles that I was making to try to learn and have some puddle control. Got more sticks and screwed around a little more today, there is now an old crossmember welded to the open space on the bottom of that box lmao trying to put anything thin enough on the side of my house on it

Goonies.nsd

03-21-2013, 10:37 PM

I made a box!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-20215442_zps53ffa334.jpg

Not bad. Best way to learn. Thicker stuff is actually easy. Sheet metal is tougher. So try some thin stuff like exhaust pipe. Thin stuff is easy to blow through with the welder. Thats where you really learn to dial the machine in. Thick stuff is easy since theres plenty of metal to melt.

mygrayzj

03-21-2013, 11:02 PM

It's got 2 settings, HIGH and LOW lol. Weve got a big ass one tucked in the corner too, but its too complex and too much effort to roll out and plug in for me to practice lol. I have my cut up old exhaust pipe, maybe I will try that next, thanks John

LILWB

03-22-2013, 09:57 AM

I made a box!
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-20215442_zps53ffa334.jpg

Nice! A little snotty but it looks like you have a nice bead going along that front edge. And hey, stick welding is know to get a little snotty so, good job!

egodfrey

03-22-2013, 02:45 PM

This was my first welds, was done with a harbor freight mig

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk29/egodfrey203/weldf.jpg

mygrayzj

03-23-2013, 12:39 AM

Just a littttttttle bit better than mine lol

orangecrush4u

03-23-2013, 04:44 AM

Hey looks good to me, cause like I said I have never welded.. I need to jump on the boat and buy a machine soon.

mygrayzj

03-25-2013, 07:04 PM

I did some good and a lot of bad to the poor girl today, mainly because of $$$$$ but also to motivate me a little bit. Started with adding that transmission cooler I have had in the corner of the garage for about 5 months now, took a little while because the upper fitting was being a bitch to get out of the radiator. The cooler came with everything I needed for the most part though so it was mostly plug and play. That has been bugging me to get in for a long time, and I never wanted to rip the front apart to get it done.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-25170347_zps43e46314.jpg
Mounting spots
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-25170353_zps431fdc5e.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-25170356_zps70629abb.jpg

Since my front bumper got mashed at Rausch and was beginning to really look like crap I decided it's time for it to come off. I HATE HATE HATE the look of the truck without it, which I hope pushes me faster to make the damn bumper I want, but in the meantime I am probably going to do a little something simple just to cover it up and make it presentable.

Also ran to the parts store and bought a new gas cap, because hopefully that 6 dollar part will fix my stupid large evap leak. I severely doubt it, but have to start somewhere. Looked at the lines on the canister that we moved and they're all good and what not. I don't remember when the light initially came on, may have been at Rausch but not really sure. Ah well.

And lastly, and worstly, I had to do something really stupid. I took off the 33s and put the stock tires back on. I can not afford the 6-7 mpg I am getting any more, 150 miles to a 23 gallon tank is fucking killllling me on my budget. So hopefully this will bring me back to about 12. It just looks so damn bad, it's almost worth the loss of mileage lol.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-25182539_zpsf002466e.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-03-25183736_zps1f040b4c.jpg

Tat2dfreak

03-25-2013, 07:37 PM

I get about the same out a a 32 gallon tank in the bronco,so don't feel bad. I can drive my Jetta for 3 weeks on the same 50 buck that I put in the bronco and that only last a week, maybe.

mygrayzj

03-25-2013, 07:51 PM

Lmfao if I could afford to insure and register and maintain a little piece of crap 4 banger I would be all over it but I don't think I can right now. And if I did I would be in the same boat, just spending the money on other car expenses instead of gas so it's the same difference. Once I am commuting back and forth to Stony Brook I will have to look into a 2nd car but in the meantime this will do.

Tat2dfreak

03-25-2013, 09:20 PM

I have about 1200 bucks in that car, including the price of the car. I just don't drive it as much as I should, I like the bronco better, but I have been drive the car the last few days.

M12LRV

03-26-2013, 12:07 AM

Once I am commuting back and forth to Stony Brook I will have to look into a 2nd car but in the meantime this will do.

Buddy of mine had to junk his stock XJ cause of that commute from smith point everyday.... sad day that was. Poor guy is stuck in a 4 banger corolla. Best of luck! And at least now you can flex like crazy without rubbing! Haha always look for positives

mygrayzj

03-26-2013, 01:52 AM

Buddy of mine had to junk his stock XJ cause of that commute from smith point everyday.... sad day that was. Poor guy is stuck in a 4 banger corolla. Best of luck! And at least now you can flex like crazy without rubbing! Haha always look for positives

Yeah lmao I need to find a pile big enough to fully stuff them. I have a feeling my shocks will be my ultimate limiting factor if I try though. The bright side is doubling my mileage which will help me to pay for the regear and bumpers and stuff in the future. Plus I never got her realigned after tweaking the tie rod so I was never comfortable driving on the expensive tires. These ones were expensive too because I was dumb enough to buy them new, but I don't care what happens to them they're just a spare set for dire situations.

I have about 1200 bucks in that car, including the price of the car. I just don't drive it as much as I should, I like the bronco better, but I have been drive the car the last few days.

How reliable are those 2.0L's, do you know? I see a 96 Jetta with about 100k on CL fairly cheap right here in Northport with the 5 speed I have been dying for, and if I could get it for the right price it might be worth putting behind my house for a couple months until I really need it, but I don't know the first thing about them and don't need to get sucked into something I will regret.

LILWB

03-27-2013, 07:25 PM

Take the train to Stonybrook! I miss being able to read and play music/videos on my commute. Now I have to drive and pay attention.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

Tat2dfreak

03-27-2013, 07:44 PM

Cybergrunt

03-27-2013, 11:05 PM

I drove a 5 speed Jetta for many years, fun car and got great gas mileage. That was my DD when I had my Blazer.

Goonies.nsd

03-27-2013, 11:36 PM

Buddy of mine had to junk his stock XJ cause of that commute from smith point everyday.... sad day that was. Poor guy is stuck in a 4 banger corolla. Best of luck! And at least now you can flex like crazy without rubbing! Haha always look for positives

I woulda paid him scrap value for it LOL. Good friends dont let friends scrap Jeeps. until there REALLY dead.

LILWB

03-28-2013, 08:51 AM

Mine has a 124k and runs great, needs a coil and tune because sometimes in the rain it sputters. I bought it from a friend who got it from his parents, so I know the history of it. Not sure of any issue as I haven't had to really fix anything besides normal wear items.

Check the cap! I had a 2.0 5spd that did the same thing. Wasn't the coil, wasn't the intake, plugs... it was a tiny crack in the cap that allowed just enough water to get it to stall it out. You couldn't see it and upon inspection the inside of the cap was dry but looks can be deceiving. It wasn't until I had the cap in hand and was able to flex the walls that I saw the crack. It was a lesser quality cap so get something good when you replace it.

mygrayzj

03-28-2013, 02:46 PM

Take the train to Stonybrook! I miss being able to read and play music/videos on my commute. Now I have to drive and pay attention.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

This is true... Just feel like it'd be more expensive to take the train lol, but then again it really wouldn't factoring insurance and what not. Have to see what kind of schedule I have before I do anything though.

LILWB

03-28-2013, 02:55 PM

Not at all. Less $ on gas, less frequent oil changes, less wear and tear. And if you are lucky the conductor wont be around to collect since its a short ride from NP to SB.
I used to commute from Smithtown to Mineola. The conductors used to never collect tickets after Jamaica so most of the time I rode home for free.
Just looked up ticket price, only 3 little dollars.

mygrayzj

03-28-2013, 03:44 PM

Good point.. I just want an excuse for a 5 speed so bad lol

Tat2dfreak

03-28-2013, 03:58 PM

The 5 speed is what make my Jetta fun to drive, makes what to beat on it more to.

LILWB

03-28-2013, 04:04 PM

The 5 speed is what make my Jetta fun to drive, makes what to beat on it more to.

After my Motorcycle was totaled by a Dump Truck I found a 98' Cab with a 5 speed. Lowered with Newspeed coils, shocks, sway bars, Headders, Exhaust, intake. I swapped in rear discs and poly motor mounts. What a fun car.
I dont think there ever was a time that I accelerated with out putting the pedal to the floor.
1411

mygrayzj

03-28-2013, 04:23 PM

Lmao pretty much exactly what I am looking for, something to drive around and not get 7mpg, and I want a standard really bad.

Cybergrunt

03-28-2013, 06:23 PM

7 MPG? Take the parking brake off LOL. I'm getting about 10 around town in the pickup, I know it hurts!

orangecrush4u

03-28-2013, 06:40 PM

All my rigs are brutal on fuel but I guess that's the price we pay.

Tat2dfreak

03-28-2013, 07:16 PM

After my Motorcycle was totaled by a Dump Truck I found a 98' Cab with a 5 speed. Lowered with Newspeed coils, shocks, sway bars, Headders, Exhaust, intake. I swapped in rear discs and poly motor mounts. What a fun car.
I dont think there ever was a time that I accelerated with out putting the pedal to the floor.
1411

Sounds cool, wish mine was worth putting money into because I would like to do some stuff like that.

mygrayzj

03-28-2013, 09:09 PM

7 MPG? Take the parking brake off LOL. I'm getting about 10 around town in the pickup, I know it hurts!

Yup.. I got 12.5 the entire way to Rausch on the 33s, they KILLED me. It's even more f*ed up because I got 18 on the 32s. The difference a good MT makes from a shitty AT lol

Xjbrianli

03-28-2013, 10:55 PM

More of a reason to throw those gears in. It'll help like crazy

Goonies.nsd

03-28-2013, 11:04 PM

Gearing does help. I get crappy mileage even with the 4:10s in the 99. I havent figured it cause i dont think i wanna know LOL. Im just glad i have a 3 mile drive to work each day.

mygrayzj

03-29-2013, 12:18 AM

More of a reason to throw those gears in. It'll help like crazy

Hence why I am on the stockers for now... Need to save money somehow.

LILWB

03-29-2013, 10:12 AM

Sounds cool, wish mine was worth putting money into because I would like to do some stuff like that.

It was pretty much set up by the PO. I swapped the rear Disc's from a MKIII Jetta GT or maybe it was a TREK edition.... and got Motor mounts from Black Forest Industries. The motor mounts in those cars are weak to begin with, add 10 years of shifting and the front mount flattens right out resulting in lots of slop. Both very worth while mods.

Hence why I am on the stockers for now... Need to save money somehow.

There is a guy that works in the Bay Shore Pep Boys that has a lifted XJ. Maybe 4 or 6 inches. He runs around on stock sized rubber. Its not horrible but if he had less back spacing or ran spacers to widen the stance it would look quite normal. I would love to see what size he runs for wheeling.

mygrayzj

04-08-2013, 10:40 PM

Finally did some more work today and yesterday. Got half the 30 prepped and painted yesterday, gonna finish it one of these days. Today I swapped my rear blown out shocks for my friends old ones (same rough country crap, just not blown out..) Makes a pretty decent ride difference from what it was. Also started getting the 8.8 truss done, got the main pieces welded together, gonna start measuring angles and tacking the brackets down soon. Also have plans to drop the 30 off for regearing hopefully sometime this week. Still not 100% sure what I am doing, but making progress...

mygrayzj

04-11-2013, 11:55 PM

Got more work done today, some little stuff I have been putting off for a while now. Started by finishing cleaning and painting the 30, so now it is really ready for a nice set of gears :D

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-11153320_zpsf03945b9.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-11153320_zpsf03945b9.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-11153326_zps99009271.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-11153326_zps99009271.jpg.html)

After that I popped under the Jeep to try to figure my t case linkage problem out. I don't know how to describe it because there are so many moving pieces down there but the one mating block for 2 linkage pieces clips into the side of the transmission via a green bushing, it was not in said bushing allowing it to move left to right. This caused my piece coming from the floor shifter to pop out of the mating block bushing and do nothing, forcing me to hand shift the case. It was as easy as disconnecting the floor shifter from the block, putting the case in PT manually, putting the block back in the side of the transmission, and reconnecting the floor lever. Don't really see a way to replace the bushing in the side of the trans, but I cycled through all the gears a few times and it seems to be holding up, worst comes to worst its easy enough to fix on the trail if it breaks again.

Next up I decided that it was time to start looking a little bit less scruffy and get the rear bumper in the right position again, so 2 self tapping screws later that was achieved.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-11160302_zpsc73996f5.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-11160302_zpsc73996f5.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-11160310_zps478edbad.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-11160310_zps478edbad.jpg.html)

Next up I took the old driveshaft from the exploder and got the flange off of it, which I have been meaning to do for a long time but never wanted to. Just need to order the 1310>1330 adapter U Joint and that will be just about ready. Gave myself a nice blood blister in the process, keep me away from big hammers.

Also put my rear driver door panel back on since it has been floating in the cargo space for a while, bought like 25 chinese door clips for 1.25 on ebay shipped, finally putting them to use. Unfortunately lost the window switch (just the little black up/down piece) sometime while it was off, so the window doesn't work from back there. I was able to get it with a screwdriver, but the switch started smoking so I decided to stop screwing with it before the Jeep went bye bye.

Trying to figure out my money situation to see if I can drop these axles for some gears soon, gonna hopefully get the 8.8 truss done and welded to the axle this weekend, then everything will be ready.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-11153334_zpsf6ea45bd.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-11153334_zpsf6ea45bd.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-11153343_zpse74e3a6a.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-11153343_zpse74e3a6a.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-11153347_zps2729f54d.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-11153347_zps2729f54d.jpg.html)

Next on the list after axles is bumpers and steering, then it is RAUSCH TIME!!! Sounds like so little but it's gonna take so long lol

egodfrey

04-12-2013, 10:04 AM

Very nice man, you got a good plan there, and sometimes those little things you don't get around too really add up.

What gears you gunna run/ tire size/ I'm sure you said already but I missed it

mygrayzj

04-12-2013, 02:25 PM

Ahaha yea they definitely do add up. Gonna be back on my 33s once I get the gears done, going 4.11s

mygrayzj

04-12-2013, 09:10 PM

More stuff done today, both big and small.. Went out to run some Jeep errands all day.

Started by running out to grab a spare tire since my 32" spare will no longer cut it for the 33s.

Next I went to Planet and said goodbye to my D30, R+P and locker for a little while, next time I see them they will be covered in gear oil and ready to spin.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-12183328_zps45e75ec7.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-12183328_zps45e75ec7.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-12183334_zps353dcff8.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-12183334_zps353dcff8.jpg.html)

After that I went to pick up a new blinker lens and wound up getting a window switch and 2 tail lights out of the deal too, all for 15 bucks.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-12202513_zps39d4eb20.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-12202513_zps39d4eb20.jpg.html)

All in all not a horrible days work I suppose, this weekend the truss should be getting welded completely together and then the 8.8 can be sent in with the 30. No more baby steps!

Xjbrianli

04-12-2013, 11:39 PM

Bout time u joined the geared club. Text men wen u go to Denise's so I can break stuff

mygrayzj

04-14-2013, 02:30 PM

Bout time u joined the geared club. Text men wen u go to Denise's so I can break stuff

Says the one who isn't even lifted lol

Xjbrianli

04-14-2013, 02:48 PM

Says the one who isn't even lifted lol

Yet

mygrayzj

04-14-2013, 11:19 PM

Well got some progress and some not-so progress to post here now. Unfortunately Friday night did not treat me so well, I was trying to go down a little trail I know of as a shortcut and found out it was destroyed by Sandy and not able to be passed through anymore. Backing out I couldn't see anything and happened to catch a tree in just the right spot (I think it was a tree... I didn't get out and look until I made it out of the trail but there isn't much else in there that it could be.) Totally fucked the entire right rear quarter panel and both passenger side doors. The front one I can deal with but gonna need to replace the rear, NOT WITH A WHITE ONE! lol. Also have to attempt to do some body work, have a feeling I will be paying a bit for this one though, it's really tweaked around the tail light.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-13004857_zps1ac0116d.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-13004857_zps1ac0116d.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-13004903_zps82237226.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-13004903_zps82237226.jpg.html)

Today I planned on getting the truss welded up to the axle, but that didn't happen. YES BRIAN, I AM GOING TO POST ABOUT WELDING THE TUBES! Decided to weld the axle tubes instead, what a bitch! Huge learning curve on doing it, hence why the second side looks way better than the first. First tried just welding it normal, cracked almost immediately so then we tried going at it with the heat gun while welding, not realizing the shielding gas was being blown away making some really crappy welds. Finally we got them to go right by welding (all tack welds) and immediately getting the blow torch on the cast. Slowly turned the temp down on the torch and eventually got the heat gun on it to cool it even more slowly. There are very few cracks on the 2nd side, and we went over most of them on the first, so there are a few welds with minor cracking but they will hold fine. Such a project though, was an all day affair because we were working on about 4 things at once all day. Glad it's done though because now the truss can be tacked onto the axle and tested in the truck.

First side:
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-14180843_zps21dbc3b1.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-14180843_zps21dbc3b1.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-14180848_zpsfbfe8ea3.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-14180848_zpsfbfe8ea3.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-14180852_zps702a1c60.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-14180852_zps702a1c60.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-14192758_zps73635dbf.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-14192758_zps73635dbf.jpg.html)

Second Side:
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-14193846_zps8a519e29.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-14193846_zps8a519e29.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-14193857_zps728b0779.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-14193857_zps728b0779.jpg.html)

LILWB

04-15-2013, 10:59 AM

Holy! poor quarter panel!

Second side looks great! First side looks only slightly less great.

HuLuD44

04-15-2013, 11:47 AM

mygrayzj

04-15-2013, 04:09 PM

Are there any straight panels left on that thing? ahahahah

As for the tube welding. Not an easy task. The housing has to be heated to the right temp to accept the weld then cooled. You can use coal to heat then pack it with sand and let it cool slowly to prevent cracking

I don't wanna talk about it lmfao. More mad that it doesn't get a cool story lol. If anything I want to try to get the panel to look right around the back where it is really mashed, the dents can be reconciled with.

And the tubes are still looking pretty good, very few cracks and no major ones, definitely more of a pain than expected though

mygrayzj

04-21-2013, 10:39 PM

Good weekend this week, got a lot of work done.

Yesterday Dennis and I decided to start screwing with the 8.8 and truss since I had it with me and we weren't working much on other stuff. Got the main truss and the insert part fully welded together, along with the gussets fully done. Put the axle to 13.5 degrees for my pinion angle as kind of an estimate because my rear is way off and it's not the biggest deal in the world with the SYE. With the pinion at 13.5 we got the truss on and set to 0 degrees and put a few tacks on each side. Then set all the brackets and what not onto it as they should be and got everything tacked on. The entire thing was simple enough, it set itself up all I had to do was measure a few angles and weld it. Only had to cut one thing off, I either mismeasured or messed it up while welding but one coil plate was 4 degrees instead of 2. Decided that the shock mounts aren't going on yet, because they're not vital to the axle getting test fit, I can eyeball it and make sure they're good. If I were to put them on it would make it 10x harder to get the LCA brackets welded nice and strong.
Most likely won't test fit the axle until next week sometime because I am leaving Wednesday for California until Monday.

Pictures for the restless: Should be able to notice the difference between my welds and Dennis' lol

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20192735_zps47e8cbc1.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20192735_zps47e8cbc1.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20192748_zps21b15089.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20192748_zps21b15089.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20192752_zpscd2c2452.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20192752_zpscd2c2452.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20192803_zps7154ca34.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20192803_zps7154ca34.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20195227_zps523f2beb.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20195227_zps523f2beb.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20195232_zps3d23e0c8.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20195232_zps3d23e0c8.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20195237_zps3415a776.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20195237_zps3415a776.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20222927_zpsb2982aef.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20222927_zpsb2982aef.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20222943_zps74ce29ca.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20222943_zps74ce29ca.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20222933_zpsfb641102.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20222933_zpsfb641102.jpg.html)

See this possibly being a problem.. the bolt runs right into the truss on both sides...
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20195242_zps81385d43.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20195242_zps81385d43.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-20195246_zpsbdba5ee9.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-20195246_zpsbdba5ee9.jpg.html)

Today we finished the truss stuff, and then started reinforcing the brackets on the 30. Got the 2 LCA mounts done just about, just have to do the UCA one whenever we work on it again. Have to test fit a CA with the top piece I have in there tacked to see if it makes the top of the bracket too thick to fit the arm. Don't think it will be a problem but before burning it in fully...

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-21202420_zps8078e42a.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-21202420_zps8078e42a.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-21202426_zps64f43889.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-21202426_zps64f43889.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-21202436_zps0ae7a138.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-21202436_zps0ae7a138.jpg.html)

Now all that is left is getting the 8.8 in the Jeep with the weight on it and making sure everything looks right, burning that together, and getting it geared. I won't be driving the Jeep when I come back from CA since my mom won't be able to drive for a few weeks so I am going to steal her car. Gonna get the 30 reinforcements finished and put that in, just no 4WD, then I need to get some $$$$$ and have the 8.8 regeared and put in. Then everything will be set and Rausch ready. Also might be picking up some new body panels as long as they are the right color, does anybody have any pointers on trying to replace a rear quarter panel lmao.

M12LRV

04-22-2013, 06:34 AM

Looks nice! Any reason for that color on the axles? I worked on a d30 with reinforced LCAs like that and all I can say was it made it tough to get to the lower shock bolts. But looks like you shouldn't have a problem! And as far as body panels. I believe I'm picking up a 97 ZJ for a part out soon and it looks to be the same color as yours. When I get confirmation that I'm getting it ill let you know

mygrayzj

04-22-2013, 08:22 AM

Oh if you do that would be awesome. The axles are that color because it's the only paint that doesn't bubble up when welding near it or to it. Also can be dried with a blow torch immediately after spraying and it still sticks just like it would normally. It's Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer. The hitch is they only make it in shit brown lol. They will be blue as soon as everything is done and I can paint them for real

mygrayzj

04-23-2013, 10:09 PM

And now.. For the moment you all (I) have been waiting for. Let me show you my brand new SINGLE COLORED ZJ!!!!

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-23204019_zpsd473972e.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-23204019_zpsd473972e.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-04-23205653_zps8d9c560f.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-04-23205653_zps8d9c560f.jpg.html)

Came from a 93, so the color is slightly off (the new door is a wee bit brighter) but it's close enough for me to be happy with. Had to swap the cladding, door panel, and wiring harness. Surprisingly enough the wiring harness connectors and what not are all the same from the 93 door to my 98, just had to find where they all plug in. Gonna do the other side when I come back from CA next week. I will be using my moms car for a couple weeks because she's going in for surgery so I hope to get everything done in that time (axles and what not) since I won't need to have the Jeep able to drive.

stwilson74

04-23-2013, 10:32 PM

Holy Crap!!!! 'nuff said! LOL

mygrayzj

04-23-2013, 10:52 PM

Holy Crap!!!! 'nuff said! LOL

It almost looks weird being one color, I got so used to the white lol

brunkhorse

04-24-2013, 01:19 AM

Time to change your profile pic!

mygrayzj

04-27-2013, 09:35 PM

Time to change your profile pic!

Good point lol I'll do it when I get back home

mygrayzj

05-03-2013, 04:41 PM

Let the good times roll...

Finally getting started on my axle swap. My mom went in for surgery Tuesday and she's going to be laid up for a few weeks, so that means I get to borrow her car for a bit until she needs it again. Plus I have some good work coming up to make a little cash to get this stuff done. So now that the truss and everything is together and my D30 mounts are pretty much done it's time to put them in. Took a couple hours last night and yanked the old front 30 and the 35 from the rear.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-05-02222343_zpsbc30b11d.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-05-02222343_zpsbc30b11d.jpg.html)
Old and New
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-05-02222349_zps37246297.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-05-02222349_zps37246297.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-05-03081020_zps463b2a36.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-05-03081020_zps463b2a36.jpg.html)

Today I took the backing plates off the 8.8 and got it started bolting into the truck. So far I have the 2 UCAs bolted in hand tight. Need to drill the holes for the LCAs out more, the provided brackets are about 1/8" too small which sucks, then trackbar and axle shafts and crap (stupid me took them out already not thinking). The shock mounts aren't going on until the thing is fully welded because they will get in the way of a good weld on the LCA mounts, not really a pivotal part. The only things that won't be connected are the brakes and the driveshaft, because I'm just going to go with a yoke when I have the regear done. So for now, until probably Sunday the 8.8 sits like this:

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-05-03152527_zps9a84fe04.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-05-03152527_zps9a84fe04.jpg.html)
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/mygrayzj/2013-05-03152521_zps822563d4.jpg (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/mygrayzj/media/2013-05-03152521_zps822563d4.jpg.html)