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ive always wanted a tj too, but im too cheep. hence why i got an xj in the first place, ive got less in the xj than a half way decent near stock tj would cost me
I'm not really gonna start a new build thread for the TJ so I'm just gonna add it in with the XJ's. The TJ came with a RE 4.5" superflex lift and 33x12.50 Falken Wildpeaks.
It has 247k on it and the 4.0 motor, NV3550 trans, and NP231 t-case were all rebuilt 70k ago. It has a SYE and a TW shaft in the back. The soft top is only 9 months old which is nice. It has d30/d44 axles and 3.73 gearing. It does have a pair of KC's up front as well as a XRC8 winch, along with tow hooks, but other than that, it's been left alone.
Future plans include a new rear bumper with a swing out carrier along with a stubby front with a short stinger.
The d30 is gonna get swapped for a HP D30 that I'll build up with RCV shafts, a truss, and a locker. The d44 is going to be replaced by a 8.8 with welded tubes, c-clip eliminator, and a Detroit locker.
The big mod is going to be doing a 4.7 Stroker some time down the road.
As with any Jeep there are lots of little things to that get done and of course some of those things have already started.
The first was to get a couple of Rampage grab handles for the roll bars.
Next came getting a new Hi-Lift. I still need to get the bumper brackets to attach it but for now a couple of ratchet straps are working.
And then it was time to get rid of the ugly shift boot.
If you've got the nasty accordion style boot, here's a simple walk-through for replacing it with a nicer one. I got my new boot from BardoFett on WranglerForum and I have to say I am very satisfied.
Start by removing the shift pattern button from the shift stalk. Use a heat gun to make the **** more pliable so you don't scar it up getting the button out.
Next, remove the retaining nut and unscrew the **** from the stalk.
Now just use a small screwdriver to pop the boot retainer out. If it's cracked (which it probably will be) secure it back together with some duct tape or super glue.
Now, put the new boot on inside out (so it has a nice tucked in look a the top when the job is done) and secure it to the stalk with a zip tie.
Fold it down so it become right side out and secure it around the retainer with a rubber band. Pop the retainer back in place and, BAM!, you now have a much better looking shift boot!
Okay, so it's been way to long since I've gotten on here and quite a bit has happened to the TJ since December.
First up was a new rear main seal and valve cover gasket. Opened her up and was glad to discover that one, she was nice and clean, and two, that the head is a TUPY swap already!
Next came getting the oil pan off, but before that could happen, I had to remove the exhaust down pipe due to how it's ran on TJ as compared to XJ's. XJ's it goes behind the pan; TJ's...right under the middle. PITA!!!!
With the down pipe removed the pan could come out and again, I was greeted with a nice, sludge free view
With the bottom opened up, the rear cap got removed and checked for wear (which was VERY good) and the new seal went in.
Got the pan back on and my buddy Josh decided to be a shmuck and paint the bolts green while I was away.
And then it was just a matter of putting the valve cover back on with new CCV ports and grommets. Yay, for a non-leaking engine!
During all of this, a whole new cooling system (sans the heater core which got a good flush of vinegar and kool-aid) was replaced as well as the ac system getting yanked out. Got too busy trying to get it done to get pics of all that, but let me tell you, it's A LOT easier to do a cooling system change out on a TJ than it is on an XJ.
Next up was some front end trimming, specifically to the factory bumper. Cut the ends down and angled them to give it a stubby design and add some clearance for the front of the tires to make contact on rocks.
Along with that came the addition of a little safety. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Next on the list was to take care of some rust I had on my windshield hinges. Rather than try to fix the rust I found a set of hinges from a part out that ere in good shape and the swap commenced.
These torx bolts have factory loc-tite on them, so the only way to keep from busting the inner nut loose is to heat the bolt up, thereby, softening up the loc-tite so the bolt will come loose. If you don't do that, the inner nuts will break loose and then it's a full dash removal to get to them. Little trick I learned along time ago was to insert the torx bit and heat that up so the heat transfers straight down the bolt threads.
With all the bolts out and the cowl removed for a new coat of paint, things started looking better.
With the axle painted and set, swap day started bright and early.
Tried getting the pinion angle to 16˚ but my LCA's aren't adjustable so the bottom of the axle is sitting too far forward. Thankfully, RuffStuff's adjustable LCA's will be here to get this issue fixed.
Thankfully the pinion isn't too far off so it can still be driven around town, so on went the new e-brake hardware, lines, pads, and rotors.
There was no way all this work would be put into the axle just to hit a rock and destroy the stock diff cover, so that got trashed in favor of a SOLID cover. If you've never owned a SOLID cover, let me tell you, they are pure BEEF. 35lbs of steel sitting right there, protecting the guts of your axle.
And with some gear oil and limited slip additive, the tires went back on and she was ready to roll!
Good to see ya back! Your build was one of my first reads on here. I saw your xj on craigslist a few months back and I hadn't seen you post in awhile so I'm glad theres still a no rdplz tag rollin around pothole central.
I couldn't lose the no rdplz tag. That'll get transferred to any jeep I own. haven't posted anything on here just due to being insanely busy lately and forgetting to when I had some time to spare.
It was a tough choice to sell the XJ. A REALLY tough choice. but, I'm happier with the TJ to be honest. Being able to put the top down alone makes it totally worth it. Even just opening up the sides and keeping the top up gives me far more air flow than I ever had with the XJ, even with all 4 doors off. There's definitely less cargo room, even when I take the back seat out, but there's still enough to load up my camping gear so it's not too bad really. Don't get me wrong, I loved my XJ, and I'll always love 'em, but there really is just something about a Wrangler. I know those are fighting words on here, but hey, they're both Jeeps and that's what really matters.
I ain't mad atcha.... I'd love to have a wrangler or CJ... but I've got too many kids for em and I need the cargo space. I could solve the cargo space problem with an LJ or a JKU... but then there's the pricetag... and an LJ stil only seats 4.
I'll have one one day... mark my words. I think deep down, every Jeep owner wants a universal jeep... be it a CJ, a wrangler, a JK, or an old military jeep. I love 'em all to be honest with you. Well... except for some of the newer ones... I have respect for them and they have their place... they're kinda nice lookin', but I don't think I'd ever own one.
Ended up teaching a one day class on basic car maintenance and what type of equipment you should always have on your car, no matter the make/model. Had about 35 people there and one of the guys was like, "Dang, I never though of some of that stuff for my Tacoma. Hey, I'm gonna be switching my Hella's to LED's from Rigid. You want the Hella's? You helped me out with some of this stuff so they're yours for free if you want 'em." I wasn't about to say no, so out with the crappy KC's (they were pretty trashed by the PO) that came on the Jeep and in with new Hella's!
Also, RuffStuff came through with the new LCA's for the rear. They're so much beefier than RE's and now my pinion is sitting at 14˚, so, more work is to be done this coming weekend to adjust the upper arms a little bit (maybe a 1/4") out to give the driveshaft a little more room for expansion. Just gotta be careful on pushing it back too far so I can keep the diff out of the gas tank skid when flexing out.
While I was at it, I figured the front could use some brightening up, so out came the yellow rattle can and spraying commenced.
With the pinion pointing in the right direction a wheeling' trip was possible. So, my buddy Josh and I hit the road for a weekend away from cell phone reception and nothing but good old fashioned fun. What better way to spend the 4th than mountains, Jeeps, trails, guns, camping, and good food?
11-22-2014, 10:13 AM
much better
