kcdt58

kcdt58

I decided to replace all of my tie rods since they were pretty worn and went ahead and did a ZJ swap at the same time.



Tried to install the TC drop this morning and couldn't get the two studs for the TC support out. I said screw it and decided to take it out for a spin and there were some minor driveline vibes in town so I hopped onto the highway. Once I hit about 50 the vibes were absolutely horrible so I'm trying to decide if I work to get those studs out and try the TC drop or just order a SYE. Any tricks to get those out? I tried double nutting but could only get 2-3 threads engaged on the second nut so it would just spin off.

I'll be doing some research this morning but I'm leaning towards an Advance Adapters SYE and driveshaft combo from Performance Off-Road Center for $398.

GreenXJ98

Nice job with the ZJ tie rod. That's an awesome upgrade and it's pretty inexpensive. Honestly, a SYE is the way to go. You could run the TC drop until you get your SYE, and it'd be fine I'm sure. I don't have a TC drop on my XJ, so I can't help you with how to get the bolts out, but I wish you luck with it. The Jeep looks rad though!

kcdt58

Tonight I plan to just mount the support plate with two spacers and bolts to take it for a quick drive and see if it helps. If it does then I'll either work to remove the studs or use some standoffs and bore out the spacer hole to fit around the larger diameter standoff. If it doesn't work then I'll be ordering and SYE sooner than I wanted to.

caronaxtr

To remove those (stupid) studs, double nut the & tighten the two nuts. Then you should be able to use the outer nut to spin the stud out. Use some BP on the stud & you should be good to go.

Ya, SYE is a huge upgrade & really easy to do. I left my transfer case in and just pulled the cover. Get a good pair of "C" plier.

Jeep looks really good & clean.

kcdt58

I already tried the double nut method and no luck. I PB'd them again last night and will heat up the unibody with a torch a bit and hoping they will finally free up.

I plan to do an SYE and new driveshaft but was hoping to hold off until spring.

AirborneDeth

I had to weld the nuts to the studs to persuade them to come out.

Nice build.

kcdt58

Thanks for the compliments guys. There is plenty more to come but it may be slow now that snowmobiling weather is here! My main concern at the moment is for it to be reliable transportation with the snow headed our way - then I'll start focusing on all the goodies.

kcdt58

Well I got one of the studs out. That was enough to get it installed and try it out. No more driveline vibrations, I was shocked! I do need to get the tires rebalanced since there was a rough spot in the 50-60mph range. I'll work on getting the other stud out this week.

kcdt58

No luck on getting the other stud out. Since the TC drop is s temporary fix until the SYE I wasn't willing to chance breaking the stud off. So I screwed a nut onto the stud and welded a bolt to that nut, then tightened the plate to the bolt from underneath. Doesn't look pretty but at least I'll have that stud when I need it down have road. Here's a pic of my "beautiful" work. Not sure why the pic is rotated but you get the idea.

kcdt58

I've been thinking about my need for front recovery points. I don't want to drop the money on an aftermarket front bumper, so I'm thinking about about buying a set of these.





I'd take the plastic end caps off and angle cut the bumper for something a little different than I've personally seen. I'd also cut holes to run the recovery brackets through the stock bumper.

Something like this is what I'm thinking about for trimming the front bumper.



The other option I am considering is this stubby bumper with d-ring mounts. Shipped to my door for $205, I would just need to weld a couple of small bolts on to mount my license plate, spray it with bed-liner and call it good. It's the same one on the first page of this thread, this is just a different picture that shows it better.

GreenXJ98

Nates 4x4 makes an awesome front bumper, and it's under $300 fully featured. D ring tabs, light tabs, brush guard, etc.. Also they have free shipping, that's important with heavy bumpers. http://www.nates4x4.com/Cherokee_Com...mper_p/xjf.htm

kcdt58

Yea I looked at those bumpers from Nates 4x4. Functionally it would be perfect, I'm just not a fan of how it looks.

kcdt58

Ordered my bumper yesterday. I decided to go with a full length from B. Lee Off-road. Will post up some pictures of the actual bumper when I receive it.

Tony_SS

^ I love B. Lee's bumper... I just wish it wrapped around the sides. Good minimal bumper though.