protodiarko

Here's my new toy - a sweet 96 2 door 4x2 from craiglist for 800 bucks. PO thought a leaking valve cover was a blown head gasket. Interesting misconception...

I traded in my 93 xj (pictured below) last year on a Civic and have regretted letting go of the Jeep ever since. So when I saw this one, I snatched it up.



The body is straight and rust free (the important part! right?). Scratches on the door from magnetic signs, and the roof is bedlined to carry ladders with no roof rack. (Why not just add a roof rack? ) The interior is in great shape and relatively clean.

Some high points:
-4.0 i6
-auto
-247k on the clock and runs strong
-Chrysler 8.25 rear end
-sagging springs
-worn out bushings
-a/c doesn't work
-starter died after getting it home

My plans for this build are simple and straight forward. I'll be riding back roads, wooded trails, and perhaps an occasional mud hole. I'm a fan of doing mods on a "need" basis instead of just to look cool. And the truth is, in the wheeling I do, I haven't ever needed a 4.5" lift with 35's. And sure, 4x4 is nice, but good driving skills and a few mods goes a long way.

Plans:
-Tune-up, starter, change fluids (Tomorrow!)
-Leaf springs (Stock height, heavy duty)
-Coil springs (Stock height, heavy duty)
-235/75/15 mud tires
-Rear locker
-Bumper & Winch

protodiarko

Well, Saturday I got her running and some maintenance done. Still have a lot of maintenance to do, but at least I can drive it now!

Got done:
-plugs
-wires
-distributor
-oil change
-transmission filter
-valve cover gasket
-air filter
-fuel filter


Starter - Old vs New:


Valve cover off:


Valve cover painted and back on:


After taking a drive to O'Reilly's for a fresh battery Saturday night:


In a couple weeks, I should be able to order springs, tires and the locker. Then I can really get this movin!

protodiarko

On another note - After replacing the starter, it still would not crank. So I thought it might be the NSS. Bypassed the NSS, still would not crank. Well I just got frustrated and decided to wire a push button start. Since I didn't have the button, I ran the wire for it. So touch the alligator clip to the red wire, fires right up!

Now to amazon to find a big red button!

protodiarko

New tires! 235/75/15 Nexen Roadian MT

Sorry for the terrible picture. More to come!

1arunem

Our of curiousity, how much did those tires set you back? I am running a very similiar LT235/75/15 MT..

Great start by the way!

protodiarko

Thanks!

I ordered them online from walmart for $112 per tire. So a little over 500 after mount, balance and tax.

1arunem

Sounds good. That right at the same amount I paid.. $500..

protodiarko

Gave it a good bath today. I'm pretty sure it's the first time in many years. It's starting to come together.

I'd really like to do something about the massive scratches on the doors before it starts to rust. I've thought about painting the bottom half black with either plastidip or some other sort of rattle can. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Michael952

That's a clean 800 buck heep. it's only a matter of time before the 40's roll out lol
Sub'd !

protodiarko

You know, I say I'm going to keep it simple... but you're probably right. All in due time!

Michael952

I wanted 31s. Now I'm saving for tons and 39.5s lol

protodiarko

Spartan locker is in the mail and will order coils & leafs tomorrow! Woohoo for Saturday project!

protodiarko

Took the Jeep into the woods yesterday after work, nothing extreme. But I think you will all agree with me; There is no feeling in the world like driving a Jeep off the pavement. It's like free therapy. Minus the free part.

In her natural habitat:

protodiarko

Parts, parts, parts. As of today I have lots of parts to put on and not enough time to wrench!

Waiting to go on:
-Dorman HD leaf springs
-Moog HD coil springs
-Shocks
-Spartan locker
-Rear brake shoes
-Front brake rotors, calipers and pads

Gunmetal97

This is the most accurate statement ever made...