The frames actually pretty solid. The rocker panel on the passenger side is perfect as is most of the rest of the bodyaside from common problem areas. I think my dad most likely scraped that side up and a couple michigan winters took care of the rest. Thanks for your response.

 

Another quick one. I'm thinking of putting a layer of silicone or possibly butyl sealant between the rocker panel and the sheet metal overlay to avoid any possible water collecting in the gap. Is there any reason why this might not be a wise move?

 

Silicone contains acids that are corrosive to metal, also known to trap moisture. The panel sealant is a much better choice.

That system adds additional strain on leafs. Leafs would need to be in good condition.
A better option would be the air bag assist that mounts on leafspring plate and contact chassis frame-rail. It operates independently of leaf springs rather than in conjunction with.
Another option is to add another full leaf or 3/4 leaf to the pack.

 

This. Plus, that "leaf spring helper" isn't really made for the thinner, softer leafs like on our XJs. They're more made for half-ton trucks and above that just need a little leveling out from technically being a little over-loaded.

I understand your situation and being in a hurry, but getting there in one piece is more important than taking a chance and wrecking because your rear suspension breaks.

 

do any aftermarket blower motor come with the squirrel cage already mounted or they all need to be swapped? mine is pretty much stuck on and I can't find a way to remove it without doing some damage to the plastic. tried prying from under but it's not working. i removed the retainer but it's pretty much rusted on.

 

The blower motor is bolted to the firewall on the passenger side... right under the windshield washer tank if you have one.

 

yeah but i mean once it's removed from the firewall.. all blower motors i find are "without wheel" and looking online people indeed say it needs to be swapped over. i was wondering if a part is sold including the wheel itself.

see both separated here. only the black part is what's sold usually :



here's the listing, and my local napa also sells without the wheel, but at a much steeper price. the one in the middle might come with it but it's the wrong type of connection

 

You woulda soiled them on Friday if you were with me on a test drive of a Dodge Charger Hellcat!!!!

 

Is your blower wheel bad? Got some pliers in your toolbox?

 

it seems to be the bearing, it squeaks at low temperatures and there is no debris in there. i got one from a junkyard and put it in the freezer to check and it had the same issue (high pitched sound only under freezing temps), so here i am looking at after market replacement.

my fear is breaking the wheel because it's made of plastic.. i tried doing what the guy does in the following video, but i don't have the same leverage as him on the XJ blower motor.

 

I've done more than a few with no issue.

Se if you can buy the wheel by itself also and install it on the new motor.

 

hopefully i'll be able to keep it intact.

i bet i would!

 

Clean the protruding part of the shaft with fine steel wool. Lubricate it also and let the lube get between the shaft and cage.

 

OOOOOHHHH I see... sorry, I misread what you were saying. If you're having trouble, you might be able to get a set of side cutters (nippers, dikes, whatever) and cut that retainer clip. Autoparts store should carry them so you can put the fan back on. Make sure and check before you do it though.

*GASP* I want details!

 

Still have buddies at the old dealership. They wanted my take on the Hellcat.
I'm always anxious to help.
What a beautiful piece of engineering. Oh, and it's fast.