Whew. All I have left is the conclusions...

But now (thanks to Brian) I got all sorts of stuff running through my head of things I'd like/need to do to the XJ if I'm gonna go to KS-rocks...oil change, pinion seal, top-off fluids, shim the LCA's, purchase and install CB...

Again...FML.

 

Finally got my steering box upgraded. Kind of a fiasco, mostly my fault. Broke all 3 bolts in the old gear (fortunately I didn't want to reuse it). When I was swapping pitman arms I noticed the arm didn't fit the new box I had received from a guy on CL. Further inspection revealed it was a F-250 box. Sigh. Can't trust anyone anymore. So I bought a remanned Durango box from Rockauto. Mounted with the JCR plate.

Some new hoses and fluid and bled the system. Still working on getting all the bubbles out but so far so good.

Lessons learned: It is much easier to access the lines on the steering gear if you remove the air filter box. I also had to pull the end off the bumper to get enough access for the top bolt on the steering box. Invest or rent a GOOD pitman arm puller. I broke one two arm ear puller in the process. Be careful how thick the washers are that you use for spacers. I used 2 because that is what the write-ups mentioned, but mine were apparently thicker, because the bolts wouldn't engage all the box threads with them on. So had to take everything apart again to remove one of the washers.

There is absolutely no play in the steering now. A vast improvement from the 10-2 dead spot I started with. The steering is "stiffer" than before, but not hard to turn. I haven't noticed the turning radius being much different, but I have read it may be.

We'll see how it goes...

 

Some pics from my first trip to KS-Rocks today with everyone. Had a blast, it was great meeting everyone, can't wait til next time! I'll work on getting some video posted...

 

Hmm, I'm feeling lazy, I posted all the videos to my facebook, I'm on Metal Master's Fab's friends list, look me up, got some pretty good videos at carnage canyon. (Anthony Stratton)

 

Thought I'd let you all know my Jeep is for sale in the classified section here. Let me know if you or any of your friends are interested.

 

Looking for a local guy parting out a XJ or ZJ. Needing a master cylinder and brake booster.


Parakeet

 

Anyone know of any fun place to sling some mud in kc mo near liberty gladstone area

 

WHY???

 

Cause it doesn't pull this... and I need something that does.

 

So..... get a truck too!

 

Closest is Ks Rocks or Tuttle Creek unless you know someone.


Parakeet

 

I just need a small place even something just off the side of a road my poor jeep outs all stock so it can't handle much

 

Either of those places has great things to do for stock jeep

 

Have a little confidence in your rig. I wheeled Ks Rocks in a bone stock Liberty for a while. Your stock XJ will take you over much more than you would imagine.


Parakeet

 

Yo' KC. Rounds 1-3 of the NFL draft are in the books. I'm tired, gonna lay down and dream about the next wheelin trip...my XJ fetish is getting pretty ridiculous.