It occurred to me that I could pull the all the ABS related fuses, and relays and then run the Jeep through the inspection station to test whether it would pass. This way I'm only out the $10.00 inspection fee and I'll know for certain if I can proceed with the 8.25 axle swap.
I'm not sure why I didn't think of this sooner but it should eliminate the guesswork. I'll have to wait until the inspection station opens on Tuesday to try out the ABS delete and see if it passes.

 

I pulled both ABS Fuses and the relay on Saturday. I've since driven it over 200 miles in various conditions and the brakes seem to be functioning properly. I can lock them up (at least on wet pavement) if I really try but they feel good and the vehicle is not throwing any codes.
I dropped it at the axle guy's shop tonight to swap in the 8.25

 

Sweet! Are you just doing the swap or adding any goodies to the 8.25?

 

Just the swap for now.

 

Picked it up last night and I'm very pleased with the job he did. The axle cleaned up nicely, and there are no leaks or noises.
It's nice not having the bearing noise, and I like the peace of mind knowing I have a stronger axle that I can add a locker to down the road.

 

how far from Murfreesboro are you? Nice looking rig

 

I'm in Spring Hill, about 45 minutes.
Thanks, It's slowly coming along.

 

I started a new job so progress has been a little slow. In anticipation of installing a CB radio I ordered and installed a JCR antenna mount. I really like this mount. Now I need to decide which CB to install. I'm leaning toward the Cobra all in one. It will be a much easier install.




I ordered a spare wheel and tire. I tried putting it on the rack, but prefer the cargo area for now. I'm planning to get a rear bumper with tire carrier eventually.



I had the windows tinted and wish I'd done this first. I love the look and the privacy.

 

I drove about a hundred miles of the TN Dirt Devil trail today with a couple of friends. It's a very tame trail, but a great scenic drive that's good for getting off the pavement. I lost count of the water crossings after a dozen or so, some about knee deep. I'll definitely be going back at some point.

 

Purchased a rear bumper with tire carrier.




Removed the old bumper



Installed the new bumper

 

Here's a side shot. The bumper is designed to work with the Napier V2 fender flares.
So until I install them there's a gap between the quarter panel guards, and the rear fender well.



It's great to get the spare tire out of the cargo area.

 

Awesome! Is that the Detours Slimline? I've been wanting to go with his Tailbone, but the wait times are CRAZY!

 

Thank you. Yes, it's the Detours Slimline.
It's a well built bumper but the
lead time was about six months.

 

Here's a picture of the Napier flares installed. I really like these flares. I had a tough time deciding between the Napier, and the Bushwackers, but now that they are on I'm glad I went with these.
They're small enough not to completely dwarf my 31x10.5's, which I'm planning to run for awhile. I think I'll upsize to 33x12.0's next tire purchase.

 

Those look good, I like them better than my Bush Wacker's.