MWMahoneyJr

I don't understand. The photo I posted is of the upper lift strut mount on MY Jeep. Do you not have these on your XJ?

MWMahoneyJr

I got the BPEs installed. Used blue locktite for the bolts mounting the BPE to the underside of the body.

Then I slathered a little anti-sieze on the shock end and squeezed it into the BPE. One of the BPEs needed to be opened up to get the shock in. I just used a crescent wrench and worked each side open a little bit. More anti sieze on the bigass bolts going through the shock end. A 3/4" open end wrench and a 3/4" socket tightened things up. I didn't have any torque specs in front of me, but I figured "super tight" would be appropriate.

I couldn't mount the lower end of the shocks because the axle is too close to the body and I can't compress the shock AT ALL to get it on the stud. I'll have to put the jack stands under the frame rails and lower the axle to mount the shock. Then I'm putting the rear tires back on and calling the rear done for now.

Basslicks

No. The 1996 and earlier have fiberglass hatches, not steel like yours. They don't attach the same way, nor in the same location.

MWMahoneyJr

Rear shocks are installed. I mounted one of the rear wheels, then my little baby wanted to play in the sandbox so we did that instead. I'll mount the other rear tire tonight and the back end will be done, suspension-wise.


TO DO:
FRONT:
- Install upper driver side ball joint
- Install front axle u-joint (should I buy another and just replace both u-joints?)
- Install front hubs
- Install front shocks
- Install front brakes
- Re-attach front steering stuff (and order HD/Grand Cherokee stuff online.)

OTHER:
- Find a new gas filler neck. Or a new piece of tube to attach to the broken filler neck.
- Patch floor in rear
- Buy "seam sealer" I see people using
- Patch driver side rear fender and corner to keep elements/water out of the cab
- Cut/fold fenders (they are rusty/missing. Just cut away the rust, fold the rest. Patch w/ license plates if necessary.)

WHEELS/TIRES:
- Again, I found a set of 5 17-inch wrangler wheels with low mileage on the tires for $300 on CL. Another couple hundo in adapters and I've got nice tires AND the wheels I want. So for $500 or so I've got new tires (and a full-size spare), which is probably what I'd spend just replacing my four tires at a local tire shop.

MWMahoneyJr

Front driver shock installed.
Front driver knuckle installed.
Front driver axle u-joint installed

Pulled the gas filler neck - need to find a new one. This one is rusted apart, and the "little" tube broke. I can cut it smooth and add a longer rubber hose to the end...but it broke already from corrosion. Maybe I should just replace it.

MWMahoneyJr

Still here - been busy with work and family/home stuff.

I put the front driver side back together with the new stuff: ball joints, knuckle, axle shaft (with new Ujoint), steering linkage, hub. I just need to put the brakes on the driver side.

Still have to reassemble the passenger side. Then get a set of tires. Oil change, flush coolant.

I want to be driving this when the first snowflake hits the ground (which might have been the other day....I'm behind.)

TTYL
Mike

Basslicks

Good to hear from you, Mike. Been wondering if you were still workin' on this or burned it to the ground! lol

MWMahoneyJr

Work has stalled.

NOTE: I signed up to be a premium member long ago and still have not received my sticker!

I've got the shocks installed.
I purchased a radiator crossmember from a local wrecking yard (finally!)

​​​​​​But the loss of my job, and the minus/zero degree temps have put my work on hold. It's too damn cold in the garage, and too damn cold in my heart. I thought that maybe this job would be IT. THE job I could get behind and really make a place for myself there. But no. No job for you, and no more insurance, either (even though there is another baby on the way.)

baa!

It's fine. That place was not really a good fit, but I was trying to make it a good fit. Whatever.
​​

jdjonesdr

Don't feel bad, I never got one either. I've given up on receiving one.

BulletProofTech

Dam, I have been away from this build for like 2 months and it has taken off. I see that they have found a lot more that was wrong and seem to be getting there. Sucks that it is going to be on hold for a bit also. Liked seeing where this was going, keep it up.

MWMahoneyJr

Test post using the Garagetalk app. I have all of my Cherokee build pics on this iphone, but I usually post from my PC. Maybe with this app I can post from my iPhone and I will post more frequently. Maybe. Work is still stalled for a few weeks while I find new employment. Plus, it is cold as hell, and the Jeep doesn't have heat.

MWMahoneyJr

Hmm. I can't access any of my Cherokee photos on my phone. The app just accesses the generic "camera roll" folder on the phone. I need to point it to my Cherokee Photos folder...

jdjonesdr

Smart phone? Download "quickpic" from the google play store and it will show you every photo on your phone.

MWMahoneyJr

That quick pic was a bust. I think it’s a paid service. They wanted me to log on using credentials from my employer. Whatever.

This post is done with the Google Chrome app on my iPhone.

Now I’ll see if I can easily add photos.

Suprmn

Well, I just read your entire build thread. I like it when someone goes for it on a build with a never say die attitude. I have looked at builds with worse rust than yours if you can imagine and they ended up with nice jeeps so keep up the good work. Also, hope you find a good job for the long haul. Best of luck.