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Been a little lite on the updates lately. Just started the new job at Stainless Works, plus it has been hot as ***** around here.
My point of today's post, though:
Reaper SS from Street Outlaws showed up here today. Street Outlaws is a show on Discovery channel, and it is very popular. Reaper brought his drag car and it is awesome.
At Stainless Works I'm mostly learning about the business and and planning out marketing campaigns for our exhaust systems. It is really cool to see a system get developed from nothing. Our fabricator, Vinnie, is awesome at what he does (though I think I've annoyed him with all of my questions.)
Work has started back up on the ol' XJ. It was awesome! I installed the passenger-side ball joints, and started removing the shock on that side. But the lower shock bolts have nuts on the bottom side, underneath. I thought the bolts threaded right into the axle. Whatever. I got one off, and I broke the other one loose. Then I stopped because it was baby time.
I guess I'll buy or make a set of bar pin eliminators. Maybe one of the fab guys at work can make some for me out of stainless. That would cost way too much. Maybe I'll just snag some rear sway bar mounts from the wrecking yard and use those.
to do:
gotta buy shocks
buy tires (again, used Wrangler wheels, with tires)
install ball joints, driver side
install axle shaft ujoint, driver side
The work continues, y'all.
(And I really seem to prefer working on the Jeep AND taking photos at the same time. If I'm just working on the Jeep, I feel rushed, and each hiccup/problem pisses me off. If I'm taking photos WHILE working, everything is slower-paced, and each problem is actually an OPPORTUNITY for a photo-based solution.)
Passenger Ball Joints Installed:
First, I got the passenger ball joints installed. (last week, sometime.)
What a mess!
I can't think straight with all of this clutter. And who spit sunflower seeds everywhere?!?
Much nicer!
That li'l baggie by the axle hole is the parts for the ball joints (castle nuts and cotter pins.)
Removing The Shock, Passenger Side:
Now onto that pesky shock. Rear bolt comes off with no problem. The front bolt is an issue, there's not much clearance to get a socket or wrench on here.
Clearance Created:
Much better. Cut that stupid bushing and there's plenty of room to get a box wrench on there. I couldn't get a socket on there because it hits the shock body. I'm going to pull the rear sway bar mounts and make BPEs out of them.
Stripped Nut:
I guess it doesn't matter how much clearance you create up top when the lower nut just spins. 13mm isn't grabbing it - time to use the super tool...
Vice-Grips to the rescue!
Upper Shock Nut, Passenger Side:
Damn upper shock bolt just spins, too! Again, Vice-Grips to the rescue!
Shock Removed.
Last edited by MWMahoneyJr; 07-10-2017 at 01:41 PM.
Reason: Added details.
So I don't know why I thought the lower shock bolts thread right into the axle tube - this pabstboys video clearly shows him using a ratchet on the bottom side. (I miss Tommy...)
New Tool: Craftsman something-or-another oiler can thing.
I picked up this li'l beauty at a garage sale for $2. I put some 10w30 in it, and I've used it to oil the garage door moving parts (hinges, wheels, tracks, pulleys) after replacing the tension cables last week.
My wife asked me for an update on the Jeep, so I made this list.
This is the minimal stuff I need to do to get this thing on the road. I'll obviously do more, eventually, like replace all of the bushings and springs with new OEM stuff. Cut and fold the fenders, add a trans cooler. Standard stuff.
Here's the list typed out, with more info:
(this is more for me to get my thoughts in order.) Tires $
- Chunky Wrangler wheels on CL all day, set of 5 for $600 Shocks $
- I haven't looked into these yet. "Stock" ones from the local autoparts store are probably fine. But some takeoffs from a Wrangler would be cool. Axle U-joint
- I have this, I just need to install it. DS Ball Joints
- I have these pieces, I need to install them. Knuckles/Hubs
- I have new hubs, I need to install them, plus the knuckles and axle shafts. FR Sway Bar Bushings $
- I need to purchase new sway bar bushings. I'm going stock height for now, so I won't need extensions. Rear Sway Bar/BPEs
- Remove the rear sway bar and use the axle mounts as Bar Pin Eliminators for the front shocks. PS Tail Light $
- Passenger side taillight is cracked, with "red" tape over it. Buy a used one. Turn Signals
- Turn signals don't work, I have been doing Blues Brother style (arm out the window.) I have no idea how I would wire up something like this. The wires in the cargo area are a rat's nest. I'm surprised the brake lights work. Oil Change
- I have a new filter and oil, I just haven't changed it yet. Flush Cooling System
- I have cooling system flush/cleaner stuff and new coolant. I need to flush the cooling system, and be prepared to replace any components. (most of it should be replaced anyways...)
Last edited by MWMahoneyJr; 07-13-2017 at 07:47 AM.
More work (if only a li'l) completed this weekend.
(Here's the info. I'll add pictures throughout the day.)
I removed the driver-side shock from the Jeep.
Again, one of the lower shock bolts had a rounded nut on the bottom, so I used the Vice Grip to grab it. No problem.
Need access to the upper shock nut.
Gotta remove the airbox.
There is a frozen nut/bolt in the bottom.
I try grinding it, but this just heats up the plastic around the bolt, so when I yank the airbox it just rips outta there, leaving the bolt behind. With the airbox outta the way, I'll get my vice grips on the bolt it and twist it out.
Back to the shocks:
Again, upper shock nut spins the whole shock.
Stick the vice grip on the shock shaft and it spins, too. I can't tighten the Vice Grips enough to dig into the metal.
So I grab the collar at the top of the shock. Worked like a charm.
Last edited by MWMahoneyJr; 07-18-2017 at 09:27 AM.
Reason: added info.
Whew! Certainly have your work cut out for ya.... glad to see progress being made though.
*Brushes shoulder off**
I got this.
It's getting down to put-up-or-shut-up time. I need to make some decisions and spend a few bucks.
Tire Options
- Get new tires for the stock wheels 225/75-15
- Buy used Wrangler wheels w/ good tires (adapters needed)
Here's my dilemma: I love the look of the Wrangler wheels on the Cherokee. BUT in my opinion, those are classy wheels(an upgrade), for a classy looking Cherokee, and my Cherokee is NOT classy. It is a rusty pile. So, maybe I'll save this idea for my nextJ (next XJ).
Fine, I'll stick with the stock wheels for now and get stock sized tires. Now, which ones...I want something wallet friendly, but still looks the tiniest bit rugged.
Here's my price scale:
$70/each - Sounds great, but do they suck?
$100/each - Fair price, anything rugged looking?
$130/each - Pricey for me, I expect a good warranty and performance.
$175/each = go to hell
Now that I've talked myself into stock tires/wheels (for now) I guess I'll keep other stuff stockish, too. I'll get some basic Monroe shocks from the local Napa.
And I had Bar Pin Eliminators in my Amazon shopping cart, but I don't NEED them in the front, and I haven't even gotten to the rear shocks. (Though the rears will probably give me problems, and I'll end up punching out the nuts and installing the BPEs in the rear.)
Sway Bar bushings
- I need to measure the sway bar diameter so I can order bushings.
- Should I do the Control Arm Bushings while I'm down there?
- Bump stops? (there aren't any.)
It's getting down to put-up-or-shut-up time. I need to make some decisions and spend a few bucks.
Tire Options
- Get new tires for the stock wheels 225/75-15
- Buy used Wrangler wheels w/ good tires (adapters needed)
Here's my dilemma: I love the look of the Wrangler wheels on the Cherokee. BUT in my opinion, those are classy wheels(an upgrade), for a classy looking Cherokee, and my Cherokee is NOT classy. It is a rusty pile. So, maybe I'll save this idea for my nextJ (next XJ).
Fine, I'll stick with the stock wheels for now and get stock sized tires. Now, which ones...I want something wallet friendly, but still looks the tiniest bit rugged.
Here's my price scale:
$70/each - Sounds great, but do they suck?
$100/each - Fair price, anything rugged looking?
$130/each - Pricey for me, I expect a good warranty and performance.
$175/each = go to hell
Now that I've talked myself into stock tires/wheels (for now) I guess I'll keep other stuff stockish, too. I'll get some basic Monroe shocks from the local Napa.
And I had Bar Pin Eliminators in my Amazon shopping cart, but I don't NEED them in the front, and I haven't even gotten to the rear shocks. (Though the rears will probably give me problems, and I'll end up punching out the nuts and installing the BPEs in the rear.)
Sway Bar bushings
- I need to measure the sway bar diameter so I can order bushings.
- Should I do the Control Arm Bushings while I'm down there?
- Bump stops? (there aren't any.)
Peace.
For your tires, any objections to going up a size? 235/75r15 will fit your Jeep fine with only slight rubbing at full lock and stuff (uptravel). I ran them on my Jeep for years and even wheeled it without issue... and my suspension was slap wore out.
You'll be happier with the look of the larger tires too.
Inspect your bushings before deciding to replace them. If the sleeve and can are rusted and/or if the rubber is showing signs of cracking and dry rot, then yes... if not, why spend the extra money if you don't need to?
My initial thoughts: I like the larger tire. The interwebs tells me it's a larger diameter, by about 0.59". I like a Cherokee with tires that fill the wheel well, and I don't mind trimming. I REALLY love the look of a 3-inch lift with beefy 31-inchers crammed underneath.
The Discoverer tires look nice. I'll keep researching them.
TireRack had some stock sized snow tires on clearance, like $58 each. That's a great price, but I'm afraid I'll shred the soft snow compound if I use them in non-winter conditions (summer, right now.)
Update: With my sagged out stock suspension, those 235's will fill the wheel well nicely. I'm digging this idea.
Update 3: Here's my dilemma - I can get a set of five (5) Wrangler wheels WITH decent tires for $400-$600, which is what it'll cost me to buy the tires I don't want for the wheels I don't like. BUT...I'll need wheel adapters, AND, I'm not sure I could stuff these bad boys under the fender.
Last edited by MWMahoneyJr; 07-19-2017 at 10:28 AM.
Reason: I always edit my posts. Usually to add clarity to a complicated idea. Sometimes for formatting. Get over it.
You would have to do a LOT of trimming to get those to fit. If your suspension is sagging like you say it is, you'll be really hard pressed for them not to rub with every bump you hit... Reason being, those are 32s.
Hmm...I like these wheels. And I'm digging that sidewall size, and the tire design. These look cool.
Shocks for me? The mounts are correct, and the length SHOULD be fine. I'll need new bar pins, though. I'll see if I can pull the ones off my factory shocks.
Last edited by MWMahoneyJr; 07-25-2017 at 08:05 AM.
Reason: Because. I edit lots of posts. Deal with it.
Hmm...I like these wheels. And I'm digging that sidewall size, and the tire design. These look cool.
Shocks for me? The mounts are correct, and the length SHOULD be fine. I'll need new bar pins, though. I'll see if I can pull the ones off my factory shocks.
Those shocks are a little too long for stock ride height... definitely too long for sagging springs.
Those shocks are PERFECT, however, for a 2" BB or even a 3" lift with BPEs. The 31's will rub the LCAs on those stock wheels and will contact the fenders if you go offroad with them unless you trim up all the way (no lip remaining).
06-19-2017, 11:38 AM
