The front end needed some attention. When it was stollen they did a little damage to the bumper. Not sure what they hit but the passenger side was a little twisted up. While I wait for the funds to build the winch bumper I modified the stock one and cut out the trash.

 

Sweet thread and builds.

 

Thanks!!! It’s slow going but coming along.

 

Went ahead and fixed a few oil leaks today and did a much over due oil change. One of my leaks was coming from the oil filter adapter on the side of the block.


Everywhere I looked informed me to use a T60 bit,



but to my surprise that didn’t fit. Anyone looking to do this here is a tip. Mid 93’ and up use the T60 bit.
Mid 93’ and older use a 9/16 hex bit.



Either way the socket has to be knocked off and a wrench must be used because there is no clearance between it and the unibody.

 

Once removed the seals can be replaced.


Fel-pro ES72962 o-ring kit is what you will need.

push the threaded post out to get to the other 2.

all buttoned up with Fram PH16 filter and ready to add fluid.

 

Next I’m going to attack these.


Ugggg why is there so much coming off the + side. More wire trash I’m sure.
Any idea what this could be?


Also wanting to completely replace all my cables with welding cable. I did it on my previous renix XJ but I don’t recall dealing with this on the alternator. This looks a lot more complicated that a plug and play Big7 kit will cover. Why are there so many connections coming from that black box. Does it really need 4 grounds?

 

That's not 4 grounds. The Big wire in the big isolator is the B+ wire from the alternator. The 2 connectors in the black box on the wire are the PCM connections for the field coil and the final wire on the nut is a ground that's redundant as the alternator will ground through the mounts.

 

Thanks for that info. I didn’t it know that. So does this harness not get replaced when swapping to bigger wire?

 

The only wire you'll need to change is the B+ wire the others are fine just as they are.

 

And because I am cheap and enjoy making things myself.

DIY quick disconnects.

solid mount:

Grade 8 goodness:

Hacksawing these was a *****. Now I have to repaint up front.






Tomorrow I’ll make the disconnected hangers.

 

The sway bar stow hangers were pretty simple to knock out. Had to remove cold air filter on drivers side and battery / tray on passenger side. Ran an eye bolt from underneath, tucked up close to the “frame” on either side.



Had to modify the tray slightly to get it back in.

 

Then I made some small cables to hold up the disconnected sway bar.

Added a little heat shrink.





Cheap and easy.

 

Took it down the street with my little helper to test out the disconnects. She wanted to be in the pictures.





Boy do I need some lockers!!!!!

 

Had a short break at work so I took the jeep down the street.

Going up the wash.




Going down the wash.



I am pleased with the flex but what could I do to get more. I was thinking of long arm front and getting rid of the add a leaf and going with full 4.5” springs. Maybe revolver shackles, I used them on my old Scout. Either way I need more droop but I’m limited by my shocks.

 

Had a little time to clean up some battery cables today.

Before:

After:

I replaced the old grounds with some #4 welding cable I have a spool of. When I get around to doing the power side I will use #2 or bigger. Plan on running a winch and some lights.


I figured out what the wiring on the firewall was. Went ahead and pulled it out. It went to a trailer brake switch that had been busted by the thieves. I don’t plan on hauling a trailer with this so I yanked it. One less thing to short out.