Not dumping any more upgrade money into my axle until I know what axle I am keeping lol. I'm hoping just cleaning all the mud off helps a little, dry mud can cause some issues.

 

I'm from the south, we invented mudding. And true. You can always swap the brakes over to another axle if you stick with a D44 or C8.25

 

Almost had a D44, someone picked it before I could. I'm on a 35 now.

 

Well good thing about the ZJ disc brake swap is you get it off a D35 and if you upgrade to the C8.25 or D44 the axle tunes are larger are require slight grinding of the backing plate. Just saying. Either way I hope you get your problems fixed. Nobody likes there rig acting up

 

So I haven't done anything productive yet on the Jeep, having an exam everyday does that. But I did take a video and make a hypothesis that the gear oil on my rear axle came from the oil out of the D30 pinion seal while driving 5+ hours and going 65mph the whole time. There are no leaks in the brakes and it's just the driver's side both front and rear and are sprayed. I'm going to attempt to wash the jeep tomorrow, driving up the road to napa, buy and replace both the D30 pinion and the 242's rear output shaft seal that has been dripping slightly. Might as well get it all fixed now.

Also, been thinking about going 35s instead of 33s, obviously will swap the d35 out and regear to 4.56? Keep the D30 a little stronger than 4.88 with the small pinion, and easier on the highway.

 

That's progress even if it's lateral

 

Some progress! Gave the jeep a good wash, and replaced the np242's rear output seal. Had I known how easy it was I would of done it months ago. Tried to do the d30 seal but just an 18" breaker bar wasn't cutting it, going to try and use my bottle jack as an assistant tomorrow.

 

Very nice.

 

Main reason is I currently live in England, but I got super lucky and tracked down an '89 Laredo with 102k miles on the clock back home, wrapped it up this past weekend, pics in my gallery of it tucked away nicely in a garage waiting... Will be moving back toward the end of 2015 and starting my major project in early 2016, almost a shame to do what I have planned, but they're meant to be upgraded. Not my first Jeep, but definitely my first XJ, really want to keep an eye on how yours behaves if you're keeping it mild as I'll not be wheeling mine over rocks. Mud, yes, but not many rocks to climb in SE NC.

 

It looks really clean, that's a great XJ you have. Renix's are great, just keep them maintained. Mine is staying mild for now until I am set at my own place after school and don't have to DD it, I'm looking at maybe going 35s one day but keeping the 4"s of lift. It's been great so far, lots of blood, sweat, and swear words tossed at it but it's still great to drive at the end of the day. I can't wait to see where I take it, because honestly I don't know even 80% until the time comes. The main thing is to make it capable, reliable, but also clean.

 

The jeep is driveable! Had the shop install the D30 pinion seal so no more leaks. I do have a fun noise in my drum that I have known from not too long ago... the e-brake bar thing dropped from pushing on the brakes at some point so it's just rattling in there, I knew I should of just taken it out when it dropped last time seeing as though I don't have e-brakes anymore.

 

Subbed. Love the rig man. Hope you passed all the classes and youre gonna walk soon. Its kinda surreal right after the last final. "15 years of school and now im done!"

 

Thanks for the sub and luck on school. At first I didn't think many would be interested in this build, guess it's starting to take off a little more as I get a little more serious about it. School is coming to an end in just a month and it is definitely a surreal moment as it comes nearer. I'm looking forward to the summer and hope to have my career set out, but if not right after school then soon. I'm too young to stress about not getting a job at first, there's always another try.

 

What is your degree in? There were four months between me graduating and finally landing a job in 2013, which was pretty frustrating. But your schooling will pay off eventually!

 

Criminology with minors in Sociology and Psychology. I have a summer job already and am in the hiring process of the Delaware State Police. But I won't know how I did or what my standing is for another couple weeks to know if I made it to one of the last steps in the process. If not I'll try again in a few months for the Spring class.