So in last minute preparation for a uwharrie run this weekend I got a new fan clutch installed and replaced the leaking tc rear out put seal.

 

Ran URE with no problems...or so I thought. found I had destroyed my ball joints. Those were replaced today but I still have a pop in the front end when turning right. I believe its a loose track bar bracket. I'll have to dig into that tomorrow.

 

Some pics

 

So the few days following this trip a few problems were noticed...my lower ball joints were shot. So shot I could grab them and move them where ever I wanted and move them up and down in the socket. The jonny joint on the track bar is loose and is causing a pop when I turn (or so I think thats the cause of the pop). Also, the track bar bracket came loose on the trip and since tightening it on the trail, the axle is shifted drivers side causing the steering wheel to be off about a quarter turn.

I replaced the ball joints on Tuesday. Tomorrow morning I will be addressing the track bar and recentering the axle.

Also, planned for this weekend is a trip to Cape Lookout. I will be taking the ferry over Saturday morning and returning Sunday evening. Got a cabin out there for the night. Should be a good time driving up and down the beach.

 

Went in today for an alignment and wow...it rides and drives so much better now.

In other news, work on the jeep will be at a halt for a while now. Got my thumb caught in a lathe last night at work. Got a tendon and artery. Spent all night in the hospital. Got a long road to recovery so the jeep is on the back burner. I got very lucky I didn't lose my thumb so I am thankful for that.

 

Hey man just read through your build and damn am I jealous! Sorry to hear about the accident hopefully you recover sooner than later. But I have a question, what lift set up were you running when you put on the 33s?

 

Thanks man. It's a skyjacker 3" lift with 2" spacers and shackles added. I honestly wouldnt recommend the skyjacker lift. It rides very rough and the leaf springs started to sag after only about 8 months. I added a cheap add-a-leaf to get them back to 3". I will however say that their shocks and control arms are nice. I ran the nitro 9000 shocks for about a year and a half and they were awesome. The control arms were very strong and the poly bushings held up great. I'm actually about to sell the arms since I moved to the 3 link. If you want any more info about the lift, feel free to ask.

 

I am planning on getting a Rusty's 3" lift kit with full leaf springs. Then maybe down the road adding shackles/spacers.

 

That's exactly what I did, although, I would highly advise just going for the 4.5" complete lift kit. It comes with more and the price difference is cheaper than buying all the other parts separately. Just my 2¢.

 

Sorry to kind of jack the thread here lol. But I would go with a 4.5" lift if I wasn't about to start college in the fall. I won't be able to work as much during college so I am settling with the 3" lift. Plus I need to save for new tires come inspection in October.

 

haha naw youre good. I'm also in college so i completely understand. If money allows it would be better to go with the 4.5" but starting at 3 and running it for a while doesnt hurt...I did it.

 

Yeah I understand, I just picked up some 6" Xenon TJ Flares for real cheap today. Cause I live in PA we need flares to cover the tires and I hope to get some 33s! But thanks for the help man, hope your build starts up soon again!

 

Sounds like you've got a solid plan. Thanks bud. After physical therapy the jeep will get more attention and the build will continue

 

Hey I got another question, when you trimmed the fenders did you remove the plastic liner inside the wheel wells?

 

The first time I did the but and fold on the front and was able to rig up a way to keep the liner. when I trimmed it again, where it is now, I threw out the liner