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My jeeps steering box is slowly dying... and I lost all power to overtake. So at least your problem is minimal and easily fixed. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow
Ouch! Bummer! What all do you have to do to get it back up and running?
On a lighter note, I managed to get a matching head wound to yours this past weekend when a 1/2 inch drive socket wrench slipped off a bolt and the handle met my forehead. That really wasn't my best moment lol
So these came in. Planning to have them put on my wheels on Saturday. Discount is holding them for me until then. They are the 31" Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx. I can't wait to see what the stance looks like with these on it!
Finally an update!! I got the lift finished and as I sit here typing, it's being aligned. Here's what we got going.
Here's most of the front end lift components, ready to be installed! I did end up going with Metalcloak, and oh man these parts are pretty! Disregard the bushings, I didn't realize I had put that box there lol.
And we begin!
Got the shocks and springs out. I don't like spring clamps, so in order to get the axle to droop low enough to just pull out the stock springs, I disconnected the lower control arms. It worked like a charm.
New brake lines going in. These lines are pretty cool, SS lines with a protective coating. I didn't know it right then, but that bracket position wouldn't work with the shocks, and I had to move them back just a hair.
No matter what I did, the new springs were not going in without spring clamps... I actually didn't have room for the axle to droop any further, as the brake rotor was sitting on the ground and the Jeep on the jack stands... These new springs are pretty big!
But with a little help from spring clamps, they went in!! New LCAs were in by the time I got around to this pic as well.
UCAs went in without too much trouble, and at this point, I was pretty darn happy! Things really felt like they were coming back together. I will admit, it was kind of a pain figuring out how to line things up to get the control arms in place. It really required pushing, pulling, using the jack, and just wiggling the axle around until I could get the bolts to go in.
And voila! The front end is in the air! Those tires are too small, the rear end sags, but I certainly felt accomplished!
Started by removing some useless metal, unbolting the sway bar.
I was worried about breaking upper rear shock bolts, because it really seems like everyone breaks at least one. Turns out, all 4 shock bolts just came right out without much fight. Not a single one broken! Boy them new shocks are pretty!
Got the new 8.25 29 spline rear axle set out to begin the final prep work on it, which involved disassembling the brakes, removing the brake line that was on it, and removing the emergency brake cable ends which were left on it. The PO got tired of trying to deal with it, and just cut them. Once I finally got them out, I gotta say I just can't blame him! lol
Old 35 rear end removed.
Leaf springs removed. This was honestly a spooky sight for me, the whole back of my Jeep void of all drive train and suspension components!
Now to prep the new springs for installation. Bushings and eyes being installed. I really had no trouble with this part at all, a dead blow hammer and a block of wood made pretty quick work.
Everything happened pretty quick from here. New rear end in place...
Shocks installed.
New brakes installed... I gotta say, this was a complete PITA... I NEVER will do these brakes again, at some point it'll get a disc brake swap and I'll never look back lol.
Grinding off the ends of the u-bolts since they come too long.
Installing Spidertrax 1.25" wheel spacers.
Add some super sexy 31x10.5xr15 Cooper Discoverer ST/MAXX tires, and BAM! She sits a little high in the back, but I am sure that'll settle down after a bit of use. It'll also drop a bit when I get a nice heavy steel tire carrier rear bumper.
Next up will be the SYE install. Then I'll determine how much shimming is needed for a good angle. When I made the drive to the alignment shop, I didn't feel anything unusual, so I don't think I'm getting drive line vibes anyway, but I still think the SYE is important, plus I already bought it, just need a day to install, and with next weekend being mom's day, it'll have to wait just a bit!
Well as I was driving, I noticed a little something happening. As I let off the gas, typically at speed (40mph+), I get a vibration/grind sound. I do believe it's the XJ telling me to install the SYE. Unfortunately since this weekend is mother's day I won't have an opportunity to do any work on it, so I'll be deprived of my Jeep until the following weekend.
I did get a little trimming done on the front bumper end caps to clear the tires a bit better. They don't look amazing or anything, but it'll do the job for now. I forgot to take some pics after trimming but I'll try to get some soon. I also finally remembered to pull the ABS fuses, and the ABS light relay, so I no longer have an annoying light on my dashboard! Woo!
Hell yes!!!!! She's looking great, I'm glad you made some progress.
Thanks bud! I hate only being able to work on her on the weekends... after all that work I basically just get to stare at her till next weekend cause that's when I'll be able to install the SYE. My POS 97 Honda Accord just plain sucks to drive compared to the XJ lol.
