Hi guys. It's been several years since I've posted. I built a XJ for my son years ago. Many of you followed the build. Link below
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/ch...ier-son-25077/

I have a JK, but decided to build a 1993 XJ for my wife. It's a 4 door in green, just like my son's. It's got issues with wheel bearing and oil leaks I need to fix before I get to build too much. I'll post some pictures as I go.

 

Don't try to church it up

 

The first order of business was fixing the grinding noise in the rear axle. I figured it was the bearings. While removing the old set, I see the two rollers sitting about a foot inside the axle tube. I thought, wow, these bearings are really shot. Upon inspecting them, I found those rollers are not from the bearings that were in it! I guess they've been rolling around in there from a previous set. You have to love Craigslist cars. I hope I don't get too many more suprises.

 

Wheel bearings are replaced and the grinding sound is not gone

 

Are you only hearing the grinding, or can you feel it too? If you can feel it, at what speeds is it the worst? Could be bearings in the rear dif. I had that happen to a chevy of mine not long ago.

 

If building a DD XJ for da wife the first thing I would do is add a gas tank shield and a very strong rear bumper. Protection of the gas tank in case of being hit in rear is a MUST. IMHO and my $.02

 

I don't feel anything. Just hear it. It seems to start as I hit 2nd gear and pick up as I go faster. Worst at freeway speed

 

Well, it's the differential for sure. I guess regearing has been kicked up in the priority. I hadn't planned on that for a while. So I need to make some decisions about what type of limited slip and gears to put in it. It's a 5 Spd stick and I plan on running 32" tires. What are your recommendations guys?

 

I'm on 4.10s with 33/12.50/15s and the power is plenty for normal driving. I can pass folks, I can cruise at 65 no problem, and I can accelerate in 5th gear. Steep climbs I need to downshift into 4th, but all in all very driveable.

When cruising at 70-75 mph I'm at about 2100-2200 rpms in 5th gear.

For offroad, I wouldn't mind slightly lower gears really...

 

The engine had oil and grime all over the block. It was obvious that the valve cover had a big leak. I got a good silicone valve cover gasket for it. When I took off the valve cover, the old cork one was almost gone. It was so old. It was obvious why oil was everywhere. I installed it and degreased it the best I could. There is still a little oil leaking from the oil filter adapter but it's a huge improvement. I ordered a set of seals for that and it will be the next project.

I'm trying to find a replacement axle or a good price to regear the whole thing still.

 

The XJ had collision damage on the drivers door, rocker, and B pillar that made it so the front and rear doors binded. You couldn't open the back one until the front one was open first. I went straight up redneck status and hooked the winch on my JK to it and pulled it out. I got some funny looks from my white collar neighbors (not the first time).

 

Replaced the oil filter adapter seal, gave it a tune up and new door checks today. It's running good, is leak free and just passed smog. The doors also open nicely too. Still saving up to fix the rear axle and regear at the same time.

 

I picked up some almost new JK shocks off Craigslist cheap. I also scheduled my regear for Monday. I'm pretty sure I'm doing 4.10 gears. I'm trying to decide on 32" or 285/75/16 tires. I don't want to go too big and have to buy a ton of other stuff, but I'm in to the low center of gravity thing. Any advice?

 

I dropped off the Jeep off today for new gears. It's getting a limited slip in the rear and 4.10 gears😎

 

The 4.10 gears are in with a Trackloc I got used in the rear end. The grinding noise is gone obviously. It drives live a tractor with the 30 tires on it. Can't wait for a lift and tires