When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Got to put some time in on the Jeep today. Goals were to finished installing the WJ MC and BB, install new shocks, and figure out what was going on with the blower motor system which had been popping fuses like crazy. With my dads help we got the MC mounted and lines connected. Also had forgotten to put backing plates back on when I did the unit bearings a week or so ago, so I painted them and installed them while my dad was cutting and flaring brake lines. Was able to get the rear brakes plumbed and rear shocks installed, and after bleeding the brakes we got to take a test drive. Must say that the brakes are A LOT better! 10/10 would recommend it to anyone. Now I’m tempted to do the WJ knuckle swap haha!
If you look really hard you can see a new blower motor. Two necessities when working in old XJs New RE monotube shocks installed. Wanted to do BPEs but I’ve reached my spending limit for the time being. Did unit bearings and painted the backing plates.
Rear shocks installed, rear brakes to come.
WJ MC and BB plumbed and mounted. Had a lot of help from my dad on this one. I don’t have the patience to do brake lines haha.
Passenger side rear brake with soft line secured to u bolt. All put together with shocks and brakes. Those disc brakes sure made a big difference. It stops so much quicker now. Had to say good bye for the next week. I’ll be trying to fix some leaks in the sunroof and around the windshield next time I’m at my parents house. Can’t make it a DD till the wife doesn’t get wet and is cold the whole time.
Last edited by SnowSlayer89; 01-27-2019 at 11:22 PM.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. Haven’t done a whole lot since the axle swap, except pick up a Durango steering box. Then I decided to go down the rabbit whole and my wife let me get a set of 3/4 ton axles. Got the sterling 10.25 for $99 at pick and pull, then a HP Dana 44 out of a 79 F250.
We’ll see how this goes tho, I have to re gear both axles and then the plan is to do a 3 link in the XJ and maybe hi steer. Goal is to run 37’s with 17 inch rims.
Front axle torn down, sand blasted and in process of cut & turn of the axle Cs Inner Cs back on. Set at +6 degrees with pinion at 10 deg. New front rotors Passenger side knuckle machined for hi steer. Ruff stuff disc brake conversion calipers with e brake
Been spending my free time prepping axles for rehear and truss installation. Got a tnt truss in the mail today, hopefully I’ll get it welded on soon.
Honestly with 37s and having cut the C's off already, I would cut down the HP 44 and keep the rear 44 possibly with dutchman shafts so you have a matching bolt pattern. A lot more ground clearance and less weight. Another option would be wheel adapters in the rear and get the rear axle as wide as the front.
Nice additions! I need to get a caliper with an Ebrake for mine. Been needing to for a long time.
Thanks! I wasn’t going to at first but I decided I should just go for the e brake as it will partially be a daily driver.
Originally Posted by SatiricalHen
Honestly with 37s and having cut the C's off already, I would cut down the HP 44 and keep the rear 44 possibly with dutchman shafts so you have a matching bolt pattern. A lot more ground clearance and less weight. Another option would be wheel adapters in the rear and get the rear axle as wide as the front.
I thought about that, but the XJ Dana 44 had 1/4 wall tubes, as opposed to the sterling which is 1/2 in wall or more. I am ok with the 8 lug as the sterling only cost me $100 and I only need a leaf spring bracket to swap it. I also may do 40’s in the future and this allows me to have that options. But I agree the ground clearance would be quite a bit better with the 44.
Master install kit for sterling, also have ring and pinion sitting at my dads house. Torq locker for the Dana 44. New wheel bearings 3.92&up carrier for the d44, lube locker and ring&pinion.
I have sourced all of my re-gear parts, but I don’t have the tools or the understanding to do it on my own. Have a friend with a shop that is going to walk me through the process. Hopefully I’ll have them done my the middle of December. Plan to pick up link brackets and 3 link parts on Black Friday sales.
01-27-2019, 11:20 PM
