Well, did a little last minute wheelin trip to the Mounds. Last minute runs never go well with me.

 

That must hurt, smoked that one. Time to rebuild and squeeze a locker in between.

 

Well, my buddy just installed a locker in the front of his Jeep so I stole his spider gears and got them all swapped in.

 

Did you clean it out really thorough? the fine hardened metal shavings could ruin the rest of your axle.

 

No, he left them in there for later in case they were needed...

 

Yep! Cleaned everything very well. This isn't the first axle I've had to repair. But thanks for looking out.

 

Got my long arm parts in from Ruff Stuff Specialties.

2) 3/4x3/4 Heims, 5/8s bore. (uppers)
2) 7/8x7/8 Heims, 3/4 bore. (lowers)
2) Sleeved bushings (lowers)
1) 6' piece of 1.75x.25 DOM tube. (lowers)
1) 3' piece of 1.5x.25 DOM tube. (uppers)

I have enough rod ends to build a 4 link, but only enough tube to build a 3 link. Still debating on what I want. After some research, I went with some smaller tube and heim joints over the traditional 1.25 heims and 2x.25 DOM. My arms will be fairly short and I'm not running 1 tons and 40s on this so I don't think I will have a problem. They will save a little weight and not look as bulky under the rig.

 

Got a good deal on a new rear axle. 4.10 gears and LSD. Now I'm looking for a HPD30 with 4.10s.

Once I get the D30 I'll be building full length trusses on top of both of them. Rear will have integrated leaf perches and shock mounts, and the front will have integrated coil mounts and control arm mounts.

 

Haven't updated in a long time, so here's a little update.

I finally had time to build my 3-link front suspension, and so far it works great. I don't have any pictures of it right now though.

Mostly I've been wheeling it, and neglecting maintenance. Here are some photos from the last wheeling trip that shows the Jeeps current condition. This event is called SnoFari, and it is an annual run in West Branch, MI.






I hope to steadily post updates of the rebuild of this Jeep. Which will be starting with new fenders, hood, header panel, rear hatch, new rockers, and paint. Also the interior will be getting a scrubbing.

 

Added some side protection to the bumper. I will add some gussets later when I get some motivation to put more effort into the Jeep. Also cleaned up the inner fenders and painted those. Bumper got some new bolts also.

 

Just wondered how you liked the 3" and 33s.... I was told zone sold a quality lift as well... Just curious on your opinion... I'm plannin on doin dunes and mud (from MI aswell) and I'm just curious if I need 4.5 and 35s for that... I'd save quite a bit of money goin your route

Thanks

 

I like the 3" with 33's. It can be a bit bumpy in the dunes but it is very stable even without sway bars. I wheel mud, sand, rocks, trails, and snow. It does all of them very well.

 

Also, as you can see, I have a hard enough time keeping spider gears in the Dana 30 with 33's let alone 35's.

 

Awesome, are you happy you went with Zone?

 

sorry but: