Just rev match really well. No need to drive in 1st all the way home. Clutches just smooth things out a little better...

 

Isn't that what they call "bang shifting"? I've never done that before. I thought about trying that the day my slave cylinder went kaput, but was afraid that once I took it out of first that I wouldn't be able to get it back into gear lol.

 

I don't know what they call it, but you could always turn it off and get it in 1st again. I had to start my Comanche in reverse to get it off the trailer, then switched to 1st and drove it up the driveway when I got it. Not ideal, but doable.

 

I went on a trail ride with a local off-road club yesterday. The group was mostly JKs but there was a couple other XJs and one ZJ. We "outcasts" stuck together lol. It was mostly easy trails but then it started raining and we encountered some mud. The 4 banger did well and I had a lot of fun.

 

Nice! Good to see you out in the woods. I miss east Tennessee so much. Where did you go? Is that Royal Blue? Also, what club?

 

We went on the Eternal Flame and Gatorback trails near Caryville. At least, I think that's what they are called - I just followed the group! "The Jeep Club" is the name of the group I rode with. They do mostly stockish friendly trails which I thought would be good for me since I'm only on 31s. Maybe as I get more offloading experience under my belt I'll try more challenging stuff.

 

One of my headlights died last week. I had planned on eventually getting some H4 housings and bulbs anyway. This weekend I went to a Jeeptober event here in East Tennessee and came across these from High Beam Offroad.



Matt, the owner, recommended that I paint the housing brackets black before install.








I also picked up an OEM tire carrier last week...



It did not come with the striker plate for the hatch or the inside bumper support, so it looks like I'm going to have to fabricate something.

 

Be interested to see how you handle that. I picked up one awhile back that I might try to put on my '00. I don't have the support plate for inside the hatch or inside the bumper either. Figure it is not that big a deal though.

 

I've been looking up pictures of the factory parts for inspiration.




I'm a beginner welder but I think I can figure something out.

 

I have eyeballed that myself. Thinking putting it on a '96 down using some flat stock steel would work. Not really seeing a need to weld anything. They are just backing plates behind things that can't be seen for support. Now if I do this I will have to figure out some things because of my Jeep being an '00. And fabricating skills are not really in my wheel house. Still very curious as to what you will come up with. Looking forward to stealing your ideas. LOL.

 

wow such an amazing job and bevy of information! I wanted to know how the 4cylinder with the lift has driven for you. I'm looking at getting a 95 5 speed 4 cylinder, however I don't have any experience with the 4 cylinder. some people say it's underpowered, while other's say its fine. what's your experience been? thanks

 

Hey thanks! I don't mind the 4 cylinder. With the manual trans, 4.10 gears, and it only being on 31s it drives just fine in my opinion. Just be prepared to downshift a lot on hills and on the highway. It's just as reliable as the 4.0l and it's easy to work on.

If you get a good deal, it's definitely worth considering, in my opinion.