Switched gears a bit and decided to put a new ZJ tie rod and new steering stabilizer on, and also last night I finally fixed my parking brake. I got the replacement cable from NAPA: #95064 is the part number for the passenger side.

Also, I got a new equalizer from a member on the forums. It seems that this replacement may have been from an older Jeep, as it does not quite fit into the equalizer bracket. Nothing a BFH can't fix, I reckon. It works as is, though. I did have to drive the adjuster nut most of the way down also. I may end up cutting off some of the extra. I'm a little worried about the cable lengths being uneven, but it seems OK for now. I won't know for sure until I get the jeep back on the road.

Attachment 333296

Onto the tie rod...the ZJ tie rod is definitely MUCH more beefier than the stock XJ one. This upgrade seemed like a no-brainer to me. I sourced new parts from Advance Auto and Autozone rather than the junkyard, since the drag link side actually is basically an extended tie rod end. I didn't want to have a crappy junkyard boot and joint.

Attachment 333297

More old junk, beside the new Monroe stabilizer.

Attachment 333298

I also finally purchased and used a TRE puller for the first time ever...wouldn't have been able to do this without it. Amazing tool! I'm going to use it to press out the Torx bolts for the swaybar links also.

https://i1286.photobucket.com/albums...pse1052a73.jpg

All installed, with a silvery anti-seize finish :D

Attachment 333299

One step closer to 35's, which my goal is to order in the spring with my tax refund.

Looks good.


I did the tie rod upgrade and I agree with u on that one.

Can't wait to see the 2x6 rockers getting put in.

Me either. It's been slow going but I'm hopefully getting the steel this week.

With winter right around the corner and snow possible at any moment, I'm a little stuck on what I want to do to get her road worthy for the snow. I'm considering doing a temporary patch on the rocker and fixing the door jamb there, and completing the Monstalining on the inside and outside doors and throwing Chassis Saver on what I can underneath.

Wish I could get it lifted before the first snow, and new tires...:( but that seems unlikely but I'm scoping Craigslist out for deals on 31's to get me by. Still have to finish up my flat flare install, and put my T-case shifter assembly back together and get it inspected. What fun!

I'm not trying to be pushy haha. Just letting you know I'm still here! When does it usually start snowing up there?

It could snow at any moment. Anytime between late October through March. Last year or the year before we got a big snow on Halloween, and didn't get sh** the rest of the year. but years prior we had big blizzards, so I wanna be prepared!

I'm looking at also throwing some 31x10.50 on hopefully before that first snow...but lots of work to do before then, so we'll see!

What's on it now?

Pretty darn new Goodyear Wrangler Radials, 235/75/15. Too small for me!

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f71/31...rrains-182874/

Heres some 31s on here. Close to you too.....

Did you ever figure this out? Im planning to install the Froehlich Suspension Technology Simple T Case Linkage but with their 242 Frame Side Shift Lever. Did you use this? If so, I'm worried I may have to ghetto-fab it and and extend it:

Link: http://froehlichsuspension.3dcartsto...ever_p_36.html

Thanks

If you look back a few pages you'll see what I had to do. Actually I think the first page. I got the kit before they offered the 242 piece, so I had to come up with something on my own. I've had another revision since but no pictures to offer.

Basically, I picked up a 231 to swap in to avoid those headaches and also so I can have a true SYE. I'd be interested in seeing how it works out with the extended lever for you. Actually, I'm considering ordering it since I have the whole shifter out and it will be a while before I swap the 231 in.

Today I did pick up new stainless steel bolts and washers for the shifter assembly today. By assembly I mean the actual part that bolts into the cab.

pmondo, thanks for the link!! I'm going to PM that guy now.

Np, thanks for the info. I'll be attempting the install of the linkage this week & hopefully it works out

If you got that extended lever I think you'll be fine. I haven't seen anyone run this setup yet with the 242, or any who have posted info or pics about it. Get a decent sized pry bar handy when remove the old linkage to help pop it out of the grommets (if you have any left--mine were gone, hence the linkage upgrade)

Also updates--I'm hopefully buying those 31's tomorrow!

Sweet!

So I attempted the linkage install on Tuesday 11/19. Went horribly. You need snap ring pliers, which I didnt have. Had to borrow the neighbor's car to get some lol... couldnt get the shifter linkage assembly back into the body with the longer adjustable piece... Put it back the way it was, took it to my mechanic today. We got it in but he had to make a minor cut out on part of the body near the linkage assembly in order to get it in.

Then adjusting it was a *****. Finally got it as close to perfect as we could. It reaches all the different positions but getting it to move back from 4low to N/Full-time is a pretty hard push but it works. Sprayed it down with some lithium grease hoping it will help it out... Could be just bcuz my tcase hasnt been in 4low in at least a year. Or bcuz my jeep currently holds 202,3XX miles on it as a 2000. But... it works... and it works a HELL of a lot better than the ****ty cable Novak TC linkage I had in there... (will be putting this in a box with my receipt and mailing to Novak with a very ugly letter about false advertisement for the NP242 XJ).

Very good to know about the 242 and the Novak kit. But, what did you need snap ring pliers for? I didn't need them when I took my old linkage out. I still have it lying around somewhere if you want it! :)

Also, I picked up those 31's the other night. all 6 of them! (one not shown in pic)

Attachment 332580

The weekend will be spent preparing for these and gearing up for Monstaliner over thanksgiving break. I'm also selling the longarm kit tonight and planning which lift kit to go with. Possibly Zone.

Look nice. Is it a bit cold to apply the liner? Unless u have a heated garage?

I plan on using electric heaters in and around the Jeep while it cures. The problem is that I'll be racing the clock as the pot life of a mixed can of liner is about 10 hours. I'm not sure if there's a workaround for that.

Well then u could run the jeep with heater on at full blast and heat up jeep a while before u start slapping down the liner, and use electric heaters to keep it warm while it cure. U can put blankets over jeep to keep it warm lol. I know it sound funny

INteresting idea but there's hardly any gas in it. I ran it down in anticipation of replacing the pump but have no idea when that's happening...it is in running condition but my heater core leaks slightly, I have yet to see any coolant on the passenger floor from it but dont wanna risk it :)

After some research it appears the pot life of a can of Monsta is 10 hours ONLY if it's left open. Whew. That means I can do the front half of the Jeep and place a heater towards it inside and then do the back the same way. Also that it will adhere to that annoying insulation caulk. That stuff is a nightmare so it's good to know I can go right over it. That will save me a ton of time

What about rubber sticky mats on the floor. Are u gonna go over it or remove it?

I've already removed most of those. Have one little spot under the rear seat to get yet.

What did u do to remove it?

Well, being the stupid noob that I am and didn't have a heat gun then, I used a putty knife and Goof-Off residue remover. Pain in the ***! I have a heat gun now though lol but most of it is gone

Sold the whole longarm kit that I had acquired about a year ago tonight! Current plan is to order a IRO Double Shear track bar and Zone 3" lift kit with full leafs and Nitro shocks. Now I just need to finish up the flat flares before that kit arrives! Plenty to keep me busy as we approach the holidays...

What kind of lift? Full packs or aal? Includes LCA? Etc? Gimme details lol.

He said full packs.

So it looks like this thing is gonna come together real soon. I'm excited.

I JUST ORDERED IT! Zone 3" Lift with Nitro Shocks, and full leafs. Great price point, and a good starting point for me with the 31's and all. Even they will probably look a little small once the flares are done. I've already PB blasted my bolts, although the Monstaliner project and some rust repairs need to finish first unfortunately!

The kit does not include LCA's, also unfortunately. I decided that I'll keep the stock ones on a little longer, maybe through the winter, and decide which ones to get when I have more $$$. I was looking at IRO, good price point. But Rock Krawler arms would be pretty sweet as well.

Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Last night I worked on cutting the rust out. I got most of it. The rest will be scrubbed and cleaned and then coated in Chassis Saver (when my girlfriend brings it back to me!)

The quarter panel might be a challenge to rebuild, at least to fit the flares, but I'm up to the challenge. May try to source this section from a junkyard.

Rocker:
https://i1286.photobucket.com/albums...psf1e13ae3.jpg

Lower Quarter panel
Attachment 332450

I'l be cutting some of this anyway for the fender flares, so I may not have to get picky with the bends and all. We'll see how it turns out--I'll ideally be mounting the factory bumper caps again after the Bushwacker installation--which I am working on tonight.

I'm extra motivated now that I saw snow flurries last night! :001_unsure:

Made good progress on the flat flare installation last night--driver's side is mostly done. This is the only pic I have so far, fender is cut and Rustoleum applied to seal the bare metal as best as I could. I also made the first cut on the rear driver's side flare, and when I get home tonight I'm continuing work on the flares with a 6 pack handy and I'll remember to bring my good camera out this time.

Attachment 332379

You'll see a little piece sticking out at the lower right--two Torx bolts there. I was unsure what to do there but after reading the instructions again, you're supposed to cut the first bolt. I have corrected that since this picture.

Today I also picked up a 16ga steel patch for the rocker and door jamb area--hoping to get that done this week too! 4 day weekend coming up and I'm trying my best to be ready for Monstaliner this weekend. Much more to come...

Good progress. Thumbs up

Tonight's work...

Finished up test fitting the front flare. The flares will actually not be totally installed until I do the Monstaliner, since it will extend on the bottom part of the fenders and doors to behind the flare. And of course, I had to throw one of the new 31's on! They already look too small--and this is stock height!

Attachment 332329

Attachment 332330

One side done, 3 more to go. Onto the rear driver's well, which I got the cuts and paint done for tonight.
Attachment 332331
Attachment 332332

While working on the rear flare I discovered a bit of a nasty surprise. The supposed "rust repair" done by the PO turns out to be bondo just slapped over a rust hole on the rocker panel.
Attachment 332333

I'll continue to sand it flat, and probably re-bondo it for now since I am now planning the 2x6 rocker replacement project in the spring. I'm fine with this holding through the winter. I've picked up some 18 gauge sheets of steel to patch the rocker and quarter panel with for now. I also scored a set of D-window steelies on Craigslist for $120, with 4" of backspacing. Hopefully getting the 31's mounted to those before the holiday. That's all for now! More pics and progress soon.

Doing good so far

great work.... subscribed

Thanks ya'll! Some textual updates...on Monday I scored a set of D-window black wheels on Craigslist for $100. They are in great shape, 15x8, 4" backspacing. Today I am getting the 31's mounted on them after work.

Current tasks at hand to get ready for inspection and roadworthiness again!

• Finish interior prep -- some good vacuuming, removing caulk from floor pan plugs, some goo removal yet.
• Apply Chassis Saver to lightly rusted areas on the floor pans and underneath the Jeep.
• After that, re-seal floor pan plug and drill 1" hole in it for new rubber drain plugs.
• Finish passenger side fender cuts and bare metal paint for the flat flares.
• Drill out hinge bracket from the rear door that I removed to fix the rocker and door jamb rust.
• Weld in patches for rust repair.
• Bondo up the 4 bracket mounting holes on the tranny hump driver side, since I won't be using the stock linkage anymore.
• Remove remainder of body trim
• Tape up doors for Monstaliner
• MONSTALINER INTERIOR! :)
• Finally, install Bushwacker flares after Monstalining is complete.

I have a 4 day weekend this weekend and it's going to be a busy one. My goal is to have the Monstalining done by Monday. We'll see!

Also, my 3" lift kit is due to arrive today! Woohoo. I'm not installing that until later though until I have my IRO track bar and SYE for my 231. The plan is to put the new T-case and shift assembly in during the lift process.

More updates!

So today I got the tires mounted on my new steelies, and got my new leaf springs that were on my doorstep today. The rest of the kit requires a signature and of course UPS shows up while I'm at work, so I need to figure out how to arrange a pickup. Ugh!

Attachment 332272

I'm aiming for around Christmas time for lift install, if not sooner.

In case anyone was wondering what stock suspension + Bushwacker Flat Flares + 31x10.50x15's look like, here it is:

Attachment 332273

Attachment 332274

Needless to say I'm even MORE excited to get the XJ back on the road! :)

Nice!

That kind of tempts me to get my BWs and Tires before I lift it. Do you plan on driving it like that at all? Wondering because I'm curious if you'll have any rubbing issues.