Craftsman part#s 47384, 47386...best bang for your buck snap ring pliers....
They helped tremendously with the sye install...I got the set at Sears with some craftsman reward program they got going on now for under $21...

Sounds like you got a workhouse on your hands now...lol

 

Bit of an update. I hit a tree. Those pesky things just come running right out of the forest at the worst time!



Truthfully, I was trying to run the far left side on trail 60 at Windrock and bounced into a tree. Cracked the header panel pretty good. Broke both marker lights and popped the headlight out (lost spring too) so it was just loose.

Searched the junkyards for a good condition header panel and nothing. Decided to buy new, unpainted. $90ish bucks shipped for a unpainted panel, grill and headlight housings. Got the broken marker lights at the junkyard for $14 (highway robbery).

Unfortunately, I have to unbolt the front bumper to get the panel out. Thank goodness for hydraulics.



Painted the new panel with exact match Chili Pepper Red. Did about three coats. I goofed on two sections but it looks pretty decent for just rattle cans and two coats of primer.



It's sadly raining and has been all day. I'll button it all up tomorrow.

 

She's back!

 

No trail pics? Shame shame!
Glad she's back!

 

Hey nice Xj Subscribing!

 

Thanks man! She's a handful but they all are.



Going to attempt to replace the engine mounts today. It's raining though. Might have to buy a tarp...

 

Bad engine mount was bad. Still need to replace the passenger side.

 

So, since last time I replaced the other engine mount and the diff-end and cardon-end u-joint of the rear driveshaft. The smoothness is real! I'm having squeaky brake issues but it's probably just dirt. I've also decided to ditch the drum brakes and go for disks in the rear. Ease of maintenance out weighs parts price to me.

Went true wheeling in the snow for the first time. Went with a group of 17 rigs to the radar base at Windrock. Hit trail 50 to get there and with 15 psi, the rig crawled up everything without issue. Way too much fun!

Here are some pics:



These two former soccer mom cars basically lead the group:



One section was WAY too icy to navigate due to a stream. I had to winch out my buddy's 4Runner so we could lay down some metal ramps to get traction. He hit his brakes and slid... this close to my front bumper.



This guy was running bald Kelly Safari's with street pressure. Needless to say, he got stuck:



And then got stuck again when the ramps used at the icy section gave out from under him.



I had to turn around and use the winch to support his front while my buddy's XJ had to winch from behind. FJ80s are HEAVY.





Other than my alternator taking a beating, the rig did great. She really really liked the snow and 15 psi MTZs are glorious! I really wish they would come in 33x10.5s as I still drag the 8.25 around from time to time.

 

That looks like fun. nice pics. Thanks!

 

Nice! So jealous man!
How does snow compare to mud? Slippery?

 

It's oddly grippy or at least it was for me. Some parts were literally ice which was a challenge and the upper elevation had deep snow that just required more wheel speed to push through. Definitely a unique wheeling experience.

 

Made a list of things I need to get done before May. I'm not sure where my med-student GF is matching, but I plan on towing the Civic with the Jeep.

Fix Headlights
Fix turn signals
Wire trailer lights
Fix rear wiper
Replace front brake pads, rotors if needed
Replace wheel hubs, inspect ball joints
Swap rear drums for disk brakes, fix hand brake problem
Install upper and lower RE Super Flex Control Arms
Purchase and install 4” PAC 250 lb springs
Purchase and install 4 Bilstein 5100 shocks
Purchase gutter mounts for homemade roof rack
Purchase high-grade floor and cargo mats
Purchase and install 2.5" high-flow cat and 2.5" Vibrant muffler

Right now, the rear brakes are shot AGAIN and I don't have a parking brake. Kind of sucks with you have a stick shift. Talking with Big Dave now on getting ZJ baking plates.

 

I pulled a set of ZJ rear brakes a couple of weekends ago at Pull-a-part. Plenty of sets left out there. I got the backing plates, calipers, all the studs, and all the necessary hardware pretty cheap.

 

Nice! It's so dang cold lately though. I guess I need to be a man about it.

How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

 

No it doesn't! Park in first or reverse.