I reused all of the original hardware, u-bolts, and the shackles. I should have went with the stock rubber bushings, but I didn't want to deal with pressing those in (don't have a press, but could have taken them to work).... Good luck with your replacements.

 

Next project later this week:

 

Major fail today. Pulled the rear end apart only to learn that these axle savers are for an 8.25" rear. Doing more research, I have the Dana 35 axle.


So I've initiated the return of the Timken units and ordered a full set of new axles, bearings, wheel studs from Summit. So everything is back together and I'm waiting for the sealant to dry on the pumpkin so I can fill with new gear oil. Looks like I'll be doing it again next weekend......

 

This happened today....

 

New axles arrived yesterday from Summit. Took them to work today to press in the wheel studs. One axle is done, the other had the wrong studs in the box (too small diameter). So after work I stop into Napa to pickup 5 new studs. Fail, only 1 in stock. Others are supposed to be in tomorrow afternoon. So the plan is to get the other axle all set so I can swap the new axles and bearing into the rear. Can't wait to get rid of the loud wheel bearing noise coming from the back of the Jeep.....

 

Replaced the axles this weekend. First up, removal of the old bearings. The seals were a pita (couldn't remove the bearing/seal as a pair). But I got them out both sides:


New vs old axles:

And the axles in:

Another project off the to-do list....

 

Another project off the check list. Changed out a bunch of o-rings in my AC system today, vacuumed it down and added fresh R-134a. System is nice and happy:



Gave it a bath and snapped a few pics since I haven't posted any good ones since i replaced the rear springs......

 

Took the Jeep on a small work excursion today, up on top of Mt. Tom in Holoyoke, MA:

 

So this weekend I finally swapped out the urethane leaf spring bushings for stock style rubber ones. Much better ride and quieter from road noise as well. Glad I did that.
Used the press at work to get the new ones in:

Got all 4 done:

And the "old" bushings.


And a "just because" pic:

 

Oh, and forgot to mention, almost a year since I bought it and 10k miles

 

"Daughter's Jeep" Lol, sure. You've definitely got the bug man. If she gets those keys from you, i dont think itll be long before there's another one in the stable. Great work BTW, that XJ is coming along very nicely!

Speaking of your stable... Was that a maroon '82 Fox i spied in one of your pics?

 

Thanks - she's has her permit and goes for her license test Aug 30th.... She has been driving it quite a bit during her permit (6 months min), but I'll be honest that I'm not looking forward to turning over the keys to her. I'll miss driving this XJ, great vehicle.

The 82 is a Mustang GT T-top. Long term resto project (I've done 100% of the work in my garage including body and paint). Before:


And current:





Full read on the resto: http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...-(82-GT-T-Tops) (28 pages worth)...

 

Damn thats beautiful man. Ive owned at least a dozen foxbodies, including an 86 T-top GT and an 82 Capri... always wanted an 82 GT.

Stellar job man. I restore Mustangs for a living, from what i can see that thing came out NICE.

 

Well, it finally happened. My daughter got her drivers license last week. So my daily driving the XJ has come to an end.....
One perk - she actually washed the Jeep Sunday. Looks like my "clean vehicle" habits have made an impression with her.