This week has been about fixing what bugs me... at work, at home, and on the jeep.

One of my sealed beams has lost its seal at some point and has been losing the silvering on its reflector, so I seized the opportunity to upgrade to some new H4 housings.

I went with these housings, they were fairly priced very well-reviewed:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Out of the box I was not disappointed; heavy construction and good-looking reflectors behind clear lenses; big rubber donut seals and they even include a set of cheapo bulbs.









Installation was no more difficult than installing new sealed beams and I like how they kinda freshen up the front end a bit.

Time to build a heavy duty headlight harness.

I also may have bought the XJ another playmate, we'll see about that later.

can't you just use standard grade 8 hardware? That's what I have always used from the hardware store and have never had issues.

Uh XJs don't have rear control arms. You sure you're ready to lift this thing?

Leaf springs and LCAs are M14x2.0 thread, 110mm up front and 120mm in the rear. UCAs are M10x1.5 75mm. ISO Class 10.9 hardened bolts.

If there's a Grade 8 SAE size that is identical thread, go for it... suspension isn't a place to half-*** **** IMO.

My thoughts as well. Please understand how your suspension works in its stock form before modifying it.

k, my jeep uses the good ol strong factory hardware. Reason I said that was because my friend used grade 8 hardware when he put a lift kit on his YJ a few years ago and it's still on the jeep to this day. But I understand what your sayin.

replaced drivers door, rear door skins and speakers.

98 jk limited

They made JKs in 1998?

The only thing 2000 of my xj is the shell lol, it's a 98 5speed drivetrain ecu and harnesses, no trans cooler. I've been out of work for 4 months due to no wheels then I broke my hand. So the quicker I get it running the sooner I can go back to work and get good parts on it. I put it all back together and started it to fill the cooling system and learned the alt is siezed so until someone local buys some more of the stuff I have posted I'm dead in the water again

Well if the temp gun isn't lying it looks like the noise is coming from my TC rebuild😯. It took me about 30 minutes after getting back to put the gun in hand and crawl under the jeep. The rear end was getting readings between 101 and 88 F. The TC on the other hand was up around 120 F, but at the front it was reading 129 F. The input bearing that came with the rebuild kit did not have the groove for the retaining clip so I suspect that even with all my maticulus measuring and light taps to get it in the exact right possition failed and it shifted after install.
Unfortunately I need to drive the jeep back and forth to work till next payday before I can replace the TC. Sure I can get a proper bearing for 1/3 the cost of a used np231, but I can swap a TC faster than I can pull the current TC apart and replace the bearing. I also get a spare TC to put a SYE on over the winter making for another quick swap once it is ready.
None of the driving over the next 2 weeks will be highway and I now live 10 minutes from work instead of 60.

Getting ready to pack up and head to the badlands offroad park for a full day of fun pics from the trip will be posted on later today I hope everyone enjoy your labor day off👍

Waiting in anticipation of your trip! Be safe and have fun!

I believe 30 minutes is too long to wait.
The TC on my XJs would operate at temps of 150 F.
The front being hotter seems normal due to conductive heat from transmission, also the front driveshaft gets very hot due to close proximity to exhaust.

Yes the transfer cases get extremely hot, moreso at the front if them for reasons Steve said and because the planetary gearset is ALWAYS spinning. They'll evaporate their lube oil if not kept topped up...

Yes 30 minute was too long of a wait, but as usual I put the temp gun ( it is just a little thing about the size of a key fob) some place where I wouldn't miss place it and it took 30 minutes of searching to find it I do the same thing with electrical tape and solder, but those I don't find till I have bought and used new. I need new batteries in the temp gun too, the display is getting a little dim.

I should mention that it drives and feels fine, it just makes an odd whirling noise. I have double checked all diff TC and transmission fluids in hopes it was just low fluid and a cheap fix. Both front hubs were replaced last fall so they shouldn't be the source of the noise. Same with all the u-joints, all replaced in the last 24 months.

Think the name is "Jet". You can try their website at www.jetchip.com. Don't remember which one, but I usually go for the budget one. If u need more info LMK.
TT&T STEVEIE