So just to update what I've been doing for the last few weeks...

Finally got around to installing my Brown Dog 1" MML. The instructions say you shouldn't have had to grind anything or beat on it to install. I had to grind and use a sledge, which ruined the driver's side yellow paint on the mount. Oh well. They are solid mounts but I can feel a few vibes that weren't there before.

I've been continually fighting my "B" pipe contacting the cross member even with a TC drop kit. It must be the wallowed out exhaust hanger bracket. I used a machinists' level to get her off the cross member and some zip ties to keep the level in place, and then I ordered another exhaust hanger bracket.

My StinkyFab tranny mount came in the mail today, and I'll get to that on Sunday or Monday. Also need to put a new exhaust tip on.

Last week I ordered some Raptor Liner and I'm going all in in black on the entire Jeep in a couple of weeks. I can not wait!

 

Today I tried to check my original Owner's Manual for my 88 XJ to see what the service intervals are. The book is a little beat up, but mostly serviceable. However there is exactly one leaf missing from it. pg 135/136. Exactly the page that lists intervals for the US non-CA version I have.

I suppose I'll just go with the intervals from my 76 Plymouth. They should be basically the same as compared to modern stuff with longer intervals. It's not like I'm going to wait 7500 miles to change oil and every other oil change for the filter like some manuals from back then specify. I'm a 3000 and every time kinda guy. Might have something to do with the many hundreds of thousands my cars tend to last.

 

Drove it, parked it, wondered whether it's time to get new front coils and if so... what length to get to match the HD leafs in the back.
But mainly just enjoyed it.
Finally bothered to convert 1.5bar (hot idle) on my UK spec dashboard to PSI and was pleased with 21lbs. The gauge has weird calibrations though, so it might be 1 bar = 14PSI - still OK I guess.
Might wash it.
Might not.

 

Interesting. We use Mobil1 @ 10-12k changes since it meets the zinc content requirements for a 2000. At well over 300k mi and still get over 21 mpg on highway.
We are going with white Raptor liner on the Freedom very shortly. I just did a lacquer thinner test on the new parts to be sure they are e-coated.

 

I got tired of hearing ours rattle so I put a temporary block of wood between the rear hanger and the pipe then jacked up the exhaust just South of the trans mount.
Fits perfectly, now ^^

 

Inside rear view mirror fell off the windshield while driving. Glued it back on.

 

Put in my Renix Monitor. Neat little tool.

It seems to show most things are running well.

But my PO rigged cooling system has it at 160F all the time. I have a big pile of parts to go through it so it should be solid again soon.

 

Today I replaced my TPS. I think it's on it way out. couple months ago I would get random high revs and recently while driving my overdrive will kick off then CEL. NSS is new and everything works fine. No codes for the solenoids too. So I'm hoping this fixes the issue. Instrument cluster tends to go out when off roading and on again if I push on it. So took it off and cleaned the terminals and twisted the data buss cables. So far it's working....but waiting to see if the TPS fixes my other issue.

 

My fuel level sender failed so I thought I drove the tank empty over the last week.

The good news is I seem to be getting a lot better MPG than I thought.

The bad news is I found out by dropping the fuel tank for some repairs. That thing is sorta heavy when it is more than half full.

 

Took advantage of a free Saturday and installed a new set of RT Off-Road headers, self refurbished intake off a '99 XJ, and new Brown Dog motor mounts.

 

I had for gotten for a second that a '98 intake was different then an '00. Was thinking you had your vacuum lines on wrong. But then I went and looked at mine. LOL.
Going to be curious what you think about the Brown Dog mounts.
If you think the vibes have increased.
Also if they tone down after sometime goes by.

 

Found that the carpet under the rubber floor mat on front passenger side was damp. (Not liquid water, but damp.) Ran a fan overnight to dry it out and completed this afternoon by angling the Jeep so bright sunshine hit the carpet for a while. Some surface rust was on the seat mount so I cleaned it up with a wire brush and sprayed with "Zero-Rust" paint. (Similar to POR-15 but is available in spray cans.) We've had quite a few torrential rainstorms this summer so I'm figuring that overwhelmed the XJ's old-enough-to-legally-drink seals a bit. Will keep an eye on that area moving forward. Should probably also pull carpet when I get the chance to look under there, but there is no "crunchiness" or give felt when hitting the floorpan.

 

Pull your carpet as soon as you can and take a look........the rust will eat it up..

 

Yeah, I've been down that road with other vehicles, really don't want to have to deal with replacing the floor!

 

I filled two 5 gallon jerry cans and spilled about 3 more gallons working on my fuel pump and related. No wonder the tank was so heavy. Now I'm waiting for some non-fuel related RTV to cure so I can get things back together.