This will be the thread where I keep you guys updated on my "new to me" 1997 2 Door. I'm calling it "Project Rod Knock" because... well... the motor knocks pretty bad. With the purchase of this clean southern 2 wheel drive 2 door, I bought a matching 4x4 rotted out 2 door. You guessed it, I'll be merging the two to make one good running 4x4 clean 2 door. Video of it knocking will be posted soon.

 

Here is it knocking. This clip is with the spark plug out, but that didnt change the sound much lol



2x4 Southern Jeep

Both jeeps

 

Some progress was made on the parts jeep. I've gotten the motor, trans, and transfer case out. I've also made my 200$ that I paid for it back by selling a couple things off of the jeep.

Jeep sitting next to our comanche project. Gotta get some time and get my projects done so I can work on that.

The motor made its way to the engine stand. And started to get pulled apart for a reseal.


It definitely leaks oil.

This is about as far as I've gotten. Anything off the 96 is for sale, minus front seats. Going to be stripping it and scraping it asap.

 

Have you checked to see if the flexplate bolts are loose?

 

standard and the clutch and everything is fine. Its definitely a rod knock lmao

 

I wouldn't be to quick to scrap the one jeep until you take a lot of parts off of it. There are plenty of 2 door specific parts that are not widely available and can sell for $$$ (window regulators, interior trim, etc.)

I've spent time searching, sadly there are not many first gen 2 doors around where I live.

 

The whole thing will be stripped until I cant remove another bolt. Then cut in half and scraped.

 

You sir are my hero. I wish I had the storage space to be able to do that.

 

I dont really but I've got some big racks up on the wall for tires. Gonna put plywood down and build a shelf for parts.

 

Some progress being made on getting this parts jeep gone


Removing dash

Main dash removed


Dash harness out

This is how I left the inside

Engine side harness out

Engine harness, interior harness, and ecu are for sale. Make offer

 

I also picked up some 33x12.5r15 tires and rims. Rims are gonna get sandblasted and some rock rings welded onto them.

I think I need a lift. I'm in the process of peicing together one right now. Shooting for 5.5 to 6.5 long arm.

Tires aren't great but they will go on my current daily when I go to sell it. My good 33s off that will go on these.

 

Am I doing this right?

Doors are off. Ill keep the drivers side because it's good. Ill srip the regulator, window, and handles off the passenger side and put that one back on.

Seats are out and so is the body harness. I sold the motor harness, but the ecu is still for sale. All the plasic panels are removed too.

The heater box is staying because every stud is spinning. If someone wants it before I scrap it, they can pull it.

Windshield and side windows still need to be removed. After that, I think the axles can come out from under it and the jeep can go to the scrap yard. Pretty soon the "rust free" jeep can come in and get the motor and transmission pulled. I say "rust free" because I found some rot back where the bumper caps go on the drivers side... ugh. But that just might mean a comp cut, anybody ever do a comp cut and make it look good? I dont love the way bumpers look with the normal comp cut.

 

Interior is done! Gotta grab the top of the back seat and it's ready to be filled with metal

 

Steering column is out. Along with pedals and brake booster

Back windows are out! I think windshields staying. It is scratched. We'll see.

I dont know if im selling them yet. Mine are a little messed up but not scratched.
I'm also going to cut the roof out, keep it for patch panels. It's nice to have some extra sheet metal laying around. Also gonna cut out the area that's rusted on mine, but surprisingly not on this one... 🤷‍♂️

 

Yes, that is exactly what it looks like... a KJ disk brake swap!