A Humboldt-Cherokee Blog.

[srmitchell]

Whats up Sierra Chapter?
If you don't know me, my name is Sean. I'm from San Mateo, but I now go to Humboldt State University.
I have a build on jeep forum, but as you all know, this the real home for all things xj on the web. :)
My rig has 31's, 4 inches of lift, bumpers, a locker, and a bunch of other cool stuff.

I'm following Rocknxj's example (The Frog Blog).
I want to document all the awesome stuff I've been doing at school. :spin1:

We only really have a few wheelin spots, because so many are closed. :(

I've been here since August, and I've added a whole lot of junk to my... junk? haha

I've added zj rear brakes, fog lamps, an overhead console, an Iron Rock double sheer track bar, frame stiffeners, a rear hitch, an Iron Rock Exhaust system, door tweeters, and a few other things.

Since August-
Usal Road. (USA-Lumber)
I went with Ivan, and tgoff. We had a blast!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/UsalRoadLostCoast09119.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/UsalRoadLostCoast09126.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/UsalRoadLostCoast09134.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/UsalRoadLostCoast09090.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/UsalRoadLostCoast09060.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/UsalRoadLostCoast09024.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/UsalRoadLostCoast09117.jpg

[srmitchell]

Hollister during Thanksgiving. (Not humboldt of course.)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Hollisternov09004.jpg
Samoa Ohv Area.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/OctoberSamoa015.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/OctoberSamoa005.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/20475_1078419417672_1741866694_1469.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00056-20100118-1442.jpg

A trip above arcata.
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00098-20100123-1502.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00089-20100123-1436.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00094-20100123-1449.jpg
Awesome sky.
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00068-20100121-1716.jpg

[srmitchell]

And today-
Took a Trip up behind Arcata, on a road called Fickle Hill. SNOW!

http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00256-20100404-1621.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00257-20100404-1621.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00262-20100404-1629.jpg

Snowballs!
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00264-20100404-1642.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00266-20100404-1643.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00268-20100404-1646.jpg

That would be the ocean-
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00269-20100404-1652.jpg
:wave:

[rocknxj]

Nice job, Sean. I look forward to wheeling with you in the near future.

[srmitchell]

I have a job interview at Kragen at 2pm today. Wish me luck!

This will speed the build. :)

[Brad M.]

Sean, I've followed some of your posts in other threads and have to say I love your XJ. It makes me wish I'd never gone past that build size/stage. Great dual purpose rig, uncut, undented, nice and purdy and yet still a VERY capable rig to get you around most of the trails you want. Great rig, and I look forward to following this thread.

[srmitchell]

Thanks! Very kind words.
There will be more Tech content soon, as it gets better.
I've actually decided to keep it reasonable until it's no longer a DD.

The next setup will be 265/75/r16's. It's a 32/10.5, vs. the 15 inch size which is a wide 32/11.5. I don't like wide tires on a all around wheeler like mine.
I wanted to go 255/85/r16, but I saw a set yesterday on a ford f250, and I hated the look. They looked WAY too pinched, tall, and narrow.

This is the look I want.-
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/DSCF1809Small.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/obx123108018.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/DSCF5800.jpg

What do you think?

[jimbosz07]

I like it. But then again I'm still rooting for you to just throw on 33s and Rusty's flares or somethin

[srmitchell]

Thanks. I'd love to, but I'm not ready to hack the fenders. I've only had it for 2 years.

I feel like I'd miss the look I have right now in less than a month.

If I can keep up with Tim (knucklehead61) and Josh (the_wierdo) who are on 33's and above, while Im on on 31's, why not just got to 32's? :)

[rocknxj]

Thanks! Very kind words.
There will be more Tech content soon, as it gets better.
I've actually decided to keep it reasonable until it's no longer a DD.

The next setup will be 265/75/r16's. It's a 32/10.5, vs. the 15 inch size which is a wide 32/11.5. I don't like wide tires on a all around wheeler like mine.
I wanted to go 255/85/r16, but I saw a set yesterday on a ford f250, and I hated the look. They looked WAY too pinched, tall, and narrow.

This is the look I want.-
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/DSCF1809Small.jpg



What do you think?

No way this dude is not rubbing on his front bumper end caps. I had similar clearance issues so I pulled my caps off until my JCR front bumper showed up. Now I'm nice and tidy and my front bumper assy is hanging in my garage as a reminder of the old days.

[srmitchell]

Oh yeah, for sure.

Mine is all gone, and has been for a while. No fender liners either.

[jimbosz07]

Yea I thought about that too, guess I got over it. I dunno, I prefer the super beefy look my tires have. My Jeep's a lot more raw than yours though. You should hear the exhaust, I drown out just about everything on the road

[srmitchell]

Yeah, I don't know.

I've gone very far with my setup now, and I'd love to see where I can go with 32's. (And very deep gears)

Plus, if I do it, there's a big ass tire on the back too. So the weight is an issue.

My goal is "What jeep should have made"

[Brad M.]

My goal is "What jeep should have made"

You have it now. Don't change it... trust me.

[SanDiegoOverland]

very nice build. I like that title, "The way Jeep SHOULD have built it."

I might just steel that...

[rocknxj]

very nice build. I like that title, "The way Jeep SHOULD have built it."

I might just steel that...

I like that too, and I believe I am finally driving what Jeep should have built. I'm sold on the 5.5" lift/33" tire combo. Club 33 for me!

[srmitchell]

How do I change the title of the thread? (That phrase is now copyrighted to me, Sean Mitchell. haha)

And to Brad- I agree, but 32's on no more lift would be great. :)

[jimbosz07]

Haha yea if you like it clean just stop now. You saw how Jes's rig evolved....

[srmitchell]

Well, unlike all the stupid dudes up here who feel you HAVE to have 37's to go where even I can go ( haha) I realize that theres no need to go big around here.

My jeep is still a tool of transportation, and most of the areas I want to go are far away, and remote, breaking down is not an option.

Things to do before Sierra fest-
-Install my new tie rod
-New hubs, ball joints, bushings, lca skids, and 4.56 gears for my HP d30
-Get my rear 8.25 with 4.56 gears
-Shim the rear leafs
-Maybe get the rest of the frame plated
-Longer front shocks
-Iron Rock long arms
-Some type of tcase skid for that crossmember

Maintenance
-Flush the cooling system
-New fan clutch
-Drain, drop the tranny pan, fluid/ filter change
-Change the RMS

And I might have a job at Kragen. :)

[jimbosz07]

Sounds like a pretty perfect to do list to me. Congrats on the job at Kragens. I love that place

[srmitchell]

Thanks man.

Btw, we need you to go to sierra fest.

Maybe we can caravan?

[jimbosz07]

Yea I'm tryin to see if I can go. I'm gonna be taking summer school classes Monday through Thursday so I might miss the first day or two. If it works out I would try to head out after class Wednesday. Dunno what your plans were

[srmitchell]

You can ditch! haha

I plan on going up with my dad before it starts.

I will have to come down before hand from school to go.

[knucklehead 61]

sean, look into the jcr tcase skid. pure beef & they go on sale from time to time. i love mine.

[srmitchell]

I've seen it, but I don't think it will work with the Iron Rock long arms I want.

It might be tight with the stiffeners too!

[knucklehead 61]

I've seen it, but I don't think it will work with the Iron Rock long arms I want.

It might be tight with the stiffeners too!

you have hd offroad stiffeners, right? so do i & it fit over them just fine. don't know about the long arm kit though.

[srmitchell]

Oh cool.

I might have to have you take yours off so I can test fit it. :)

But seriously, it's either that, or fabricate something else that attaches to the crossmember.

[jimbosz07]

Haha yea I wish. Oh and fab it up man! It's always the answer!

[srmitchell]

Well, I just killed it for now.
I was doing the rear main seal replacement, all was going well, until I ripped the seal trying to put it back in.

The closest i can get one here is on Wednesday.

Looks like Im taking the bus this week. (And I can't work on it till next saturday.)

Shit day forsure.

[Jeep450r]

Damn dude that sucks! I just noticed my RMS has a small leak as well... hopefully it doesn't become too much of a problem.

Good luck getting it fixed ASAP!

[rocknxj]

I'm thinking you should have loosened up all the bearing caps. I did the same thing with my RMS, then on the second upper seal, I loosened up all the caps and the new upper seal went in super easy.

[srmitchell]

Yeah. I also realized that they gave me a piece of plastic to protect the seal, and "shoehorn" it in. I forgot to use it, like a dummy.

I messed up. Live and learn. I'll be much happier once it's done, knowing it took so much work.

Thanks for the encouragement!

[rocknxj]

I read about seal kits coming with the plastic protector, but neither one of mine came with it. I destroyed my first seal just as you have, but after loosening up all of the caps, the second seal slid in nice and easy. If I lived closer to you and did not have visitors here this weekend, I would have been happy to deliver a replacement seal to you and given an hand with the final installation.

Keep us posted when you get this thing wrapped up.

[srmitchell]

Thanks man. Yeah, Im pretty remote here.

I'll take your advice, and also rent a really good torque wrench.

[rocknxj]

Did you need a photo of the rubber band trick to hold the oil gasket in place?

[srmitchell]

Sure, that'd help.

I have a week until I do it anyway. haha

[rocknxj]

Sure, that'd help.

I have a week until I do it anyway. haha

See, simple.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0da04b3127ccef9a7daaf64ba00000030O00EcsWzNm1bsg e3nww/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

[srmitchell]

Sweet. I get it. That's what I pictured, but it's good to be sure.
I've got a busy week.

First day at Kragen tomorrow(yay money), maybe working thursday, and maybe this weekend.

Mix this with studying, a birthday party on sat, and trying to put the jeep back together. :)

[rocknxj]

Don't forget the rain. There's rain heading your way for the next three days.

[srmitchell]

Oh god. Not good.

[jimbosz07]

Don't you just love working on your Jeep in the pouring rain?

[rocknxj]

Don't you just love working on your Jeep in the pouring rain?

Not sure what is worse. Freezing cold, pouring rain, or blazing heat. I installed my lift in January, because we have great wrenching weather here during that month.

[jimbosz07]

I think heat is probably worst in my opinion. If it's raining you can always pop up a quikshade tent or something and cold is annoying but if you're working hard you warm up. Blazing heat just makes you pissed off and break things

[rocknxj]

I think heat is probably worst in my opinion. If it's raining you can always pop up a quikshade tent or something and cold is annoying but if you're working hard you warm up. Blazing heat just makes you pissed off and break things

My thoughts exactly. When I was in the military, I used to install missiles on fighter jets. We had to pick them up off the missile trailer by our arms and carry them to the F-15. When I was stationed in Florida, I'd burn the crap out of my arms from the hot metal.

Now that I'm older to know better, I won't work on the heep when it is hot, cold, wet, or anything above, or below 74 degrees, sunny, and no wind. Ha.

[jimbosz07]

Haha yea I haven't quite learned that lesson yet. When I set my mind on doing something to my Jeep on a certain day/weekend I do it no matter what the weather is

That's a pretty cool military story. Hats off to you for serving as well

[srmitchell]

HAH!

I've had no option but freezing cold... or rain.

I installed my zj disk brakes in 25-30 degree sunny weather. That sucked. Then it went bad, and I finished at night in 20 degrees.
It's pouring right now, so I put a plastic sheet over the hood, and towels along the ground.

[TheManch]

looking good sean, congrats on kragen as well. Which one are you working at?


Mike

[srmitchell]

The one on Central, near K mart.

Im working tonight. Stop by!

[TheManch]

right on man, congrats. I'm working nights now but im sure i will see you soon.


Mike

[srmitchell]

Sweet.

They scheduled me for saturday. It went well.

[rocknxj]

Sweet.

They scheduled me for saturday. It went well.

I can see you behind the counter at Kragen asking the customer, "Cherokee, or Grand Cherokee?"

[srmitchell]

HAHA.

Totally. 4x4 or 2wd? 2.4 or 4.0?

I cant wait.

[rocknxj]

I was at a parts store the other day buying crap (I won't mention Autozone's name) and I was wondering if they had seals for an 8.25 differential. I asked, but I got a blank stare and was commanded, "You need to ask for that by vehicle type." Fair enough, I thought, as I would not expect them to know how to search for replacement parts by logic. "Jeep Cherokee, 1999" I replied. "Grand?," she autonomously belched in her monotone voice. I managed to utter, "Uh...." before politely excusing myself from the very establishment I previously vowed to avoid.

Keep in mind I was just in her computer buying parts mere seconds ago. Why am I so annoyed at that question?

[jimbosz07]

I could see you freakin out and telling someone that their 03 Grand is NOT a Cherokee....

[rocknxj]

I could see you freakin out and telling someone that their 03 Grand is NOT a Cherokee....

Oh man, that's funny. ^

You'll also learn how to upsale the customer. I was in a local NAPA recently and bought some Sylvania Silverstar headlights. The counter chick was trying to upsale me some lens cleaner. I just looked at her and asked why I would need lens cleaner if I'm buying new headlights. :doh: I still don't think she got it.

[srmitchell]

Thats really funny. People these days.

I can say though, there were a few times where I had to say "Im sorry, what was the vehicle again?" :)

The solution is to ask once, write it down, and go from there.

[srmitchell]

Good news. I got it done. Started working at 5pm, got done an 1:30am.
Lots of problems getting it all together.
I had work at 8 am. haha

But, it's all done, and no leaks for now.

[rocknxj]

Great to hear. How did you get the upper seal in? Last I heard you were having problems.

[srmitchell]

It's nice to be done. The motor is so clean.

I ended up putting a gob of lucas oil stabilizer, and shoving it in. It went in easy.

There are no leaks yet, just a little bit of residual oil that leaks down the inspection plate. No drops on the pavement though!

I do have a question...
I keep finding little splatters of oil on the front of the low part of the oil pan. (Above and behind the axle). But there's no point source of leak that I can find. Maybe some oil is on my steering, and getting blown back, and I'm not looking?

I thought it was atf from my leaky tranny cooler line, and it's not red.

[rocknxj]

Did you check the front seal while the pan was off?

[srmitchell]

Nope. It's all clean up there. (For the most part)

[srmitchell]

I've been getting some good hours at work, so I should be ordering parts soon.

In order-
New TRE's for my dom tie rod
new front driveshaft (anyone have one laying around?)
8.25 with 4.56 gears
4.56 gears/install kit for my d30 hp
Ball joints
lca skids installed
gears installed

And then long arms.... Still deciding between iro or rough country.

[Jeep450r]

Did you rule out the BDS 3-link (saw your jeepforum thread)? Too expensive?

I would actually recommend building your own link setup... or having a local shop build one for you. Building (or having someone build) a simple radius arm set up that is welded onto your unibody stiffeners would end up being much cheaper than IRO's and RC's kits. You could weld mounts like these right on to your stiffeners: http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Heavy-Duty-Frame-Link-Mount_p_1511.html

Also, its kind of hard to mess up while designing a radius arm set up... you could do it easily.

[srmitchell]

I really don't have the means to build my own. No welder, all the shops around here don't care about jeeps, its all toyota. I went by a fab shop, and I wasn't able to talk to them with out him telling me "humboldt state is goddamn green liberal prius driving eco-bullsh** socialism center". (Thats actually what the dude said. I left.) I don't want to support people who have no clue what they're doing. We don't have fab shops, just redneck engineering shops. lol

I'm really leaning toward the RC setup. Major value. If I can just get over the low brackets, it might be ok.

[XJensen]

bummer the belly pan mounts are so slow but for the price it's not bad. Especially sense the T&T Y link went up $130 to nearly $1,000 for the pan and arms!!!

Josh

[Jeep450r]

I really don't have the means to build my own. No welder, all the shops around here don't care about jeeps, its all toyota. I went by a fab shop, and I wasn't able to talk to them with out him telling me "humboldt state is goddamn green liberal prius driving eco-bullsh** socialism center". (Thats actually what the dude said. I left.) I don't want to support people who have no clue what they're doing. We don't have fab shops, just redneck engineering shops. lol

I'm really leaning toward the RC setup. Major value. If I can just get over the low brackets, it might be ok.

Dang that sucks.

One thing I just recently (yesterday) found out is that the RC arms are made out of 3/16 wall (.1875) HREW, while the IRO arms are made out of 2" 5/16 wall (.3125) DOM. Thats a pretty big gap there.. Im not sure if I would trust anything less than .25 wall in a suspension link (or maybe I've been spending to much time over on Pirate). But then again, I know you wont be bashing the crap out of it like some people, so 3/16 might be fine.

I've heard both good and bad things about the IRO kit. The caster adjustment seems to scare a lot of people away, but many have successfully run it with no complaints.

Its a tough decision... but I think you will be happy with the one you choose.

[srmitchell]

Wow, that changes a lot.

Why wouldn't they use dom?

I guess at that point you'd be paying as much as the tnt.

[srmitchell]

I just talked to RC, the guy said they are .120 wall dom, upper and lower.

[Jeep450r]

I just talked to RC, the guy said they are .120 wall dom, upper and lower.

Thats not what the guy told me 2 days ago. Sounds like they need to get their facts straight!

[srmitchell]

I guess so!

Either way, he said as long as it's not used in a competition (haha), they will replace any mangled arms, no questions asked. I'll ask them again.

I think I found my long arms. :)

[Jeep450r]

I guess so!

Either way, he said as long as it's not used in a competition (haha), they will replace any mangled arms, no questions asked. I'll ask them again.

I think I found my long arms. :)

RC is very good about their customer service. If you break anything, they will replace it for free. The main reason I bought their lift kit was because of their CS.

EDIT: I just found the thread I've been looking for (didn't want to say anything till I found the evidence). It seems RC is having trouble shipping the arms out on time. There have been multiple complaints of slow shipping (or no shipping at all) of their long arm kits. Refer to the last few pages of this thread: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/rough-country-long-arm-kits-884625/. The kits are back-ordered to May 28th at the very least. Wether that is for the full lift kits w/long arms, or for the LA upgrade only, I don't know. For all we know, depending on the time you order, you might not have your kit before SierraFest. Just a heads up!

I'm not trying to make your decision any harder... Just bringing a few things that caught my eye to your attention.

[srmitchell]

Yeah, I know. Not good. The rep said If I ordered today, I'd have them in 2 weeks.

But, I'm going to call them when the time comes.
I should be able to order by mid june.

Right now the focus is my tie rod, swapping a new rear axle, and building the dana 30 sitting in my garage.

[connor0770]

im also contemplating getting the RC LA lift. Are you going to go 35"s or 33's?

[srmitchell]

32's.

I don't wheel it enough to go 33's.

[srmitchell]

It was broken like this-
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00013-20100425-1324.jpg

But now it's fixed! And doesn't leak!

http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00016-20100501-1856.jpg

[87Deathwagon]

Thats good to hear. When are we going wheelin?

[srmitchell]

Im 2wd right now. HAHA

My front slip yoke is seized, so I had to pull the D.s.

[jimbosz07]

Hey me too! I got that 8.25 with 4.56s in the back and pulled the front shaft until I do the gear install

I'm guessing you heard I didn't need the output shaft. Turns out mine worked after all. Thanks anyway and I hope i didn't cause any inconvenience

[srmitchell]

Right on. No not at all.

Hows the gearing? I get my rear axle soon. (I hope)

[srmitchell]

Question for you guys.

I tried to install longer bump stops out back, and one of the bolts snapped off. I tried to drill it out and use a bolt remover, but it's fudged. Im left with a rusty mangled stud/bolt thing. i tried to chisel it out too!

What would the best way to fix this? Im thinking of drilling through the nut inside the frame and just using a self tapper to get it up there. It doesn't really have to hold much torque.

Any clue?

[rocknxj]

Can you use a 4" cutting wheel to cut the bolt flush with the unibody, then drill out the bad bolt? If you use a slightly larger bit, you may be able to drill it out and re-install the stop with a larger bolt. I'd need a photo. I'll head outside and take a look at one of the Jeeps in my driveway.

Edit: I took a few photos but it is dark and I'm afraid of the dark. There's crazy things crawling around in the dark and I don't like it. So, let's see if this is what you are talking about...

First photo is of the Frog. Is this the bolt you are referring to?

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0db31b3127ccefa40c2dcdb7900000030O00EcsWzNm1bsg e3nww/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Here's the Green Machine (below). It clearly shows the head of the bolt. Assuming you have already removed the bump stop, I suggest using a punch and BFH to defeat the welded nutplate inside the unibody. If that does not work, then cut the stud flat with a cutting wheel and use a larger bit to drill out the bolt until if gives.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0db31b3127ccefa40df5b1a5800000030O00EcsWzNm1bsg e3nww/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Next, install a larger nutzert and use the larger size bolt to hold the new bumpstop in place.

If that is BS, then use a step drill to open the side of the unibody so you can feed a nut on top of the new bolt. I just did something similar this weekend to fix my crossmember bolt.

[jimbosz07]

Gearing is awesome. I have so much more power. Getting up to speed is practically effortless. I'm not too sure what it'll be like with 31s but you're definitely gonna have a LOT of torque. Unfortunately my speedo is so off it's hopeless

[srmitchell]

Yeah, that's the bolt. I already tried to drill it out, but it's screwed.

Finally some updates.
My new Towbar, going to be used for just long distance, low speed flat towing. (No windy roads) We are going to tow it to the beginning of highway 4, and then drive it the rest of the way to sierra fest. Good to have if anything breaks.
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00031-20100511-1030.jpg
Warrior adapter brackets.
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00032-20100511-1030.jpg

I rebuilt my GENII sway bar discos, new hiems and bushings. They no longer clunk.
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00035-20100511-1536.jpg

[srmitchell]

And check out how clean the underside is, sans oil leaks!

http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00033-20100511-1030.jpg
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00034-20100511-1031.jpg

The trans used to be coated all the time.

[Starboard M]

In my experience, if you break something its typically something that will need to be replaced if you are flat towing. I also had a friend who used to flat tow his CJ5 with a late model 4runner and it was sketchy at best.

Dont mean to be Debby Downer, but I think you are better off driving to SierraFest.

[srmitchell]

Right on. Yeah, it will mostly be a back up thing.

[rocknxj]

Nice work on the RMS. Mine has a slight leak, but it is not dripping, per se. It might actually be coming from the valve cover, which is my next seal to replace. Again, nice job even though it took you a month to finish :)

[srmitchell]

Hahahaha. NOT. :) It only took a full week! And yeah, my valve cover gasket was replaced in december 07. I contribute the lack of leak also to the 10w40 high mileage mobil 1 oil, with a nice dosage of Lucas oil stabilizer.

[knucklehead 61]

sean, did you make some spacers to mount the tow bar with?
my tow bar uses 1/2" pins & my bumper has 1" holes, so i turned some spacers up in my lathe to keep things kosher.

[srmitchell]

Those couplers are made by warrior products. I didn't do anything, just bolted on.

[srmitchell]

Finished my new tie rod. 1.5" OD DOM tubing.
ZJ.
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00043-20100512-1630.jpg
New ends.
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00046-20100512-1657.jpg

Look at the difference!
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00047-20100512-1703.jpg

Install
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00044-20100512-1655.jpg

Installed
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/IMG00048-20100512-1816.jpg

[rocknxj]

Oooh, me like. Looks like what the kid has on the Green Machine. Nice job, man.

[jimbosz07]

Nice! That looks crazy beefy. You do the welding yourself?

[srmitchell]

No, I didn't. No welder.:( I had a place in Arcata weld it for 12 bucks, and luckily the threads didn't distort.

DOM came from allied steel in Belmont near you, (off of old county)
Thread inserts and jam nuts came from Ruff Stuff, TRE's from Kragen.

I elected not to go moog, because the moog parts are 108 bucks out the door, even with my 20 percent discount. These master pro parts have a lifetime warranty, and they were 38 bucks out the door. I might get a set of spares.

[srmitchell]

Washed it. Trippy pic.

http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/jd_what12/xjyo.jpg

[rocknxj]

Sexy beast. Nice Jeep.

[jimbosz07]

Looks purrtyyyyyy

[srmitchell]

Can't wait for about 1 inch of lift and 32's.

[connor0770]

now who in the right mind would build there house over a sink hole????

Nice jeep!! what kind of wax do you use?

[srmitchell]

Lol, slanted pic.

I use ice wax, but I haven't used it lately.

[rocknxj]

now who in the right mind would build there house over a sink hole????

:laugh: I did not notice that before. When you roll out of bed, you must really roll out of bed!

[jimbosz07]

It definitely needs 32s. Doesn't have enough of that sexy sidewall bulge

[srmitchell]

I know. I'm going to be very happy. 32's and 4.56 is going to rock.

I want to get a vw golf someday, and when that happens, it will be on 33's.

[srmitchell]

So I've been looking at some older pictures.
I think I'm going to get some Treadwright a/ts again.

The old ones were freaking awesome.
This time around I'll be going 265/75/r16 on my moabs.

They grip great, balance well, and they're super cheap.

My 31s looked huge.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/yosemite050.jpg

[srmitchell]

Just ordered Rough Country Long arms. :)

[rocknxj]

Just ordered Rough Country Long arms. :)

Now your knuckles will drag when you walk.

[srmitchell]

Hahahahahaha

[connor0770]

Just ordered Rough Country Long arms. :)

SWEET!!!! if i am ever to get long arms, these are the ones i would get. Cheap yet durable. If you were closer i would love to help you put them on.

[srmitchell]

Well I'll let you know when I'm down there. You can check em out.

[jimbosz07]

Lucky duck

[srmitchell]

I've been working a lot. Right now my schedule is 6 days straight, one day off, then another 5 days.

[jimbosz07]

Yea I need a new job badly. 10 hours a week at Baskin Robbins just aint cuttin it

[srmitchell]

I might paint my rims gun metal. :)

In other news, the long arms are backordered.

[srmitchell]

Still no update on the arms. They might ship the 21st.

I may go wheeling soon, so I'll post some pics.

[Jeep450r]

I just talked to one of their e-Reps on their site:

[Visitor] Are the long arm kits for the XJ in stock? Or are they back ordered?
[J.R.] Thursday or Friday they are supposed to be back in stock

[srmitchell]

I wheeled today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hell yeah!

Samoa dunes.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/1b46d248.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/d4131e61.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/360d6393.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/93855079.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/343f6d41.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/0104b44c.jpg

After math. I like the look of the dark wheels.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/a19c3508.jpg

It did well, but I realize now that my tires are just awful. WAY too small.

[Letterman]

More photos of the dunes?

I went wheeling there in December of 1989 in a '82 Toyota and almost rolled it ugly with three of us in the front seat.

[srmitchell]

Ah, I don't have anymore of just the dunes. But it's gorgeous!

We were drag racing on the beach! haha

[rocknxj]

Cool, man. Glad you made it out for some fun. Jeep is looking good, baby tires and all.

[srmitchell]

Haha, I've been talking with my dad, he wants me to save every dollar, but new gears and tires sure would be awesome.

Thanks

[knucklehead 61]

Haha, I've been talking with my dad, he wants me to save every dollar, but new gears and tires sure would be awesome.

Thanks

smart man, your dad.
try & save 10 to 20% of every dollar you make for retirement & you will be a rich man someday. pay yourself first is the motto. learn to live this way & you will be set for life at an earlier age. i wish i had started investing at your age but i waited until my late 20s. had i started at 18 i would have already fully retired!

[srmitchell]

Rough country still doesn't have the joints, so they arent shipping today.

[87Deathwagon]

When's the next Humboldt wheelin trip?

[srmitchell]

Idk yet.

I got a new driveshaft, because mine is shot!

No wonder it vibrates!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXCBqRvfiKg&feature=youtube_gdata

[87Deathwagon]

Damn. Well it's a good thing you got a new one. I need to come in a get a tranny mount from ya. Mine is so shot I have been through 5 radiators.

[srmitchell]

I pulled the front driveshaft yesterday, and Im waiting to take the new one to my buddy's shop, cause they have a parts cleaner.

In other news, I should be getting a set of 4.56 axles next week, (hopefully) and my long arms will be here on friday. (Hopefully.)

Besides that, I'm going to buy a set of 32's, and Im set for sierra fest.

[rocknxj]

What days/trails are you planning to attend SF?

[srmitchell]

All of them. I never get to wheel, so were going to go up Tuesday and make a big trip out of it.

[rocknxj]

That's cool. I am thinking of taking Wed - Fri off so I can wheel everything. Not sure yet, but that's the plan. At the minimum, I'm doing Strawberry on Wed, then returning to work Thurs and back to wheeling on Fri, Sat, and Sun. Might just be easier to stay at the camp the entire time.

[srmitchell]

OH MAN.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/7c49d5c5.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/ead11cdf.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/f4fba101.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/5dc43901.jpg

[connor0770]

its.....its.....its beautiful!!!!!!!!!!

[87Deathwagon]

What are you doing put that stuff in! haha

[knucklehead 61]

OH MAN.


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/ead11cdf.jpg



looks like you need to send the kit back as the top left bar in the pic is bent.
damn those ups gorillas! :explosion

[XJensen]

looks like you need to send the kit back as the top left bar in the pic is bent.
damn those ups gorillas! :explosion

The bend is prob there to go around the shifted drive train in the 2000-2001 models. The drive train was shifted over 1.5" or 2" to make room for more emissions stuff. I found this out because TNT has a different belly pan for these years. TNT arms are all straight and they suggest shifting the axle over to make clearance.

Jon ended up using the long arms on his rig.

Josh

[connor0770]

so with these adjustable LA's, you can basically run them with a 3-6 inch lift right??

[srmitchell]

Yeah, they are totally adjustable.

The bend is to clear the hp30 center section on full flex.

[rocknxj]

It also looks like somebody lost a hand. I'd check that out if I were you.

[knucklehead 61]

The bend is prob there to go around the shifted drive train in the 2000-2001 models. The drive train was shifted over 1.5" or 2" to make room for more emissions stuff. I found this out because TNT has a different belly pan for these years. TNT arms are all straight and they suggest shifting the axle over to make clearance.

Jon ended up using the long arms on his rig.

Josh

my sarcasm is hard to convey with text...:roll:

[XJensen]

my sarcasm is hard to convey with text...:roll:

I figured you knew better, although I would not put anything past UPS. I just drove to Maine and lost my since of humor somewhere in Ohio.

Josh

[srmitchell]

HAHAHA.

You guys are crazy.

[connor0770]

HAHAHA.

You guys are crazy.

why are you even on here right now??? you should be installing those LA's :party:

[SeansXJ]

why are you even on here right now??? you should be installing those LA's :party:

x2

[srmitchell]

Oh trust me, I have been.

I got the 6 bolts on the bottom of the crossmember in.

I'm trying to drill the holes for the side plates.
1- My drill bit broke off inside the frame, lost forever.
2- Because of the stiffeners, the crush sleeve won't work, so I have to fabricate 2 more flag nuts. My only option is to go through the floor.

[rocknxj]

Do you have any pics of the crossmember before you installed it? How thick is the steel?

BTW, I've got a 3/4" deep socket rolling around in my frame rail. I hear it on occasion.

[srmitchell]

Still trying to figure out how to get nuts on the backside of the side plates. Goddamn it stiffeners.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/64dc70e6.jpg

[rocknxj]

Dat's some beefy chit.

Are you using 1/2" bolts? How's your fuel line situation on the inside of the unibody rail? If it weren't for the fuel and vent lines, I'd say weld up some nuts on a plate and use that on the inside rails.

Where's your front driveshaft?

[srmitchell]

Yeah. 1/2 inch. The design calls for crush sleeves, but they won't work because of the stiffeners.

Front ds is broken. I have a new one, but I need to clean it.

[srmitchell]

So, the plan is to use the front flag nuts on the side plates like RC calls for.
I am going to eliminate the need for crush sleeves by making a second set of flag nuts, which go through the floor.

I opened up the floor an discovered why I'm having so much trouble. Right where the side plates mount, there is foam that fills the rail. I chiseled it out, and found the broken drill bit. My plan is to just stick a nut back there, and place the bolt through. I might cut the carpet in order to maintain access to the nut. Looks like I might have worked it out!

The hole, which needs to be enlarged.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/9114e306.jpg

The hacked floor, you can see the gold drill bit, and thats right where the nut will go.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/b30666dc.jpg

[SeansXJ]

looks like some fun! glad your gettin it though. im looking forward to the pics.

[srmitchell]

I finished the crossmember. Floor is back together, and sealed.

I now need to cut off the lca mounts, and mount the arms.

[87Deathwagon]

Do it! and where is the pic you took the other day, I was wanting to get that from you.

[srmitchell]

Stay tuned.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/50301f28.jpg

[srmitchell]

Yep.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/4a99c948.jpg

[87Deathwagon]

Bad ass! Now get out there and flex that $*!#

[connor0770]

beautiful!!!!!! i cant wait to see that thing flex! im assuming your gonna have to bumpstop a little more

[srmitchell]

Teaser.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/876f7b7e.jpg

[jimbosz07]

DUUUUDDDDEEEEE I am so jealous you have no idea. My Jeep decided to take a crap last week and I needed to replace my starter, fuel filter, and wheel bearing all in a matter of days. I was SO close to having enough for my gear install. Now I gotta somehow make some money after losing my job. I have all this bad luck and you go off and get long arms... Life's just not fair sometimes

[87Deathwagon]

Damn man, looking clean. I may have to look into fabbin some up myself.

[srmitchell]

Sorry to hear that Jim. But remember, I've had my jeep for 3 years.
I worked my ass off, got yelled at by bad customers, and I've been working for 2 months with a summer that is 300 miles away from my best friends, and family. So these new parts were not handed to me!

[jimbosz07]

Oh yea I know you work hard for your Jeep. I'm not at all saying you don't deserve any of this. I guess I'm just bitching cuz of my frustration

[srmitchell]

No worries man. I know that's not what you meant. I know how badly it can suck!
Good thing is that we are still young.

[jimbosz07]

Exactly we got all the time in the world. Just dropped my axle off at Rear End Specialties so later this afternoon my regear will finally be all done. Things are lookin up

But enough about my junk, where's the flex pic?!?!?!?!?!

[srmitchell]

Nice man!

How much are they charging?

I'll get em. I just got the new tires on. :)

[jimbosz07]

They charged me $225 and had it back to me later that afternoon. Great guys

Oooo new rubber :clap:

[srmitchell]

Wow! 225 with gears or just labor?

Here's a recap.

Got the arms 2 weeks ago. They are beefy as hell.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/5dc43901.jpg

Ran into some issues with the install. I couldnt use the crush sleeve. Had to cut holes in the floor. This was due to my stiffeners.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/64dc70e6.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/b30666dc.jpg

Once the crossmember was done, I mounted the arms.
RE arms vs. RC arms.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/d6eaf55b.jpg

Install.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/0a9415c2.jpg

It only took me 3 total hours to cut the brackets, and install the arms. (I did it over a span of a night and morning.)
Old angle.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/32251859.jpg
New.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/704e7b1f.jpg

[srmitchell]

I still need to install the tcase skid.

Next, I ordered a set of Treadwright AT's. I love the look of them, and they measure a true 32's. I had the 31's before and they were great! (They also save a ton of energy and oil.)

Im not worried about the less aggressive tread, because the MTr's were pretty bad, and diameter has always been the problem, not aggressiveness.
I got the tires in 3 days. (Awesome.)
These things are 2 inches taller than the old MT/r's. (Which is sweet!)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/701a333e.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/98b9f99b.jpg

At the tire shop. They charged 85 to do the swap/ balance, and I sold the MT/r's for 350 to a guy on craigslist. He followed me to the place, so I got the money instantly.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/072038f0.jpg

And mounted!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/879600db.jpg

[american_zero]

Nice! Good looking tires and huge for the size!

[jimbosz07]

Nice! Still waitin on that flex pic though... haha

$225 was install only. I brought the parts to them

[SeansXJ]

looks nice!

...cut the fenders, bumpstop it and slap some 35s on it.

i know you want the clean look though, its all good!! looks clean thats for sure.

[connor0770]

Looking Good man!!! very clean jeep!! are you rubbing at all with the bigger tires?

[srmitchell]

Thanks guys. It rides great.

I'll get a flex pic soon. It needs bumpstops.

[american_zero]

How does the road noise compare to the old MTR's?

[rocknxj]

Three thumbs up!

[REVROK]

Lookin' good... love that clean look!

[srmitchell]

Thanks guys. I did more work today.

-Went to Big 5 today, and got hockey puck for bumpstop extensions.

Sorry Shark Mark! haha
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/9abc9fae.jpg

Installed those underneath the existing RE 2 inch spacer I installed 2 years ago. Took a little while to get the hardware together, but now the stops are well tuned up front.

Flexed. It's drooping well!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/dea4a734.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/4846f802.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/bbdd7c81.jpg

In other news, I installed the Rough Country tcase skid.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/53d4b2a9.jpg

Ground down the plug welds where it mounts.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/8b462ac4.jpg

Drilled and bolted up. It's beefy as hell and solid!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/8401bc15.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/383b8e9f.jpg

Good progress for today!
Thanks for reading.

[srmitchell]

Redid my cooling system in preparation of sierra fest.

I've always had trouble with the coolant, anytime I turn on A/C, it starts to go past 210, and Im very careful because I have the dreaded 0331 head casting.

So, I went ahead and got a new water pump from work, along with hoses, tstat, and radiator cap.

Even without my discount, it only came to 65 bucks.

And BTW, I am a huge advocate of "fix it before it breaks", because overheating is NOT cool.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/8c8949ac.jpg

I drained all the old nasty coolant (which was more than 4 years old,) and did a full flush with radiator cleaner.

--That is when I ran into major issues. It started to overheat, and my efan wasn't turning on. In addition, my e-fan switch wasn't working.
I checked all connections, and realized that the 12v positive was loose. It sparked, and blew a fuse. I went to work to buy a fuse, installed it, and boom, smoke right near the fuse box. I freaked out, shut it off, and realized that the 12 volt wire to the fan relay had burned out!
20 bucks later, i added 10 guage wire, and a 30 amp fuse to the 12 volt wire. All said and done, the fan sounds faster, and stronger.

After the fan was figured out, I then drained the flush stuff, and flushed it again with water.

Next, I removed the water pump, and tstat, followed by the new ones.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/dfa2b8ee.jpg

It is now all filled back up, and my god... it barely reaches 205 degrees, which is great!

This was a welcome upgrade.

[Ivan]

Sean,

Hopefully you'll have better luck with aftermarket hoses than I did. A while back I replaced both upper and lower rad hoses with aftermarket ones, and the top one just wouldn't fit right around the battery. It was a tight squeeze, particularly around the corner edge of the battery. I put some foam between the battery and the hose to protect it, but after a while a hole had formed in the foam. I knew it was only a matter of time before the hose met the same fate.

At that point, I replaced the hoses with OEM hoses. Much better fit and peace of mind....

...just saying.

BTW... nice work on your rig. Looks like it's been keeping you busy. I've been tackling the little nit-picky stuff on mine I've been putting off. Got the front driver's speaker fixed, the rear door lock acutator replaced. This weekend its replacing the rear hatch plastic hatch panel that I busted a while back, while replacing the latch lock. I've got a replacement panel, but this time while everything is exposed, I'm going to install a safety release wire for the rear hatch incase it ever gets stuck again. It'll be nothing more than some steel cable attached to the lock bar, with a key ring at the end. The wire will poke through a small hole in the hatch panel with the key ring at the end. That way I can open the hatch from the inside....

[rocknxj]

Agreed. Overheating is NOT cool. After my third or fourth ill-fated towing adventure with my XJ, I bit the bullet and bought a new tow rig so I won't need to tow with my Cherokee and risk blowing the motor or tranny.

Your Heep is looking great and I look forward to checking it out during SF.

[srmitchell]

Well, I had a hell of a time at Sierrafest.

Damage-
Hit both rear flares.
Hit the bumper into the hatch.
Scratched every single wheel.
No more paint on the passenger rock slider
Smacked the rear diff, and front. (Thank god for diff covers, seriously.)

And something awesome?
I bounced off a boulder with the tie rod, enough to send the whole rig backward, with no movement in the jam nuts or anything. :) DOM ftw!

In other news, one of the joints in the long arms is worn out. And I hit the brackets A LOT.
Good news is that I called RC, they are sending me a new joint for free, and they say they are making a new crossmember that is higher.

I also ordered the outer tubes for my rock sliders from AJ, and i also ordered the vacuum disco conversion kit for the axle that Ed is giving me.
I <3 Mr.Ed. haha
Pics.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Sierrafest%202010/DSC07092-1.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Sierrafest%202010/DSC07118.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Sierrafest%202010/DSC07093.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Sierrafest%202010/DSC07087.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Sierrafest%202010/DSC07084.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Sierrafest%202010/DSC07081.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/Sierrafest%202010/DSC07082.jpg

[srmitchell]

I checked my right control arm... the lower flex joint has 1/4 inch play. NOT GOOD. The whole axle shifts.

Good thing is that the new one comes tomorrow.

[knucklehead 61]

no problem Columbus, we will fix it all next weekend. !!!1:gee:

I checked my right control arm... the lower flex joint has 1/4 inch play. NOT GOOD. The whole axle shifts.

Good thing is that the new one comes tomorrow.

[srmitchell]

Update-
Rear 8.25 geared to 4.56 is cleaned, painted, and ready to go. It's getting my aussie, shafts, and zj disks, along with my ruff stuff cover. It'll be a nicely built axle. Nothing serious, but still really nice.

Front axle will come out of Himmred's xj. 4.56, with a lockright. (Ed is a naxja rockstar. haha) Its a disco axle, so it will be getting the yukon single piece conversion kit, and new knuckles, shafts, and bearings from my 2000 low pinion axle with 80,000 miles. Josh is also hooking it up with a gofer it flip kit. (Ed and josh will both be receiving the flip kit, from me.)

I also ordered the outer tubes from aj's offroad, so those will be welded on as well. Im really happy to get those, as I always get complaints from girls about the height of the jeep. It's something I've wanted to fix for a while.

Finally, my rear bumper has created a crack in the crossmember. Aj is hooking me up with some frame reinforcements that run under the hitch. We will weld those on, and we also might make tabs that go behind the bumper, and mate up with the face of the hitch. These tabs will bolt to the hitch, making it a 2 piece setup.

All this work will be nailed out by me, Tim, Josh, and whoever else shows up to the fun factory.

In other news, I am painting my rims metallic grey, because I saw a 2010 wrangler mountain edition. Blue paint with grey rims = sex.

[rocknxj]

I also ordered the outer tubes from aj's offroad, so those will be welded on as well. Im really happy to get those, as I always get complaints from girls about the height of the jeep. It's something I've wanted to fix for a while.



'splain that to me, Sean. Not sure I follow that. You talking outter rock rail tubes to convert your sliders to super rails?

[knucklehead 61]

'splain that to me, Sean. Not sure I follow that. You talking outter rock rail tubes to convert your sliders to super rails?

yes, that's what were doing. keeps the rocks further away from his pretty blue paint. :sunshine:

[knucklehead 61]

I also ordered the outer tubes from aj's offroad, so those will be welded on as well. Im really happy to get those, as I always get complaints from girls about the height of the jeep. It's something I've wanted to fix for a while.


:lecture: young grasshopper, when you are older & wiser you will learn to appreciate the fine female form as they extend their legs skyward to climb in, preferably whilst wearing a short skirt & no panties ala: britney / lindsay / miley... :worship:

i am sure rocknxj will back me up on this :cheers:

[srmitchell]

ahahahahaa

Nice

[rocknxj]

ahahahahaa

Nice

Yes, I will back him up on this. I seldom wear panties when sporting a skirt.

(Don't listen to anything knucklehead 61 will say after this post).

[knucklehead 61]

Yes, I will back him up on this. I seldom wear panties when sporting a skirt. :huh::eek::wow::doh:

[connor0770]

:huh::eek::wow::doh:

hahahaahh

but i do agree with him, its all about watching them climb into the Jeep. But then again, im a hypocrite cause i have JCR stage 3 sliders with steps on em.

I cant wait to see your jeep with grey Moabs. its gonna be beautiful. Im almost positive when i go up to 33's i will be putting moabs on!

[srmitchell]

Yeah. I'll paint em monday or something.

Horrible image Kelly. LOL

Headin down to tims early tomorrow.

[knucklehead 61]

hey columbus...i just finished watching zombieland! file:///C:/Users/Tim/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.pngfile:///C:/Users/Tim/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png

[jimbosz07]

That movie's hilarious and I definitely see the resemblance Sean...

Where's all this work goin on? You up in Humboldt or down in San Mateo right now?

[srmitchell]

Im here. SM!

The work is going on tomorrow in SJ. Wanna go? I've got a spot in the heep.

[srmitchell]

We got a LOT done today.
-Swapped the aussie, zj disks, and shafts into the 4.56 geared c8.25.
-Rear axle is under the jeep.

-Removed Ed's front axle (It has 4.56 gears, and a lockright, however it is a vac. disco.)
-Swapped the new seals in, and blocked off the disconnect unit.
-Swapped the axle under the jeep.

-Tim welded the outer rails to the rock sliders. They look SWEET!
-He also fabbed up some bumpstop plates, and fixed my broken bumpstop.
-Also, he welded the track bar mount to the frame.

Lots more to come. stay tuned.

[SharkXJ]

Sounds like an awesome weekend Sean. Super sorry I couldn't help out. I have been home sick for 3 days (again).

I am free next Saturday, you guys wanna hit HH for a test run?

[srmitchell]

It went well!
-Goferit flip installed
-Rear bumper TOTALLY beefed up.
-Front axle done

However... Driving home, I cant go over 65 mph. The vibration from the rear driveline is AWFUL. Its a pulsing drone that shakes the whole cab.

I think I need to shim the rear. (Its just below zero degrees at the pinion.)

And no problem Mark. Get better. I'd like to go, but I need to fix the vibe. It sucks.

Thank you Tim, Ed, and Josh!!!

[srmitchell]

Update.

-We put 4 degree shims, still vibed.
-We took those out and put RE shackles in, better, but still bad.
-We swapped in a new rear shaft, still bad.
-Next we are going to machine the 4 degree shims down to 2.

Unfortunately, it looks like the RE hack n tap might have play. Not good at all. Anyone have a new tcase? :(

In other news, the axle I swapped in either has a bad pinion bearing, or it was setup wrong. I'll try some thicker oil, but it will probably need to be rebuilt.

Thats a bummer cause 330licious said it only had 80,000 miles, and only 20,000 on the gears. Oh well. Live and learn.

[Ivan]

Sean,

A few questions...

Where does the RE H&T have play in it? Flange should have a tapered spline hole, so is should fit snug. Why do you need a new Tcase? Worse case you just install a SYE into your existing tcase.

Is the axle you're referring to that you swapped in a 8.25? I say drop the dif cover and see if the adjustment collars came loose. Mine did, and that's what grenaded my 8.25. It had a nasty growel before it went kabloey. As I mentioned before in another post, I had to have the collar caps machined down 3 thousandths on each end, to snug up the caps.

[knucklehead 61]

it's too hard to check his gears as he used a drum of rtv to seal the cover.
he will need a winch to pull the cover off! :jester:

[srmitchell]

^LOL.

So the SYE saga continues.

I pulled the yoke off yesterday, and noticed that there is a slight bit of play in the splines. There is ZERO rotational play, which is what matters. If I put some teflon tape in there, I may be able to remove some of the side to side play. We'll see. I also got new bolts, and a new c clip to clean up any play in the washer.

[srmitchell]

So the teflon tape did help, but its too soft, so after a few miles it's right back to how it was.

I may jb weld the yoke on there. I can always cut it off later.

The real plan is to get a Heavy duty sye kit, (suggestions?) and while Im at it, I might do a 2 low kit to help with trail turning radius. (The front locker can be a pain.)

Im back up to school, and the jeep is just sitting, because I take the bus. Oh, and I talked to my old boss at kragen, and she said she is going to re hire me. :)

[Letterman]

A Atlas II transfer case is a nice heavy duty SYE kit!

After all the money you spend to up grade your 231, heavy duty chain, 32 spline output shaft, 4 to 1, etc. etc. etc. in the end you will still be on a chain and will have spent 75% of what an Atlas costs.

[srmitchell]

I would love to have a 3 speed with 2 low range gears. 4-1, and 2.72-1.

[srmitchell]

I never actually posted how my rear bumper works. (Copied from my build on jeep forum)

The rear bumper is a c4x4.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/55aac3d5.jpg

The hitch I have only used the factory 4 bolts, but there is another one 4.5 inches behind the last one. Therefore, we welded angle steel to the hitch, which thus extended it back to 5 bolts on each side. We used angle because flat bar is garbage. Remember, shape is strength.

We then welded 2- 1/4 inch steel tabs on the back of the bumper. These hang down, and bolt to the FRONT of the hitch. And then, just to be over kill, we welded a 1/4 inch tab to the top of the hitch. This bolts to the center, BACKSIDE, of the bumper.
Outside tabs, back of bumper, front of hitch.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/694099a6.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/8be1086f.jpg

Top of the hitch, backside of the bumper, (right below the hatch striker.)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/560a76dd.jpg

Rear shot.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/2c797641.jpg

Now, the bumper is totally tie-d into the hitch, but it unbolts, so I don't have a monster hitch/bumper behemoth to pick up, and bolt on. It's pretty trick, and cost us nothing, just scrap steel.

We also beefed the tire mount, with some rectangular tube, and machined plate to space the tire out.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/78f513c8.jpg

[srmitchell]

This blog has been quiet... Hmmm... more pictures.

I trimmed my fenders a bit today, and remounted the back flare just 1/4-1/2 an inch higher. It looks a lot higher, and I've got a ton of clearance.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/3972af16.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/52ed4c4a.jpg

In other news, I need to bumpstop the front more, because my track bar frame mount is hitting my tie rod on big bumps. FAIL. The gofer it flip is the problem.

[rocknxj]

I'll never understand how people can keep their rear shock mounts round and in good condition. I bashed mine the first time out at the mall.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/Sean91_/2c797641.jpg

[srmitchell]

Lol you think I wheel this thing?

[rocknxj]

I wouldn't. It's too purty.

[srmitchell]

Haha you're one to talk mr frog blog!

[srmitchell]

Today, I decided to finally attempt to fix the vibration again. I've just been dealing with it, but it's still very bad after 60 mph.
I have-
Shimmed the axle to 4degrees. (Too high)
Removed the shims, added shackles. (Too low)
Machined the shims down to about 2 degrees, and its vibrating the least amount of all. (Good)
Went to hollister, bashed my rear driveline, swapped a new one, still bad.

I went under and realized that there is play in the hack n tap. I tried putting a bunch of teflon tape in the splines to tighten it up, and it DID help, but faded and got bad again after about 2 miles.

So, final resort it to just fuse it on. Once I get money, I will just hack it off, and go for an AA sye kit with a new TW shaft.

So, I went crazy with the jbweld, and so far it's setting great. I bolted the yoke back on of course, but the greatest thing is that there should be no more play. We'll see. This is just a temporary fix before I get some $$$.

[srmitchell]

Weekend update-

Im in the bay this weekend, so I used this as an opportunity to fully let the jbweld do it's thing. It hasn't been used in 5 days. I'll slap the rear driveline back on on monday.

In other news, I have some nitro shocks from rough country sitting in my garage that came off my dad's wj. They werent used long cause they are the wrong size. However, they are the perfect size for the front of my rig. I need to get stem adapters, and barpin eliminators, and I might try them out. My OME's seem to be wearing out and fading.

[NoCoastFocus]

Let us know how it turns out. I still can't believe all the trouble you've had with the hackntap.

[srmitchell]

I will.

Yeah, its a bummer. Id love to drive it comfortably again.

[jimbosz07]

Those Nitros are VERY stiff. That's actually what I run and it's pretty bumpy

Are you in the bay this coming weekend or did you just leave?

[srmitchell]

I just left.

I could use stiffer shocks. Remember, I have long arms, so the ome's are getting a work out. They seem too soft out in the dunes. I might just try it cause they're free.

I tested the jb weld job. The vibe is WAY better, but it still kicks in at 65 mph. 75 is unbearable. So tired of this.

Looks like I will be buying an AA sye kit soon.

[rocknxj]

I'm happy with my AA SYE kit. Seemed to be a very high quality product and it was not too difficult to install once I bought the correct lock ring pliers. Made three trips to stores looking for them, and finally found a cheap pair at Sears. Proper tools make all the difference in the world.

[rocknxj]

Sean, have you purchased a SYE kit yet? I have a 50% off certificate for anything at superlift and you can have this kit for half off. http://www.superlift.com/accessories/slip-yoke-eliminator.asp

Let me know and I'll send you the certificate.

[srmitchell]

I havent!

Is that a good kit? Theres no price listed.

[rocknxj]

You could always do another hack n tap. I can give you my old output shaft...

[srmitchell]

I have one too. But if Im splitting the case, I should just do an HD sye.

Do you know how much that Superlift kit goes for?

[jimbosz07]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SLF-5080

Seems a little pricey

[SleeperXJ]

$444 is steep. Google search came up with Advance Adaters having a SYE and Tom Woods CV DS for $499.

[srmitchell]

Jeeez. They're proud of it.

I'll try to find an advance adapters deal. Thanks anyway Kelly.

[XJensen]

WOW over $400 for just the SYE. you should have no problem finding a quality SYE kit and drive shaft for under $500.

Josh

[rocknxj]

Jeeez. They're proud of it.

I'll try to find an advance adapters deal. Thanks anyway Kelly.

Just offering my Superlift 50% discount to save you some bucks. Same for anyone else who can use it (You know, they do have a nice lift for my '06 Grand Cherokee that would be sweet...).

I paid $616.92 for my Advance Adapters HD SYE and CV driveshaft last January. (Rubicon Express part number: RE1811 SYE and RE1860-325 23.5" driveshaft).

[crazymoose1990]

Or just get the whole T-case from someone like Jon when he parts a Jeep out for 220 already installed in the transfer case :)

[rocknxj]

Installing the SYE kit allows you to rebuild the TC to survive the next 200k miles.

[REVROK]

Half off from this link would be a bit better.

http://www.carparts.com/SLIP-YOKE-ELIMINATOR-KIT/GP_2001048_N__10618.car?zmam=15972150&zmas=17&zmac=100&zmap=10618-2001048

$310 is around the same as the usual 299 for a sye. At $155 that's a good deal.

[hiimmred]

Happy Birthday Sean.

[srmitchell]

Thanks ED!!! Im 19!

I got some decent money this year, so I plan on buying a set of bosch 4 hole fuel injectors from precision auto injectors.

Gains seem to be 1-2 mpg. That will save me some fueling up time, and for going back to the bay, it will help out. I average about 17mpg on the freeway, so every bit helps.

I had a good day today, but a rough morning. (It was a birthday party on saturday night forsure.)

[Jeep450r]

Thanks ED!!! Im 19!

I got some decent money this year, so I plan on buying a set of bosch 4 hole fuel injectors from precision auto injectors.

Gains seem to be 1-2 mpg. That will save me some fueling up time, and for going back to the bay, it will help out. I average about 17mpg on the freeway, so every bit helps.

I had a good day today, but a rough morning. (It was a birthday party on saturday night forsure.)

17mpg after the 4.56 swap?

and Happy Birthday!

[knucklehead 61]

happy b-day columbus.
check out this sye for $199
http://www.jbconversions.com/products/sye/np231j_std_sye.php

[srmitchell]

Yeah, 17, does that seem high or low? I used to get 19-20 on flat ground.

Thanks guys.

[rocknxj]

I might get 17 if I ever cruised long distance at a steady 65 mph. With the mix of driving I do, I'm closer to 15 mpg on a tank. 19-20 is insanity :)

[SeansXJ]

yes that sure beats my 12mpg on the freeway with 4.56s and 35s





we won't talk about city mpg........................

[srmitchell]

Damn. Yeah, I guess so.

Im only on 4 inches of lift too.

[Jeep450r]

Yeah, 17, does that seem high or low? I used to get 19-20 on flat ground.

Thanks guys.

I guess it seems about right. Beats my 14 haha

[jimbosz07]

I got 14 on my last tank. That was to and from Hollister, wheeling while there, and driving around town a few days. Usually I get more like 12-13 city if I'm nice to it

Anyways, happy late birthday!

[1SOLOW X]

i get 13.4 all day long, regardless of driving on highway or city

[srmitchell]

HAHA my thread has a 1 star rating.

[rocknxj]

HAHA my thread has a 1 star rating.

One star and three thumbs up!

[srmitchell]

Haha.

I got another treadwright A/t for free, because one of the tires didn't balance well, and it is wearing poorly.

I called them, sent a picture, and got a new one. Yay!

Oh, and it still vibes. :)

[knucklehead 61]

i bet your girlfriend REALLY likes it when you drive fast on the freeway! :laugh2:

[Letterman]

You should give her a ride:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/LameStuff/BlueDress5URF.jpg

[rocknxj]

Some chicks pay extra for that treatment.

[american_zero]

:doh: Holy moly. +1 star.

[playwithit]

You should give her a ride:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/dlddesign/LameStuff/BlueDress5URF.jpg

Hey Columbus,

This should get your thread at least one more star!!:woohoo:

[srmitchell]

Thats a pretty lady.

[jimbosz07]

Hey Sean, I was wondering what you did to quiet your Jeep down on the inside. Was it only the frame stiffeners?

[srmitchell]

Frame stiffeners, extra weather stripping on the rear hatch, extra undercoat underneath.

I also totally took my dash apart, and replaced all the felt with new thicker black felt. It sits between all the plastic contact points, and really quieted it down.

The frame stiffeners made a huge difference.