The New Project

[lobsterdmb]

Here is the new project jeep I picked up for Melissa from MikeinNJ:

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd23b3127cce985481995a4400000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd23b3127cce98548184db6900000017108AcMmLVo1cNS

:yelclap: party1:

It just needs a little work...

[ROBZ95Xj]

It just needs a little body damage...
Fixed:D

[nhrocker]

This mean you'll both be driving at NACfest? :laugh3:

[gabe4]

I have a funny feeling you better make sure theres room for Nathans car seat cause I bet Patty will be ridding shotgun with Melissa more then with me

[sidriptide]

Here is the new project jeep I picked up for Melissa from MikeinNJ:

i cant believe Mike let go of one of the fleet.. looks like a nice starting place.

[gabe4]

We are talking about the Cherokee and not the RC aren't we

[lobsterdmb]

We are talking about the Cherokee and not the RC aren't we

Yes we are, but I could resist flexing the RC on the hood for the photo.

[lobsterdmb]

Did some work on this today. Got the rear axle removed and the driver side leaf spring in. Got both rear shocks out without breaking any bolts. :guitar: On the passenger side, we got the leaf out of the shackle but managed to break the nut loose inside the frame rail on the front spring hanger. Gonna have to fix it this week. Pics to come.

[jeepgirl13]

Cool. Another girl to see on the trails.:clap:

[egon]

A Cherokee Chief, with the decals intact. That's a collectors item right there.

Wow, so wheel spacers are actually useful.

Oh, and for some reason Atlantic Blue comes to mind. I'll see if I'm right tomorrow.

--Matt

[nhrocker]

On the passenger side, we got the leaf out of the shackle but managed to break the nut loose inside the frame rail on the front spring hanger. Gonna have to fix it this week. Pics to come.Have fun with that. I know I did when it happened to mine...:laugh3:

Build Jeep #2
Lift, Tires, skids, bumpers, rock rails, rear axle swapSince you've got this thread going, you going to give any specifics, or just show pictures and make us figure out specs on our own?:D

[lobsterdmb]

Rubicon express 3.5" lift with jks discos, an 8.25 rear, and 31" BFG AT's on Black steelies are all that is set in stone so far.... She is still decieding on bumpers, rockrails, and skids. The 31's are coming from my jeep as I am stepping up to 34" LTBs.

[Rob Mayercik]

Well, after Rocky Meadow last year, I'd not hesitate to suggest C4x4 for the rock rails.

Can't wait to see the "new" truck take its "maiden voyage" - you going for streetable, or trailer queen?

[egon]

Oh, and for some reason Atlantic Blue comes to mind.

I was in the right neighborhood, Spinnaker Blue.

--Matt

[Ms. Lobsterdmb]

K, thanks Matt, it is good to know! :)

[egon]

K, thanks Matt, it is good to know! :)

Uh oh, there's goes the neighborhood :D

--Matt

[Andy in Pa.]

I was in the right neighborhood, Spinnaker Blue.

--Matt

uh...whats a spinnaker? OH.....(:compwork: just looked it up on dictionary.com) its a boat....thing......

Dude, your such a dork....there went 3 minutes of my life that I'll never get back.... :looser:

A.

[egon]

Yes, score.

I managed to be a Jeep geek and a sailing geek in 2 words.

--Matt

[nhrocker]

Yes, score.

I managed to be a Jeep geek and a sailing geek in 2 words.

--MattFigures I read that as I'm listening to Weird Al's "White&Nerdy"...

[lobsterdmb]

Well, after Rocky Meadow last year, I'd not hesitate to suggest C4x4 for the rock rails.

Can't wait to see the "new" truck take its "maiden voyage" - you going for streetable, or trailer queen?

it will be streetable

[Mike in NJ]

. . . Got both rear shocks out without breaking any bolts. . .

I'm impressed! - I never could get them to move in the 6 years I had her, figured they'd snap. With no easy way to replace the shocks - that's why I left her stock and eventually gave her to you! That, plus I could never figure out how to find 5th gear on her. Couldn't move the gearshift up and to the right. Actually, it kept moving in a straight line all the time! :D

Looks good Johnny - I'm glad she'll finally reach her potential. Looking forward to seeing her on the trails.

BTW, "Spinnaker Blue" nonwithstanding, her given name was "Blue Too", to distinguish her from my original '87 2dr Pioneer - "Blue" - who was restored to greatness by CHW. (I was so blessed - :clap: two '87 2Drs, BOTH with factory D44's!!!)

No, "Red" ain't ever going to anybody and my wife will never let me do anything with "White". So, the All American 2DR 5spd Fleet will remain intact.

Keep up the good work.

MG :patriot:

[Andy in Pa.]

Figures I read that as I'm listening to Weird Al's "White&Nerdy"...

Your theme song perhaps???

[lobsterdmb]

I'm impressed! - I never could get them to move in the 6 years I had her, figured they'd snap. With no easy way to replace the shocks - that's why I left her stock and eventually gave her to you! That, plus I could never figure out how to find 5th gear on her. Couldn't move the gearshift up and to the right. Actually, it kept moving in a straight line all the time! :D

Looks good Johnny - I'm glad she'll finally reach her potential. Looking forward to seeing her on the trails.

BTW, "Spinnaker Blue" nonwithstanding, her given name was "Blue Too", to distinguish her from my original '87 2dr Pioneer - "Blue" - who was restored to greatness by CHW. (I was so blessed - :clap: two '87 2Drs, BOTH with factory D44's!!!)

No, "Red" ain't ever going to anybody and my wife will never let me do anything with "White". So, the All American 2DR 5spd Fleet will remain intact.

Keep up the good work.

MG :patriot:

I happenned to remember reading somewhere that using an impact gun reduces their chances of breaking. Low and behold it worked.

[lobsterdmb]

ok, well I got the other rear spring in on weds but found a rusted out floor above the hanger. Spent some time replacing that. The rest of the floor seems to be in decent shape. On thurs, I changed the diff fluid and inspected the brakes on the C8.25 that is going in. Then I managed to wrestle that in by myself (mental note, next time get some help!). Here are some pics with the now raked rear end.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd37b3127cce98548656f1e300000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd37b3127cce9854865770d200000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd37b3127cce98548654f1e100000017108AcMmLVo1cNS

[egon]

John,

That diff cover is not nearly bright enough. I'd suggest you paint it a color everyone will be able to see. Just trying to be helpful.

--Matt

[texinteg]

I happenned to remember reading somewhere that using an impact gun reduces their chances of breaking. Low and behold it worked.


yeah unless your dumb @ss friend has the impact in forward instead of reverse. Ask me how I know, considering I had to drill and tap the old one out for him.

[lobsterdmb]

John,

That diff cover is not nearly bright enough. I'd suggest you paint it a color everyone will be able to see. Just trying to be helpful.

--Matt

Hey, mine is red..... if I can paint one green I'll have a traffic signal!

[nhrocker]

Hey, mine is red..... if I can paint one green I'll have a traffic signal!Ask the other Rob for his old one... bright green...

Having a hand with the rear axle would have been nice, I found out the same way when I swapped in my 44. I told Rob I'd deliver my old 8.25 to him...then realized I had to load it in the back of my XJ alone...:doh:

[ROBZ95Xj]

Ask the other Rob for his old one... bright green...

Having a hand with the rear axle would have been nice, I found out the same way when I swapped in my 44. I told Rob I'd deliver my old 8.25 to him...then realized I had to load it in the back of my XJ alone...:doh:
geez its like NAC musical axles, i got your old, axle, mambo#5 gots my old 44 (i should of never sold that), im sure he enjoyed the 4 differnt coats of paint on the diffcover

[JoeShmo]

Since were talking about NAC musical axles, i've got Vetteboy's old 44 :P

And i hear ya on doing the swap alone, i did the 44 in my driveway in 30 degree weather, with no help except my buddy who showed up 3 hours late to help me bleed the brakes. I cant imagine having to move the big boy axles around alone.

[lobsterdmb]

A couple daytime pics.... Also put the rear shocks on today.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd00b3127cce98548655a2d900000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd00b3127cce98548653a2df00000017108AcMmLVo1cNS

[lobsterdmb]

Made some progess on friday and sat. The front suspension is now complete. I still have to do the brakes front and rear. I will get some better pics in the daylight tomorrow.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd10b3127cce9854865b2bf400000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd10b3127cce98548658aac700000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd10b3127cce985486592bf600000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7dd10b3127cce98548646aad900000017108AcMmLVo1cNS

[nhrocker]

Made some progess on friday and sat. The front suspension is now complete. I still have to do the brakes front and rear. I will get some better pics in the daylight tomorrow.The Chief is looking good. What does she think of it?

[lobsterdmb]

She likes it. She helped me with the rear suspension. We are ordering a front bumper and rockrails on monday. Then all we need to get is a tcase skid, a rim for the spare tire, and a windshield. The new official name for this project is Project Phin :yelclap:

[etkeeny]

Here is that link I was telling you about when you picked up the axle http://www.windshieldstogo.com/ they have 3 wharehouses in NJ and you can pick up a new windshield for $113

[lobsterdmb]

Took some pics in the daylight today:

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7da20b3127cce9854864e165200000017108AcMmLVo1cNS
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b7da20b3127cce9854864f976300000017108AcMmLVo1cNS

[Menzenski]

mambo#5 gots my old 44 (i should of never sold that), im sure he enjoyed the 4 differnt coats of paint on the diffcover
Five if you count the one I put on: rust, black, silver, green, and now it's red.

[lobsterdmb]

Made some more progress in the past few days. I got the brake lines replaced and brakes working, hooked p the e-brake, installed a drive shaft, set up from bumpstops, and mounted the 31" BFG At's.

Now I am waiting for the JCR bumper and sliders to show up.

To make it road worthy and passing inspection, I still need to mount a front passenger flare, finish the floor repair (ran out of sheet metal) and replace the windshield. I need to change to oil too!

I will get some updated pics on tuesday.

[nhrocker]

I need to change to oil too!Lift, tires, windshield, body work...that's all pretty easy. Changing the oil, you sure you can handle it? You might want to get a professional to do that... :laugh3:

[Andy in Pa.]

I need to change to oil too!

I will get some updated pics on tuesday.

You need to change TO oil?? What were you running before? Corn syrup??

A.

[ROBZ95Xj]

You need to change TO oil?? What were you running before? Corn syrup??

A.
i hear cooking oil works pretty good:D

[lobsterdmb]

You need to change TO oil?? What were you running before? Corn syrup??

A.

no actually we were using coca cola.... its pretty similar in color :doh:

[jeeperman1488]

should use jolt II instead of coke, maybe the extra caffine will boost the HP:doh:

[lobsterdmb]

here is an updated pic..... couldn't get it started today. I am going to swap in a new battery and see how that goes.

http://web.mac.com/lobsterdmb/iWeb/Site/Library_files/IMG_0085.jpg

[lobsterdmb]

Well, she is out of the garage. The windshield was replaced yesterday. The front bumper is on and i trimmed the fenders. The rear recovery point (stok tow hook and bracket) as well as a replacement stock rear bumper are on. I did a t-case drop after breaking all for bolts/studs (what a pain in the ass). I also installed a warn tcase skid and factory gas tank skid. The list of things to do is now pretty short. I need to install the rockrails, stereo, and cb. Also the brake pedal is soft and there is an imbalance between the front and rears. I am going to have at the brakes on sat. They are the only thing standing between it and inspection. Rausch is only one week away so i better get moving. In the meantime, my junk broke on tues night and I had to tow it home. I think the coil is bad so i need to replace that. Here are some pics from last night in the rain. I will get some better ones over the weekend.

http://web.mac.com/lobsterdmb/iWeb/Site/Library%202_files/IMG_0086.jpg
http://web.mac.com/lobsterdmb/iWeb/Site/Library%202_files/IMG_0087.jpg
http://web.mac.com/lobsterdmb/iWeb/Site/Library%202_files/IMG_0088.jpg

[Rob Mayercik]

Looking good, John - can't wait to see it in action.

Good luck with the brakes.

[Mike in NJ]

Well, she is out of the garage. . . .

Wow - can I have it back?

Who knew there was so much potential?

Apparently you did - nice job.

Bet you wish I had left the original D44 on it, dontcha????

MG :patriot:

[Ms. Lobsterdmb]

No!!!!!!! It is mine!!!! John did an awesome job! :)

[JoeShmo]

God that color looks great when its wet! The two together look great, cant wait to see them in action!

[nhrocker]

God that color looks great when its wet! The two together look great, cant wait to see them in action!x2

Looks like it came together really well. Seeing you make that much progress makes me want to get back to work on fixing my rig...

[lobsterdmb]

Wow - can I have it back?

Who knew there was so much potential?

Apparently you did - nice job.

Bet you wish I had left the original D44 on it, dontcha????

MG :patriot:

Nah, I am content with the Chrysler 8.25 that is now under it. Hopefully next weekend I will get some good shots of its first wheeling trip.

[OverlandXJ]

Thats coming along nicely John...good job!

[lobsterdmb]

brakes are fixed as of today (even the light is off)!

Still need to do before next weekend:
Get it inspected
Install CB
Install rock rails
Set up rear bumpstops

[Mike in NJ]

Glad you solved the brake issue.

And .....

"MEDIUM BLUE METALLIC"

Extra Cost - and a Cherokee-only option in 1987

:paperwork

MG

[Ms. Lobsterdmb]

Thanks Mike! :)

[lobsterdmb]

ok, Got the rock rails installed and cb installed today as well as some other odds and ends. However, I am now having an issue with the parking lights that I will have at tomorrow.

Left to complete before this weekend:
Change front Diff fluid
Fabricate rear bumpstops
Get this damn thing inspected

[lobsterdmb]

Well, we got it finished on friday night at midnight. So of course we took it wheeling on saturday morning. Discovered the CB needs to be better tuned and the radio doesn't quite work right. We also broke one of the raised rear axle shock mounts. Guess my weld didn't quite hold up. The suspension worked great. Here are a few pics. See the NAC-fest forum for the rest.

http://web.mac.com/lobsterdmb/iWeb/Site/Library%203_files/PICT0571.jpg
http://web.mac.com/lobsterdmb/iWeb/Site/Library%203_files/PICT0572.jpg
http://web.mac.com/lobsterdmb/iWeb/Site/Library%203_files/PICT0577.jpg

[nhrocker]

So let me get this right, an 87 XJ had a radio problem and a broken shock mount and drove home, but that brand new looking Hummer had to get taken out of there on a flatbed?:doh:

[lobsterdmb]

Hummer wasn't with us but we found out he broke a tie rod and cv joint. Couldn't pass up the picture opportunity :jester:

Actually the 87 XJ only cracked the shock mount on the trail (where I had welded it). We flat towed it out and back. The shock mount actually broke the rest of the way off while being towed home.

[rescuejeeper]

Nice rebuild!! It was certainly a diamond in the rough to say the least! I have a '95 that certainly is a work in progress, but this gives much needed motivation.

Best of luck with it