NAC-Fest prep thread

[OverlandXJ]

What mods or repairs have you got planned in preperation for NAC-Fest 08?

Personally i have a new D30 housing getting some lower control arm mount skids, beefed up trackbar and upper pass side arm mounts. Then i'll swap my gearset and the rest of it's components over.

I think i have a broken center pin in my leafspring, need to swap new ones in.

Have a floor patch to weld in.

Today Keith (MDXJ) did the body work i was in dire need of, and we'll shoot the paint in a few weeks. Thanks Keith!!



http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/XJbodywork008.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/XJbodywork010.jpg

[ROBZ95Xj]

frt bumper
rockers
floors
get trans back in
rear axle
borrow or buy a set of cheap set of 31's cause i aint drivin on 35's and 3.55's
and some misc crap

[STROKER]

Waiting on brake lines to finish my hi-steer, then im ready to roll...

STROKER

[OverlandXJ]

then im ready to roll...

STROKER


:roflmao: :eyes:

[Andy in Pa.]

I see you got Keiths better side....

On the XJ, I have to swap out a knuckle on my front 44 (long story...), then do the usual "once over" and make sure eveything is solid...

On the MJ, rock rails and better steering (Did you order my draglink yet?? you know who YOU are....;) :laugh: ) and it should be ready.

A.

[OverlandXJ]

I see you got Keiths better side....

On the XJ, I have to swap out a knuckle on my front 44 (long story...), then do the usual "once over" and make sure eveything is solid...

On the MJ, rock rails and better steering (Did you order my draglink yet?? you know who YOU are....;) :laugh: ) and it should be ready.

A.


For a guy who wears shorts all year long you'd think he'd have better looking legs. :scared:

Keith mentioned you picked up a welder... get to fabbin those rails.

[STROKER]

:roflmao: :eyes:

Not that roll :shiver: :doh:

STROKER

[STROKER]

Well got the steering done, now we'll see if it holds up, ready to go.

http://www.strokersjeep.com/hi-steer2-1.jpg

STROKER

[OverlandXJ]

Looks good Ben.

[STROKER]

Thanks, now it just has to stay together...

STROKER

[gabe4]

That looks good Ben

[vetteboy]

I suppose I'll have to find a spare tire. Unfortunately they're not cheap for 39.5s, and I don't want to stay with these tires any longer than I have to either. Hmm.

[CheapXJ]

at this rate, I might have a running XJ for nacfest2010

[Rob Mayercik]

Well, my list is currently as follows:

- Fix low temp indication on dash
- Redo headliner
- Finish power mirror swap
- Deal with rusty lower rear quarters
- Swap out my front hooks for shackle brackets (bought with my NACFest 2007 raffle winnings)

Rob

Vetteboy, you got me thinking - too bad you can't rent a spare by the day at the park.

[Andy in Pa.]

I got the knuckle swapped out on the XJ, and just got the rock rails for the MJ......Ssswwweeettttt....these things are huge.

I should be putting the rock rails on this weekend.

Then it will just be better steering on the MJ....which may or may not happen now, we'll see.

A.

[krelja]

I need to put in my SYE, dana 44, gears, new tires, currie steering, and a aussie. It's just been to cold to work on the heep alot

[knuckle_buster]

Need front shocks, parking brake could work better, and fix the annoying oil leak.:sure:

[OverlandXJ]

Need front shocks, parking brake could work better, and fix the annoying oil leak.:sure:

I spent last saturday swapping a rear main and oilpan gasket, to find out my valve cover is leaking.

Andy tells me you scored a nice XJ, lets see a pic.

[vetteboy]

I'm finally finishing all the crap I've been putting off for the last year. This is...

- whole interior, floor, mounting stuff, etc.
- get about 1-2" more uptravel in front
---relocate front shock mounts
---add in air bumps in place of OEM bump towers
- ditch OEM steering pump and reservoir
---add TC pump and external res.
- finally swap Dodge 2500 MC in to have a solid brake pedal
- bend up some more tube for exo bars along roof & rear quarters

I also got two front fenders and a new front header panel from a junk jeep so I'm gonna swap those in while I'm at it.

Hopefully I'll get everything painted too...we'll see. It feels good to actually be working on it again instead of fixing stupid crap.

[Andy in Pa.]

I'm finally finishing all the crap I've been putting off for the last year. This is...

- whole interior, floor, mounting stuff, etc.
- get about 1-2" more uptravel in front
---relocate front shock mounts
---add in air bumps in place of OEM bump towers
- ditch OEM steering pump and reservoir
---add TC pump and external res.
- finally swap Dodge 2500 MC in to have a solid brake pedal
- bend up some more tube for exo bars along roof & rear quarters

I also got two front fenders and a new front header panel from a junk jeep so I'm gonna swap those in while I'm at it.

Hopefully I'll get everything painted too...we'll see. It feels good to actually be working on it again instead of fixing stupid crap.

I just had to pick on you a little...

Getting tired of using your tranny as a foot rest?

1 to 2" more uptravel?? The 25" of suspension travel you have now isn't enough? :worship:

Paint it??? Don't you dare go and make that thing all pretty.... none of us will recognize it then. :gee:

[vetteboy]

I just had to pick on you a little...

Getting tired of using your tranny as a foot rest?

1 to 2" more uptravel?? The 25" of suspension travel you have now isn't enough? :worship:

Paint it??? Don't you dare go and make that thing all pretty.... none of us will recognize it then. :gee:

:spin1:

In the Nov/Dec issue of Crawl magazine there's a writeup of one of our trail rides at Rausch. In that article there's a little spot where it talks about the death of my iPod in Cumberland Valley, where it jumped out of my lap and into a spinning driveshaft. At that point I figured having a floor might be useful. (this was in mid-June).

Keeping the same amount of travel overall, just...re-proportioning it a little bit. That pesky inner fenderwell wasn't doing anything anyway.

http://pages.prodigy.net/dmacock/paint1.JPG

http://pages.prodigy.net/dmacock/paint2.JPG

:D

[Andy in Pa.]

:spin1:

In the Nov/Dec issue of Crawl magazine there's a writeup of one of our trail rides at Rausch. In that article there's a little spot where it talks about the death of my iPod in Cumberland Valley, where it jumped out of my lap and into a spinning driveshaft. At that point I figured having a floor might be useful. (this was in mid-June).

Keeping the same amount of travel overall, just...re-proportioning it a little bit. That pesky inner fenderwell wasn't doing anything anyway.

http://pages.prodigy.net/dmacock/paint1.JPG

http://pages.prodigy.net/dmacock/paint2.JPG

:D

I read that article, I didn't understand how that would happen until I saw your truck up close...:D

Jeez, its looks like we better have a "Show and Shine" area at Nac-Fest for all the freshly painted XJ's to hang out...when are you getting the "bling" wheels/tires?? (like Zach V. on BMJA...)

[vetteboy]

Jeez, its looks like we better have a "Show and Shine" area at Nac-Fest for all the freshly painted XJ's to hang out...when are you getting the "bling" wheels/tires?? (like Zach V. on BMJA...)

Zach already tried to get me to buy some. :roll:

I almost had a deal worked out to trade some guy in south NJ my tires & wheels for a set of 42" Iroks on H2's...but he ran away when I sent him pics of mine. C'mon, they're not that bad...

Floor is coming along though.

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v189/53/103/24800499/n24800499_32008622_794.jpg

Upgraded steering pump (little higher flow & pressure), bling reservoir, and some hoses and junk are ordered and on their way.

[nhrocker]

Let's see...


shorten down pipe+replace cat converter
ditch front sway bar+mounts
flip tierod above knuckle+replace ends+add hydro assist
replace axle end track bar mount
replace outer axle seal that blew up...
if time/money permits- 35's and beadlocks

....oh yeah, and get it driving again! :doh:

Still not sure what it's going to take to get it drivable since I'm still not sure what's wrong. Once it warms up my next try will be replacing the entire electrical system to see if that fixes it...

[gabe4]

well just got the brakes fixed one of the caliper bolt holes was stripped. Once tapped and replaced the clicking that had been driving me crazy for a year fiannly stopped. plus i got my new 5" coils I won a last year on(thanks to DPG) it ride better. Now if I can just sort out this overheating issue. Also replaced muffler it got crushed on a tree.

[vetteboy]

Floor is coming along though.

...

http://photos-499.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v189/53/103/24800499/n24800499_32014467_8567.jpg

[nhrocker]

Let's see...


shorten down pipe+replace cat converter
ditch front sway bar+mounts
flip tierod above knuckle+replace ends+add hydro assist
replace axle end track bar mount
replace outer axle seal that blew up...
if time/money permits- 35's and beadlocks

....oh yeah, and get it driving again! :doh:

Still not sure what it's going to take to get it drivable since I'm still not sure what's wrong. Once it warms up my next try will be replacing the entire electrical system to see if that fixes it...Looks like I can add another thing to my list, swapping out transfer cases. A friend is hooking me up with a freshly rebuilt 231 with TeraLow 4:1, 2Lo kit, new chain, and AA SYE. The lower gearing sure sounds nice since it looks like if my Jeep is running I'll be borrowing Rob's new 35's for NacFest. :laugh3:

[vetteboy]

Yay, no more death hole. :dunce:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02700.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02704.JPG

[Andy in Pa.]

Nice...no more wet feet either!! Those aren't actually pinion gears, right?? I have never seen pinion gear shifter knobs before...cool....

A.

[vetteboy]

Yeah they are...from some small right angle gearboxes we're rebuilding at work. :)

Here they are next to a quarter (crappy pic).

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v189/53/103/24800499/n24800499_32004990_4489.jpg

These particular ones came out of some small right-angle gearboxes that drive ventilation fans for incubators at a hatchery in upstate NY.

A shot of the whole new tunnel, I'll be very glad when this part of the project is over with. I'm getting sick of sheetmetal:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02701.JPG

Got my new steering stuff too, I overheated the factory reservoir and it sprung a leak where the plastic seam is, so that crap had to go. Might as well do an upgraded pump at the same time.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02705.JPG

[nhrocker]

That tranny tunnel is looking good, I'm liking the shifter knobs too!

I'm hoping my steering pump/reservoir will hold up for a while with the addition of my ram assist. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Can't wait to check out your rig in person, I can always use more ideas.:cheers:

[ROBZ95Xj]

kinda depressing seeing everyone makin progress, mines just sitting, tryin to get rid of my 3" BDS leaves so i can get some 5" DGP leaves, should be gettin the drivetrain back together within a few weeks, maybee if things go right ill be there in my xj, probly on nhrockers 33's as 3.55's and 35's will be horible, but after nacfest i wil be gettin my 35's back thats one thing im sure about

[matt6669]

kinda depressing seeing everyone makin progress, mines just sitting, tryin to get rid of my 3" BDS leaves so i can get some 5" DGP leaves, should be gettin the drivetrain back together within a few weeks, maybee if things go right ill be there in my xj, probly on nhrockers 33's as 3.55's and 35's will be horible, but after nacfest i wil be gettin my 35's back thats one thing im sure about

stop being a vag and just throw those 35's on and wheel the piss out of it. Nobody wants to hear you crying!

[vetteboy]

Had a fun weekend bending some tube. :D

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02710Medium.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02729Medium.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02737Medium.JPG

[Rob Mayercik]

Well, my list is currently as follows:

- Fix low temp indication on dash
- Redo headliner
- Finish power mirror swap
- Deal with rusty lower rear quarters
- Swap out my front hooks for shackle brackets (bought with my NACFest 2007 raffle winnings)

Rob



Time to add a couple more things to my list:

- Get A/C fixed
- Figure out and fix whatever's dripping (all of a sudden, my rig has decided to start marking it's parking spot).

[ROBZ95Xj]

looks like a repeat of last year for me, will probly be ridin beotch again, be atleat the tires from my jeep will make it, i just need to get a spare and balance the tires then buy beer and have spending money

[matt6669]

looks like a repeat of last year for me, will probly be ridin beotch again, be atleat the tires from my jeep will make it, i just need to get a spare and balance the tires then buy beer and have spending money


how is this even possible.
You have all of may to finish your truck, you said its rolling and the motor is in, what else is holding you up honkey??

Get your butt off the couch and go wrench on it, and actually wheel the jeep instead of riding biotch

The only thing i have left to do is get an inspection.
Just installed my new directional switch today
o2 sensor will be here tomorrow
Then fab up some sort of fender flares and im good to go wheeling

[ROBZ95Xj]

how is this even possible.
You have all of may to finish your truck, you said its rolling and the motor is in, what else is holding you up honkey??

t case needs rebiuld and sye, have no floors, needs brake lines replaced im sure theres more i can add, just to much little stuff

[matt6669]

why rebuild the t-case you can pick up a perfectly fine one for 200 bucks but if you insist on rebuilding it you can rebuilt it and install a sye in under 2 hours flat. There really is nothing to the 231 it comes about and goes right back together. Brake lines 2 hours maybe

come on rob your talking a days worth of work, you get the parts there, ill drive there to help you finish NO LIE

[ROBZ95Xj]

why rebuild the t-case you can pick up a perfectly fine one for 200 bucks but if you insist on rebuilding it you can rebuilt it and install a sye in under 2 hours flat. There really is nothing to the 231 it comes about and goes right back together. Brake lines 2 hours maybe

come on rob your talking a days worth of work, you get the parts there, ill drive there to help you finish NO LIE
time isnt the issue, money isi guess well just have to wait and see if i can pull off the miricle of 08

[vetteboy]

Exo'ing my way along...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02783.JPG

Bed rails done...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02762.JPG

1/4" plate structural tail light housings...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02767.JPG

A bunch of bling. :D

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02771.JPG

[matt6669]

wheres the updated pics vette??? lol

Well my list keeps getting shorter and shorter I'm starting to like this

I fixed my o2 sensor
Been getting rid of rattles slowly but surely but i get rid of 2 and a new one shows up.
I gotta get a rubber isolater for between the tcase skid and the tcase its driving me nuts
Fab up some kind of fender flares
Get inspection
find a way to get better gas mileage

Now for my new list which isn't even my truck but for my brother so he can go
Install new header
Install 97+ intake mani on 95 motor and all the likes that go along with that
install whole new exhaust
install tcase skid and gas tank skid
uhhh i think thats it

[vetteboy]

wheres the updated pics vette??? lol

I was out wheeling with Chris Demartini all weekend. Convince that candybutt to ride along at NAC-Fest. :D

Things are moving along...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02805.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02811.JPG

Tie-ins through the roof...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02801.JPG

[matt6669]

I was out wheeling with Chris Demartini all weekend. Convince that candybutt to ride along at NAC-Fest. :D


ohhh god you poor soul you were subjected to the demartinawitz you poor thing i really feel sorry for you. froggy has a weird effect on people but that would be fun to get him to go to nacfest. I could probably convince him, plus that would make the camp fire that much more interested.

But the trucks looking good man i wish i was still on 37's and could run with you guys

[vetteboy]

ohhh god you poor soul you were subjected to the demartinawitz you poor thing i really feel sorry for you. froggy has a weird effect on people but that would be fun to get him to go to nacfest. I could probably convince him, plus that would make the camp fire that much more interested.

I've been wheelin with Chris for a few years now. I tried to flop him last weekend but he managed to drive out of it anyway...ask him about the exit line on O trail next time you see him. :D

After two weeks of workin on this thing every night I decided to take a break and chill for the weekend. Good times.

[matt6669]

yeah froggy is we'll just say INTERESTING

But he did mention about almost flopping a couple times this past weekend. He goes I gotta lower my pos but I don't feel like cutting the frame
my response stop being lazy so needless to stay he'll be cutting the frame soon he said

But i will definitely try and talk him into it, i wouldn't mind finally see him wheel i've only seen his truck on a trailer :)

[vetteboy]

Yeah, he got some DOM and I think he's planning on cutting the front half of his frame so the axle doesn't stuff up into it.

Got a little more done...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02815.JPG

Removing this by myself sucked ass, but hopefully I'll have help to put it back on (and maybe it'll still fit, too :D )

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02816.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02817.JPG

Sanded, primed...

http://photos-499.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v191/53/103/24800499/n24800499_32099970_6060.jpg

[Andy in Pa.]

OK Chris, your starting to enter into "jungle gym" status now:D

Looks great, you gonna squirt that pretty paint on there before you permanently attach it?

A.

[vetteboy]

The more I consider it, I think I'm gonna have to...at least the roof/gutter/a-pillar areas. I can spray the hood any time, and I'll do the new fenders once I get them cut properly for the tires and cage bars. I'll probably mix up the pint I've got and spray those areas and the new work in the rear in one shot.

Originally I didn't want to do that because I didn't want to mess the paint up trying to get the cage back on, but I'd rather touch up a few spots than deal with trying to mask/spray around the cage.

It's just gonna get beat up again anyway. :D But I'd like it to at least be "nice" once so I can take some pretty pictures.

[MDXJ]

just paint the cage on the jeep with the color of the jeep so it blends into the body

[vetteboy]

Too late for that. :D

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02832.JPG

The inside cage is the same silver, the pinstriping is silver, and the tailgate lettering is silver as well. Keepin the theme alive. I think my new RuffStuff Specialties rear diff cover will be silver too.

In other news...this little guy just moved in.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02829.JPG

Does great for sucking the front end down. :D More on that later. Don't worry, it will be mounted better in the near future. This was just for geometric mockup.

[vetteboy]

My rear quarter sheetmetal hasn't been this straight in years. :D

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02834.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02835.JPG

and....the list.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02836.JPG

Aiming for wheeling in 3 weeks for Big Dogs and driving in 2 weeks for the E-town swap meet. Gonna be busy. :)

[vetteboy]

I got out my spray gun yesterday and noticed that it's missing a piece...the little screw/knob that sets the needle depth to regulate the paint mixture. Gonna dig through the old guns here at work today to see if I can find something that will work.

I also went to get the documentation for the paint mixture ratios and noticed that they gave me basecoat instead of single stage. Great. I really didn't want to have to mess with shooting clearcoat and I can't return it because it was obviously a custom color.

Guess I gotta go price out clearcoat & reducer for the base vs. another pint of single-stage.

[Cipey]

lets see, if i go these mods will be ready:

teralow 2low
powertrax locker for 8.8 with limited slip (#3128)
mile marker man hub converison
d30 alloy inners
new riddler covers front and back
new d rings in rear for recovery

leather interior outof a donated xj from out back and tinted glass


mabey new steering setup




Cipey

[vetteboy]

Oo, shiny. PPG Deltron DCC polyurethane, single stage, HVLP gun.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02864.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02874.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02865.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02867.JPG

The tube on top of the rear quarters won't be staying this color...it'll be getting sprayed over with silver hammered like the rest of the cage. I plan on having to touch that up pretty often.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02873.JPG

Not too bad for a first try. Tomorrow I'll throw the new letters on the tailgate, bolt the hardware back on and see how it lines up. Might put the exo back on too.

[vetteboy]

I finally got the proper grille for it (8 slot), and started putting the other crap back on it. Honestly with the silver roll cage and exo, I'm thinking about doing the clear outer lenses. :D

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02876.JPG

Oh yeah, did the letters too.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02878.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC02879.JPG

I think I'm going to tape off the tube, and straight across the top edge of the tailgate, and spray that all silver. So the tube line goes all the way across. I can't think of a better option for blending it all in and I think it'd look pretty good honestly.

I think I might not put the JEEP letters back on the front, omit the "cherokee" lettering, and do the clear lenses.

[nhrocker]

I think I'm going to tape off the tube, and straight across the top edge of the tailgate, and spray that all silver. So the tube line goes all the way across. I can't think of a better option for blending it all in and I think it'd look pretty good honestly.

I think I might not put the JEEP letters back on the front, omit the "cherokee" lettering, and do the clear lenses.
Personally I like the clean look, after I had some body work done years ago I never put the lettering or logos back on. Are the clear lenses going to be the little bit of "bling" you allow on your rig? :laugh3:

You give any thought to getting/making some form of tailgate protection? Like the lip protectors or interior tailgate panels that wrap up and over the top? That could protect that top edge a little more and give you something to paint silver to match.

[OverTheHillsATTW]

Take the 89 Pioneer out of retirement...tune it.
Swap D30's w/ a donor xj.
Swap out D35 for 8.25.
Replace TRE's.
Install middle and overhead console/CB.
Add RE's 2.5 Full AAL/Zj coils/spacers.
New Shocks.
Tires.
Tow hooks.
Maybe buy a tent.

See ya there!

[knuckle_buster]

Take the 89 Pioneer out of retirement...tune it.
Swap D30's w/ a donor xj.
Swap out D35 for 8.25.
Replace TRE's.
Install middle and overhead console/CB.
Add RE's 2.5 Full AAL/Zj coils/spacers.
New Shocks.
Tires.
Tow hooks.
Maybe buy a tent.

See ya there!

That's the spirit !!! :yelclap: We'll see ya there.

[gabe4]

Well I’m one big step closer, for all those who recall I’ve been fighting with an un-locatable noise up front on the passengers side, it was the knuckle the lower caliper bolt to be specific. The hole was stripped out and the bolt would either back out and hit or once it got lose the whole caliper would rock back and forth. Well with the help of a friend of mine we replaced the knuckle and it seems to have fixed the problem. Now the bigger issue overheating. :repair:

[ROBZ95Xj]

i know its still a long shot but alot alot will be hapening in the next month with mine, either this weekend or early next week my jeep will be movin under its own power, after that me and nhrocker will be replacing the floors and biuldin bumpers, after that its DPG tailgunner leafs and re monotubes to finish the suspention, then its just brake lines and sye and it should be road worthy again

[Andy in Pa.]

i know its still a long shot but alot alot will be hapening in the next month with mine, either this weekend or early next week my jeep will be movin under its own power, after that me and nhrocker will be replacing the floors and biuldin bumpers, after that its DPG tailgunner leafs and re monotubes to finish the suspention, then its just brake lines and sye and it should be road worthy again

Keep plugging away Rob, we may just see this jeep at Nac-Fest 2008 yet!!!!! I'm not willing to bet any money though....:D

[nhrocker]

Keep plugging away Rob, we may just see this jeep at Nac-Fest 2008 yet!!!!! I'm not willing to bet any money though....:D
At the rate I'm going, it's more likely you'll see his there than mine...

So far I've cut off the entire exhaust (had to test out my new sawzall somehow) and I just pulled the battery to toss it on a charger to see if I can save it.

Hm, not a good sign when all I've done is taken it apart even more... :rolleyes:

[Andy in Pa.]

At the rate I'm going, it's more likely you'll see his there than mine...

So far I've cut off the entire exhaust (had to test out my new sawzall somehow) and I just pulled the battery to toss it on a charger to see if I can save it.

Hm, not a good sign when all I've done is taken it apart even more... :rolleyes:


Thats not good!!! OK quit ripping it apart and start re-assembling now!!!

[gabe4]

she's painted, there's two off the list
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u95/4gabe/102_0657.jpg

[gabe4]

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u95/4gabe/jeep/102_0660.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u95/4gabe/jeep/102_0659.jpg

[Andy in Pa.]

Looks good Gabe!!!

I think all of my junk (both Jeeps) are ready to go. Got the Staun Beadlocks in the XJ a few weeks ago (forgot how hard it is to put tires on rims by hand...ugh..), and the MJ seems solid. A good once-over and I think I am all set!!!

A.

[knuckle_buster]

Oooohhh!! Looks like Gabe has some new rock rails that need to be slightly scuffed during NAC-FEST! :scottm:

[nhrocker]

Got the Staun Beadlocks in the XJ a few weeks agoWhat, so no more fun re-seating a bead on the trail again? :laugh3:

I still haven't made any progress on my rig. Seems like nature is out to get me. Any free time I've had to work on it it ends up raining... Perfect example of why I need a garage.

[lobsterdmb]

Oooohhh!! Looks like Gabe has some new rock rails that need to be slightly scuffed during NAC-FEST! :scottm:

trust me, they aren't new and i have done a great job of scuffing them for him in years past :jester:

[Rob Mayercik]

Jeep looks good, Gabe - can't wait to see it in person.

Did you ever get your winch fixed?

[gabe4]

Jeep looks good, Gabe - can't wait to see it in person.

Did you ever get your winch fixed?
Yep it was just a ground issue

[gabe4]

Oooohhh!! Looks like Gabe has some new rock rails that need to be slightly scuffed during NAC-FEST! :scottm:
Like john said they're old btu what I need to do is shorten them so I can get bigger tires on.

[knuckle_buster]

trust me, they aren't new and i have done a great job of scuffing them for him in years past :jester:

I'm sure we can find a spot on them rails somewhere that is not scuffed, and help gabe scuff them!

[OverlandXJ]

Getting closer..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/XJpainting033.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/xjwork003.jpg

[Andy in Pa.]

It looks like its finally all the same color John, looks good!! What are the ARM, Inside /Outside switches for?

A.

[OverlandXJ]

It looks like its finally all the same color John, looks good!! What are the ARM, Inside /Outside switches for?

A.

About damn time eh?!

It's an interior winch controler. Will sit where the cig lighter did.

[CountryXJer]

Is it that time already??????? Guess I better get "Mr Dutch" out of the barn! :shocked:

Replace the exhaust system
Install the dropped pitman arm
Install the steering box brace
Install the sliders
I think that is all, but then...............:dunno:

[Rob Mayercik]

Is it that time already??????? Guess I better get "Mr Dutch" out of the barn! :shocked:

Replace the exhaust system
Install the dropped pitman arm
Install the steering box brace
Install the sliders
I think that is all, but then...............:dunno:

I'm probably behind on the news, but can I assume you got the clutch fixed?

[lobsterdmb]

Made some progress on my jeep this weekend:

New front and rear axles with 4.56 gears are in. Only one big SNAFU. My RE super flex lowers are stuck on the old front axle. The lower bolt seems to have rusted to the inside of the control arm and won't come out even with a BFH. I am going to just go ahead and cut them off, then work on on drilling the bolt out at my leisure. In the meantime i ordered up some replacement arms so that I can wheel at NACfest.

Still to do:
Hook up steering and do an alignment
Install front locker
Install rear locker and Chromolly shafts
Install 4 new shocks
Get a new battery for the jeep so it actually starts
Find my coolant leak and fix

I've got less than 4 weeks, I better get moving!

[lobsterdmb]

Made some progress on my jeep this weekend:

New front and rear axles with 4.56 gears are in. Only one big SNAFU. My RE super flex lowers are stuck on the old front axle. The lower bolt seems to have rusted to the inside of the control arm and won't come out even with a BFH. I am going to just go ahead and cut them off, then work on on drilling the bolt out at my leisure. In the meantime i ordered up some replacement arms so that I can wheel at NACfest.

Still to do:
Hook up steering and do an alignment
Install front locker
Install rear locker and Chromolly shafts
Install 4 new shocks
Get a new battery for the jeep so it actually starts
Find my coolant leak and fix

I've got less than 4 weeks, I better get moving!

Forgot to mention, Melissa got nice and dirty helping me put the axles in :loveu:

[OverlandXJ]

Made some progress on my jeep this weekend:

New front and rear axles with 4.56 gears are in. Only one big SNAFU. My RE super flex lowers are stuck on the old front axle. The lower bolt seems to have rusted to the inside of the control arm and won't come out even with a BFH. I am going to just go ahead and cut them off, then work on on drilling the bolt out at my leisure. In the meantime i ordered up some replacement arms so that I can wheel at NACfest.

Still to do:
Hook up steering and do an alignment
Install front locker
Install rear locker and Chromolly shafts
Install 4 new shocks
Get a new battery for the jeep so it actually starts
Find my coolant leak and fix

I've got less than 4 weeks, I better get moving!


John, where did you end up getting the gears setup? I still havent done my new front axle, but was planning to start on it this weekend. I dont have a proper in.lb. torque wrench.

Thinking if it's cheap enough maybe i should just have someone do it to save time.

[lobsterdmb]

John, where did you end up getting the gears setup? I still havent done my new front axle, but was planning to start on it this weekend. I dont have a proper in.lb. torque wrench.

Thinking if it's cheap enough maybe i should just have someone do it to save time.

Ended up buying identical axles with 4:56's already in them. It turned out to be cheaper that the prices i could find to get the gears set up.

[MrShaft696]

John, where did you end up getting the gears setup? I still havent done my new front axle, but was planning to start on it this weekend. I dont have a proper in.lb. torque wrench.

Thinking if it's cheap enough maybe i should just have someone do it to save time.

you want a reccomendation drop me a PM

[CountryXJer]

I'm probably behind on the news, but can I assume you got the clutch fixed?

Yup! Been running him quite some time now. Rubber from the master cyclinder got down into the slave and wrecked havock. All new from the master to the slave, friction plate and pressure plate.:sunshine:

Update on to do list;
Exhaust ----- Done
Sliders ------- Done
Pitman Arm - Saturday morning
Steering brace --- on hold. Going to have to see about frame plates or major mod to cross frame brace due to my custom receiver.

[Mighty.Mighty_XJ]

Prep thread ... hmmm...
- Hoping to get the 8.25 swapped in
- hope like heck to get a locker into it!
- Disable the ABS & swap in a dual diaphram booster I have sitting around
- NSS NSS NSS NSSSSS!!! Okay. Recently she's refused to start twice already, once with all power working, second time lost all power, then it simply re-appeared. Little bird told me it's the NSS going bad. I need to get that fixed.
- find out where the squeak is coming from (sounds like a u-joint) & silence it.
- Buy a new air mattress (does that count?)

[MrShaft696]

well if anyone cares I just finished all new front brakes since it was pulling hard to the right since a caliper was shot, rotors & pads all old as hell.
Slave cyl is the only thing really left, luckily its external on my 96 & I did the master the other week. Some wierd noises still but whats new.

[gabe4]

finished new extended steel brake lines (thank you Clayton) New front Pad's but I just busted the lower shock mount on the rear so every step forward I take two back :rattle:

[ROBZ95Xj]

finished new extended steel brake lines (thank you Clayton) New front Pad's but I just busted the lower shock mount on the rear so every step forward I take two back :rattle:
actually you took 2 steps forward and 1 step back, heck you dont even need shocks, or even brakes or that matter(but they sure are nice to have)

[matt6669]

its starting to look bleak I have one weekend left and I really only have sunday to do it was I'll be at a drift event on saturday.

Anybody have any reason why after replacing my batter cables my odometer is telling me no bus and my oil pressure and tach arn't working. I'm also throwing a cel light and the airbag light.

grrr its always something

buh

[vetteboy]

'No bus' means the connector at the back of the gauge cluster is probably loose or unplugged.

I made a ton more work for myself after the Big Dogs event a few weeks ago. I dropped HARD off a 4-foot ledge right onto the front right corner and tweaked the frame up to the point where the mechanical fan was hitting it.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC03037.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC03039.JPG

I finally got to borrow a frame straightener and portapower from a buddy of mine to pull it back today. Got that done and set about plating the crumpled spots.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC03297.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC03298.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC03299.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/gallery/files/3/1/6/2/1/DSC03305.JPG

Plated all the way forward to the front bumper mounts.

Still gotta get a new radiator and warranty the 35-spline stub that broke from the same weekend...but it should be wheelable in some form or another.

Gonna try and get the suckdown winch and driver side frame plate done tomorrow, then it's just a lot of little crap. In other news, I got that Friday off, so if I get it done I'll head out Thursday night, and if not I get another free day to finish stuff.

[matt6669]

already checked the guage cluster that wasn't what it was.

That was the first thing i checked

[vetteboy]

already checked the guage cluster that wasn't what it was.

That was the first thing i checked

Hmm. That's the only thing I've ever heard of giving the no bus reading. :(

[OverlandXJ]

Damn Vette... that was tweaked alright! Looks like you shouldnt have any more issues with your repair.

I made a bit more progress as well... copied from my other thread.

Quarter protection is installed, also threw on the RoofTop Tent in prep for NAC-Fest in 2 weeks.

Interior is buttoned back up. Installed the rear door panels and cargo area trim after installing the tinted glass.

Rest of the day was spent drinking suds and trying to stay cool in 97* weather and prepping my new D30 housing for a R&P install. Hopefully next weekend.


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/XJreassembly2009.jpg


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/XJreassembly2010.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/XJreassembly2004-1.jpg

[STROKER]

is that bird poop on the hood....AHHHH

STROKER

[ROBZ95Xj]

strated ettin my moms new jeep ready for the way down(theres no way im takin my truck) got some stock tires today for 2 reson,1-fuel milage, and 2nd cause the 31's rub like crazy on stock suspention(big surprise there) fter nc fest i should beable to start dumpin money into my rig aint much left, anyways 1 week and a half left i cant wait

[gabe4]

Ok fixed lower shock mount and got my 34's on. Still need to build my spare axle's and hope my new rear bumper makes it in time.

[lobsterdmb]

Still to do:
Hook up steering and do an alignment
Install front locker done
Install rear locker and Chromolly shafts done
Install 4 new shocks
Get a new battery for the jeep so it actually starts
Find my coolant leak and fix


I am hoping to get most of the other stuff done on weds and sunday. I still need to bleed my rear brakes too.

[wicked_xj]

id hate to ask but in order to go i need help and a place to put in a new d30 driver side axle and ball joints all the way around. ill try to reagear and lock the front before it to

[Andy in Pa.]

id hate to ask but in order to go i need help and a place to put in a new d30 driver side axle and ball joints all the way around. ill try to reagear and lock the front before it to

Wow, nothing like waiting until the last minute!! If your ball joints are livable for now, we could probably do the axleshaft at the campground, but otherwise most of us are trying to get our own junk ready right now. I hope you can make it.

[ROBZ95Xj]

strated ettin my moms new jeep ready for the way down(theres no way im takin my truck) got some stock tires today for 2 reson,1-fuel milage, and 2nd cause the 31's rub like crazy on stock suspention(big surprise there) fter nc fest i should beable to start dumpin money into my rig aint much left, anyways 1 week and a half left i cant wait
the jeep failed inspection, for bad rear wheelbearing, exsaust leak and frt wipers, im hopin to get al that knocked out after work tomorow

[jeep40driver]

CRAP !! I need a Tow point for the front . CRUNCH TIME !!!!


nate

[Andy in Pa.]

Looks like I may be doing steering on Leahs MJ before the event too. If I get everything in time, I'll be swapping the Rustys crossover that is on there now out for Rock Krawler steering.

We'll see....

A.

[MrShaft696]

My stupid front skid plate wont go back on around my steering brace and I had a fix for a bit and had it mounted to the frame rail, but it kept clunking on the sway bar, now i dont know how the hell to put it back on. With the skid in the stock position i cant get the bolts off for the steering brace. I am thinking the only thing i can do now is weld a bracket to it and put it somewhere else, any ideas...

how the brace mounts.
http://www.iozzidesigns.com/Jeep/latest/jeeplatest3.jpg
how the skid was mounted
http://www.iozzidesigns.com/Jeep/latest/jeeplatest4.jpg

[vetteboy]

Got the remainder of the frame plating & repair done yesterday, springs & shocks back in, front suckdown winch installed & operational. I have the new radiator and just gotta put the front clip back together, and we should be good to go. Plenty of other things I'd like to do before the trip but that's all that really needs to be done.

[MDXJ]

stupid front skid plate throw away

[ROBZ95Xj]

things aint lookin good for me, at a stand still with the rear whee bearing replacement, the axle shaft has some pitting on it and i rather not put it back together with a bad shaft so im on the search locally for a 29 spine 8.25 shaft for dirt cheap

[gabe4]

finshed installing bumper and tire carrier, was feeling pretty good, went for a ride and the driver side brake is hung, smoke was pooring out, I just replaced the pad's and brake lines, I must of screwed something up, there guys fathers day.

[STROKER]

finshed installing bumper and tire carrier, was feeling pretty good, went for a ride and the driver side brake is hung, smoke was pooring out, I just replaced the pad's and brake lines, I must of screwed something up, there guys fathers day.

priorities in order fix jeep on fathers day in order to get to nac fest i like....

STROKER

[gabe4]

Well sh!t I'm done I won't have time to get this fixed. I'll try to hook up with everyone another time this year when I can feel safer about driving it that far.

[STROKER]

ahh come on rebleed the brakes throw a caliper on do somethin', still have mon & tues left....

STROKER

[ROBZ95Xj]

keep diggin gabe, you can get it done in time, im still thrashin on the new rig, need to run out after work tomorow to get stuff to preplace the bearing on the other side, i fixed the side that was makin noise with new bearing and axle shaft but theres still some noise so i pulled the shaft on the other side and the some light pitting, so tomorow gotta get stuff to fix that side talk about fustrating

[STROKER]

the both of you better be there, wont be the same without.

Who am i gonna watch fall over in a chair around the fire...

STROKER

[lobsterdmb]

If you come gabe, I promise I will get you some bickford potato chips again!


I got my junk pretty much done today. The only issue I had was a difficulty bleeding the rear brakes. I going to try to take care of this on weds morning. If not can someone give me a hand bleeding the rear brakes on my rig on weds night in camp? It will be on the trailer.

[STROKER]

i'm sure there will be enough ppl to help...

STROKER

[matt6669]

I'm out. I can't seem to get my electrical problem sorted out and the money just isn't there after my side business had a bust at a recent even this weekend so I will miss you all. Take good pictures and video for me

[vetteboy]

:thumbsdown:

[Andy in Pa.]

Looks like I may be doing steering on Leahs MJ before the event too. If I get everything in time, I'll be swapping the Rustys crossover that is on there now out for Rock Krawler steering.

We'll see....

A.

Didn't get the rest of my steering last Friday, so it looks like the Rustys is gonna have to survive another adventure.

Man, you guys are dropping like flies.... COME ON!! Bring the DD down, I'm sure you can find a shotgun seat!!!

A.

[Rob Mayercik]

CRAP !! I need a Tow point for the front . CRUNCH TIME !!!!


nate

I've got a new spare air filter in the back of the truck (just in case you try crossing the lake through the middle again :angel:

Rob

[knuckle_buster]

Didn't get the rest of my steering last Friday, so it looks like the Rustys is gonna have to survive another adventure.

Man, you guys are dropping like flies.... COME ON!! Bring the DD down, I'm sure you can find a shotgun seat!!!

A.


If everybody keeps bailin' out at the last minute, that just means I will have a better chance of winning that rear bumper.:D Hope everyone can find a way to make it out to the event. C-YA there !!!

-Todd

[ROBZ95Xj]

decided today that if the new jeep aint ready ill drive the truck down, gas milage wont be as good but i can live with that

[STROKER]

decided today that if the new jeep aint ready ill drive the truck down, gas milage wont be as good but i can live with that

Thats what i like to hear...hell i'll even give ya $20 for the ride home.

STROKER

[jeep40driver]

can I still play Saturday if I don't have a front bumper?

[lobsterdmb]

can I still play Saturday if I don't have a front bumper?

do you have front tow points?

[jeep40driver]

do you have front tow points?
I'm working on getting some hopefully tomarrow

[lobsterdmb]

If you have front and rear tow points you are welcome to wheel your jeep. If not, then I am sure we can find an empty seat for you.

[jeep40driver]

I work out of town the last 3 days of this week so tomarrow is pretty much my only day to make these front hooks happen I know there's an xj sittin in a local JY with them I just need to go and get them hopefully there open when I get off work . I would only need one in the front correct?

[lobsterdmb]

I work out of town the last 3 days of this week so tomarrow is pretty much my only day to make these front hooks happen I know there's an xj sittin in a local JY with them I just need to go and get them hopefully there open when I get off work . I would only need one in the front correct?

correct, one front and one rear (or a hitch). However two are obviously preferred in the front.

[ROBZ95Xj]

Thats what i like to hear...hell i'll even give ya $20 for the ride home.

STROKER
ive just been thinkin alot about it tonite, was really considering not going at all, and spendin money on the jeep, but i got nothing else goin on this summer, havent wheeled since dec, after trip gonna be on search for better job and will be sinkin all penies i got into my jeep, i need to finish it before it rots away, and ot to mention dont got much left aslng as i dont go changin susention plans or somthing like that AGAIN

[vetteboy]

I got mine back together again tonight, and drove it around for a while. What a difference the frame plates & etc. make.

I noticed my ram has a little bit of play when changing directions, I'll address that later. It should get rid of the last little dead spot I have in the steering.

Meanwhile, the front header panel, hood, and fenders are an abortion of alignment. Nothing's square up there anymore, but I'm not really surprised either. It's on there for now but the gaps are horrible. I'm not going to spend any more time on it until I get new fenders though.

Left to do:

- front suckdown winch cable pulled out of the stay on the winch drum and spins freely. Gotta attach that better.
- clean everything.
- replenish spare u-joint supply
- find a first aid kit
- find a spare tire
- figure out spare tire mounting (can I leave it at the trailer?)
- front tow points (does a front winch count for this?)
- front winch fairlead mount
- maybe some sort of front bumper

Weird list of stuff, but I have all of Thursday night and Friday to take care of it. I'm planning on leaving here Friday afternoon and arriving at camp with daylight left.

[lobsterdmb]

I got mine back together again tonight, and drove it around for a while. What a difference the frame plates & etc. make.

I noticed my ram has a little bit of play when changing directions, I'll address that later. It should get rid of the last little dead spot I have in the steering.

Meanwhile, the front header panel, hood, and fenders are an abortion of alignment. Nothing's square up there anymore, but I'm not really surprised either. It's on there for now but the gaps are horrible. I'm not going to spend any more time on it until I get new fenders though.

Left to do:

- front suckdown winch cable pulled out of the stay on the winch drum and spins freely. Gotta attach that better.
- clean everything.
- replenish spare u-joint supply
- find a first aid kit
- find a spare tire
- figure out spare tire mounting (can I leave it at the trailer?)
- front tow points (does a front winch count for this?)
- front winch fairlead mount
- maybe some sort of front bumper

Weird list of stuff, but I have all of Thursday night and Friday to take care of it. I'm planning on leaving here Friday afternoon and arriving at camp with daylight left.

front winch counts as a front tow point

[vetteboy]

Cool, thanks!

I'd still like to get some shackle mounts up there but at least I can move it down on the priority list if the other stuff takes longer than expected.

[OverlandXJ]

I was sick this past weekend and didnt get my R&P in the new axlehousing, but did manage to get my shock mount welded up this am for the drive to RC.

I'm pretty much ready...

[jeep40driver]

ok after having no luck getting all the bolts out of the donor hooks at the yard I stopped at the Tool Shed and the guys found me a hook from a Silverado and said just take it so I came home and wouldn't you know it bolts right up to the frame on the underside it's the flat hook kind and I'm pretty sure this should be accepted.

[jeep40driver]

ok that was a bad move so I have a back up plan as long as Warrior comes through Saturday morning I will have proper tow points

[juicexj24]

Finish up the steering, driveway alignment...change some fluids, back the tools and spares and fix the new exhaust (too close to the bump stop mount and rattles). Oh and do all of that with out the use of my right hand for the most part as I broke it this past weekend. See you Friday night.

[vetteboy]

Today I got the washdown-rated on-off-on momentary switch for the front suckdown winch in the mail. :)

No real progress. Thursday night's gonna be fun.

[ROBZ95Xj]

got te new jeep back together, still not sure on tikin it, may just try and rent a compact as it wuld prob be cheaper, either way ill be up late thurs nite like 9 or 10

[Mighty.Mighty_XJ]

Today I got the washdown-rated on-off-on momentary switch for the front suckdown winch in the mail. :)

No real progress. Thursday night's gonna be fun.
huh?

[vetteboy]

huh?

:D

http://www.offroadcontrols.com/images/components/C205.JPG

Front suckdown winch is all in and ready to go. Super smooth installation, should be fun to try it out.

Then the wiring for my main winch took a crap, and I spent almost two hours troubleshooting it to a broken ground wire for the controller near the solenoid pack, inside the insulation. :cry: So the winch works again, but I didn't get to do most of the other stuff I was going to try and get done.

So tomorrow morning (friday)...gotta fab up a fairlead mount and get the rest of the wiring taken care of, clean out the inside, go acquire spare parts & groceries, wash the outside, load up, go. Time permitting I'd like to chop an inch off the rear coils as it's still a little ass high, but I've been wheeling it like that for a year now so it's not a huge deal, just one of those things I never seem to get around to.

I'll see y'all sometime Friday evening most likely, hopefully before it gets dark. :wave1:

[OverlandXJ]

Came home from work the other night to a few broken windows in the Jeeps here, wife's ZJ and my XJ. I swapped the glass in my rig before work yesterday so i'm ready after packing some stuff today.

I decided to leave in am and arrive around 6 vs heading straight from work and setting up in the dark. See ya'll in the mornin.

[juicexj24]

Didn't make it as you guys know. I can't even put enough pressure on my right hand to put it into gear much less drive with it. Sucks. Pics look great.