Not much to report, but I got the interior all done up and put back together. I was able to put back all but 2 interior panels, so everything is covered up and I very happy with that. It was one of the major requirements when getting the new cage done.
The power steering pump was leaking from who knows where, so I warrantied it through Oreilly's and got a new one in there. While I was there, I figured I would get a new steering gear and FINALLY got rid of the play in the steering I have had forever.
Then, Monday, I was finally able to actually drive this thing and get the tires dirty. Drove it up to running springs for a day trip and tested out the tires/power a bit. Didn't exactly wheel, but we drove quite a few dirt roads. Happy to report nothing broke. Locked up a rear brake pretty good while carving the mountains, but that just means its time for me to get a ZJ proportioning disc/disc proportioning valve to install. Overall, it was like 160 miles there and back at 65mph with no troubles and no steering wander. Actually drove like a road vehicle.
onto some pics:
During this trip, I also figured out that the hydro bumps are too low and hit all the time while driving it on the road. So I decided to pull them last night in order to shorten them from 2" travel to 1" travel.
Trying to plan a wheeling trip to either swamp lake or JV on the first weekend of November, to stretch its legs and finally test it.
Till then, just got a few things to do:
- Reinstall Hydro bumps
- Figured out transfer case shifter
- Measure and lengthen front driveshaft
- Make mounting plate for ARB comp and mount on cage, then rewire
- Re-plumb locker lines
- Try to find unobtanium window moldings for the rear door glass divider and reinstall glass
- Replace window regulator
- Dynamat all doors
- Install door panels that I picked up at the JY