TECHNICAL FORUMS => Project Builds => Topic started by: gCracker on July 22, 2007, 09:50:39 PM
Title: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 22, 2007, 09:50:39 PM
I just bought a new TJ, saw a deal I could not pass up. Here is the add(plus a few things) that says about everything:
Dark Red Texas Jeep: 94k Miles; 4.0 Liter/6 Cylinder;5 Speed; 4\" Teraflex Lift & steering box skid, Rancho Adjustable Shocks; Like NEW 33\" AT Tires on American Racing Rims; 9000 lb Warn Winch; NEW Top + Bikini; 480 Watt Kenwood Stereo System w/Amp and Clarion, Kenwood, and Polk Speakers; Sound Bar w/Light; KC Fog & Spot Lights; Tuffy Security Center Console; K&N Air filter; Optima Yellow top Battery; Heavy Duty Alternator; CB Radio; Dana 44 Rear w/Factory Limited Slip; 4:10 Gears; Air Conditioning; front disco\'s; Cruise Control; Full Doors; Professionally Built - Mechanic Owned... and it\'s only seen 1 winter! Looks and Runs Great...
whats missing: wipers don\'t work<- its not the fuse steering box leaks 1 KC spotlight rusted inside so it does not work catalytic converter needs replaced mismatched rear seat without brackets or belts winch wires corroded, so they needed new ends rusted winch plate faded flares
I am going to swap my chrome wheels and rear bumper from the YJ before I sell it. And I plan on fixing most of the items listed above very soon.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 22, 2007, 10:38:41 PM
gonna start asking a few questions:
Anyone know the best place/price to order a new cat converter?
Any ideas on the wipers not working?
Anyone want to trade my brand new tan rear for a [d]black[/d] gray one?
Anyone have rear seat brackets/belts they want to sell?
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Guest on July 23, 2007, 06:34:33 AM
I liked my dynomax cat.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 23, 2007, 08:00:46 AM
I am going to get a Magnaflow cat from 4wd.com for about $100, best deal I could find.
And I am actually looking for a gray seat not black
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 23, 2007, 10:28:15 AM
figured I would move this to the intro sections.. would be nice if everyone posted a bit of info about themselves.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 24, 2007, 10:54:17 PM
We spent the evening cleaningthe jeep for the first time. We removed the carpet and cleaned and Armor-Alled everything. Sara went through about 3 rags doing it all.
I also got the wipers working, not sure if it was a loose wire in the column or the constant switching that finally got them to work. They still seem a bit slow but at least they are working.
I looked at the winch more, and I think it needs rebuilt.
I think I am missing part of my cb antenna.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Snort on July 24, 2007, 11:53:55 PM
Dopple really sucks when it comes to diagnosing CBs. Whatever you do, don\'t ask him...
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 25, 2007, 12:02:22 AM
already sent him a direct e-mail
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Snort on July 25, 2007, 07:53:27 AM
D\'oh! :crazy:
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 27, 2007, 08:12:29 AM
I also put one of my YJ wheels on the TJ last night.. it does not look like a rollerskate so they will definitely be swapped.
I found that my passenger u-joint is EXTREMELY bad, I new it was going, but the way it moves I do not think there are any bearings in one cap.
I also got the bumper off the YJ, it is heavy! I think I need to make it attach better. Now it only bolts to the face of the crossmember.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 28, 2007, 09:34:56 PM
so I got my belts and brackets today at the junk yard.. the gray seat they said they had was actually a tan seat that had been SPRAY PAINTED gray. It must have been special fabric paint because it did not look that bad, but it was definitely the wrong color and you could see the tan in a few spots.
I also painted my flares today with Krylon Fusion, they look much better. We taped them off and sprayed them while they were still on the Jeep.
I tore into the winch, see other thread about that.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on August 02, 2007, 11:04:02 AM
so another new twist, the Jeep is now over heating. The gauge reads just a bit over 210, but the coolant in the overflow is boiling. I need to flush the coolant as it looks rather nasty, but the level is fine and the oil still looks fine so I am just thinking either a clogged radiator or bad cap. Gonna flush and replace cap tonight.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on August 02, 2007, 10:23:06 PM
it was just the cap, flushed and refilled and put a new cap on and the temp is fine now.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: MrMindless on August 03, 2007, 09:47:32 PM
if you want to rewire my old O2 you could test that out.
I put a new one in (running like crap and code set) but 2 of the wires were out of its plug, so I\'d bet it\'s still good.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on August 04, 2007, 02:00:03 PM
that sounds like a good idea.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on August 13, 2007, 07:58:24 AM
I picked up a pair of used KC lights on eBay for cheaper than a single new one, this weekend to replace the bad one on the windshield.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on September 07, 2007, 12:41:18 AM
finally got the light replaced, and went ahead and replaced the lense on the other since it was a bit foggy. I had to sawzall the old light off .
Still have not had time to look at the cat/o2 sensor issue or the u-joint, or the winch or the tow hooks or the..
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on December 09, 2007, 12:08:16 AM
just a little update.. I did fix both front u-joints and installed front tow hooks mounted the MT\'s on the steel wheels I took off side steps so they would not get broken in Mass Wheeled in Mass, crunched passenger side rocker, would have been worse if the step was there, and used a ledge to raise drivers side of gas tank 1 inch so that I can no longer fill tank all the way with out it leaking. I swapped Mike\'s O2 sensor in and that solved my cold start issues I put the side steps back on, after almost slipping on ice trying to jump in. I replaced the wiper motor, after receiving the wrong one from a junk yard. (Can\'t believe I made it almost 5 months with out wipers) I replaced the radiator because it was leaking worse due to 30 mile commute, accidentally bought one for non-A/C so I had to cut the mounting bracket for the A/C lines.
still need to replace rattling catalytic converter, and possibly by a diferent daily driver to save gas on my new daily 65mile round trip commute
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Guest on December 09, 2007, 12:50:41 PM
dude.... I might have to move this to the project builds forum...
:)
I am still trying to figure out how you went 5 months without wipers!!
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Wingman on December 09, 2007, 05:48:31 PM
I find I don\'t use mine very much at all. Don\'t know if the previous owner treated the windshield with anything like Rain-X or if it is the slope, but it is clearer most times without. And it has been almost 4 years.
Keep up the good work, Aaron!
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on December 31, 2007, 12:12:50 AM
I took my Jeep over to a friend of mines shop { http://bluedogjeep.com/ } to try to diagnose why I am still losing coolant after the new radiator. We think it is leaking from the overflow hose instead of my self diagnosis or a bad head gasket.
We then decided to put it on his lift to swap in the converter that has been sitting in my basement for 4 months. We found that the front passenger lower control arm bracket was ripped half way off! Must have done it in Mass! :burnout: :censor: :dunno: :shock: (http://homepage.mac.com/aarongraham/brokenBracket/bracket1.jpg) (http://homepage.mac.com/aarongraham/brokenBracket/bracket2.jpg)
Then we found that the muffler and tail pipe really needed to be replaced also.
So Ryan is going to weld the bracket and replace the whole exhaust for me.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on April 13, 2008, 07:21:52 PM
well I finally broke down and bought a car to drive to work, so the transformation from Daily Driver to Trail Rig is about to begin. On the list:
Short List 1.) bumper and tire carrier- I have the bumper from my YJ and was given a swing-away tire carrier from a H2. 2.) rocker guards- I have a set of Trail Gear rockers to be installed 3.) front locker- I have a LockRite that I need to install.
Long List 1.) fix winch 2.) gas tank skid plate
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on April 20, 2008, 07:52:24 PM
After 2 long nights Keith(www.rockmodified.com) and I finally got my bumper/tire carrier assembled and installed. It came out awesome.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: MrMindless on April 21, 2008, 08:46:51 AM
It looks quite nice. Mounting needs some beefing I think but it\'s very stout and rattle free.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: smichaelR22 on April 21, 2008, 11:46:09 AM
i saw your new driver slam / drag the tire coming out of a mud hole so it seemed to hold up fine... looks good!
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on April 21, 2008, 08:39:18 PM
I noticed tonight that my tie-rod/drag link ends are all pretty shot, I need to replace them sometime soon.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on May 15, 2008, 11:14:36 PM
Quote
Scottie wrote: dude.... I might have to move this to the project builds forum...
:)
I finally broke down and moved this thread to Project Builds, since I could not find it now that I wanted to update it.
Quote
gCracker wrote: I noticed tonight that my tie-rod/drag link ends are all pretty shot, I need to replace them sometime soon.
had someone else look at it and it is normal for the tie rode to rotate, which I thought was bad..
I did finally install my rocker guards, they are nice and beefy. I also used my hi-lift again to lift the doors off and cleaned the hinges real well so I can not remove my doors very easily.
Next on my list
install front locker mount 35\'s possibly install body lift(as little as possible) to clear 35\'s
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: smichaelR22 on May 16, 2008, 06:17:46 AM
nice!
post how that lockright instal goes, im curous if its alot easier than a CJ D30 with out the unit bearing thing that i have herd..... cause mine was like a 7 hour job....
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on May 16, 2008, 07:09:05 AM
hopefully it won\'t be to bad, I have had both of the front unit bearings off in the last 6 months to replace bad u-joints.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: MrMindless on May 16, 2008, 08:28:45 AM
how did it take you 7 hours? stubborn spindles? I had that on my 44?
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: smichaelR22 on May 16, 2008, 11:40:46 AM
very stuburn spindles to get off the nuckles.... might have taken a little longer cause i changed out the front inner and outer bearings / seals while i was at it.... wished i had two new ujoints at the time since the shafts were out but didnt.....
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on May 20, 2008, 11:19:07 PM
Here is a pict of the Jeep with the new rocker guards.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on May 20, 2008, 11:20:54 PM
I tore into the front to install the locker and found that the tie rod was definitely bent. Keith noticed it a bit after the pre-run, but it is definite now
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on July 07, 2008, 10:37:13 PM
well this morning I had a decided to drive the TJ to work to soak up the sun on the 90 degree day. About half way to work it had a fit of Death Wobble, I had to pull over. I ducked into a side street and looked over the front to see if I could see anything awry, but all looked fine. Then on the way home it got worse. I then pulled over and saw this. The whole link mount has ripped off the axle. This is the same mount that Ryan fixed a few months ago, his welds are still fine, it broke in other areas. I called AAA and had it towed home until it can be fixed and upgraded.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: MrMindless on July 08, 2008, 08:56:44 AM
man.... ugly. glad it was just one of four and nothing serious happened. Time to build new stronger mounts then I guess?
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Crusarius on July 08, 2008, 12:43:05 PM
thats typical with tj\'s anytime you really start to use them I ended up ripping all my brackets off the axles and off the frame end. would have been easier just to cut them all off and make new ones the first time :)
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on April 27, 2009, 10:46:13 PM
After threatening Snort that I was going to come steal his trailer for the last 2 years I finally did it. It will be nice to be able to go wheeling with the whole family and all of our gear. It is a 1977 Sigame model 1030. (http://www.mudnuts.org/uploads/parkinglot/1240890261_img00180a.jpg)
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: smichaelR22 on April 27, 2009, 11:52:38 PM
looks hot
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: GTJake on April 28, 2009, 08:13:28 AM
are you going to paint the wheels black so they match?
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on May 04, 2009, 01:14:18 PM
After the trip to Rausch I have a list of things that need to be addressed:
1.) steering, all of the tie rod ends are loose, with the pitman arm end being almost scary loose. Upgrade to tie rod and drag link from V8 ZJ http://bluedogjeep.wordpress.com/2008/07/11/tie-rod-upgrade/
2.) tune up.. getting hard to start and stalling quite a bit while trying to idle through the rocks.
3.) rework tire carrier latch so I can open it all the way with the trailer connected. Will make hooking up the trailer loads easier.
4.) rewire radio.. driving 4 hours with out tunes is brutal.
5.) gas tank skid plate.. stock plate is getting pretty bashed and has already caused the tank to leak when too full
6.) inspect brakes.. they seem a bit low after riding them through the rocks for 2 days
7.) longer shocks, current ones are limiting flex.
Future: 1.) gears, would love to find a Rubi case or other 4:1 kit so that I can crawl instead of bang and bounce through the rocks
2.) SYE regain the inch of lost clearance due to t-case drop
3.) OBA
4.) front rollcage
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on April 21, 2010, 12:34:14 PM
figured it was time to update this a bit.
installed ZJ tie rod and drag link last year, much improvement, but then found a lot of the play was coming from the nut on the pitman arm being loose, tightened but then found that the threads were boogered so we had to through a large spacer to keep it tight.
replaced rear brake shoes and hardware, much improved
removed winch, but in the process broke off swaybar mount bolt in frame and stripped bumper/tow hook threaded frame hole
found that the front axle drivers side lower link frame end bolt has wallowed out the hole so it slides an inch front to back
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on October 18, 2010, 10:18:57 AM
Had my first trail beak this past weekend and did a good job while doing it.. broken both front axle shafts at the ears and then blew a ball joint driving with broken shafts.
So my current to do list: 1.) replace driver ball joints 2.) replace shafts(have another set but then need to buy another set of spares) 3.) flush and fill gear oil, sure it was contaminated while driving through puddles with no inner shafts installed 4.) new front pads 5.) possibly r&r front calipers or replace, both sides seem to have sticky pins causing excessive inner pad wear 6.) fix elongated frame side link mount 7.) replace sway bar disconnect storage pin and missing washer & key 8.) inspect unit bearings 9.) replace radio/rewire speakers 10.) brace tire carrier latch
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: CoraC143 on October 18, 2010, 10:49:43 AM
3.) Should have stuffed a V8 can in there lol
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Ryan_25 on October 18, 2010, 03:12:54 PM
I have a set of Dana 30 small joint shafts you can have for spares. They need joints, but will work well to get you off the trail or wheel on them for a while.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Wingman on October 18, 2010, 03:38:10 PM
Time to go to these (https://www.rcvperformance.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=38)? If I start breaking things, I\'m going that way...
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: MrMindless on October 18, 2010, 03:49:46 PM
bad link but I know what you were aiming for.
there\'s a guy in WNYOR who put Longs in his blinged out 30. also had chryod gears, 4.88s I think. He ended up breaking the differential case, the centerpin cracked it. The Aussie Locker survived though.
Ball joints would be my next concern honestly. I didn\'t realize how small they were... First broken axles in quite a few trips on 35s, without deep gears so you end up hammering it a little bit - I\'d say you\'re not quite there yet :)
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Wingman on October 18, 2010, 03:54:35 PM
link fixed.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on October 18, 2010, 04:01:17 PM
yeah with 4:10 gears I have been banging through the rocks quite a bit so the axles/joints have definitely lasted longer than I expected.. I will prolly just replace the parts with standard equipment and save money for lower t-case gears/SYE
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Ryan_25 on October 18, 2010, 05:49:57 PM
In no way is a Dana 30 worth putting $1000 into. The ring gear is too small and is the major weak point. $1000 would be better spent on tons.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: ollllllo on October 18, 2010, 08:59:03 PM
Bolt in for a TJ one ton bolt in (http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/Products4x4.aspx?id=3482&p=5999.9500)
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: Wingman on October 19, 2010, 06:00:54 AM
How come there is no :drooling: emoticon?
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: smichaelR22 on October 19, 2010, 07:44:38 AM
itty bitty track bars how cute.
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on October 19, 2010, 07:50:10 AM
That is more than I paid for the whole Jeep...
Quote
ollllllo wrote: Bolt in for a TJ one ton bolt in (http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/Products4x4.aspx?id=3482&p=5999.9500)
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: MrMindless on October 20, 2010, 10:16:13 AM
that\'s a pretty penny to still have to swap the rear and get new wheels - but 60 hubs are too large to be able to do 5 on 4.5
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: gCracker on April 18, 2011, 10:36:55 AM
had a productive weekend, thanks to parts from Arie
Quote
gCracker wrote:
So my current to do list: 1.) [d]replace driver ball joints [/d] 2.) [d]replace shafts[/d](have another set but then need to buy another set of spares) 3.) [d]flush and fill gear oil, sure it was contaminated while driving through puddles with no inner shafts installe[/d]d 4.) [d]new front pads[/d] 5.) [d]possibly r&r front calipers or replace, both sides seem to have sticky pins causing excessive inner pad wear[/d] 6.) fix elongated frame side link mount- thinking this will wait to be replaced by long arms. 7.) replace sway bar disconnect storage pin and missing washer & key 8.) [d]inspect unit bearings[/d]- both are still fine 9.) replace radio/rewire speakers 10.) brace tire carrier latch
Title: Re: My new TJ
Post by: MrMindless on April 18, 2011, 01:11:45 PM
