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TECHNICAL FORUMS => Project Builds => Topic started by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 12:29:32 PM

Title: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 12:29:32 PM
Yes, its called project Grimmis becasue its purple....for now!

So heres the specs:

1998 Cherokee Sport
4.0L
4x4
2Dr
5Sp
Pwr windows, locks
A/C
89000 miles

\"front
\"top\"
\"back
\"engine\"
\"inside\"
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 12:31:27 PM
Project #1...replaced o2 sensor so it will pass inspection

(http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/30085/2559589300103972710S500x500Q85.jpg)

...then I realized I replaced the WRONG sensor....What I needed was bank 1 sensor 2. So I went back to the store and bought what I needed. The guy at the store said the sensor was located PAST the cat. so I get under the Jeep and this is what I see...

(http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/36430/2220923370103972710S500x500Q85.jpg)

a shiny new piece of pipe where the cat needs to be!
and they tied the plug for the sensor up to the tranny!

(http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/24927/2754743260103972710S500x500Q85.jpg)

So now Im going to drill a hole in the pipe and thread in the new sensor. a new cat is too expensive and if people can hollow out a cat and still get their cars to pass inspection, i can drill this and have the sensor read the same and still should pass
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Yukoneer on September 04, 2008, 01:43:40 PM
I like the color.  At least it\'s not pink.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 02:51:15 PM
HAHA! thanks!

I asked my 4year old daughter if she saw it in the driveway lastnight, and she said \"yeah, i like it!...Its Purple!\"

Future Plans, In Order:
-02 sensor
-remove steeringwheer cover
-install cd player (truck didnt come with faceplate) and CB radio
-full shampoo on inside (seats are dirty)
-make tow points
-prep for paint
-paint (gunmetal grey w/ black flares, bumpers and trim)
-4.5\" lift (lift springs front and shackle in rear w/ new shocks)
-rims and tires (cheep 2nd set of wheels and probably TSLs for tires)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on September 04, 2008, 02:54:46 PM
WRONG!!!!

get a sensor, tie it to the frame.

a \'98 Mopar is just looking for a difference in O2 values between the pre and post cat sensors to verify catalytic function.  Starting in 2000 or so that post-cat O2 is also used for tuning, but you can get away with this on your \'98.

Put a sensor in that naked pipe and you\'ll have a MIL in no time flat.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 03:06:35 PM
what is MIL?

and i didnt thnk that i cold just tie up the sensor, thanks. Ill do that tonight and try to get it to pass inspection.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on September 04, 2008, 03:16:24 PM
malfunction indicator light, what Ma Mopar officially calls the check engine light.

aka SES - Service Engine Soon
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 03:31:02 PM
ahhh....good \'ol mopar. making up acranims to sound smart.
thanks mike!
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on September 04, 2008, 04:48:18 PM
Paint doesnt look that bad....
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 06:53:42 PM
paints solid. no rust or rot. even underneath looks pretty good. honestly I just dont know if I can drive a purple vehicle. and im kinda excited about painting something
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Wingman on September 04, 2008, 06:59:57 PM
Leave the purple base and put some stripes on it just to break it up...
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 04, 2008, 07:03:39 PM
maybee ill just paint all the bumpers, flares and trim black like i was going to anyways and see how it looks then.
i put it in 4 wheel drive today in my yard and the U-joints are shot, so Ill just add them to the list.
making it bulletproof comes first before any painting
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 05, 2008, 08:18:18 PM
So I \"installed\" the new sensor and \"fasened\" it
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"

I also put in a new CD player
\"Photobucket\"

...lets hope tha it passes inspection!
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 05, 2008, 08:22:19 PM
...it Didnt Pass!

heres what they said it needs:
-reverse lights dont work (bulbs?)
-they couldnt open the rear hatch (they didnt hit \"unlock\")
-it \"needs\" a cat in the exhaust

so heres the plan:
-drive it some more to see if i can get it to clear the code, then call in a favor and have 1 of my friends inspect it so i dont need a cat. IF it doesnt throw the code again
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: gCracker on September 05, 2008, 09:16:55 PM
Quote

GTJake wrote:
...it Didnt Pass!

-they couldnt open the rear hatch (they didnt hit \"unlock\")


wow.. my 4 door winter beater XJ passed when the only door that opened was the driver.. never knew there was any requirements.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on September 05, 2008, 10:10:06 PM
Pretty sure that\'s BS on the door functionality.

swing by Webster, I (we) know a guy.  Keith and I were there today.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: carchameleon on September 05, 2008, 10:29:22 PM
yea, as long as you can reset all the monitors so the emmissions will pass i\'ll pass you, haha

mike & keith today
mike wolf tomorrow morn
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 06, 2008, 08:53:22 AM
the door isnt a inspection issue, they said the reverse lights werent working and they couldnt open the door to trace the wires. i think the bulb is just out, if they pressed unlock the door would have opened so they could have fixed it.
and i dont think that i need a cat. if mikes right and i just have the sensor plugged in it should pass the way it is now.
the problem now is that its not on the road so i have 2 borrow my buddys dealer plate so i can drive it to see if the light stays off.

paul, where do you work? possibly monday i might be able to bring it in
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on September 06, 2008, 10:28:06 AM
Finn\'s in Webster.  45 E Main street, it\'s about 200yds west of South ave/North ave on Main st (having just changed from Ridge Road)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: carchameleon on September 06, 2008, 11:01:36 AM
jake, can you make sure the monitors are all set before you bring it out, it would suck to drive out there and not pass b/c of the monitors.  

they looked the rest of it over for inspection right?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 06, 2008, 12:05:15 PM
he needs his plate on monday so im guna drive it tonight and 2morrow then try to find a local place to pass it
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 07, 2008, 12:43:53 PM
did some work today on the Jeep. still cant get the reverse lights to work. bulbs are good...but when i have it in reverse theres no voltage going to the sockets...?

engine light hasnt come back on so im hoping i can get it to pass this week.

also, when i was just driving this afternoon all of the sudden it was hard to get into 1st gear...i dont understand why. when its rolling its no probem at all and shifts smoothly
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on September 07, 2008, 01:44:36 PM
sounds like the reverse switch on the trans is probably bad.  probably more likely than bad wiring.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: carchameleon on September 07, 2008, 03:27:45 PM
eh you don\'t need backup lights
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 07, 2008, 07:41:25 PM
thats what i told my wife! its only a problem if your behind me!

other than the cat and rev lights it will pass

i just want to get it on the road so i can put my camaro away.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 12, 2008, 08:31:21 AM
update. i brought it to work to get inspected (paul on vacation) and the fan belt was shot (it failed) but i knew the belt was going cuz it was screaming at me when i turned the a/c on. so i had them replace the belt so i could just get it over and done with.
but then it failed AGAIN! cuz the engine light came on!?

the light wasnt on when i brought it there and i have a car computer so i KNOW the computer in the jeep was allset cuz i checked it.
so then i used my comp to find the code that was triggering the light and it was some \"engine coolant pressure high?\"
so then  i found that when they put the belt in they damaged the sensor. AND all of the sudden when i put the clutch in it started making this bad grinding noise that sounds like the fan shroud wasnt fastened correctly and when i put in the clutch the fan was hitting???? i duno...But wait, theres more....
i walk out to get in the jeep lastnight to drive home from work and the left rear tire is almost flat...just my luck right? and our shop was closed up so i drove to the gas station and put some air in it. luckly it held it. must be a slow leak. cant wait to order my new tires!
so its back in the shop today so they can fix what they damaged yesterday and get it to pass inspection.

other than that stuff and it needing Ujoints it drives nice, and the a/c is ice cold.
but im noticing that i have 2 put the clutch to the floor to get into 1st gear when im stoped and it wants to grind when i shift into reverse? bad linkage?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: meangreen on September 12, 2008, 10:05:57 AM
Its a hydrolic clutch cheak and see if the fluid is low, but more than likely you will need a clutch.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 12, 2008, 10:52:16 AM
well the clutch doesnt slip AT ALL. so i was figuring that it was the linkage. it shifts smoothly when im moving...i just figure either the linkage is bent/ loose or one of the shift forks are bent.

i just have to find someone who knows what their doing to take it apart and look at it for me.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 12, 2008, 11:00:22 AM
(insert 4 letter word here) !

i just found out that the noise that could scare small children that my jeep is now making wasnt the fan (it was just a guess anyways) its the throwout bearing. and the problem with reverse would be fixed if i put in the new kit. the kit is a new clutch and throwout.
good call meangreen.
i just didnt think that it needed a clutch cuz it isnt slipping at all...wierd

other than that they fixed the sensor that was damaged and it PASSED inspection.

now i have to find someone to replace clutch and bearing...anyone?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 16, 2008, 10:01:39 AM
so now i have a jeep that passed inspection that i cant drive. i found someone to replace my clutch/ plate/ and bearing, and while hes at it also replacing front Ujoints.

hopefully ill have the money together to be able to get it done along with my new tires for the back country play day.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Ryan_25 on September 16, 2008, 12:01:44 PM
I guess I need to be quicker on here.

I could do it for you. Make sure you get the flywheel resurfaced while the clutch is out.

I have found that a Centerforce from Quadratec is only like $30 more than one from AutoZone.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on September 16, 2008, 01:28:33 PM
\"it\'l be fine\"
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 16, 2008, 03:52:02 PM
realy? resurface it??
i know after rebuilding camaros that it needs to be done but i never thought about it with the jeep.
i wanted to stick with the stock jeep clutch. we just put a centerforce in my buddys camaro and are having a hard time getting it to launch now.
i guess im guna have 2 try putting the new clutch in w/o resurfacing only becasue of time...if i have my guy @ work do it i cant leave the truck in the shop for days while the fly wheel is being  done........
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on September 16, 2008, 04:46:45 PM
if it looks like a groved rotor then ya, have it resurfaced... if its nice and smooth - leave it.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Ryan_25 on September 16, 2008, 06:23:14 PM
NO

You need to resurface any flywheel before putting a new clutch on it.

It could be warped and look great. Then you have a clutch that only grabs on half the flywheel.

Its $40 and my guy does it while I stand there and bs with him.

It takes 15 minutes. No need to wait days to get a flywheel resurfaced.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on September 17, 2008, 12:55:01 PM
i guess i have never had a problem with the 3 clutches i have done.  might have to do with the fact that i wasnt replaceing a \"bad clutch\"  just for tranny swaps and frame offs.  

no noises or performance loss that i can tell in my application.  If anything, the clutch originally in my CJ5 that i mistakenly left original that i didnt touch, and with out gears it was cranky hot on the rocks....
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 19, 2008, 12:50:03 PM
can i fit 31x10.5s on stock wheels and with how much lift?

im uesto wranglers, and never wheeled a cherokee.
but i figure that if i give it 2\" of lift (for now) i should be able to clear them...any feedback?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 24, 2008, 12:11:53 PM
does anyone know?....about fitting the 31s on my stock wheels?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Wingman on September 24, 2008, 03:16:48 PM
Shouldn\'t be a problem if they\'re 7\" wide.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Crusarius on September 25, 2008, 08:10:06 AM
31\'X10.5\'s on stock wheels are fine. I wouldn\'t feel bad about 32x11.5\'s or even 33x12.5 but alot of ppl won;t do the 33\'s cause they think the sidewall bulges to much.

I have 35x12.5\'s on an 8\" wheel it works I know plenty of ppl running 12.5\'s on stock wheels it still works

you will never lose a bead with stock wheels :)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 25, 2008, 09:26:33 AM
i just didnt want them to wear un even because it will be driven 70miles a day on the highway.
thanks
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on September 25, 2008, 10:54:39 AM
set your tire pressure right and it\'ll wear right.  if you have a really wide tire on a really narrow wheel the \"right\" pressure will be quite low, but a 12.5 on an 8\" wheel is perfect.  I\'ve run 35x12.5 on a 15x6 and it was great under my RamCharger.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on September 25, 2008, 11:12:51 AM
i think that the stock wheels are 7 wide and i plan to run a 10.5, so it should be ok i would think for highway driving. im not looking for the BEST handeling...i have another car for that....but i dont want it to be sloppy ya know
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Wingman on September 26, 2008, 08:31:55 AM
It will be a little sloppy but tolerable due to sidewall give on the narrow rim.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 02, 2008, 06:18:53 PM
I just ordered my new clutch kit and new u-joints. they will be here tomorrow, then Ill bring the jeep over to Blue Dog to have the work done

I also just ordered my new tires (5 of them) and they should be here by the end of next week. I took Wingmans advice and ordered some re-treads. well see how they do. heres what I ordered...
http://treadwright.com/Tires-31x10_50R15_M_T-P16.aspx

anyone have an extra rim floating around for my spare??
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 03, 2008, 05:42:09 PM
I got my new clutch and u-joints today!
\"new

-Ryan, i was going to bring the jeep over to your place today but i dont think that it\'ll make it. so ill get my flatbed trailer this weekend and go get it over there

-I was about to order my lift today...but made the mistake of telling my wife first. she wants me to wait till we close on the house we just sold.....guess I shouldnt tell her i ordered tires and a clutch huh... :badidea:
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on October 03, 2008, 06:21:49 PM
lol
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Ryan_25 on October 03, 2008, 08:23:10 PM
I wondered what happend to you today.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 05, 2008, 04:22:41 PM
I towed the Jeep over to Ryan\'s lastnight. He should be able to start working on it monday.

-Ryan, try to take some pix if you can please
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 06, 2008, 09:59:03 AM
ok so I told my wife about the tires and clutch lastnight...i didnt want her to freak out when she gets home before me and sees 5 tires on our front poarch.
It didnt go over as well as i had hoped, but shes getting a remote starter put in her new jeep so shes ok with it now.

I cant wait to be able to drive my cherokee. I never realy got the chance to go anywhere with it as the clutch went right when i put plates on it. it will be nice to drive somthing again where i dont have to worry about someone parking too close to me and touching my car. (im alittle bit obsessive with my camaro)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on October 06, 2008, 10:31:38 AM
what tire size and which tire did you get again?  is this going to be a wheeler or a dual purpose?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 06, 2008, 11:42:12 AM
dual purpose. nothing crazy. i got the tred-wright version of good year MT/R\'s

31x10.5x15
http://treadwright.com/Tires-31x10_50R15_M_T-P16.aspx

i would have went with some TSL\'s but I have to drive it 70 miles a day and they wouldnt last. also ill be running these tires through the winter and the TSL\'s werent any good in the slush
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on October 06, 2008, 02:47:36 PM
31\"s are a nice size for a near stock XJ-  

needs 35\"s though :)   or Crackers 33\"s would have fit nicely too...
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 06, 2008, 02:50:42 PM
i had 35s on my last wrangler and i liked them, but was hard to get the kids into. this XJ is a 2door...its a pain to have to climb in to put the kids in the back if its too high. if someday i could find a nice 4door 5speed, i would consider going bigger
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 07, 2008, 07:15:46 AM
yesterday Ryan sent the flywheel out to get machined, i  guess the trans was missing some bolts and the starter was rubbing on the flywheel....ouch.

also he said that it looked like someone replaced the clutch at one point but didnt change the throwout or the pressure plate. i cant wait till its done! it will be fixed right and will be solid transportation.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 08, 2008, 10:23:09 AM
I ordered my lift today! nothing extreme. I ordered a rough country 3\"
its new front coils (no spacers)
4 hydro shocks
LONG rear add-a-leafs
and i got them to throw in free shipping and red shock boots.
should be here in about a week!
http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3.html
(heres a pic of what it looks like)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on October 08, 2008, 10:32:33 AM
shock boots just help the shafts rust and get crappy from holding mud and salt....
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 08, 2008, 11:01:49 AM
not if you seal them properly....i never had a problem with them in the past. i put commercial grade ty-wraps on them and they seal up fine.

i get it back from Ryan tomorrow, i have to look under the front bumper to see if i have the bracket for tow hooks or not. they all dont come factory with it. i need to fab something so i can get some tow points up there. I need some in the back too. but i might just get a hitch and weld some 1\"x2\" pieces of steel on each side to attach some D rings to...i duno yet
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on October 08, 2008, 11:04:20 AM
boots have drain holes.  drain holes double as fill holes :)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 08, 2008, 12:38:03 PM
you seam gloomy lately mike...is it cuz your trucks down right now?
i agree about the \"fill\" holes. but for now boots look nice so Ill put them on.
and i haggled to get them for free so i feel as tho i earned them. haha
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on October 08, 2008, 01:11:00 PM
\"meh.\"


LOL :)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Ryan_25 on October 08, 2008, 09:04:59 PM
Grimmis is off the lift and driving nice.

Just took it for a spin. No noises or clunking from the tranny or the u-joints.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 09, 2008, 08:49:02 AM
SWEET! I cant wait to come get it
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Ryan_25 on October 09, 2008, 05:21:08 PM
How did it drive?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 09, 2008, 06:44:51 PM
oh it drove great! smooth in and out of gear. and it doesnt grind into reverse anymore. thanks Ryan, you did a great job. i just wish you took some pics. its ok tho.

the engine light did come on in your driveway tho...ill plug my comp into it later to see what its whining about now.
AND!...when i went to the atm to get some cash, my drivers window wouldnt go down in the camaro so i walked in to the bank....to find out that they didnt have an atm inside. so I WALKED through the drive up atm. as my buddys in my car laughing at me i was distracted and didnt take out enough money. so when i got to your house (in the middle of no-where) and handed the money to your wife, she told me i was short...then it hit me. so i got back in the car and drove to the gas station and took out the rest of it. i felt like such a dumb ass! and i ended up paying $5 more because of all the atm fees.....next time ill just bring a check haha
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 09, 2008, 08:49:24 PM
GOT MY TIRES!
\"Photobucket\"
...and as always, theres a catch. only 4 of them showed up. I ordered and paid for 5...ill figure it out tomorrow
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 09, 2008, 08:50:20 PM
...oh yeah, theres a quarter in the tread to show depth
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 10, 2008, 08:23:52 PM
Update:
-I got the 5th tire today
-grinds sometimes going into reverse
-started painting rims and mouldings

I took off the wheel weights and started painting. paint on the tires is ok cuz the new ones wil be mounted as soon as the lift is installed.
\"Photobucket\"

And started taking off the mouldings off to paint them black also
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 11, 2008, 08:16:35 AM
I managed to break EVERY bolt holding the fender flares on. so now I have to drill them out and figure out a new way to fasten them back on.

Im not sure that Im going to put the side mouldings back on or not yet. Im going to drive it to work next week and have them remove the tape and buff it to see if it looks better without them. they were just 2 sided tape so if i want them back on it wont be a big deal. i hope to work on it more tonight
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Ryan_25 on October 11, 2008, 09:34:38 PM
I have pics of your clutch install. They are in with some of my other pics.

http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/Ryan_25/stuff/
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 12, 2008, 02:56:00 PM
Clutch install...
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 12, 2008, 02:57:15 PM
Thanks Ryan!
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 12, 2008, 03:01:17 PM
I put the wheels back on to get it out of the garage lastnight. but had 2 work on getting stuff out of my old house today (cuz we sold it) so no progress. But I do like the way the black wheels look better than the grey stock color. I still have to fix the fenderflares after painting them...but I figure I should get all the wheels done first so that when my lift comes in i can install it and put the new tires on right away.

passenger side
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/JaxiMommy421/Grimmis/12012.jpg)
driver side-black wheels, no flares
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/JaxiMommy421/Grimmis/12010.jpg)
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/JaxiMommy421/Grimmis/12008.jpg)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: JordanWalk193 on October 12, 2008, 05:52:40 PM
is the treadwright place reliable for tires? the prices are REALLY good
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 12, 2008, 08:00:37 PM
Wingman has had several sets of them with no problems so i figured that I would give them a try. Im impressed so far at how nice they look. all 5 of mind are BFG mud terrain carcuses and the tred pattern is from a goodyear Mt/R.  If you know your tires, you can tell that theyre different but if you just look at them you can hardly tell theyre retreads. i like them alot!
thanks wingman for the recommendation.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Wingman on October 13, 2008, 08:10:32 PM
I love savin\' money, too!
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 14, 2008, 08:08:14 AM
My Lift came in last night!
(they forgot my shock boots tho...)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on October 14, 2008, 08:44:16 AM
;-)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 14, 2008, 09:33:01 AM
im going to attempt to do some of it myself today...well see how that goes
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 14, 2008, 08:22:39 PM
ok so im not confident that i have the skills to do the lift by myself...
so i worked on some other stuff today:

I took the mouldings and flares off the pass side and painted the drums Red (only because i found red caliper paint in my garage)
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
while i was waiting for the paint on the rims to dry i painted the calipers too. i started by painting everything black then the trim in red

\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
im not sure if i like the red or not yet...
\"Photobucket\"
then i felt ambitious so i painted the front diff cover black, taped the bolts then sprayed that red too
\"Photobucket\"
then i figured i should do something productive so i started to take the front bumper off
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
i had to fasten the inner fender to the bumper with a ty-wrap after I took the corner off
\"Photobucket\"
i need to come up with some tow points before bath...and i need to find some help for installing the lift
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: fedrusion on October 14, 2008, 09:18:34 PM
PB Blaster is your friend.

Leave the side trim off it looks great, It also looks good whith them painted nice and black again instead of the faded gray they look at this age.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: gCracker on October 15, 2008, 07:43:34 AM
if they are anything like TJ flares I HIGHLY recommend Krylon Fusion paint.  It sticks awesome to the plastic and made my flares look new, and it has stod up to scratches and bends with out flaking at all.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on October 15, 2008, 08:29:10 AM
quit with this girly stuff and get that lift and tires on...
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 15, 2008, 09:10:12 AM
Girly stuff? thanks, just cuz its purple! haha

im working on getting help with the lift, the day its done will be the day the tires go on.
yes im painting the flares black. ill try the fusion...i was almost thinking about using the spray-on bedliner stuff cuz i thought it would give it a nice texture...but ill probably just use the fusion. ive used it before and had good results.
and yes, im planning to leave the side mouldings off.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on October 15, 2008, 09:33:12 AM
I\'ve seen bedliner peel off flares.  It looks good until it flexes and cracks - but that all depends on what type is used.  Some stay very flexible forever, but I don\'t know how well any of them adhere to plastic.  Fusion is a safe bet though, it WILL stick and stay flexible.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 15, 2008, 11:06:34 AM
Fusion it is !
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: fedrusion on October 16, 2008, 08:17:02 PM
The fusion works great, I did my bumper caps with it and they still look good after a year.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 17, 2008, 09:48:05 AM
update:
-my 4Lo doesnt work...
-trannys whiny, like the throw out bearing is bad (but its brand new?)
-got a tech at work to put my lift in for me next tues, then ill have 2 drive it home with only the front lifted to get home and take the leafs off and bring them to thruway to have them install the ad-a-leafs
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 19, 2008, 08:34:52 AM
i got some fision and painted the flares and the plactic cornerd on the front bumpers. it turned out good!
i still am trying to figure out how i can get a front tow point.....i cant realy fit a strap around the front bumper.  Ill work on it more today

Gene said he had an old hitch so if i buy that from him ill have a rear point to tow from

...and by the way, the red drums are annoying and will be painted black again. its just a bit to \"ricey\" for me with them red
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on October 19, 2008, 07:41:55 PM
<.giggle>
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 21, 2008, 03:53:13 PM
i brought the Jeep over to Thruway today, they put the new ad-a-leafs in for me. since I bought \'long\" ad-a-leafs they had to cut the leaf packs apart and put the new leafs in place (like a pyramid, longest down to shortest) and re-band them. I wish that i measured the rear bumper before they did it. I\'m pretty confident that I got a soild 2-2.5 lift out of it. Hopefully I can get the front coils and new shocks in 2morrow at work
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 21, 2008, 03:54:08 PM
...still trying to figure out temporary tow points for this weekend, I hate being rushed
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on October 22, 2008, 12:00:44 PM
\"there is nothing more permanent than a temporary solution\"
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 25, 2008, 07:17:57 AM
I got all 5 tires mounted lastnight. they look good. i put my centercaps back on the rims and mounted them to the jeep.

the back looks sweet...the front on the other hand....well i cant turn. so i need to get the new springs in today at work or if i cant, then im going to have to see if i can do it myself in my garage 2night
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 25, 2008, 06:31:23 PM
Progress.

after work today we put the jeep up on a lift and installed the front springs! had to take out part of my bump stops and squished the springs down using 2 ratchet straps. worked good!
then we got the pass side new shock on. we went to do the driver side and it looked to be a pain to get under the brake controll and tubing so we put it off till next week.
the truck sits nice now and looks good with the new tires on it.
next week ill get the other 3 new shocks on it and go pick up the hitch from Gene and install that too.
ill get some pix 2morrow @ BC4x4
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on October 25, 2008, 09:03:17 PM
:thumbup:
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 28, 2008, 08:23:39 AM
i was impressed at how well the XJ wheeled.
when we first got there i didnt have 4wheel drive...then my buddy John (glad i brought him) got under it and hooked the linkage back up. but still no 4wheel low. later on he was able to get under there and fix that too. i have to replace some parts of the linkage (bushings?) to make it solid again, but should be an inexpensive fix.

now i need new exhaust. it got hund up on something and tore it off from where the cat should have been back. its ok tho, it needed to be fixed anyways. it was leaking.

im also impressed with the tires. after my first run (when i got stuck) i let the pressure down to 16 and went the rest of the day just fine. without any lockers and the tires aired down it worked good!

so the plan from here is:
1) fix exhaust
2) fix linkage
3) install the other 3 new shocks
4) rear tow points
5) hook up CB
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on October 31, 2008, 08:07:09 AM
my 4lo doesnt work again so i ordered the new linkage today.

I also picked up the hitch from Genes house. Thanks Gene!

I just have to sand it down and paint it (its rusty) before I mount it.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 01, 2008, 07:39:45 PM
is there a better/easier way to put flares back on??

im getting agrivated that the plastic clips wont re-latch on the brackets....

im about to use 2sided tape.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Wingman on November 02, 2008, 09:27:23 AM
duct tape ;-)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 02, 2008, 09:48:56 AM
...nice

now where can i find purple duct tape?? haha
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 02, 2008, 11:12:44 AM
the problem is that all of the studs going through the body broke off when i was taking the nuts off. the studs are welded onto the metal bracket that the plastic flares snap on to.
if i could break the welds (they wont break, i tryed) then i would weld some new bolts into the same spots and id be fine.
i could also just drill some new holes through the body and start over but 1) i dont want to break the paint. and 2) the existing holes also hold the inner fender tight to the body.
I should have just taped them off and sprayey them, this is what i get for trying not to be a hack
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 06, 2008, 06:33:39 PM
hitch is all painted and looks good. i had to realy strip it down, alot of rust. but it should be solid for years to come.
also, the parts to fix the linkage for the 4wd came in today. $21.
I just have to get them in tomorrow or sat. so im all set for WP this weekend.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 14, 2008, 11:35:48 AM
right now I dont have any sway bar discos or lockers and i still rub bad. front and rear.
i saw some pix online of XJs with TJ flares so i dug into it a bit...what do you thin kof this?
http://www.tcinternet.net/users/jkorda/jeep/mods/tjflares.html
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on November 14, 2008, 11:42:45 AM
I\'ve got to say, they always look cobbled on to me.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: fedrusion on November 14, 2008, 01:28:01 PM
Please dont do that to your XJ. I think there are only three good options for XJ\'s in this matter. Stock Flares with correct bump stopping, no flares, or Bushwackers.

I think that to make TJ flares, or maybe even JK flares look good on an XJ you would need two sets of rear flares, and modify one set for the front, so they will look similar to the stock XJ flare but give you more clearance and possibly more coverage. Its the front TJ flare that looks out of place.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on November 14, 2008, 02:47:01 PM
Quote

fedrusion wrote:
two sets of rear flares, and modify one set for the front, so they will look similar to the stock XJ flare but give you more clearance and possibly more coverage. Its the front TJ flare that looks out of place.


He speaks the truth!
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 14, 2008, 04:32:59 PM
yeah...it was just a thought. id like some bushwachers but theryr expensive. and as for correct bump stops, thats probably what im going to do.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 15, 2008, 09:04:00 AM
what about axel spacers.
I think this is probably the next step. my studs now are a bit grimy and are difficult to get wheels on and off. I was thinking about replacing them and then thought about these.
but, 1.25\" or 2\"?
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92807_001.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WHEELS-SPACERS-ADAPTERS-Jeep-Wrangler-TJ-Cherokee-2_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42614QQihZ001QQitemZ110312151799QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: Wingman on November 15, 2008, 12:39:06 PM
It depends on where you are rubbing.  Spacers will only help in very limited circumstances, mostly front turning wheels hitting frame.

If you are rubbing the outside sheet metal of the fenders, spacers won\'t help and in fact may make matters worse.

BTW - much better avatar...
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on November 15, 2008, 03:12:34 PM
the deeper your backspacing the larger a tire you can get in a wheel opening - spacers will increase your scrub radius and help you hit front and rear of the wheel well.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 15, 2008, 03:37:06 PM
i see what your sayin, so they could make it worse
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 19, 2008, 09:30:37 AM
Ive been fighting with the brackets for my fenderflares for a while now. but yesterday i took the inner fender (plastic) off so i could see better and figured out a way to put them back on. with the plastic off i could reach what was left of the bolts that broke when i took them off. i then used sheetmetal screws to secure the loose areas. i re-installed the plastic and it was done. Im going to use silicone to fill the small gaps between the inner plastic and the flare. i dont want anything getting in there.
I still think its going to rub when flexed, but thats another problem for another day. i still have 3 other flares to remount.
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
\"Photobucket\"
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 19, 2008, 09:33:16 AM
i kno its hard to tell from the pictures, but i realy think it will look nice when the rest of them are on. ill get some better pix when its done
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: fedrusion on November 19, 2008, 12:53:40 PM
Do you know where your rubbing, I really only had a problem with rubbing on my LCA\'s so now I\'ve got modified WJ arms that have a relief for the tire to clear. I really havent had a problem rubbing anyplace else with 31\'s.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 19, 2008, 02:19:09 PM
i think im getting most of the rubbing in the rear. once im done with the flares ill flex it and see where the problem is.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on November 19, 2008, 02:45:17 PM
I bet they will look damn fine.  Hopefully they won\'t rip off too easily either.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 19, 2008, 05:08:06 PM
theyre on there pretty good. i have 3 of them on now, and when i finish the last one later on Ill silicone the gaps and spray some of the spots where rust might be a problem in the future.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 22, 2008, 12:37:49 PM
all 4 flares are on and look pretty good. lastnight i installed the hitch that I got from Gene. I sanded and painted it about a week ago so it looks good on there and the paint should stop future rust. when i went to install the wireing for the hitch that i kept from my \'00 XJ I had last winter, I fount out that its NOT the same...so now i have to get a new adapter also, its always something ya know. it can never just go easy

next on the list is :

-install wireing 4 hitch
-install remaining 3 new shocks
-cb

after that stuff (and possibly a front bumper) I cant see spending any more time/money on anything except for a locker...but again, the camaro needs some attention before it gets on the road in the spring and that comes first.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on November 27, 2008, 10:02:44 AM
flares on. i think once i get the glue/foam tape off the sides from where the mouldings were it will look nice and clean.
\"Photobucket\"
Hitch painted and installed. also, Mudnuts sticker!
\"Photobucket\"
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on December 05, 2008, 11:30:17 AM
does anyone have someone that does exhaust?

I need to go from under the pass seat back.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on December 09, 2008, 10:47:44 PM
order 2 aussies yet?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on December 10, 2008, 08:52:25 AM
this is a budget build. it was less expensive to get 2 tow straps than 2 aussies.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on December 12, 2008, 03:56:26 PM
add a left tail light to the list of things that I need...backed in to the garbage can...
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on December 12, 2008, 04:36:07 PM
HA!- join the club!
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on January 15, 2009, 02:27:05 PM
after hydrolocking the jeep. nothing major was damaged.
list of things that were replaced:
-pulgs
-wires
-cap
-rotor
-distrubitor shaft
-cam shaft position sensor
-oil pump
-oil pickup and screen
-oil change
-new front tow hook
-new tow strap

it runs now and sounds good! just needs the fuel sync to be checked to make sure we got the timing right. thanks to all who helped!

heres a pic right before it all happend:
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/JaxiMommy421/smikes-hydrolockingtrip009.jpg)
...the front bumper looks a bit different now...
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on January 15, 2009, 02:36:54 PM
yay for being back on the road!  Now put a muffler on it at least :)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on January 15, 2009, 03:06:11 PM
i like it how it is! it sounds bad-ass!

...ill get the new cat and muffler on there soon. i miss having good gas mileage...
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on January 15, 2009, 04:53:13 PM
ya it lives!

that was a lot of werid things, we all learned alot.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on January 15, 2009, 05:00:08 PM
I\'ll have to see how it sounds with oil in it.  without, it was just... unpleasant :)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on January 15, 2009, 05:17:19 PM
haha. yeah it wasnt too happy without oil i guess
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on January 17, 2009, 09:21:55 AM
i drove the jeep to work today! i havent driven it in about two weeks so i was glad to get back behind the wheel. drives/runs great. has a small engine tick/knock...have to figure that one out i guess
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on February 01, 2009, 09:37:20 AM
water pump went the other day. started to make a little noise the i noticed coolant slowly dripping while running.
grabbed a new pump at autozone ($35)
plan on fixing it today.

also, exploring the option of lifting further...not sure yet if i am going to. but my wife said i could if it ment it wouldnt fit in the garage any longer so that she could park in the garage haha
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on February 01, 2009, 09:24:44 PM
water pump replaced.

CHEROKEE FOR SALE!

now that its all fixed and running great, im selling it. time to move to another project. Ill get some pictures up this week. Please let me know if there is any intrest. thanks!
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on February 01, 2009, 09:50:35 PM
the XJ community is hurt.  


wimp

:)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on February 02, 2009, 08:45:26 AM
i love the XJ, i just found something i can fit a nice set of 37s under...so im going that route
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on February 18, 2009, 09:21:26 AM
so the new exhaust came in for my jeep yesterday. I was tinkering with it lastnight trying to get it on there, and the tail pipe that i ordered just doesnt fit the way Id like it to. I feel that its too close to te rear shocks and if I flex the rear it could hit the axel and damage it again.

Now Im considering installing the new muffler and bending tube to make it have a side exit exhaust. It just might be easier to do and I wouldnt have to worry about anything hitting it when flexed
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: fedrusion on February 18, 2009, 06:32:01 PM
I just put a turn down after the muffler and bent a length of steel to make a hanger.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on February 18, 2009, 06:40:00 PM
do you have a cat?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: fedrusion on February 18, 2009, 06:41:34 PM
yes. cat, thrush, turndown.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on February 23, 2009, 09:11:42 AM
new exhaust installed yesterday afternoon. sounds boring now...oh well, lets see how it changes the MPG
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: fedrusion on March 14, 2009, 10:31:05 PM
Here\'s the rear axle you need jake,

http://www.wnyoffroad.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6979
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on March 27, 2009, 07:46:02 AM
bringing everyone up to date:

jeeps running good now. exhaust is all welded and sounds great. SLIGHT enging knock...but it still runs strong.
new tranny is in.

plans update:

blocking the rear and some coil spacers up front to get the height i need. slight t case drop to make the tranny stop hitting my floor.

then the fun stuff begins! planning to do some light trimming and possibly comp-cut the rear. following the cutting, we will be making me some custom bumpers that turn the fender corners. should look sweet!

when alls said and done.... Ill need a set of 33s
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on April 29, 2009, 08:17:49 AM
ok....to bring everyone up to speed....

at the begining of winter I hydrolocked the enging in my jeep. thanks to some REALY good friends, I was able to get it running again. the problem was that I had no oil pressure. so i put the xj on my trailer and towed it into work. I TOLD the shop NOT to run the engine as i had no oil pressure, but they did anyways. diagnosis...bad oil pump. again, thanks to some good friends, we fixed the oil pump and it was running strong again....but now with a knock from the shop running it with no oil pressure.
I drove the jeep for a few more months till recently the knock got bad enough and the engine finally went south on me.
now Ive found a new engine, and if it turns over the plan is to gather anyone who knows what theyre doing and will accept beer as payment to help me do an engine swap.
(to anyone who knows my wife please dont talk about this....she thinks that its just a timing chain and an easy fix....)
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: smichaelR22 on April 29, 2009, 08:42:44 AM
thats great jake, let me know im free next week other than wednesday.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on April 29, 2009, 09:54:27 AM
cool thank you
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: carchameleon on April 29, 2009, 05:21:55 PM
i can help too, should be free the same as smike
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: rejeep on June 29, 2009, 02:25:31 PM
I have an update on project Grimmis...

Tore into the motor today..
well yanked the whole drive train..

First off.. whoever last pulled the tranny forgot the two E12 bolts on the top of the bell housing.. now it has cracks...  people.. there are bolt holes from the factory for a reason USE THEM ALL!!!
no hillbilly retro fit can beat millions of dollars of R&Dl

Anyway...  found out what was wrong with your motor..
#6 piston decided to go take a bath in the oil pan..  its almost as if it wasnt installed at all... the rod is fine, wrist pin is still there.. but no piston.. just a nice see through peak to the crank...
Oil and coolant have become one.. other than that ran good.. had it up to 40mph in the parking lot before i took it apart...

more updates to follow..
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: MrMindless on June 30, 2009, 05:13:02 AM
2 missing bolts now is better than what it came in with.  I think that was 1 or 0 just after the trans failed.

I bet the bore doesn\'t look too pretty after having a piston disintegrate in it and a rod flop around.  that\'s impressive.
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: rejeep on June 30, 2009, 04:42:04 PM
the bore is fine.. :roll: just a scratch.. borderline flesh wound.. :-?
Title: Re: Project \"Grimmis\"
Post by: GTJake on July 18, 2009, 04:53:47 AM
glad to see that its in a good home with someone who has the time to finish the project...im not guna lie tho, i do miss it

test block /modules/smf/index.php?action=printpage;topic=654.0