Cherokee XJ build: TomD

Get this thing done?!?!



Need to show the last fall shot of this thing on Strawberry compared to this spring! 😀

Carl, that's the plan. Here a few shots I took last night ...

Attached files

Here is a detail shot on the spring shackle and shackle adjuster ...

Attached files

Pulled the XJ out of the garage last night and drove it a bit before final torquing of all the nuts and bolts. After getting gear loaded, I may need to adjust the angle on the shackle mount. We'll see.

Attached files

Looking good.

Sweet!

Looks good!

Looking good Tom. It's newbie rubicon ready!

"Josh" wrote: Looking good Tom. It's newbie rubicon ready!

Joe had given the XJ a "once over" a few weeks ago and pronounced it "ready" ... now it's "readier".

=====

Just a few quick updates:



(1) The creaking and loosening of my track bar was traced back to an installation mis-alignment that only manifested itself at full droop of the passenger side. I've been able to resolve that by just moving some alignment washers. YAY!



(2) With all the effort to box in, reinforce and support the front end of the XJ, the drag link and tie rod were looking really ... flimsy. So I saw our friends at 4 Wheel Parts and picked up the RE dropped pitman arm and Curry Correct Lynk Holy Moses that thing is HEAVY!



(3) Got some $$$ coming in so I'll be able to install my D44 rear axle and re-gear the D30.



The plan is to have all this installed by mid-July. WOOT!!

=====

Good things are happening.

After I removed the rear DS due to a U-joint failure it dawned on me, d'OH, the front and rear DS are the same length now that I have the SYE installed so I now have a rear DS. Too bad the front now needs replacing. But ...



It did clear the way for me to install the D44. What a difference disk brakes and 4.88 gears make! Now instead of being 20% overdrive (Indicated 55 was actually 66 and loosing 1st gear), the XJ is now 20% underdrive (indicated 66 is actually 55 with a 1st gear "granny"😉.



Can hardly wait to get the front end re-geared, but that will need to wait just a bit. With the passing of both Ronie's mom and my mom we are holding onto our $$$ pretty tight for a bit. Need to make arrangements for my dad's care as he needs assistance with all his daily needs.



That said, there is a lot of "stuff" in my garage to keep me busy for the next few months on the XJ, my 10/22 and any other "honey-do"s that come down the pike.

=====

"TomD" wrote: After I removed the rear DS due to a U-joint failure it dawned on me, d'OH, the front and rear DS are the same length now that I have the SYE installed so I now have a rear DS. Too bad the front now needs replacing. But ...

It did clear the way for me to install the D44. What a difference disk brakes and 4.88 gears make! Now instead of being 20% overdrive (Indicated 55 was actually 66 and loosing 1st gear), the XJ is now 20% underdrive (indicated 66 is actually 55 with a 1st gear "granny"😉.

Can hardly wait to get the front end re-geared, but that will need to wait just a bit. With the passing of both Ronie's mom and my mom we are holding onto our $$$ pretty tight for a bit. Need to make arrangements for my dad's care as he needs assistance with all his daily needs.

That said, there is a lot of "stuff" in my garage to keep me busy for the next few months on the XJ, my 10/22 and any other "honey-do"s that come down the pike.
=====

Sorry about your family challenges Tom. I hope everything gets worked out.

Sorry for your losses as well Tom. Let me know if I can help out anyway.

Installed the Currie tie rod and drag link tonight then went for a spin. WOW! The is NO slack, wandering or noise from the front end. Talk about solid. I love it!!

=====

Congrats Tom! More strength up front. Very cool.

Dropped by 4 Wheel Parts yesterday. Brad had just left but did see Huck (met his son and dad!) who was doing some "white Jeep" purchasing for his family snow run.



Made the final arrangements to regear the D30 and get new shocks (Bilstien) so accommodate all the suspension modifications that have been done.



I'll take it in on 12/31 and get back by 1/5 ... JUST in time for the now run on 1/12. 👏



YAY!! 🎉

Been a lot of blood sweat tears in this thing Tom! What an awesome job you've taken this build thru. Can't wait to see your beaming grin post regear! Your XJ is definitely one of the coolest ones.

"Wh1t3Nukle" wrote: Been a lot of blood sweat tears in this thing Tom! What an awesome job you've taken this build thru. Can't wait to see your beaming grin post regear! Your XJ is definitely one of the coolest ones.

Nice to get this BIG piece of the puzzle completed so we can go out and play again!

=====

Alrighty ... the XJ is back and re-geared. I'm spending a little time doing short trips to break things in.



Had to get the CV joint on one driveshaft rebuilt as it was wobbled and pretty loose, so it was probably a good idea to have missed the Road Patrol on 1/12. Must have been some reason we were not to go on that run ... ah, well.



Waiting for the rear Bilsteins and all will be done for this round. Now to install the interior, sliders, and underbody protection and we'll be ready for summer.

=====

You'll be able to do the Feb 2nd road patrol, yes?

That's the plan ... and the Feb 9th Chili Cookoff.

=====

Big T,



You mentioned in David's thread about hitting up PC (both of you did) for testing out. If it helps any and you want another set of eyes, then let me know. Even if during the week since I'm located just (literally) down the block. 😀

"Wh1t3Nukle" wrote: Big T,

You mentioned in David's thread about hitting up PC (both of you did) for testing out. If it helps any and you want another set of eyes, then let me know. Even if during the week since I'm located just (literally) down the block. 😀

Down the block ... from me or PC? 🤷



PM sent last night.

=====

Me being at Aerojet and PC is in my backyard. 😀



Roger that PM!