The Little Red Wagon...

[Poorboy]

I'll post pics as I go, but here is the base Vehicle as stated in my intro thread:

1996 XJ
4.0L
AW4
NP231
D30
Chrysler 8.25"

Bone Stock at the moment.

It's a cream puff. Literally. I mean total Pavement Princess!

Going for an Overland Adventure style build.

Mild lift, 31" tires. Dual Purpose DD and trail warrior.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_00311_zps152947a0.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_00311_zps152947a0.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0046_zpsmwd3khin.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0046_zpsmwd3khin.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0044_zpsj6jrfv8n.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0044_zpsj6jrfv8n.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_00331_zps5fcfed27.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_00331_zps5fcfed27.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0041_zpsozjttp0d.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0041_zpsozjttp0d.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0035_zpsgyjjufgl.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0035_zpsgyjjufgl.jpg.html)

Current status of the build: Making it "right", fixing all the little things that get neglected after twenty years. Lights that don't light, switches that don't work... Etc, Etc.

Copy/paste from the intro thread as I'm too lazy to retype everything. :D

I haven't gotten pictures of it's current state yet. :banghead: Whatever horrible Virus is going around, caught up to me. :sick0026: The last week has been a combo of Dayquil and going to work mixed with extended :indifferent0020:

I managed to get the CD changer out of the cargo bay and get my aftermarket head unit a couple weeks ago. It's nice having tunes again! The holes for the CD changer mounts (threads sealed with silicone), worked perfectly to screw down the plastic tub where the spare fluids are stored. Then my travel tool kit is strapped to that with a ratchet strap. Win, Win, win! Storage, tools and load hold down all in one. :bacondance:

Took the door panel off the driver door to repair the lock solenoid, only to find that the rivets are failing that hold the solenoid to the door. Next week it'll be drill out the rivets, lube the solenoid and bolt it back in. The rinse and repeat for the other doors. :thumbdown:

My local used tire shop has a factory spare rim/tire that I will be picking up, I'll have to pick up the hardware from the local HW store. I want to kick who ever didn't put the spare and it's hardware back in before selling the rig.... :banghead:


Also have a line on getting a replacement keyless entry module and cover plate, though useless, I still want to cover the hole in the headliner... The IR system is useless. Pointless even. I will have an aftermarket system put in eventually. One, for the convenience of keyless entry (might even spring for remote start), two for insurance discount.

CB Radio is now in as well. The antenna/cable needs a ton of work as the SWR is far too high. But it is workable. :smiley-gen123:

As previously mentioned, radiator still needs to be swapped because of a pinhole. My local Radiator shop can re-core it, even upgrade it from the two row, to a four row while they are at it. Copper/Brass OE Rads FTW! Try that with your modern plastic crap! :smiley-scared003:

Also while I was in there, I took a look at the E-brake switch, since the light don't light.... I need to pull the console and clean the accumulated goo out of the switch.

Not much in the way of visible progress, but little things that just make it feel better. Like I said before, Making it "right".

[OldFaurt]

I'll post pics as I go, but here is the base Vehicle as stated in my intro thread:

1996 XJ
4.0L
AW4
NP231
D30
Chrysler 8.25"

Bone Stock at the moment.

It's a cream puff. Literally. I mean total Pavement Princess!

Wow what a great Starter rig to build from!
Man don't paint it!!! The Red jeep guys will throw a hissy fit
:cry: :rant: :mad0090: :sad0147: ...

Of course, Mine is bed-liner black!

[Poorboy]

I like the red. It's staying red. I wanted a bone stock, unmolested rig. No sense in buying someone else's problem. It's like this one wants to be built. Everything so far has been an easy repair. :-)

[OldFaurt]

Wow, the as great to hear! You must be very excited. Jeeps are a ball to build!
They can be very Trail ready and yet a good daily driver as well, hard to beat that!

[Poorboy]

Thank you. :-)

I bastardized a lift for my '87 years ago. S-10 leaves, pucks up front, 30x9.50 tires. Just enough lift and tire for the beach driving where lived at the time. I wasn't totally happy with it for actual trail use. I sold it before my divorce.

Now several years later, I have a fresh start with this one. It's been fun so far just making it right. This time I'm going for an actual name brand lift. Getting to old and too busy to bastardize parts. I want it done right, not just thrown together.

[bluedragon436]

That is a clean start for a build.. I'd say you can pick up a 3"-4.5" lift setup for a pretty fair price and know that your suspension is done right, and will last for quite a while being all new parts.. and will easily clear 31's with plenty of flex space for any wheeling or venturing out you plan on doing with her.. I don't blame you for wanting to take care of all the needed items and to feel that she is ready to go with the basics before you start throwing parts and money at other wanted items..

[Poorboy]

That is a clean start for a build.. I'd say you can pick up a 3"-4.5" lift setup for a pretty fair price and know that your suspension is done right, and will last for quite a while being all new parts.. and will easily clear 31's with plenty of flex space for any wheeling or venturing out you plan on doing with her.. I don't blame you for wanting to take care of all the needed items and to feel that she is ready to go with the basics before you start throwing parts and money at other wanted items..

The rear leaves are fairly well sagged out, so the lift will be with springs, not add a leaves, that increases expense, but it needs new springs anyway. All the front Suspension bushings are on good shape, so a Short arm (Standard) lift may suffice. If the kit includes adjustable LCA's. then those will go in. The track bar will be getting replaced with an adjustable unit.

Brake upgrades will happen as well. Considering GC rear disc conversion.

SS brake lines are a must.

The Basics are pretty well ironed out, thankfully. Tuneup, belt and idler pulley bearings will happen soon, just for peace of mind. It is OBDII, so it'll let me know if I don't catch something in time and SHTF.

[bluedragon436]

The rear leaves are fairly well sagged out, so the lift will be with springs, not add a leaves, that increases expense, but it needs new springs anyway. All the front Suspension bushings are on good shape, so a Short arm (Standard) lift may suffice. If the kit includes adjustable LCA's. then those will go in. The track bar will be getting replaced with an adjustable unit.

Brake upgrades will happen as well. Considering GC rear disc conversion.

SS brake lines are a must.

The Basics are pretty well ironed out, thankfully. Tuneup, belt and idler pulley bearings will happen soon, just for peace of mind. It is OBDII, so it'll let me know if I don't catch something in time and SHTF.

Yeah I would replace the rear with full leaf packs anyways if you were able to afford it at that time.. just to make sure you won't have the eventual sag if you'd didn't already have it.. My XJ's current rear has a negative arch going on.. so it def needs to be replaced, but that was part of my plan with my suspension revamp/upgrade anyways.. The PO tired to make due with the stock leafs and do a lift around it (to save money), and that has def gone downhill within only a few months of him doing the lift.. lol

What lift height are you looking at going for?? And what are you looking to spend on doing the rear disc upgrade?? I only ask cause I've been trying to source the parts for the GC upgrade and in the end I'm just going to be picking up an aftermarket upgrade solution as it'll be all new parts in the rear, and I won't have to worry about pulling it all apart again later to replace a caliper or anything like that.. and it'll be roughly the same price as I was pricing to get the GC parts and replacing the discs and calipers with new anyways..

[Poorboy]

Yeah I would replace the rear with full leaf packs anyways if you were able to afford it at that time.. just to make sure you won't have the eventual sag if you'd didn't already have it.. My XJ's current rear has a negative arch going on.. so it def needs to be replaced, but that was part of my plan with my suspension revamp/upgrade anyways.. The PO tired to make due with the stock leafs and do a lift around it (to save money), and that has def gone downhill within only a few months of him doing the lift.. lol

What lift height are you looking at going for?? And what are you looking to spend on doing the rear disc upgrade?? I only ask cause I've been trying to source the parts for the GC upgrade and in the end I'm just going to be picking up an aftermarket upgrade solution as it'll be all new parts in the rear, and I won't have to worry about pulling it all apart again later to replace a caliper or anything like that.. and it'll be roughly the same price as I was pricing to get the GC parts and replacing the discs and calipers with new anyways..

Lift will be between 3-4.5 inches. Large enough for 31 or 32" tires. I may spring for a Long Arm kit when I get to that point. Long Arm kits ride better with larger lifts. It will be getting a re-gear on Lockers (ARB's so I can add on-board air) with the larger tires. Not sure as to what ratio yet.

I'm still researching the GC brake upgrades. Not sure about that at all yet, just a thought. Discs are easier to service.

All of this is going be a slow progressive build as my budget is rather... Limited. Child Support eats a good chunk of my income.

[bluedragon436]

Iron Rock Offroad (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=D35DISC&Category_Code=PFX) disc conversion is the one I've been looking at picking up... It's not too bad of a deal for everything you get.. Especially with having the parking break cables that work, not having to build something yourself...

[XJ Wheeler]

Did the zj disc swap to mine, and love it. Still haven't gotten the ebrake setup figured but still an excellent upgrade.

[Carves]

I like the red. It's staying red. I wanted a bone stock, unmolested rig. No sense in buying someone else's problem. It's like this one wants to be built. Everything so far has been an easy repair. :-)


... and so it should.

... besides, if its already red ... thats one less mod to have to do .. :D

[Brasscatz]

... and so it should.

... besides, if its already red ... thats one less mod to have to do .. :D

^^ truth

[Poorboy]

... and so it should.

... besides, if its already red ... thats one less mod to have to do .. :D
True that!

[Pookapotamus]

Reminds me of my 95 "Ginger"

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii191/pookapotamus/posts/July053_zpsdb0523e6.jpg (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/pookapotamus/media/posts/July053_zpsdb0523e6.jpg.html)

[XJ Wheeler]

Reminds me of my 95 "Ginger"

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii191/pookapotamus/posts/July053_zpsdb0523e6.jpg (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/pookapotamus/media/posts/July053_zpsdb0523e6.jpg.html)

I recognize that bumper! :D

[Pookapotamus]

bumper, axels, sliders, stiffenerz a whole bunch of other pieces!!!

[Poorboy]

The only improvements so far...
Tunes!
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/19/e2935800ca1b3dd1113e65f7cfc2d1ba.jpg

The tub of liquids, screwed down.
[IMG]http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/19/4221a38e4e46c96fda2417d5bf998d1b.jpg

[Poorboy]

Third brake light bulbs get replaced tomorrow. Along with the redneck leak fix (bars Leaks) to plug the pinhole in the radiator until I can get the time off to pull it and have my local rad shop rebuild it. Yes, I said rebuild it. I found an old school repair shop near me.

[Brasscatz]

Dude... your radio called you a woman.... I wouldn't take that kind of crap from electronics

[Poorboy]

Black Magic Woman was the song of choice at that moment.

[Brasscatz]

You sure it wasn't Shania Twain's "Man, I feel like a woman"? :poke: :poke: :D

[XJ Wheeler]

I thought he just programmed it to be naughty...

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

My woman did ride around with me the other day... Smells all woman like in here now. So, I guess the radio is partly right! Then again, I'd rather smell her perfume, than my own BO!

[Poorboy]

Ruh Roh Raggy!!!

http://youtu.be/pAw7Ytk3JCM

The seal still holds!!

Sounds like complete and utter crap though...

[Peabody68]

https://vimeo.com/121247612. We almost have twins. 1996 as well. Keep posting pics so I can steal, I mean borrow, ideas from you.


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[Poorboy]

Nearly identical twins! Looks good! I gotta get of my butt and get that pump swapped out.

[Peabody68]

Poorboy, my child support from the X is what bought my son his XJ :). What radio is that? The one in our red is some clapped out 90s Pioneer unit that only picks up one FM station, and the CD skips. Looked at those in Quadratec but not sure they are any good.


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[Poorboy]

Poorboy, my child support from the X is what bought my son his XJ :). What radio is that? The one in our red is some clapped out 90s Pioneer unit that only picks up one FM station, and the CD skips. Looked at those in Quadratec but not sure they are any good.


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It's a few year old Pioneer Head unit that I recycled from my Sonoma before I sold it last year. Still works great! :beavis:

[Peabody68]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/06/27d68f726d567fd4c82e1aef1d949f18.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/06/600b726b49b3a5580697dee1482ef0b0.jpg

Got this installed today. It was cheap and hooks easily to the kids IPhone. Would have done it myself, but got a good deal so let the, do it.


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[Peabody68]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/06/788585e7de13ae257e7673db39e68196.jpg


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[Poorboy]

Mine is a DEH-24UB. Good working units. I bought mine for the ios functionality as well. My ipod never gets unplugged...

This was preinstall, before I had liberated it from the GM harness adapter.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/06/e172a7d25b1018433981a1b19610ad95.jpg

[Peabody68]

Do your heater controls light up when your dash lights are on? Mine don't but not sure if they should. The dash and now the radio do (the radio didn't before) but not heater controls.

[Poorboy]

The bulb in my heater controls is blown. I haven't gotten to replacing it yet.

[Peabody68]

Guess mine is too then. Tomorrows project maybe. Thanks for letting me know there is a bulb there.


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[Poorboy]

To answer your question, the heater controls, rear wiper switch, rear defrost switch, auto trans gear position and t-case position indicators should all light light up, along with the dash.

[Poorboy]

There are for screws that hold the heater controls in. One bulb as far as I can tell.

[Peabody68]

All do but the heater controls. Time to do a bulb location search.

[Poorboy]

You will need to remove the steering column covers (air bag column), the tilt lever and the four screws that hold the dash/radio trim in place before you can pull the bezel. The are multiple clips on the bezel, but they just pull out of the dash.

[Poorboy]

Expect this project to grow by leaps and bounds later this year. Plans are finalized. 3" lift, Borla exhaust, axle upgrades (lockers) and more. Waterpump and t-stat arrive this week and some major funding coming soon.

[Poorboy]

It's Monday....

One of "those" days...

7272

Waiting on the new water pump to be delivered.

The old one was rather.... Frightening.

[Peabody68]

What lift you going with? I put new bump stops on and noted the springs and shocks need replaced eventually so might as well lift it when I tear it down.


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[Poorboy]

What lift you going with? I put new bump stops on and noted the springs and shocks need replaced eventually so might as well lift it when I tear it down.


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http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-630x.html
This one when the money comes in.

Overland Adventure theme.

[Poorboy]

Here is the old water pump.... This video is not for the faint of heart. J/K!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvlynarGlTE

What's that noise? *turns up radio* :xj-red:

[Poorboy]

It's all fixed up and running.

No more scary noises from the accessory drive....

[Poorboy]

I do need to retension the belt. It's a tiny bit loose, but not bad.

[Peabody68]

Did you do the lift yet Poorboy?


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[Poorboy]

No lift yet. That's going to be awhile longer. Financial situation sucks at the moment.

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[Poorboy]

Running an idea through my head. The rubber door trim came off, leaving behind a clean lower door and rocker panel.... I'm thinking of masking off the upper door and truck bed lining the lower door and rocker panels. Yay or nay?

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[Brasscatz]

I say go for it

[Poorboy]

The little red wagon just got some major campaign funding. Build starts in a few weeks. Will be ordering lift kit and various pieces in a couple weeks.

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[Peabody68]

So that's where that check a dollar box to support a campaign on my tax form went! Better this then to those clowns in Washington!


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[Poorboy]

Oh yeah, the future wife approves of my plans for the Jeep. I think she's a keeper! Ooops... Did I mention I'm getting married?

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[Brasscatz]

congrats man!

[Poorboy]

Thank you! I've known her for twenty years. Should have dated her way back when. :sign0055:

I guess all of our friends saw it, we sure didn't! :bang:

Ended up marrying someone else, got two awesome kids out of the deal, then got divorced...

[4.3LXJ]

If she likes Jeeps, she is a keeper. Congrats

[Poorboy]

If she likes Jeeps, she is a keeper. Congrats

She fails to understand the addiction, but tolerates it. :cool: She knows what makes me happy and doesn't nag on it. So long as I don't touch her car besides maintenance, she's good with the addiction. :smiley-scared003:

I decided to go the route of having the pros do the lift. I'm not 100% comfortable with doing it myself. I haul my family in the thing, plus it's daily driven, so I'll gladly pay to know it's done correctly.

My '87 2dr was a toy and not daily driven, plus it was towed over long trips, so it could be a hack job and get away with it.

[Poorboy]

Plans were finalized this morning. 4wd hardware will be getting my business. They had everything I wanted, in Stock, ready to go. All my debts are paid, the tax man is happy and I'm free spend money on The Little Red Wagon build.

3.5“ Rubicon Express short arm kit, braided stainless brake lines, adjustable track bar and 265/75-15 tires and lockers (in the future). This is the extent of the mechanical build that will be done at a shop. Bumpers, skids, brakes will be done at home. Once the bills clear the bank, off to the shop she goes! I'll get pictures before and after.

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[Poorboy]

New radiator is in. The OE rad wasn't rebuildable. Holes in the side tank. OTH, my temp swing had settled. She sits at 195 steady now.

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[Poorboy]

Alright.... Who wants parts numbers for ideas? :bacondance:

The build is finalized. Even though there are parts that are going installed in the shop, I'm still considering this built, not bought. I bought the vehicle as a pavement princess and bone stock.

I'm buying the parts and farming out the work to 4WD.com at their Portland Oregon Location. I tried fitting a 31" tire on the OE location inside. It's tight... Glad I sprung for the bumper. To save time, I'm going to have them install it and ditch the wimpy 1 1/2" receiver it has now. I haven't decided on front bumper yet, but I will get there. :)

General H/T 265/65-15 tires (for where I will drive mostly, this will work fine) GEN
RE adjustable Track bar (Future lifts in mind) R/ERE1600
RE 3.5 Super ride kit w/leaf springs E/ERE6025T (Chrysler 8.25" rear end)
SS Brake lines for the front (Lift includes rear line) TOMTMT-1002-B
One black cheap steel rim since I don't have a spare. PCW97-5866
Smittybuilt XRC Rear bumper w/tire carrier S/B76851
New exhaust manifold and system from front to back (Cat con is toast, confirmed with an IR thermometer. I have emissions testing coming up soon, plus, I want a more aggressive tone) Borla for the muffler. Multiple numbers, not going to post them.
Engine and trans mounts (Trans mount is done, Engine is also leaning slightly, so might as well) CRO52019201K-P
And of course, a high lift Jack.

Some would say this is bought, not built. I disagree. I bought a stock vehicle, I decided what goes on it, I know what is going into it as opposed to buying someone else' problem. :smiley-scared003:

Total cost in parts alone is a hair over $3100, probably cost me around $3000 to have it all installed. I have officially spent more than what the vehicle is worth on fun stuff. Did I make it into the big boy category yet? :please:

[4.3LXJ]

Man Pete, Bring it by the shop and we can knock that out in a day. Got one in the shop now we will be doing that to

[Poorboy]

Man Pete, Bring it by the shop and we can knock that out in a day. Got one in the shop now we will be doing that to
Where are you located?

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[4.3LXJ]

I am in northern CA

[Poorboy]

I'm in sw wa. :-(

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[4.3LXJ]

Well, if you were coming down I would have you stop in Grants Pass and pick up some Toyota parts for me :D

Seriously though, It might be worth the trip at that price

[Poorboy]

I couldn't get any more than a couple days off for vacation, or I would take you up on that! If I'm going to cali, I'm spending at least a week.

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[4.3LXJ]

Good, then you could partake of some local wheeling. Some of the best in the country

[bluedragon436]

Regardless of built/not bought... sounds like a good build plan you got going with your Little Wagon!! Look forward to seeing it...

[Poorboy]

The bumpers, trans mount and muffler will be done in the driveway. The rest, farmed out. One, I want some wrench time. Two, Bumpers are easy, plus, I want the satisfaction of tossing that wimpy 2k lb hitch it has now, in the recycle bin.

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[bluedragon436]

The bumpers, trans mount and muffler will be done in the driveway. The rest, farmed out. One, I want some wrench time. Two, Bumpers are easy, plus, I want the satisfaction of tossing that wimpy 2k lb hitch it has now, in the recycle bin.

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Nothing wrong with getting some wrench time in.. That is why I did my full suspension upgrade/revamp, OTK steering and double shear TB on my XJ... and plan to do the bumpers and sliders... I will be farming out having the OTK steering adjustment, and the SYE install most likely.. but am definitely going to try and do all the wrenching I can on it myself...

[Poorboy]

Suspension I'm willing to farm out. Safety first. The rest, I can do at home. The manifold I'm having them change out. No desire to change one again after my last debacle with manifolds....

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[Poorboy]

The trigger has been pulled.... 76387639

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[4.3LXJ]

Now you know why you are poor :D

[Poorboy]

Build will happen in two weeks due some backordered items. Bumper and muffler will be done at home.

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[Poorboy]

Now you know why you are poor :D

Exactly!

[Poorboy]

Regardless of built/not bought... sounds like a good build plan you got going with your Little Wagon!! Look forward to seeing it...
It's going to be fun. My daughter wants to go Jeeping the next time I have her for a weekend. My son is a little harder to read though....

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[Poorboy]

Looks like she'll need u-joints in the dirty thirty next week. Anybody have any tips or tricks to make it go more smoothly?

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[Poorboy]

Monday morning I'm digging into the dirty thirty. Passenger joint has failed. Also, before the larger tires go on, I want to put eyes on the braking components. I've put nearly 30k on it in the last few months, so I'm betting we are due for some work.

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[Poorboy]

The can of worms is open... Looks like pads, rotors and calipers are good to go. U-joints and Diff service is the order of today.

767476757676

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[Poorboy]

Nearly complete. I forgot to pick up cotter pins while at the store. Ooops. All the rest is done though.

Fun times begin.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0475_zpsqo5fk8sw.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0475_zpsqo5fk8sw.jpg.html)

Long Side all perty and new! This side didn't have the carnage....
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0477_zpsqqrfljiy.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0477_zpsqqrfljiy.jpg.html)

Short side apart
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0476_zpswjluheyu.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0476_zpswjluheyu.jpg.html)

Carnage!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0465_zpslheiivbn.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0465_zpslheiivbn.jpg.html)

Short side all perty and new!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0472_zpsmv7emdep.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0472_zpsmv7emdep.jpg.html)

All buttoned up!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/DSC_0479_zps34yzcjfr.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/DSC_0479_zps34yzcjfr.jpg.html)

[Poorboy]

Test drive confirms that this is a fix.

Much more pleasant to drive now.

[Poorboy]

Audio upgrades today. Sony Xplod speakers went in.

Soundbar out
7708

Soundbar back in
7709

Fronts in. Will be using since epoxy and hardware mesh to cover up these. The plastic grills disintegrated awhile ago.
7710

Sounds much better now.

Sent from my potato by Tapatalk.

[Poorboy]

Monday the 8th is lift day. I scheduled for two days of build time at the shop so I'm not freaking out about getting to work and back during that time.

Sent from my potato by Tapatalk.

[Pookapotamus]

Always nice to see someone take such an interest in their vehicle and actually get excited doing the "small" stuff!

Keep up the good work! And keep posting!

[Poorboy]

I have yet to pick up the hardware mesh for the speaker grills. I've also had a massive change in work schedule which has thrown a wrench in the works. The build is still on for next week though. Gonna have to borrow the future wife's minivan for a couple days.

[Poorboy]

She's dropped off and waiting for the surgeon.

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[xj-jake]

Good luck Pete. I'm interested to see how it turns out. Have fun with the mini-van!!

[Poorboy]

My testicular units doth protest the driving of the minivan. It wasn't five minutes after dropping her off that the guys had her on the hoist and being disassembled. It's a slow shop day, so the techs were thirsty.

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[xj-jake]

My testicular units doth protest the driving of the minivan. It wasn't five minutes after dropping her off that the guys had her on the hoist and being disassembled. It's a show shop day, so the techs were thirsty.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

I'm betting you'll see it back early. Pook said it right, it's nice to see someone excited to do the small tedious work like you are doing and enjoying it. The big stuff is fun but it's the attention to detail that makes a vehicle. Let me know how you like that rear bumper I've been looking at that one for my own Jeep.

[Poorboy]

I used to work for a aerospace company (two actually) and attention to detail was everything. It's one thing to throw something together, it's a whole other ballgame when the fine details are massaged.

Going to heat gun (carefully) the black sticker from the belt line and then coat from the belt line down in truck bed liner. Will also repaint the red stripe that was removed when the door trim came off.

Working on a storage solution for the rear cargo area. Thinking of building a covered, lockable box. Only needs to be a foot in internal depth to organize gear.

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[xj-jake]

Yeah I bedlined mine from the body line down and it made a world of difference. I just used the spray stuff and it actually worked pretty well. I ended up spraying the hood with the same stuff.

[Poorboy]

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[Carves]

Looks like its coming together quite well .. :thumbsup:



Some would say this is bought, not built. I disagree. I bought a stock vehicle, I decided what goes on it, I know what is going into it as opposed to buying someone else' problem. :smiley-scared003:


Yeah ... all depends on your perspective huh.

When my axles needed brakes, bearings, seals etc., and coz I wasnt happy with 3.55 ratios,

I just slapped in a pair of new, old stock, assemblies. Was a bit pricy ... but for me it was better than a teardown for bearings ... then another one for brakes, another for ratios yada yada .... Less down time too.

[Poorboy]

I brought her home today!

I have a bad bearing in the T-Case (I knew about this already) and will be tossing in an SYE and driveline. She's a little rumbly in the belly area.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150610_101229_zpsw6nqevsa.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150610_101229_zpsw6nqevsa.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150610_101330_001_zpsriy6hftr.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150610_101330_001_zpsriy6hftr.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150610_101439_zpsuqxq6ee4.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150610_101439_zpsuqxq6ee4.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150610_101248_zpsvckbcq9x.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150610_101248_zpsvckbcq9x.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150610_101257_zps1idhkury.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150610_101257_zps1idhkury.jpg.html)

[NW99XJ]

Looks Good Pete!
You gonna get it out for a shake-down run anytime soon?

[Poorboy]

Why thank you! I have a bit more work to do before an official shakedown.

THe T-Case bearing is rather.... Ummm.. Unnerving. Vibrates a bit.

Contemplating throwing another 1600 at it for a t-case rebuild.

[4.3LXJ]

Nothing like a little altitude to improve the attitude :thumbsup:

[Poorboy]

If it weren't for the shear pucker factor of the bad bearing and vibes from it, I'd be grinning ear to ear.

I was told it'll be OK to drive, but... Dayum! It's shakes a bit at low speeds.

[4.3LXJ]

The shakes may not be from a bad bearing. It is more likely a driveshaft vibration. Here is a link so you can see how to check that. This is something we all have to do when lifting beyond 3". You can get a free app for you smart phone now to give you more accurate readings

http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7299

[Poorboy]

The shakes may not be from a bad bearing. It is more likely a driveshaft vibration. Here is a link so you can see how to check that. This is something we all have to do when lifting beyond 3". You can get a free app for you smart phone now to give you more accurate readings

http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7299


Good info. :)

I'm going the way of an SYE. Eliminate the weak links. For now, we'll just to take it easy and not romp on it.

*edit*

Scheduled for T-case rebuild. I officially have no room in the garage now. Home repairs take that space away after the Ferd leaves.

[4.3LXJ]

SYE is the way to go

[Poorboy]

SYE is the way to go

I agree. I rearranged the budget a bit. Front bumper will have to wait now. Drivability is far more important right now.

[4.3LXJ]

Might as well, you are going to get into the tcase anyway

[NW99XJ]

Why thank you! I have a bit more work to do before an official shakedown.

THe T-Case bearing is rather.... Ummm.. Unnerving. Vibrates a bit.

Contemplating throwing another 1600 at it for a t-case rebuild.

Oh jeez!
$1600 could go a LOOOONG way if you can do some of this stuff yourself.
The transfer cases in our Jeeps can seem overwhelming at the least. When you think of how critical of a component it is, and what all it does. When i did my SYE i did it myself. It was the Hack-n-Tap variety, which you can read up on in my build thread. Needless to say I was scared as hell to crack open the T-case, and start swapping internals. But after it was all said and done, I was relieved at how simple it really was.
The rebuild kit for the 231 is less than $100 in most places. This obviously doesnt include the cost of the SYE or any other components related to that install. (such as a new driveline, double cardan joint, etc.)

And there's a ton of decent write-ups on the topic online, and a some good videos too.... here;s one that covers most of the important stuff.
https://youtu.be/vruKi5f6PWE

The one thing I will say that is of the utmost importance... get a GOOD pair of c-clip pliers. I just can not stress that enough. I tried using a set of harbor freight ones aaaaand.... yea... that lasted all of about 5 minutes before they went into the trash.

Bottom line... if you have some mechanical aptitude and have a decent set of tools and some time... rebuilding the T-case in a Jeep isnt all that bad.
Just need the right tools, a little bit of planning, and a few tips/tricks to make things easier.
(...and thats what we're here for!) :D

[Poorboy]

Might as well, you are going to get into the tcase anyway
Yup.

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[Poorboy]

Oh jeez!
$1600 could go a LOOOONG way if you can do some of this stuff yourself.
The transfer cases in our Jeeps can seem overwhelming at the least. When you think of how critical of a component it is, and what all it does. When i did my SYE i did it myself. It was the Hack-n-Tap variety, which you can read up on in my build thread. Needless to say I was scared as hell to crack open the T-case, and start swapping internals. But after it was all said and done, I was relieved at how simple it really was.
The rebuild kit for the 231 is less than $100 in most places. This obviously doesnt include the cost of the SYE or any other components related to that install. (such as a new driveline, double cardan joint, etc.)

And there's a ton of decent write-ups on the topic online, and a some good videos too.... here;s one that covers most of the important stuff.
https://youtu.be/vruKi5f6PWE

The one thing I will say that is of the utmost importance... get a GOOD pair of c-clip pliers. I just can not stress that enough. I tried using a set of harbor freight ones aaaaand.... yea... that lasted all of about 5 minutes before they went into the trash.

Bottom line... if you have some mechanical aptitude and have a decent set of tools and some time... rebuilding the T-case in a Jeep isnt all that bad.
Just need the right tools, a little bit of planning, and a few tips/tricks to make things easier.
(...and thats what we're here for!) :D
Yeah 1600 it's a bunch for sure. Like I said before, I'll take winch and front bumper money and do this instead. :(

I had planned on an sye at the beginning of the build, but decided against it. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.

At least I'll have a warranty right?

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[XJ Wheeler]

Loving the altitude! Much more beastly. :thumbsup:

Phew, 1600! You could save a ton and just get a used one for $1-200 and build it. And you'll have spare parts. ;)

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

I could go that route, but I have reasons. Lol. In my mind, it's money well spent. Warranty on the work, peace of mind that I didn't screw anything up and I get to steal the minivan again.

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[XJ Wheeler]

I could go that route, but I have reasons. Lol. In my mind, it's money well spent. Warranty on the work, peace of mind that I didn't screw anything up and I get to steal the minivan again.

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Lol, been there. Peace of mind is worth a lot. ;) Sometimes it means everything.

But i will say, just because the "professionals" have done it, doesn't mean its done right. Ask me how i know. :p

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

I hear you loud and clear on the "pro" thing. Considering this thing also has a 1200 mile drive coming up, peace of mind means a bit right now. Border to border twice in a week. Gonna be a long week.

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[XJ Wheeler]

I hear you loud and clear on the "pro" thing. Considering this thing also has a 1200 mile drive coming up, peace of mind means a bit right now. Border to border twice in a week. Gonna be a long week.

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Been there too. Back when we were still working delivery we averaged 10k a month. Gas stops became a mini vacation. :p

That peace of mind thing drove us to trade in our last truck because of valve train noise and drop in oil pressure.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

I wasn't expecting this little adventure, but when the kids call, what's a dad to do?

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[Poorboy]

Bumper went on today. Took me all freaking day, but it's on and working beautifully.

Old and jank is gone.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150612_115648_zpsupq947ux.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150612_115648_zpsupq947ux.jpg.html)

Brackets on
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150612_133200_zpseugebxj3.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150612_133200_zpseugebxj3.jpg.html)

Test fit before leveling and final torquing of bolts. It's every bit of a hundred pounds.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150612_142840_zps2xd8v9er.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150612_142840_zps2xd8v9er.jpg.html)

All done. Works beautifully!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150612_191241_zpsmgy9vgyf.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150612_191241_zpsmgy9vgyf.jpg.html)

Smittybilt massively overbuilt this thing. It's nearly 150lbs fully installed.

Also got this installed today. She sounds purty!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/FB_IMG_1434135554517_zpsvetq1jzo.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/FB_IMG_1434135554517_zpsvetq1jzo.jpg.html)





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[4.3LXJ]

That bumper and spare tire carrier does look nice

[Poorboy]

Storage for a jerry can, hi-lift, and a couple small items as well. Works darn well. No rattles or squeaks from it on the test run.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[4.3LXJ]

Yeah, I see you have some other goodies on there as well

[Poorboy]

I have basic survival gear that needs to be mounted inside the Jeep. Extinguisher, folding shovel, first aid kit, safety triangle, tire changing tools, etc, etc. I will be dropping by our rental property and grabbing a Jerry can from the storage area as well. Other than front recovery points, I think I'm set for my local clubs requirements.

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[Poorboy]

I brought her home again today. :bacondance: T-Case now works flawlessly with less noise and the SYE was the best decision yet. Now, the bad news. There is a bearing, somewhere deep inside the AW4 that is noisy as hell as well (sometimes barely audible, sometimes noisey as hell, also sometimes the Butt Dyno can feel it). :smiley-scared003:

My Decision? Run the Little :xj-red: until it don't :driving: no more. I have AAA, I also have shit to do and kids to take care of along with work. So, when the time comes to rebuild/replace the trans, we'll do it then. :redx:

Luckily, I have an FSM provided to me by a member of the forum, So I have a handy reference to help me make my decision to rebuild or replace. Thank you again Abebehrmann! :yourock:

With 220K+ miles, alot of this doesn't surprise me. Especially considering I don't know how the vehicle lived in it's previous life.

I have no metal showing in the fluid on the dipstick, which is good. I think....

[4.3LXJ]

Good luck on that tranny Pete. Good that you have the rest straightened out

[Poorboy]

Thank you. I have a line on a rebuild kit, also a line on a good, used unit with half the mileage. When it does become time, I'll be changing out the rear main seal as well.

Now the decision is, do I rebuild it for funnsies (I've rebuilt a TH350 and a 700r4 before) or just swap in a good used one?

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[Poorboy]

So, it's the rear end making noise. Clunk and growl on decel. Not a peep on accel.

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[bluedragon436]

So, it's the rear end making noise. Clunk and growl on decel. Not a peep on accel.

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almost wonder if it might not be a loose pinion.. causing too much meshing/clearance issues on deceleration...

[Poorboy]

It's not lose enough to move by hand... maybe it's time to break out the torque wrench and give it a couple clicks of the elbow....

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[bluedragon436]

It's not lose enough to move by hand... maybe it's time to break out the torque wrench and give it a couple clicks of the elbow....

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

I mean that's just something I'm thinking.. I'd wait until some of the experts here chip in, before you tear stuff apart trying to figure that out.. I mean I guess won't be too bad to drop the DS and hit it up with the torque wrench..

[4.3LXJ]

Before you go tightening up the pinion, that has a crush sleeve in it and needs to be tightened to a specific torque. I don't have the specs in front of me right now. I would hold off on that

[Poorboy]

Before you go tightening up the pinion, that has a crush sleeve in it and needs to be tightened to a specific torque. I don't have the specs in front of me right now. I would hold off on that

I have a FSM here at the house. :) If it is at the right torque, then I will be rebuilding it.

*edit*

I don't have a torque wrench at the house that will go as high as the 210ftlb needed. Looks like I'm investing in more tools. :bacondance:

[4.3LXJ]

OK :thumbsup:

[Poorboy]

Luckily, I do have some drive axle related tooling already. :D

The Ford Van got an axle rebuild last year, so I have the bearing install/removal tools and what not.

[4.3LXJ]

Sounds like you have it covered then. Good luck

[Poorboy]

Sounds like you have it covered then. Good luck

It's covered for the most part. All I need is the time, which is hard to come by right now. I have to be in Seattle, WA this Friday to pick up my offspring. After that, I might have the time....

[bluedragon436]

I have a FSM here at the house. :) If it is at the right torque, then I will be rebuilding it.

*edit*

I don't have a torque wrench at the house that will go as high as the 210ftlb needed. Looks like I'm investing in more tools. :bacondance:

Nothing ever wrong with investing in tools as the need arises.. least then you'll have an excuse to purchase them... and have them if ever needed again... maybe even to help out a fellow Jeeper with issues..

[Poorboy]

I took a 300 mile drive to go pick up my kids on Friday.

It's not at all happy about the trip. It started howling on the way at 70 mph.

Definitely time for a bearing replacement.

[Poorboy]

Nothing ever wrong with investing in tools as the need arises.. least then you'll have an excuse to purchase them... and have them if ever needed again... maybe even to help out a fellow Jeeper with issues..

Exactly!

Today was a run to the parts store to replace a grease gun (The one we have here is ions old and not working well) and pick up some tools to assist with other vehicles in the driveway. Lubed everything that was able to be lubricated. Found a bad boot on a tie rod end while is was at it as well. :bang:

I have my kids for the next couple weeks, so actual repair work is on hold until they return to their mom. :cool:

Next project is Valve Cover Gasket since tightening the nuts didn't help (They were loose) and replacing that damn bearing in the third member.

I guess if it don't have oil under it, there must not be oil in it.... Or it just likes to mark it's territory.

[Poorboy]

Drove out to Logsden Oregon for the weekend. There's a stretch of Logsden Road that is pure logging road with loose gravel and twisty bits.... The Red Wagon ate that road up with ease! 4hi and pedal down. Fun!

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[4.3LXJ]

Drove out to Logsden Oregon for the weekend. There's a stretch of Logsden Road that is pure logging road with loose gravel and twisty bits.... The Red Wagon ate that road up with ease! 4hi and pedal down. Fun!

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

Last time I was out that way it was pretty much a moonscape right after the town of Valsetz was shut down. How does it look now?

[Poorboy]

Not to shabby now. Newport and Siletz have filled out nicely. Currently sitting on 40 acres of awesomeness.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150703_185537_zpsnq1e3ibl.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150703_185537_zpsnq1e3ibl.jpg.html)

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[4.3LXJ]

The land does have the capacity to regenerate. The Valsetz logging company raped the land and then left. I used to live in Albany

[Poorboy]

It's been replanted recently. :)

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[4.3LXJ]

Only recently? That was 40 years ago

[Poorboy]

There are areas of new growth less than 20 years old. There are areas that are supposedly of limits to logging.

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[Poorboy]

Currently in Logsden. Where the picture was taken.

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[Poorboy]

It's all about the little things.... In this case, things the produce light!

Here's what kicked this off. The bulb in this one was temperamental at best. Out with old bulb, in with the new. Even though it's something not paid much attention too, in the dark it becomes a pain to figure out what mode it was set too. Getting that changed out made a world of difference.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_0023371_zpsb3th2iiz.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_0023371_zpsb3th2iiz.jpg.html)


I've been watching bulbs die in the cluster for awhile now. A monumental PITA to change them all, but they are done. A lot of the bulbs didn't want to come out of the connectors and some of the connectors were glued in with a drop of super glue it seems. Me thinks someone was a bit paranoid about loose connections. The bulbs that weren't blown, were blackened internally. They all got changed. I'm in there, so might as well change them out.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002504_zpswblkcttl.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002504_zpswblkcttl.jpg.html)

The switch pod lights have never worked, which I never paid any mind too, but since we're there, now's a good time to remedy this.

Rear Wiper switch
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002343_zpslp1d3l0z.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002343_zpslp1d3l0z.jpg.html)

Rear Defog switch
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002350_zpstomjpshx.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002350_zpstomjpshx.jpg.html)

I even fixed my Park Brake Light issue. It hasn't worked since I bought the Little :xj-red: last year. The bulb test worked, but the light would not illuminate with the brake set. Turns out the connection tab on the switch broke. Fortunately, it broke off with just enough to slide a female spade terminal on... A quick fix was made with a Jumper made out of a male and female spade terminal on the short piece of wire between the switch and the factory connector. Sorry no picture of this.

I checked all the bulbs in the idiot light panel as well. They were all good, but the glass of the bulbs was blackened internally. So they got changed. What a difference!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002519_zpsnlqgpnl5.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002519_zpsnlqgpnl5.jpg.html)

I haven't had Console indicators for a couple months, so the bulbs got changed there too.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002549_zpsmfgqw85b.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002549_zpsmfgqw85b.jpg.html)

While the console was out, I gave it a thorough scrubbing in the kitchen sink. I feel so much better now that it's squeaky clean instead of being covered in gunge.

Am I strange for going through all this for just a few bulbs? :smiley-scared003:

[bruggz351]

It's all about the little things.... In this case, things the produce light!

Here's what kicked this off. The bulb in this one was temperamental at best. Out with old bulb, in with the new. Even though it's something not paid much attention too, in the dark it becomes a pain to figure out what mode it was set too. Getting that changed out made a world of difference.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_0023371_zpsb3th2iiz.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_0023371_zpsb3th2iiz.jpg.html)


I've been watching bulbs die in the cluster for awhile now. A monumental PITA to change them all, but they are done. A lot of the bulbs didn't want to come out of the connectors and some of the connectors were glued in with a drop of super glue it seems. Me thinks someone was a bit paranoid about loose connections. The bulbs that weren't blown, were blackened internally. They all got changed. I'm in there, so might as well change them out.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002504_zpswblkcttl.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002504_zpswblkcttl.jpg.html)

The switch pod lights have never worked, which I never paid any mind too, but since we're there, now's a good time to remedy this.

Rear Wiper switch
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002343_zpslp1d3l0z.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002343_zpslp1d3l0z.jpg.html)

Rear Defog switch
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002350_zpstomjpshx.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002350_zpstomjpshx.jpg.html)

I even fixed my Park Brake Light issue. It hasn't worked since I bought the Little :xj-red: last year. The bulb test worked, but the light would not illuminate with the brake set. Turns out the connection tab on the switch broke. Fortunately, it broke off with just enough to slide a female spade terminal on... A quick fix was made with a Jumper made out of a male and female spade terminal on the short piece of wire between the switch and the factory connector. Sorry no picture of this.

I checked all the bulbs in the idiot light panel as well. They were all good, but the glass of the bulbs was blackened internally. So they got changed. What a difference!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002519_zpsnlqgpnl5.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002519_zpsnlqgpnl5.jpg.html)

I haven't had Console indicators for a couple months, so the bulbs got changed there too.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150712_002549_zpsmfgqw85b.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150712_002549_zpsmfgqw85b.jpg.html)

While the console was out, I gave it a thorough scrubbing in the kitchen sink. I feel so much better now that it's squeaky clean instead of being covered in gunge.

Am I strange for going through all this for just a few bulbs? :smiley-scared003:
I'm quite impressed by that light display. Especially the heater control panel and warning lights.

Were they all replaced with original globes?

Btw, how did you change out the ones in the switches?

Cheers

Sent from my FRED

[Poorboy]

They were replaced with equivalent to OE bulbs. I'm going to source LED's for next time, that way I'll never have to change them again.

The switches have two bulbs, one is the indicator to locate the thing in the dark (on with headlights) and one internal to the rocker that indicates activity when pressed. I'm not sure how to replace the internal light, but the outer one is easy once you have the module detached from the dash. Each switch pod is held on to the dash by a couple tabs and screw.

The heater panel is a single bulb on one side of the panel. They don't give you much extra length of cable and vacuum line on the heater panel, changing that one is a bit of a trick.

Keep in mind, this is for the 1996 (in the US) and earlier models. I'm not sure how things work with 1997 and newer models.

It's not a difficult project, but it is time consuming.



Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[bruggz351]

They were replaced with equivalent to OE bulbs. I'm going to source LED's for next time, that way I'll never have to change them again.

The switches have two bulbs, one is the indicator to locate the thing in the dark (on with headlights) and one internal to the rocker that indicates activity when pressed. I'm not sure how to replace the internal light, but the outer one is easy once you have the module detached from the dash. Each switch pod is held on to the dash by a couple tabs and screw.

The heater panel is a single bulb on one side of the panel. They don't give you much extra length of cable and vacuum line on the heater panel, changing that one is a bit of a trick.

Keep in mind, this is for the 1996 (in the US) and earlier models. I'm not sure how things work with 1997 and newer models.

It's not a difficult project, but it is time consuming.



Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk
Thank you Poorboy.
I can't remember, how many times I have had the dash apart in my XJ. [emoji52]
But you know, I've never, ever taken notice of the lighting. [emoji4] except when I probed the wiring for a pickup/tap, for gauge lights.

I've been slowly replacing all the interior lights with LED. Just have the dash to go. It's a much better light than incandescent.


Sent from my FRED

[XJ Wheeler]

You know, sometimes it's tough to even know what is suppose to be lit. I never knew until I had it apart that the front ashtray has a light. What a difference it makes to figure it out.

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

I didn't see a light on mine when I had it apart. :(

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[XJ Wheeler]

I didn't see a light on mine when I had it apart. :(

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

Hmm, its on the backside of the lower dash panel to the left of the ashtray.

7931

Maybe its an option as mine is a Laredo. Or an older option, yours is 4 years newer. Never know they may have stopped equipping it on them at some point.

[4.3LXJ]

My Laredo had it too

[Poorboy]

Great, now I'm going to have to look. Lol.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

So, it's nearly Tab renewal/needs it's butt sniffed by the gub'ment time. :rant: I was tossing around the idea of making the name of the XJ a reality. RDWAGON for plates during the renewal process. :bacondance: Thoughts? :popcorn:

[autotech98]

Had my 98 for a year and a half before i knew it had footwell lights[emoji15]

[Brasscatz]

Two thoughts about custom plates....
1. they're expensive
2. They're memorable. If you somehow piss somebody off or something, it's easy to remember.

Other than that, I say go for it

[XJ Wheeler]

One thing, i like the idea but the letters made me think "RoaD WAGON". How about "REDWAGN"? Up to you of course just thought i'd mention it.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

REDWAGN is already taken. :( working in other ideas. Washington state only allows seven letters or numbers, or a combination thereof.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Pookapotamus]

My red xj was named ginger, maybe you can come up with something using that.


Translated from Pookanese.

[XJ Wheeler]

REDWAGN is already taken. :( working in other ideas. Washington state only allows seven letters or numbers, or a combination thereof.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

Ah, okay. Don't ya just hate that! So, that works then. I guess maybe "REDWGON" or "REDWGN" too, if they're available.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

Ah, okay. Don't ya just hate that! So, that works then. I guess maybe "REDWGON" or "REDWGN" too, if they're available.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

REDWGON is available. REDWGN is taken. :(

[Brasscatz]

Could also change the 'E' to a '3'

[Poorboy]

Could also change the 'E' to a '3'

I could. :)

[Poorboy]

Fan clutch, Temp sensor, Oil Pressure Sending unit and oil change this weekend with any luck. Also, finally going to open the can of worms (Chrysler 8 1/4") and get a look at how bad the Pinion bearings really are. :pray: :smiley-scared003:

Also, may have have to appear in court against the little :sign0055: that shot up the side of the Red Wagon with a pellet gun tonight. :mad: :smiley-angry021: There were other employees of the store I work at that had their vehicles damaged as well. It's only paint chips luckily, but still... :mad0090:

The Store itself is also seeking damages from the low lifes as well. :cuss:

[Poorboy]

Ruh Roh Raggy! My Bank account is going to hate me again for a bit....

JCR Offroad may be getting some of my money for a front bumper here soon...

[Poorboy]

No front Bumper yet.

I did get a tool set for mobile use (300 piece, because anything less is a waste on this vehicle), and a large storage tote (to replace the crappy small clear one) for hauling tools and fluids around. The tote is strapped to the cargo tie downs in the floor.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419201_zpsdnmsbts3.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419201_zpsdnmsbts3.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419391_zpskjwjsdpt.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419391_zpskjwjsdpt.jpg.html)

Ordered some Floor liners from 4 wheel parts and am waiting for them to come in. While I was out I picked up a Jerry Can, Tire cover and Tire chocks and got them mounted in their homes in the tire carrier.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1309421_zpstol6tdxr.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1309421_zpstol6tdxr.jpg.html)

[4.3LXJ]

So I take it the cat does not approve of the clear container?

[Poorboy]

Clear container did not meet pussy Acceptance Criteria. :lmao:

She loved the giant black tote though. :woot:

She also curled up the driver seat. :smiley-scared003:

[bluedragon436]

No front Bumper yet.

I did get a tool set for mobile use (300 piece, because anything less is a waste on this vehicle), and a large storage tote (to replace the crappy small clear one) for hauling tools and fluids around. The tote is strapped to the cargo tie downs in the floor.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419201_zpsdnmsbts3.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419201_zpsdnmsbts3.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419391_zpskjwjsdpt.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419391_zpskjwjsdpt.jpg.html)

Ordered some Floor liners from 4 wheel parts and am waiting for them to come in. While I was out I picked up a Jerry Can, Tire cover and Tire chocks and got them mounted in their homes in the tire carrier.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1309421_zpstol6tdxr.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1309421_zpstol6tdxr.jpg.html)

Looks like a good storage solution.. I've been looking to something similar to replace the foot locker I used in my old 98, which I liked, was perfect size for what I carried, but had no real way to secure the top on it, other then straps... I've been looking at going with the SWAG OFFROAD (http://www.swagoffroad.com/24-Gallon-Rubber-Maid-Action-Packer-Baja-Bins-_p_37.html) kit for the 24 Gallon totes, Thinking about running two of them stacked or at least have the option too that way when I go camping, I can put camping gear in the top totes, and they'll all be secured, but when out wheeling only the lower level of totes will be there...

[Poorboy]

The tote is a 20 gallon "Husky" brand tote from Home Depot. I cut a slot on the bottom of each side to run the strap along the inside bottom to secure it.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-Gal-Storage-Tote-17200553/204774811

[Poorboy]

Got my Rugged Ridge floor liners in today. If I can wake up at a decent hour Friday morning, I'll be opening the Can of Worms known as a Chrysler 8 1/4 inch. Find out how bad things really are back there.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

Time for an oil and filter change while I'm under there.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

It's Oil change day.... Also swapping in a new OPS. I'm tired of the gauge waving at me.

[bruggz351]

It's Oil change day.... Also swapping in a new OPS. I'm tired of the gauge waving at me.
It's a JEEP wave[emoji13] [emoji106]

Sent from my FRED

[Poorboy]

Got the Oil, filter and Pressure sending unit changed today. :bacondance:

If and that's a BIG IF, the OPS (I never trust a factory gauge) is reading correctly, hot idle is around 35 or 40 PSI? Doesn't make a hole lotta sense to me... :smiley-scared003:

Can someone chime in and give me a clue? :confused:

Could it really be that high? I am running 10w40 Valvoline though.

[bruggz351]

I've gotta change my oil again, pronto. Hot idle, oil pressure barely registers, on my aftermarket, mechanical gauge.

Sent from my FRED

[Poorboy]

I've gotta change my oil again, pronto. Hot idle, oil pressure barely registers, on my aftermarket, mechanical gauge.

Sent from my FRED

Yikes!

I was quite impressed when, on the dry startup after the changes, I got NO rod knock or lifter tick. Seems to me her heart is in decent shape.

[Poorboy]

Got the alarm put in today. Yay for peace of mind!

To most it may just be an annoying noise maker in the event of SHTF with the vehicle, but to me it's one less worry. :)

[Peabody68]

What bumper tire carrier is that?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

What bumper tire carrier is that?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Smittybilt XRC bumper w/carrier. They make a version without the carrier as well.

One caveat, the fitment isn't the best. My passenger side is against the body, even though the bolts are all the way against the outer ends of the mounting holes.

Space for a jerry can, hi-lift and an extra, smaller spot that I'm using for tire chocks.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Mudderoy]

Got the Oil, filter and Pressure sending unit changed today. :bacondance:

If and that's a BIG IF, the OPS (I never trust a factory gauge) is reading correctly, hot idle is around 35 or 40 PSI? Doesn't make a hole lotta sense to me... :smiley-scared003:

Can someone chime in and give me a clue? :confused:

Could it really be that high? I am running 10w40 Valvoline though.

Fresh oil will have a higher viscosity, so it will probably read higher for a bit. You say hot engine, 210?

[Poorboy]

Fresh oil will have a higher viscosity, so it will probably read higher for a bit. You say hot engine, 210?


Yes, Normal Op temp. Even after a long Freeway drive of 40 miles in nearly 100 degree weather. still reads about 35 or so at idle. 45-50 at speed.

The only thing I have is the usual 4.0 liter lifter knock at idle. I may run some Seafoam through the crankcase before the next change and see if it goes away.

Also, it takes about 4000 miles before the oil is dark enough to start obscuring the marks on the stick.... :O Me thinks this one was well maintained. No sludge under the rocker cover either. :bacondance:

[bruggz351]

Yikes!

I was quite impressed when, on the dry startup after the changes, I got NO rod knock or lifter tick. Seems to me her heart is in decent shape.
I've got a rattle, I'm putting down to lifters. Quite a melody.

Sent from my FRED

[Poorboy]

I've got a rattle, I'm putting down to lifters. Quite a melody.

Sent from my FRED

Probably just lifters in your case. If it was more guttural and deep, I'd say rods or mains.

[Poorboy]

Boneyard haul today.

Little stuff like a Rear wiper motor, Pigtails for the Rear door dome light switches (it never had rear light switches), a replacement Console lid to replace the cracked one.

I bought new door jamb switches from my locals parts house as there are a one and done type of deal. They set their final shaft length when the door is shut for the first time.

The rear door light switch pigtails are unobtainium around here. The two Jeeps in my local boneyard didn't have them at all. Granted, the '87 that was there uses the old school GM jamb switch that grounds to the body, where is the newer one uses an isolated switch with a power and a ground wire to the switch. So I stole the front door switch pigtails from each side.

I had to modify the front switch pigtails to work with the rear, which involved cutting off the giant front harness plugs, removing the grommet and using some wire connectors for the driver side where I had the length in the body harness to make it work. The Passenger side... well, that I had to get creative, because I had NO extra wire length and could barely pull the connector out far enough to even look at it, so, after robbing the female terminal from the CHMSL which is no longer used (that plug fits the body side harness male plug for the dome light), getting all the wires joined up, plugged it in and viola! Lights when the rear doors are open!

I could have used the body side plug on the driver side as well, but it looks like somewhere in this things life, someone shut the plug in the door, crushing it.

The console cover needed a good scrubbing, but looks really good, minus a few scratches.

The rear wiper motor was a bolt on affair, no frills and thrills there.

The alarm is now fully informed on the vehicle status, the console now looks 100 times better, and I have a working rear wiper!

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150814_1550401_zpsasxmuhl9.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150814_1550401_zpsasxmuhl9.jpg.html)

I wish I had taken a picture of the XJ I got the parts from. She was wrecked HARD on the driver front corner, airbag popped, column collapsed, wrinkled from front to rear.

I'll be going back to the bone yard later this week for the inner hatch trim panel, the hatch struts (Which were brand new) and some other little pieces just to have around.

[Poorboy]

Nothing really done this last week or so beside the minor electrical work.

Sound system head unit upgrades in the works. The current unit is now going on 5+ years old and showing it's age in sound quality despite having new speakers all the way around. I also want to swap it out for one with Bluetooth functionality.

Designing a sub box for the rear as well. Seeming as I have a aerospace background and am very familiar with Fiberglass, it will make an easy weekend project.

Deeply considering tossing a lunchbox locker in when I rebuilt the third member. Thoughts on a good one for the 8 1/4?

[xj-jake]

I put in a Spartan but most of the lunchbox lockers are all about the same. As long as it's out it's not a bad idea to do it.

[bluedragon436]

Nothing really done this last week or so beside the minor electrical work.

Sound system head unit upgrades in the works. The current unit is now going on 5+ years old and showing it's age in sound quality despite having new speakers all the way around. I also want to swap it out for one with Bluetooth functionality.

Designing a sub box for the rear as well. Seeming as I have a aerospace background and am very familiar with Fiberglass, it will make an easy weekend project.

Deeply considering tossing a lunchbox locker in when I rebuilt the third member. Thoughts on a good one for the 8 1/4?



I'm looking at running an Alpine CDE-143BT in my 97.. There are a few of the slightly newer units I like too... but this one for the options it offers and the price will probably keep me with this unit on mine... As I have to replace all 4 speakers, and get the harness and adapters for installation too....

As far as the lunchbox lockers, check out Lokka lockers.. You can purchase the set for a pretty decent deal... That is what I'm looking at doing once I get a few more items taken care of and have a chance to get her out and going for a bit, to make sure that money won't be needed elsewhere first...

[Poorboy]

I put in a Spartan but most of the lunchbox lockers are all about the same. As long as it's out it's not a bad idea to do it.


I'm looking at running an Alpine CDE-143BT in my 97.. There are a few of the slightly newer units I like too... but this one for the options it offers and the price will probably keep me with this unit on mine... As I have to replace all 4 speakers, and get the harness and adapters for installation too....

As far as the lunchbox lockers, check out Lokka lockers.. You can purchase the set for a pretty decent deal... That is what I'm looking at doing once I get a few more items taken care of and have a chance to get her out and going for a bit, to make sure that money won't be needed elsewhere first...

Thank you for the ideas! :)

I don't know when this will air on the talk show, but I finally did the video review of the XRC carrier/bumper. Pardon the lack of editing, it was the butt crack of dawn and I'm too lazy to do multiple takes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmBclT7bYT4

[Poorboy]

She passed the Butt Sniffer with flying colors, WITH a failing Cat Con!

I will be going with Vanity Plates, Ya'll just have to see what they are.

Watching my kids climb in is kinda fun. My son just monkeys his way in, my daughter is a bit more methodical.... and usually gets turned around. Oh well, She'll figure it out eventually!

[Poorboy]

After working at paying this thing off for the last year, (I didn't go into detail on this, it's really quite boring), she's now fully in my name! No more payments!

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[XJ Wheeler]

Congrats! Feels good, don't it!

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

Congrats! Feels good, don't it!

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.
Yes it does! No more money out for payments. Now that can go to future mods!

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[XJ Wheeler]

Woohoo! More parts!!! :D

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

Woohoo! More parts!!! :D

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

Exactly!!

Front Bumper and winch next. I decided to go with a permanently mounted front winch instead of the front mount receiver.

[Poorboy]

Last week I made a midnight run to the coast after work. Logsden Road is no joke at night. There is a 2 mile section of pure, unadulterated logging road. Steep, narrow (lane and a half wide), gravel washboard surface complete with blind corners, drop offs, cliffsides, potholes and log trucks. On my return run I stopped and grabbed a pic of the entrance to the the gravel portion headed back towards Corvallis Oregon. You better run this one in 4hi when it's raining. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/19/e07b107f6a90b2ed0b929e85911d93e3.jpg

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Mudderoy]

Last week I made a midnight run to the coast after work. Logsden Road is no joke at night. There is a 2 mile section of pure, unadulterated logging road. Steep, narrow (lane and a half wide), gravel washboard surface complete with blind corners, drop offs, cliffsides, potholes and log trucks. On my return run I stopped and grabbed a pic of the entrance to the the gravel portion headed back towards Corvallis Oregon. You better run this one in 4hi when it's raining. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/19/e07b107f6a90b2ed0b929e85911d93e3.jpg

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

Sounds exciting.

[Poorboy]

Come around a blind corner at speed at the wrong time and your sphincter will definitely let you know!

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

Not much done the last week or so. I'm in the middle of transitioning to a new work site and getting that office set up, so time has been limited in regard to getting thing done. :smiley-scared003:

Also remodeled and deep cleaned my room. My wait for affordable housing continues. Stuck at the parents house (I literally have half the house to myself though) until I can get into a place I can afford....

I did get new lift struts on the hatch today though! Hooray for having a hatch that opens and stays open on it's own! :bacondance:

Now I can get rid of the every XJ owners required equipment, The stick. :poke:

[Poorboy]

Nothing this week for upgrades, sorry guys!

Well, OK, so the mileage went up to 226+K. :headbag: I had an emergency 400 mile Bug out run to the coast and back for a family emergency at the beginning of last week. :thumbdown:

Tossed the gas can in the carrier, dropped a Benjamin in fuel for both the main (I chugged into the station) and "Reserve" tanks and headed out. I did learn that the feed me gauge is spot on. When it's empty, it's truly empty. Probably the only gauge that actually works properly on this thing. :bacondance:

The XRC Carrier handled the added weight of the full Gerry can like a boss. You know the carrier is heavy as hell with the tire and fuel load, but it still swung away with a light touch.

When I got back, I pulled the fill plugs front, rear and center and checked levels. All were full. The rear has some silver in the fluid, but that's to be expected because my lazy behind hasn't gotten around to rebuilding the rear end yet.

Also, like an idiot, I set my own alarm off. :bang: Force of habit to use the keys for entry. :rolleye0012: It took my brain a minute to figure out why my vehicle was going into full :nuke: meltdown at 3 am. I'm sure my neighbors hate me now. :smiley-scared003:

[Poorboy]

I've started measuring and sketching up a Cargo area storage doohickey. I had a rudimentary one built in the back of my '87, which did the job, though ugly and no shelves/drawers. :thumbdown:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Jeep%20carnage/100_1456.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Jeep%20carnage/100_1456.jpg.html)

The new design will likely have drawers and since I no longer have an interior mounted spare, will run all the way across and be permanently mounted.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/IMG_20151012_0002_zpsxn7avype.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/IMG_20151012_0002_zpsxn7avype.jpg.html)

Not sure what materials this one will fabricated out of. The old one was scrap 2x4's and marine grade plywood. For weight reduction, I may build this one out of Aluminum for the frame and Plywood for the top.

The current storage solution:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419201_zpsdnmsbts3.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1419201_zpsdnmsbts3.jpg.html)

Any thoughts and helpful words will be appreciated.

[Poorboy]

Has it really almost a month since the last update? I'm slacking here!

I haven't done much other than drive the thing, no mods, no fixes.

[Poorboy]

Took The Red Wagon out to Ladee Flats yesterday. Had a total blast!

Popped her cherry finally. Took on some challenges that not only challenged myself, but also the Jeep. I came out with no Carnage and only a tiny bit of frame damage. It took me a bit to find it.... Didn't even break the undercoating!

The list of wants just became about 20 pages longer!
Lockers, front bumper w/recovery points and skid plates are priority.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_112024_zps32yfrroy.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_112024_zps32yfrroy.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_100827_zpsvpe7e5x2.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_100827_zpsvpe7e5x2.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_100952_zpsxw70s49y.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_100952_zpsxw70s49y.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_102639_zpsilkhsmxo.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Ladee%20Flats%20Nov-14-2015/20151114_102639_zpsilkhsmxo.jpg.html)

I'm quite impressed by the selection of parts in my build. She flexed nicely, took on a small rock pile and I only got hung up once. In all, I'm happy as hell and want moar!

[XJ Wheeler]

And so it begins... :D

Congrats on the first time. Makes for a big case of the wants for sure.

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

[Poorboy]

Wants versus bank account, which one empties faster.... without spending on parts. :( I have a budget worked out again for the next round of upgrades, just waiting on paychecks now.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

Welp.... It's been a couple months....

Nothing changed, save for the noisy rear end (not mine, the Jeep). :rotfl2: I really, really, really need to get that 8 1/4 rebuilt. I have officially decided to toss in a Truetrac diff when I do the deed. The type and amount of wheeling I do doesn't necessarily warrant the purchase and use of a full locker (even a selectable).

I did get to test out the Duratrac tires in the snow and on the icy roads a week ago when we had our yearly winter storm. I am impressed! :bacondance: We got about 6 inches in places and I had zero issues getting through it, even in 2HI. We had a major ice storm right after the snow. Only then did I have issues with traction. No matter how slow I crawled up our hill out of the neighborhood, I lost traction. :bang: No work that night!

I did have one no-start scare though. :smiley-scared003: Not sure what happened, but she cranked, farted once, then didn't catch. She fired right away on the next turn of the key though. Fuel pressure is good, I had tach movement (crank signal), but no fire in the hole. No code set either.

The only thing I can think of is that the :xj-red: came from Montana and was most likely plugged in (it does have a block heater) when the temps dropped. I've seen vehicles do this same :turd: that have been plugged in before. Once you plug them in, they never seem to run right when it's cold....

[Poorboy]

Had a small arts and crafts project today.

Ever since I bought the Red Wagon nearly two years ago, the speaker bezels in the front doors have been bothering me. The louvers were broken or missing and in just not good shape. I removed the remaining louvers months ago and couldn't figure out an elegant solution.

I got the driver side done today.

I picked up a sheet of Decorative Aluminum from the Homeless Despot (Home Depot) a few days ago and just needed the time to get it done.

I needed to be able to drive thing today during the project, so I put the handle and armrest back in while I was working with the panel.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/Door%201_zpsk5eg19bi.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/Door%201_zpsk5eg19bi.jpg.html)

My ultimate prize, the bezel.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/bezel%201_zpsyx6nxz1c.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/bezel%201_zpsyx6nxz1c.jpg.html)

A little work with the file and some sandpaper to clean up the flash left from the louvers and we are ready to commence.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/Bzel%202_zps5gcvtibp.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/Bzel%202_zps5gcvtibp.jpg.html)

Measure twice, cut once....
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/Bezel%203_zpsdm3iyaks.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/Bezel%203_zpsdm3iyaks.jpg.html)

Dry fit before final trimming.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/Bezel%204%20trimming_zpsvcj3nfip.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/Bezel%204%20trimming_zpsvcj3nfip.jpg.html)

Final fit and epoxy.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160122_2015261_zpsg4zbuwvw.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160122_2015261_zpsg4zbuwvw.jpg.html)

Completed panel, installed.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160122_203759_zps49e0hxtc.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160122_203759_zps49e0hxtc.jpg.html)

Not too shabby!! I'll tackle the passenger side tomorrow.

Passenger side for comparison. Not so pretty. That will change. :)
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160122_204014_zps9injx6zh.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160122_204014_zps9injx6zh.jpg.html)

[Poorboy]

Well...... I finally decided since I can't turn the radio up and drown out the rear end noise anymore that I would open the can of worms.....

Well, in reality, I lost ALL rear braking, so what started as a brake service and exploratory surgery turned into an axle service. :smiley-scared003:

The passenger side rear brake wasn't working, at all. Frozen Wheel cylinder and Self adjuster screw. :eek:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160205_110442_zpsccspudwl.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160205_110442_zpsccspudwl.jpg.html)


The Driver side linings are cooked with a capital "C". I also discovered the Driver side axle bearing had a TON of play. "Rumble Rumble!!" Not long before the seal let go. :smiley-angry021:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160205_110532_zps637xjaab.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160205_110532_zps637xjaab.jpg.html)

Off came the cover, out with the lock bolt, cross pin, and "C" clips.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160213_113913_zps4nb1pemn.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160213_113913_zps4nb1pemn.jpg.html)

Ruh Roh Raggy!!! Spilled 90w blood! It gave me the shaft!!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160213_114647_zpsrilawhsi.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160213_114647_zpsrilawhsi.jpg.html)

I win this round. :bacondance:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160213_162252_zpshf2ly3ih.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160213_162252_zpshf2ly3ih.jpg.html)

Hmmmm.... got a little warm maybe? :thumbdown:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160213_194115_zps0v3wr5pi.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160213_194115_zps0v3wr5pi.jpg.html)

I'll get it all back together this week. We shall see if that gets rid of the heavy vibration. So far the R&P look great, the carrier spins nice and smooth. The shafts look fine, but I will mic them out to verify they are OK.

It'll be nice to have her back on the road again. While I have enjoyed driving the Prius, I miss my Red Wagon!

[Poorboy]

I've been fighting the Virus from hell the last couple weeks, so I haven't had much energy or strength, but I did get the cover cleaned up and the bolts dressed yesterday.

The PO must have stock in Orange Silicone, because there was the equivalent to a full tube used on the cover flange. Wrong stuff to use in this application. It's took a couple of wire wheels to abrade all that goop off of the cover. I also spent about an hour with the parts washer and wire brushes cleaning all the Schmoo from the lower half under the plug. WHY OH WHY DID CHRYSLER USE A RUBBER PLUG!!! Leaky turds. Bought a new one too.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/12787114_981435288607172_355272941_o_zpsvv72icdn.j pg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/12787114_981435288607172_355272941_o_zpsvv72icdn.j pg.html)

Also, this little guy is ever so slightly not straight... Luckily replacements are dirt cheap.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/12788529_981434098607291_1685126138_o_zpssgwskovl. jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/12788529_981434098607291_1685126138_o_zpssgwskovl. jpg.html)

I have all the required parts and pieces except for the cover bolts, I'll pick those up in a day or two.

[autotech98]

Yes i agree rubber plug on a vessel that if you lose the fluid it does major damage....and sorry to hear you have been feeling poorly man

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

Yes i agree rubber plug on a vessel that if you lose the fluid it does major damage....and sorry to hear you have been feeling poorly man

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

Thank you. :)

Feeling a little better, but work still wipes me out at the end of the day. I had some other crap come up this week that hasn't made it easy to go pick up the remaining parts.

I will get her back together though.

[4.3LXJ]

Man, that was some virus. Glad you are recovering. Sucks being sick

[Poorboy]

Man, that was some virus. Glad you are recovering. Sucks being sick

My Dr. won't even let me come into the office.... :smiley-scared003:

They said the name of it, but I can't remember for the life me. I'm improving daily, but still... UGH! Luckily, I have a vehicle I am using until I can get :xj-red: up and rolling again. Sadly though, the vehicle is a Prius. I can hear the Jeep whining daily about how it wants to park on it....

[4.3LXJ]

You and your Jeep will get better. I remember going to an ambulance call when I was a firefighter where there was a guy that had a virus and had passed out. Smelled bad too. We didn't even go home because we didn't want to infect our families. Turned out it was a weird one that only one in two million people get. The guy did recover in time too

[Poorboy]

You and your Jeep will get better. I remember going to an ambulance call when I was a firefighter where there was a guy that had a virus and had passed out. Smelled bad too. We didn't even go home because we didn't want to infect our families. Turned out it was a weird one that only one in two million people get. The guy did recover in time too

Luckily I'm mostly over this. Just the clean up efforts are left. LOL.

Put all the parts and pieces into the vehicle project part of the garage today. It started raining again, so working on it is a no go at this moment. No sense in making the sickness worse or even tempting fate.

Took another good close look at the R&P while I was out there. The gears have no chips or cracks. They do have a nice mirror polish though!!

Took care of some other maintenance around the property in regards to the small engines we have. Lawnmower fired right up after it's slumber. Same with the edger, Rototiller, chainsaw, weedeater, and the hedge trimmer.

The Generator.... Well, it's a bit..... finicky. :bang: I got running, only after flushing the carb. I had fuel stabilizer in everything with a full tank. The genny has an empty tank, but still some moisture made it's way to the bowl. :mad:

It's good to go now. Back to starting on the first pull. :bacondance: Even found the larger muffler for it. It's now been moved to the carport for easy access just in case of emergency. Thank goodness it's on it's own cart. at about 100 lbs, I didn't want to pick it up...

Did I mention the Genny is 36 years of age?

[autotech98]

A prius [emoji15]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

A prius [emoji15]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

Better than the Ford!!!! Also, better than the Crapolier....

Ford needs work too. 4.2V6 with a WICKED stumble. :thumbdown: Full tune up didn't help. Something else is screwy, well other than it's a Ford. :smiley-scared003:

The Crapolier has a failing ignition switch (It's my sisters car) which will be an easy fix once she picks up the parts.

The Tacoma (Dad's other rig) and the Prius are the two best running vehicles in the flleet, besides the non-mobile Jeep.

[autotech98]

Just giving you a hard time. Prius are good vehicles just a pain to program the smart/proximity keys

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

Just giving you a hard time. Prius are good vehicles just a pain to program the smart/proximity keys

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

I'll take a good ribbin'..... LOL

We have one dead proximity key. It still works if you shove it in it's dash receptacle though!

The Prius is a good solid vehicle. Toyota got the Hybrid Drive system right. :)

[Poorboy]

Axle is back together. two of the spider gears decided to abandon ship while sliding the shafts back in, but it is now fully assembled nonetheless. :bang: Just need to get the cover back on and the diff refilled. :D

Brakes are bled for the most part. I broke my vacuum bleeder. :( Once I have a hand here at the house, I'll make damn good and sure that the air is out.

She'll be moving again this week for sure. :bacondance:

I can't wait to hear her run again. It's been too long.

[Poorboy]

Cover is on. Diff is filled and she's driving again!!! :bacondance:

I got her stopping with confidence today!!

Unintentional detail. I thought about painting the cover bolts black, but after seeing it like this, I'm leaving them natural.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_175450_zpst12t78og.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_175450_zpst12t78og.jpg.html)

Now, the fun part.... Can you see my error? It's been remedied...

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_163436_zps54dftr6g.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_163436_zps54dftr6g.jpg.html)

The noise I swore up and down was Pinion Bearing.... is GONE! No heavy vibration anymore either. Wheel Bearings were the cause. Of course, they were Blue! :smiley-laughing021:

[GoneWithTheWind]

Good to hear your back on the road!

[Poorboy]

Good to hear your back on the road!

Thank you muchly!!

I've missed driving this vehicle.

Now, after I'm done paying off the IRS this year, Mods will continue.

[Basslicks]

Hey man, just finished zipping through your thread. Seems as though most of the pics aren't working though. Can you refresh your photobucket links?

[4.3LXJ]

Lots of those pics not working for me either

[Basslicks]

:worthlesspics:

sorry.... had to

:D

[Poorboy]

Let me see what I can do about the pics. I changed the file name over on Photobucket, which likely broke the links....

[Poorboy]

Hey man, just finished zipping through your thread. Seems as though most of the pics aren't working though. Can you refresh your photobucket links?


Lots of those pics not working for me either


:worthlesspics:

sorry.... had to

:D

Should be fixed now.

[Basslicks]

YUP!!!! Workin' now

[Poorboy]

Cover is on. Diff is filled and she's driving again!!! :bacondance:

I got her stopping with confidence today!!

Unintentional detail. I thought about painting the cover bolts black, but after seeing it like this, I'm leaving them natural.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160325_175450_zpst12t78og.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160325_175450_zpst12t78og.jpg.html)

Now, the fun part.... Can you see my error? It's been remedied...

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160325_163436_zps54dftr6g.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160325_163436_zps54dftr6g.jpg.html)

The noise I swore up and down was Pinion Bearing.... is GONE! No heavy vibration anymore either. Wheel Bearings were the cause. Of course, they were Blue! :smiley-laughing021:

Links corrected.....

[Basslicks]

Links corrected.....

Yes definitely!!! Much better reading experience now. I like the build man. Got a few ideas from ya, and now that I see that Smitty Bilt bumper/tire carrier installed on a real-world application, I'm much more interested.

D'oh!....


Cover is on. Diff is filled and she's driving again!!! :bacondance:

I got her stopping with confidence today!!

Unintentional detail. I thought about painting the cover bolts black, but after seeing it like this, I'm leaving them natural.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_175450_zpst12t78og.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_175450_zpst12t78og.jpg.html)

Now, the fun part.... Can you see my error? It's been remedied...

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_163436_zps54dftr6g.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/The%20little%20red%20wagon/20160325_163436_zps54dftr6g.jpg.html)

The noise I swore up and down was Pinion Bearing.... is GONE! No heavy vibration anymore either. Wheel Bearings were the cause. Of course, they were Blue! :smiley-laughing021:

[Poorboy]

Yes definitely!!! Much better reading experience now. I like the build man. Got a few ideas from ya, and now that I see that Smitty Bilt bumper/tire carrier installed on a real-world application, I'm much more interested.

D'oh!....

A word of warning on the bumper/carrier.... It's heavy. 160 lbs without the tire and hi-lift or anything else on it.

[Basslicks]

A word of warning on the bumper/carrier.... It's heavy. 160 lbs without the tire and hi-lift or anything else on it.

That seems to be the general consensus I'm getting on ALL bumper/tire carrier combos. I'll definitely need to upgrade my rear springs before getting one, but I defintely want one. I don't like the idea of stowing my spare on my roof and I'd like to have all the rear cargo space I can get.

[Poorboy]

That seems to be the general consensus I'm getting on ALL bumper/tire carrier combos. I'll definitely need to upgrade my rear springs before getting one, but I defintely want one. I don't like the idea of stowing my spare on my roof and I'd like to have all the rear cargo space I can get.

In order to do the job they are intended to do, they have to be over engineered. A wheel and tire combo can weight in excess of 100 lbs in some cases.

I do like the XRC line.

A couple caveats with the Carrier/Bumper, the passenger side bracket can place the bumper too close to the body, even at it's maximum outward placement. You could lengthen the slotted bolt holes, or just grind the bumper edge to gain the clearance. All you want is the clearance on each side to be equal. You only need about an 1/8 inch between the body and the bumper.

Using all the supplied brackets, the bumper is rated to tow the full weight rating of 5000lbs.

The placement of the Hi-lift jack is across the top of the carrier, not vertical like the instructions. You can mount it vertically, but height becomes an issue.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1341061_zpsje28ygik.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1341061_zpsje28ygik.jpg.html)

Only a modern metal 5 gallon Jerry can will fit in the can carrier. The hold down straps are a pain to get on and off the carrier. I'll be looking at other methods of securing the can.

Unless you have an offset license plate already, you will need to relocate the plate to the left side of the liftgate, then get a cheap trailer plate light and wire it in for the license light.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20150801_1309421_zpstol6tdxr.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20150801_1309421_zpstol6tdxr.jpg.html)

If you have a Center mount Tail light near the bottom of the lift gate glass, you'll need to disconnect it as it is blocked by the tire and will reflect into the cab. Then if you want a third taillight, you'll have to find a creative solution. I used an aftermarket light that slides in the receiver and plugs into my existing trailer plug.

Grease the over loving S**T out of the pivot pin for the carrier.

Use dry lubricant on the latch.

Unless you have a locking lug nut, go buy a cable style bike lock, similar to what is in the pics. Loop the cable through the rim, around the tube, through the hi-lift jack holes and through the handle of the Gerry can to lock it all down.

I will be wiring in a switch on the carrier so if someone opens the carrier, my alarm will go off. As it sits now, the carrier being opened will sometimes trigger the alarm through the motion sensor. Shutting it WILL set the alarm off every time.

Back into parking spaces, it's easier to pull out (insert sexually related joke here) of the space since you can't see much out the back with the tire mounted.

[autotech98]

I'll take a good ribbin'..... LOL

We have one dead proximity key. It still works if you shove it in it's dash receptacle though!

The Prius is a good solid vehicle. Toyota got the Hybrid Drive system right. :)
Yeah the immobilizer/transponder chip is separate from the remote.Thats what makes them such fun to program. And you are right the hybrid drive is the best on the market[emoji1]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[Poorboy]

Soooo.... Updates. Maybe?

I went camping a couple weeks and attended the Long Beach Cleanup in Long Beach, WA. Stayed at the KOA in Warrenton, Or and had a great time. Not many pics. Just out to have some fun that weekend.

OK, MAJOR build update!!!

I got the XRC front Winch Bumper and a Winch installed today. :bacondance:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/front_zps67p1sx55.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/front_zps67p1sx55.jpg.html)

The winch is a cheapie, but as often as I will actually use it, it should hold up fine. :)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/winch_zpsrno8xseu.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/winch_zpsrno8xseu.jpg.html)

[4.3LXJ]

Ha, old stomping grounds for me. Wife was born and raised in Astoria. Last time I was at Long Beach around Christmas, it was really stormy. Got this pic up at the northern end.

[Poorboy]

Had some fun this weekend. Took the Red Wagon out to "Pick up the Burn" in Camas at Yacolt Burn OHV. The trails here are really nothing even close to extreme. A stock rig can do them as long as it 4wd or AWD capability for the steeper climbs on the loose surfaces.

14th Annual Pick up the burn was a great success. We hauled out everything including the kitchen sink!

They divided the volunteers into four teams, each marked with a different color Marker on their antennas. My team got the powerline road area. It's BPA land, so no wheeling allowed. Forced to stick with the Gravel road as their are no 4wd vehicle trails in this section.

Jones Creek Trailhead.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160507_115652_zpszb0eny4i.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160507_115652_zpszb0eny4i.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160507_115719_zpsa72qqgvb.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160507_115719_zpsa72qqgvb.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/New%20Jeep/20160507_115709_zps2lhz9hvn.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/New%20Jeep/20160507_115709_zps2lhz9hvn.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Pick%20up%20the%20Burn%202016/20160507_132347_zps4woyptma.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Pick%20up%20the%20Burn%202016/20160507_132347_zps4woyptma.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Pick%20up%20the%20Burn%202016/20160507_132339_zps11vyhk16.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Pick%20up%20the%20Burn%202016/20160507_132339_zps11vyhk16.jpg.html)

There should be a special punishment for those who shoot glass. I'm thinking either drink it with their morning coffee, or making them wipe with the shards from their own mess. :mad:

[4.3LXJ]

That in Tillamook state forest?

[Poorboy]

That in Tillamook state forest?

Negative.

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Yacolt

Yacult Burn state forest outside of Camas, Washington. Its about a 30 minute drive from my house. :)

[4.3LXJ]

OK, thanks

[AJ99]

What was your reasoning for going with the XRC line over other brands? OR-fab, DirtBound, Hanson ect.

[Poorboy]

What was your reasoning for going with the XRC line over other brands? OR-fab, DirtBound, Hanson ect.

More bang for the buck.

Most of the competing brands don't include the extra mounting hardware, which then must be purchased separately if you want the full rated capacity of the bumpers.

These are well built, but there are some minor issues that need to be resolved. Mostly in the manufacturing process. Good product for the price though.

For example: The Passenger side of my rear bumper contacts the body, even though it's mounted in the center of the mounting holes. If I move the bumper out more, I have excessive gap on the driver side according to their instructions.

I need to grind a tiny bit off to make it fit perfectly. If I get the viewing angle just right, I can see where they made the mistake. It's not a major issue, but it does create a fitment problem. I still haven't pulled the bumper to fix the issue since that would mean full dissassembly of the bumper/carrier and removing 130+LBS of steel from the vehicle....

The front bumper had a minor issue with the passenger side tab where it was bent outwards just a touch. I can see where the weld may have caused the metal to move a little, pushing it outwards. Nothing a little massaging with a BFH didn't cure.

Once I let SmittyBilt know of the issues I had, they informed me that they would remedy the issue on future builds. So far, since I notified them, I have not heard of anymore complaints.

[Poorboy]

Forgot to mention as part of the updates during July...

Did some wheelin'.... Got some dirt under the tires. Nicolai Mountain OHV outside of Astoria, Ore, Yacolt Burn which is local to me and TSF (Browns Camp).

Stopped at Tongue Point for a minute on the way to the coast. I attended that Job Corps center from 2001 to 2003 and worked as staff from 2008 to 2010.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160619_134726_zpsyw18adpt.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160619_134726_zpsyw18adpt.jpg.html)

Home for that week. :) Astoria/Warrenton KOA.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160620_180007_zpsgwvmmibi.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160620_180007_zpsgwvmmibi.jpg.html)


After making camp it was time for the trek. Eight and a half miles up Shingle Mill road (an active, narrow logging road mind you), where you will find the main Nicolai staging area with a pit toilet and small campground.

Nicolai is super muddy, super fun.... Except when your lack of lockers means you get owned even on the most basic of trails up there. Try as might, I could not for the life of me, get over the logs.... Even aired way down... So we hooked up a cable and snatch blog for a little redirection and all we managed to do was pull my buddies rig down the trail towards me. No trees were in any sort of line that wouldn't pull me off trail without using an achor rig. :mad:

Just a couple gratuitous pics from the gravel pit/upper staging area. :bacondance:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160620_125252_zps1wnazltq.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160620_125252_zps1wnazltq.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160620_125240_zpsp89o0pvo.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160620_125240_zpsp89o0pvo.jpg.html)

My dashcam power supply kept abandoning ship from the power port, so I lost all my footage from the trail runs.... :bang:

At the very top of Nicolai is a radio repeater and cell phone tower. You won't find these views in your office everyday. :cool:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160620_114652_zpsk9kri3lq.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160620_114652_zpsk9kri3lq.jpg.html)

From there I went back to camp, regrouped and headed out to Long Beach to visit my friend at her beach house and drive on the sands... :)
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160620_143443_zpszjdqy0d9.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160620_143443_zpszjdqy0d9.jpg.html)

During my little sand trek I found my camp marker...
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160621_2115070_zpsphaz0leu.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160621_2115070_zpsphaz0leu.jpg.html)

Well, with my time at the coast wrapped up, it was time to head back to civilization. But, first I need to stop off at Fort Columbia...
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160620_163135_zps5fijcjrg.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160620_163135_zps5fijcjrg.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/20160620_161540_zpsvvse1ni5.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Vacation%202016/20160620_161540_zpsvvse1ni5.jpg.html)

Then Astoria's cannery pier and the old Bumble Bee cannery and museum were visited as well.

Once I made it back to Vancouver, I took a trip up the side of Larch mountain with a local 4wd group. We met at the Jones Creek trailhead within the Yacolt Burn OHV area.

There are three trails for 4x4 rigs. Mountain View, Hagen Creek and Deer Pen. All trails are stock rig freindly, but my local group is constructing 6 new miles of trial that are rated and Moderate, to most difficult. :)

Top of Hagen Creek trail. Nothing to challenging here. Take the center line and away you go.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/Hagen%20in_zpsmc3insnh.png (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/Hagen%20in_zpsmc3insnh.png.html)

Hagen is split in two, an upper and lower section. The upper is one way, Steep, narrow and full of switch back that longer rigs are have to perform three point turns on the way down, the lower is a two way leading to the driver challenge/play area.

a Small island that is surrounded by man made rock gardens. I'm too chicken shit to try out the rocks as of yet. Maybe next time though!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/20160721_202109_zpsb1awbrlw.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/20160721_202109_zpsb1awbrlw.jpg.html)

The Bottom of Hagen Creek trail is the more challenging filter. Play this one carefully. Go way driver side and steady throttle. Crawl right up over the rocks.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/Hagen%20filter_zpsvtahlmq9.png (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/Hagen%20filter_zpsvtahlmq9.png.html)

Bottom of Deer Pen trail off to the right. This trail is a two way, up or down. Nice, easy trail. More of a "Bunny trail" for the beginners. Great scenery, tight turns, little space between tress but no real challenge. It's more fun than anything else on this end.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/mtn%20view%20bottom_zpshw5l03ip.png (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/mtn%20view%20bottom_zpshw5l03ip.png.html)

The top of Deer pen has a very small filter, again no real challenge. Just plain fun. Pick a line and go for it.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii102/poorboy_616/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/Mtn%20view%20exit_zpsoa1guuon.png (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/media/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/Mtn%20view%20exit_zpsoa1guuon.png.html)

From the "Burn" , it was time to head over to Browns Creek OHV in the Tillamook State forest. I was helping out with my club run and the annual Poker run. It was a day of fun. Most of the trails at Browns would have eaten the Red Wagon alive, so no wheeling here. :(

After the Poker run, it was time to go back to work, or the lack there of... Yeah, "Reduction of force".... That I was not made aware of until I got back to work. After two weeks of BS from the Company, I sought out employment with a different company, which brings is to today....

I haven't gotten to do much wheeling as my schedule has been busy with driving back and forth to Tigard Oregon nearly every day.... I do now have a permanent post at Cascade Station, near PDX. Come visit me sometime!

Album Links:
Previous weekend at KOA in April, fathers day to be exact.
http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/KOA%202016/story

Vacation and Nicolai.
http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/Vacation%202016/story

Wheeling at the Burn.
http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/Yacolt%20Burn%207-21-2016/story

Video from the "Burn" run.
https://youtu.be/xl-jZJQA78w

Here's a few links to my previous adventures when I lived in Bellingham, WA a number of years ago. Walker Valley, circa 2012 and 2014.

2012 Walker Valley run with the Rainer Ridge Rams.
http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/Walker%20Valley%203-17-2012/story

2014 Walker Valley run with the Rainer Ridge Rams.
http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/Walker%20Valley%2011-9-2014/story

And a throwback from when I had the "White Witch", my '87 2 Door XJ.

Beards Hollow, Long Beach Wa. Circa 2008. Just a short run with a now defunct group called Links 4 Jeeps and a group called Two Big Broncos.

http://s262.photobucket.com/user/poorboy_616/Beards%20Hollow%202008/story

[Poorboy]

I really should update this....

Not much has changed with the Red wagon as of late. Got some more wheeling in, figured out what I want to change (MOAR lift! Long arm conversion), Lockers, rockers and skids need to go on too. Regear to 4:10 so I can run 33's or 35's.