Sour Grapes Build Thread

[SWbySWesty]

So as many of you know already, I bent my axle. Just for completeness of the thread, I thought I'd post the pics here.

So I was able to pick up another D30 housing from someone on NAXJA.

I'm now debating on whether to truss it and reinforce it or not...but that thread is: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=618609#post618609

 

[SWbySWesty]

OK - front axle is back under the car.

Housing sourced from NAXJA.
Shafts from old housing with old unit bearings which were good.
New ball joints
New axle seals
New ring bearings seals etc
4.56 gears & Aussie locker from old housing
Spicer u-joints on shafts
Tom Woods u-joints on DS
same knuckles and brakes
Alignment and pinion angle

Man she drives great now! I haven't done a freeway test yet, which I'll do tonight. The steering is TIGHT. I didn't know I could wiggle the steering wheel and get a reaction from the Jeep!

I'm ready for Memorial Day weekend!

 

[SWbySWesty]

Another fun update: To those of you who scuba dive, as noted, I am using my steel HP80 scuba tank as an air source for my tires. There is some debate as to how many times you can use it. Filling to 3500 lbs, and then filling 33'' tires, I have so far filled my tires 3 times without the need to refill my tank. I just thought I'd throw that bit of information out there.

Scuba tanks are cheap, and you do not need a scuba license to fill them (call the shop and ask if they have the paintball waiver). The waiver lets you fill the tank while agreeing not to use the tank for scuba. Win win.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Update:

I added a new-to-me rear bumper. I will be fabbing up a jerry can mount, but other than that, it's a nice unit. Home-made by a friend who rebuilt a new one for his Jeep so this one was a deal! So the plan now will be to cut off the tire mount you see below on the roof rack so maximize available space (which would have been handy on my last trip of stuffing FIVE people plus camping gear in the XJ).

With the same friend, I removed the same problem castle nut from a previous adventure (See Mammoth/Sand Canyon Adventure) and I couldn't get the dang thing back on! So I had to do the same fix and then we ground down the bolt because the threads were messed up! While all this was happening, we decided to sleeve the tie rod. The rod, it turns out, was already beginning to bend. I've either been hitting some rocks or maybe it bent from the work of pushing the 33's back and forth?

 

[SWbySWesty]

Hey guys - unfortunately I'm debating on selling it right now. Someone liked it so much that they want to make an offer and will get back to me.

In the meantime, I guess I might throw out a feeler to see if anybody would be interested if it actually did go up for sale. I'm debating something more self-contained.

edit: Recently done - gas tank skid, valve cover gasket, shampoo'd carpets/seats, detail job, tightened SYE to eliminate vibe.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Yikes!!!

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=713389#post713389

 

[Mr. D]

enjoyed your build good luck on the sale

 

[Karma]

It's far worse than you think:

(I edited the pics out)

Might as well give up on the bank account now.

HI MTNTECH,
I really like your setup although I can't use it for my soft top YJ build. I'm taking a different direction due to my lack of interior storage space. I do have a ladder to get to the top rack storage.

Question: Where and how do you store your ladder? The ladder was a real problem for for me until I found a fully collapsible one that I could store on the top rack. It works well but is pretty heavy and yours looks lighter.

Thanks, Sparky

 

[SGNellett]

It's far worse than you think:

Might as well give up on the bank account now.

:jump:

 

[Frank]

Man, totally awesome build and I appreciate you posting your thoughts as you go along. Im also jelious of your location.

So after everything that you have done, is there something that you would have done different? Maybe done the battery modification before the added electronics? Also, on your CB mount, did you put something behind the headliner to reinforce the mounting?

-Frank

 

[SWbySWesty]

What I'd have done different:

Smaller lift. I think the RE 3.5" lift would have been more sufficient for the purpose of this vehicle (off the beaten path camping vs rock krawling)

This in turn would have negated the need for rims, 33" tires, 4.56 gears, new driveshaft and slip yoke eliminator saving tons of money.

The rear locker. 120% awesome on any dirt road. Definitely decreased road manners with the stickshift with binding in corners and chirping. Not city friendly.

What I wouldn't change:
Some type of lift. Increase over stock! Bigger tires. New suspension rode way better than old.

CB is mounted via screws into the roof (there's actually a support bar right there so it's not the actual roof roof).

Auxiliary lights. I'd avoid cheap conversions. While amazing and satisfying, I can only imagine proper HID light housings and their effect!

Dual battery. Excellent for fridge and charging camera/cell while in camp. Peace of mind to self jump is great!

Stereo - tunes are tunes no matter the music (no polka)

Quality starting battery. The jeep ran much better with an Optima and non corroding surface than a crappy Kragen battery.

Ps: this Jeep is for sale! $6700 obo

 

[Frank]

Interesting. I plan to build a jeep similar to yours in the near future. Actually looking for a decent jeep as we speak. If you werent 3000 miles away, id be interested in yours. As for the Cb, thats why I asked...I dont have a jeep yet so was just wondering how you mounted it. I will probably put mine in the same place.

Nice rig.

 

[SWbySWesty]

sigh...sometimes I really miss my Jeep.

 

[SWbySWesty]

I miss this Jeep STILL! I'm back in a Jeep now - JKUR, but this purple Jeep was awesome. If I ever find it again...