Lumpskie's 1989 Grand Wagoneer Build
- Thread starter lumpskie
- Start date
lumpskie
Independent Thinker
Yes it is!
I got a lot of work done on the Waggy yesterday. Replaced (and packed) the inner wheel bearings, spindle bearings, oil seals and spindle seals. It ended up taking over 7 hours, but almost everything on the front end is now new.
I tried to replace the steering u-joints but couldn't press the old ones out and got scared I was going to bend something. They felt tight and smooth, so I left them in there. When the start feeling old, I'll pull the axles and take them to G&S to have them pressed out.
Honestly, I'm amazed what a difference it made. The ride is noticeably smoother and I can be lighter on the gas to hold speed. This makes me want to replace the rear bearings too. But, I'll have to find time to do that after winter has come and gone.
Zeiderman
Adventurer
Have you done the rag joint delete yet with the steering shaft at the box, mine tightened up considerably afterwards, JY pull plus upgraded box from XJ was $50. Mind you my steering is/was considerably sloppy, this simple swap calmed it down quite a bit, haven't put the "new" box on yet, but the difference is supposedly night and day.
lumpskie
Independent Thinker
No sir, I haven't done the rag joint delete yet. Right now, the steering feels pretty good, but I'll keep that on my radar for sure. So... do XJ steering boxes fit on full size jeeps?
Dr. Marneaus
Station Wagoneer
Blah. Bearings, spindles, seals and shafts.
That is some dirty work.
That is some dirty work.
lumpskie
Independent Thinker
Thanks, I'd love to see it.
Dude. I went through 2 shop towel rolls. I'm just glad that I don't have to regrease them for a long time now. (fingers crossed)
Zeiderman
Adventurer
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f57/xj-steering-gearbox-2272777/
Here's where I first learned about the delete and shaft swap, I am sure more years are available, just couldn't find them all. If you do the swap make sure you grab all the bolts, we didn't take the one of the shaft and I couldn't match the thread pitch to save my life, ended up drilling the threads out and went with a longer Grade 8 with nylock, there is also going to be the flat spot on the GW gear that the shaft bolt rests against. In my area wrecked XJ's are plentiful and I was lucky enough to find one where others had already pulled PS pump, air box etc. Take a half inch drive ratchet set, PB or fav, vice grips, large screw driver and BFH, but not so BFH that you can't swing in the engine compartment.
Here's where I first learned about the delete and shaft swap, I am sure more years are available, just couldn't find them all. If you do the swap make sure you grab all the bolts, we didn't take the one of the shaft and I couldn't match the thread pitch to save my life, ended up drilling the threads out and went with a longer Grade 8 with nylock, there is also going to be the flat spot on the GW gear that the shaft bolt rests against. In my area wrecked XJ's are plentiful and I was lucky enough to find one where others had already pulled PS pump, air box etc. Take a half inch drive ratchet set, PB or fav, vice grips, large screw driver and BFH, but not so BFH that you can't swing in the engine compartment.
lumpskie
Independent Thinker
^That's good info. Thanks for the link, Zeiderman. So, what are your impressions, after doing the mod and why do Wagoneers have that rag joint in there in the first place?
Also... I bought door lock return springs and a steering stabilizer yesterday. Once those are on, (really just the stabilizer) I will consider the Waggy ready for Ouray. Only one month till I'm there!
Also... I bought door lock return springs and a steering stabilizer yesterday. Once those are on, (really just the stabilizer) I will consider the Waggy ready for Ouray. Only one month till I'm there!
Zeiderman
Adventurer
I'm not sure of the original intent of the rag joint completely, but I have heard that it was used as damper. I haven't done the steering box yet, but just doing the shaft helped immensely, mind you though my wander made/makes for quite the adventure, I still have bad tie rod ends to deal with, as well as a loose steering column, and 10" shackles in the front. So with so much bad my gains were highly noticed, as they say in the infomercial "you're results may vary". But both mods are cheap, highly recommended, and thus far fairly simple.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
lumpskie
Independent Thinker
I decided to RTV my front hub caps as a water seal. When Shimniok and I originally dug into my hubs, we found they were sealed like this and no water got in them from my water crossings.
I also replace the rear brake cable on my Tacoma with my new service tech in training. His skills are coming along nicely.
I also replace the rear brake cable on my Tacoma with my new service tech in training. His skills are coming along nicely.
Zeiderman
Adventurer
I should, I have one started on JF, the build is just going so slooooow, life and loss of income caused a hickup, but that has changed recently and should be back on track soon. I spend more time over hear now anyways just cause it's such a cool sight to hang out on, mostly go to JF for tech. Will post pics of the shackles, they're a hoot.
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