Random jeep things I am doing.

[nblehm]

This will be the thread I post whatever random jeep stuff I am doing. Goal is to have the waggy driving by summer. The J10 needs some love. And I just bought a flat fender which I am super excited about. Bought it from the 3rd owner, the second owner was his grandpa who bought it sometime in the late 50s off a farm. Pretty original it has a 3a rear axle and a m38 arctic windshield. The half top is super ghetto. Plan is to tool around town and flat tow it for some old school wheeling. The steering is terrifying at speed right now. Debating fixing the stock Ross setup or switching to a Saginaw box. Waggy is the first priory I had a rule I wasn’t going to buy anything else until I fixed the waggy but this 2a popped up. Flat towed it home about 60 miles with the j10. Went pretty well, that was my first time flat towing.

https://i.imgur.com/SVkMVCo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vSn12BJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/t3DvQCs.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4uocuCJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VHWRhYo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WHJuy2F.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zkJ1wAT.jpg

[nblehm]

Broke my second np208 in my truck late February. In the mountains. Lubes had to come to the rescue to tow this junk home. Shift fork wore through so I lost everything but 4 low. This was the temporary fix. Currently waiting on parts to finish a np241 swap. I kept the 208 originally to keep my mechanical speedo.

https://i.imgur.com/4I2vlDp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hIPAE19.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tAxmzrQ.jpg
When you are to lazy to fire up the air compressor
https://i.imgur.com/xnaHJgx.jpg

[nblehm]

Cleaning out the Willys. And got the top taken off, had to cut a few bolts to get it off.

Found this oil havoline oil quart in the storage compartment under the passenger seat
https://i.imgur.com/VN1OuCg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lk0iC72.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qreqqVg.jpg

[xj_man_646]

That is a sweet flatty!

Oil still in the can or was it empty?

[Hoofmann]

Dude! Super jealous of your flattie! Hell yeah!

[nblehm]

That is a sweet flatty!

Oil still in the can or was it empty?

Still full!

[6DoF]

super cute little guy!

[nblehm]

This 241 build is being a pain. Got all the parts I thought I needed but will have to call jbconversion tomorrow and see what the deal is. From what I can find online all the chain gears and bearings are the same but mine doesn’t fit on the sye main shaft. Otherwise I got the right input shaft to swap to 32 spline and the short version of the front output so I can run a cv yoke instead of flange. Will go quick when I figure out this main shaft issue.

https://i.imgur.com/CEC9tlH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iVNX4MF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6lJ0SVv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2stWnPZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DCXrYa5.jpg

Got the flat fender on the lift since the tcase parts didn’t work
Everything overall is in pretty decent shape. Except the drag link that’s about to fall apart. Power washed the bottom of it. Lots of old dirt and grease.
https://i.imgur.com/VDNfL3B.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0XtZNuk.jpg
Tires are just a little old. :lol: have some 215/85/16 cooper stt pros on order but they are back ordered for now.
https://i.imgur.com/TiTLo9L.jpg
Another picture of the flat tow set up because I think it’s cool
https://i.imgur.com/KVgpgkH.jpg

[6DoF]

that has to get all the looks going down the road! can you imagine having that set-up in the 70s?

[nblehm]

Talked to jb conversions yesterday. Looks like the main shaft is for the newer 95 drive sprocket that doesn’t use a roller bearing. I guess it’s outlined in step 17 of the instructions I didn’t read :james: So just need to press the bearing out and continue on with the build

[Cobound]

Dude, super stoked for you - that flattie is so damn sweet!!! Would be lying if I said I was not jealous!! Great lineage story as well - I don't see that ever getting sold again, I see it being inherited some day ;)

Now, that J truck, what you're saying is, you're not still rocking THIS transfer case :p

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/278125068_3293076264307357_2613763423390478261_n.j pg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=sgAU78VFUVEAX8r0QJT&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=03_AVIb-bU1AJPqjgzQQRcqtcEukJRw4FRY3pfeUQgeSFqNuQ&oe=628483EB

Dude, while it was a supper bummer that day, I have to say - it turned out to be a great week nonetheless and I'm glad things turned out better than they could have - still one of my favorite trips!!!

This post is on my watch list!!

[nblehm]

#efforting :lol:

Yeah, not how I envisioned that trip at all but one of my favorites nonetheless. :rock:

After reading the instructions the 241 is ready to go in :lol: Bigger chain and internal oil pump. I believe the 208 only has 3 gear planetary vs the 241 6 gear as well. Should work well

https://i.imgur.com/izs2JNu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cmWQ9vx.jpg

[Cobound]

OMG - #efforting :roflmao:

[nblehm]

Moab picture dump. I towed a 75 year old jeep with a 40 year old jeep 700 miles and wheeled 2 days without having to touch a wrench. :rock: (the flat fender does vapor lock sometimes though). Stock flat fenders are an absolute riot to wheel. Most fun I have had on a wheeling trip.

https://i.imgur.com/5T71WZJ.jpg
https://imgur.com/YMNc4x9.jpg
https://imgur.com/HCGzZqr.jpg
Got hailed on on fins and things. Glad my buddy had a top and windshield for my kid to take cover.
https://imgur.com/9HzxqHM.jpg
https://imgur.com/IXwkyEV.jpg
Reagan driving :rock:
https://imgur.com/exLJrCb.jpg
https://imgur.com/wLZZZFH.jpg
https://imgur.com/DynsMVO.jpg
https://imgur.com/ivYmS3h.jpg
https://imgur.com/dTLi629.jpg

[Cobound]

:rock:

Kane Creek...and that view :yes:

That green one looks like a monster in front of the red one :lol:

I hope to experience that one day - awesome stuff, man!

[6DoF]

holy sh!t that looks like an awesome trip! life/parenting done right, well played sir!

[Washout]

awesome pics, thanks for sharing!

[Dennis]

The fact a street legal and incredibly capable flattie can be towed on a basic utility trailer is pretty awesome in and of itself.

[nblehm]

https://i.imgur.com/dc4xz4N.gif
https://i.imgur.com/psBruIi.gif

[Lubes]

Giggity. Need an old dawgs run soon!

[6DoF]

so good

[nblehm]

Got rid of the old crappy harnesses in the j10 and went back to 3 point belts. Bolted right in and are much more comfy, especially for my kid.
https://i.imgur.com/bo4Z2tW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YNMP3AY.jpg

Had my first break in the Willy. Went to take the tires off and the left front had a ton of play. Found I broke a kingpin bearing.
stupid closed knuckles make a mess.
https://imgur.com/lM8EyJk.jpg
https://imgur.com/bmziSBs.jpg
https://imgur.com/GYUHKGz.jpg
https://imgur.com/2RKbfH7.jpg

Been going back and forth on tires. BFG makes a 7.5-16, Cooper makes an SST pro in a 215/85/16 and then there are the bias ply with tube route. Will fit a 7.5-16 stock height. Still undecided which way to go but picked up this set off facebook for 150 bucks. He said they were all the Pros but 2 were the maxx tires so the tread doesnt match but they will do for now. The taller and skinner the better imo. All the radial tires are backordered right now. I did order a falken a/t but sent it back because it looked lame next to the jeep.
https://imgur.com/rpXPbJR.jpg
https://imgur.com/DhDY4QV.jpg
https://imgur.com/oNm83hT.jpg

These will do for now until I figure out what I want. Had to get the tires from probably the 70's off either way.
https://imgur.com/cbYD61U.jpg

[nblehm]

Took 2 days off of work and meet my buddy who was in my part of colorado for his high
school reunion.

Left my house Wed night and meet him in Buena vista. Got to camp and set up the tent and crawled inside because it was just after 11 pm. Woke up the next morning to rain, and it was projected to rain all day. Went to tractor supply in town and bought some rain gear since I didnt look at the forecast (recently anyway). Ran Chinamans gulch Thursday, took us most of the day with some stops and a super slow group of modified JKs winching over stuff. Then friday morning we woke up and packed up and hit Wheeler lake on the way back to Denver. I am bad at driving and about had a bad time in a notch and then my buddy broke his front lock rite. So we called it then, and just as we were loading onto the trailer the rain started again. I bent a leaf spring, and got a major oil leak from the timing cover. We patched that together at camp thursday night. some rtv and vice grips fixed that up. I planned to weld the rear diff before this trip but didnt have time, would have helped on Chinamans, just had to get into the groove of open/open wheeling with momentum. It has been a long time since I didnt have some sort of locker.

https://i.imgur.com/A4RohOB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4G8duKq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5swqM5Q.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WA2jbGE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/drhzAMI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wnzWug8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3Vqxfig.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4k9NbOj.jpg
waiting for JKs. Taking in the view
https://i.imgur.com/FiI7MYI.jpg
Quad cab dually :bug:
https://i.imgur.com/MHrveCP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tW4QJ3O.jpg
When the parking lot is full, but you drove flat fenders
https://i.imgur.com/kn5pXoT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mvtConC.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Egj4FEh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GSRIYOi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/a4MDzRA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PniWcq5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dkqHosq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/30xPOjh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Wq075yx.jpg

[nblehm]

The my front diff just broke face
https://i.imgur.com/n1vHT1M.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZN7ztxr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KZH5Sra.jpg
I am terrible at driving
https://i.imgur.com/oeS28ZW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KdgoY1g.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YD986AZ.jpg
Loaded up and headed home
https://i.imgur.com/gesYJYA.jpg

[nblehm]

https://i.imgur.com/AIv9Tfv.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/mv4ZiYo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/x8uoXIG.jpg

[Cobound]

ADVENTURE!!! :rock:

[6DoF]

faaaawwwkkkk, that looks so good!

[nblehm]

Welp, was noticing the drivers front shackle was crooked. Looks like when I bent the spring I also bent the frame and started to tear the shackle mount off. The frame seemed be flexing a ton on the last trail and a half so started looking around more. Also found a crack down the passenger side frame rail by the grille and that I broke the front crossmember off the frame on the passenger side. So the Willys is on light duty for a bit.
https://i.imgur.com/uLuOYKa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HMvFyZV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4p0sRED.jpg

My buddy has now broken 2 Dana 25 lockers in 3 wheeling trips, which has me nervous to lock mine. Narrow track d30 bolt in but have been kind of hard to find around here. This set popped up on Facebook so I bought it just in case. Now have a full set of spares for the 25 and 41 and a Dana 30 front. I wasn’t trying to modify this a ton, but want stout axles for the 7.5-16 tires I’m going to run. Also probably going to run a Saginaw steering box instead of the Ross steering. Trying to find a good mix of og Willys and something I can wheel decently hard (for what it is)
https://i.imgur.com/mfdpxp2.jpg

And just because I like the view
https://i.imgur.com/Eg1itsS.jpg

[Hoofmann]

That thing is so tiny!

I guess time to build a one-off frame?

[Cobound]

Considering the things you've taken it through in the short time you've owned it...amazed it's survived it all :p

:lol:

[nblehm]

:dunno:


:lol:

[nblehm]

That thing is so tiny!

I guess time to build a one-off frame?

Nah, just fix this frame.

The next one will get a frame and the yota axles

[6DoF]

does it fit in the bed?!?!

[nblehm]

It could squeeze in width wise but is too long for the 7 foot bed

[Cobound]

TIME FOR BED EXTENDERS :yes:

:roflmao:

[Dennis]

It could squeeze in width wise but is too long for the 7 foot bedHang it out the back on a hitch rack... :lol:

[nblehm]

Random photo dump from the last few months.

https://i.imgur.com/3ypsuxl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pNVs6VN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UQeqYtQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RSNC58X.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/naRRw8c.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3qFHnWU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5NLhWWz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RX1t6UI.jpg

[Hoofmann]

:rock:

Hell yeah, brother!

I finally installed the assist ram I got from you years ago in my TJ. I remember you saying something about the steering being slow in your mum’s TJ, but I drilled out the pressure side restrictor in my pump and it steers great now.

[nblehm]

Nice! You going to EJS?

[nblehm]

https://i.imgur.com/TRIA2vO.jpg

I also bought this thing. Kind of a splurge buy. Not sure what I will do with it

[6DoF]

dude, is the waggy back on active status?!?

always good to have a back-up when you start beating on the daily ;-)

[Hoofmann]

Nice! You going to EJS?

I’ll be in Moab a couple weeks after EJS, won’t be there during the Safari.

[Cobound]

Nice Nate, what you bringing to EJS now that you have so many running options :lol:

Hoof, c’mon man, no trek this year?!

We’re camping off Kane Creek this year, look for us if things change!

[freerider15]

I’ll be in Moab a couple weeks after EJS, won’t be there during the Safari.

Ditch Moab, go a wee bit farther to a much better place...Sand Hollow.

Penrose this Saturday. :cool:

Last run before I tear my sh*t all apart.

[Hoofmann]

Sadly, I think Sand Hollow is a little far to be driving my POS TJ.

I can’t make Penrose on Saturday, I’ll be skiing.

[nblehm]

[QUOTE=Cobound;83179]Nice Nate, what you bringing to EJS now that you have so many running options :lol:

Hoof, c

[Cobound]

Nate :dunno:

:lol:

[Hoofmann]

[QUOTE=Cobound;83179]Nice Nate, what you bringing to EJS now that you have so many running options :lol:

Hoof, c

Wtf

[Cobound]

LOL, yeah..happens all the time, this damn board swallows letters :lol:

I always hit the back button, copy and then go back and edit, paste, boom. It can be a chore tho :p

Funny thing is, now he won't remember what he actually posted :roflmao:

[Hoofmann]

I’ve gotten used to copying the whole comment, first, before hitting submit. I usually have to go back and paste it all back in.

I couldn’t get it working, on that last comment.

My original comment was

[Hoofmann]

My original comment was

[Hoofmann]

I give up

[Cobound]

Hahahaaaa!!!

Yeah, sometimes there are links in them that just refuse to show up...I can't remember what it was the last time I figured it out but it was super frustrating :james:

[nblehm]

[QUOTE=nblehm;83222]

Wtf

Nate :dunno:

:lol:

Damn Iphones. Never used to happen on my android for whatever reason

[nblehm]

So here is a run down of what I am up to. Focus is to get the wagoneer up and running then move on to much needed maintenance on the 2a before EJS.

Wagoneer is getting closer, my main excuse was all my tools were at the shop (was a decent excuse but had plenty at my house). I have since towed my tool box home, which looks way bigger in my garage then it did in the shop :lol:

Finished up the fuel system this weekend except for 2 soft lines. Fuel tank is in. I used a 2 door s10 tank. Same tank and pump I use in my truck. Welded on adapters to convert to the original hoses to the s10 tank. I also worked on a bunch of small things this weekend, that were half done. Water pump tapped for the steam port, trans pan and filter replaced. Trans mount and crossmember done. I am a little worried about front driveshaft clearance, I tried to do how I have my truck set up. That doesnt seem to put the crossmember in the same place. 4l60 vs 4l80 I guess.
Things it needs:
exhaust
finish wiring
driveshafts
front suspension mounts welded in.
Front end put on and cooling system, battery etc. Bunch of little ****.

The 2a before EJS
saginaw box
narrow track d30
wheel spacers for the back
Weld the frame back together
Replace bent front leaf and mounts
winch
Roll bar (requested by my kid)
would be nice to fix some of the rust and body mount issues as well.

Truck will also need a little love before moab. Need to get my butt in gear :james:

[Cobound]

Towed your box home, what do you use at work :dunno:

Not a bad list, looks doable before EJS...says the guy that has a shorter list and does nothing on it :lol:

BTW - that quoting thing happens on every device, computer, tablet, phone...it's a finicky bitch these days :p

[nblehm]

I haven’t been a mechanic in a little over a year. I still diagnose some cars here or there, I manage the store now.

[Cobound]

Oh, dayum!! Right on!!

[6DoF]

Towed your box home, what do you use at work :dunno:

Not a bad list, looks doable before EJS...says the guy that has a shorter list and does nothing on it :lol:

BTW - that quoting thing happens on every device, computer, tablet, phone...it's a finicky bitch these days :p

i figured it out at one point, there's a specific character that jacks up the quote thing. i forget exactly what it was, but easy enough to figure out if you get shafted by it.

good luck on the list! having a deadline helps a lot

[Lubes]

Y'all drinkin without me in here, how in ze Hell!?

[Cobound]

Y'all drinkin without me in here, how in ze Hell!?

Well, I think it's more like - you're drinking w/o us...cuz a lot of us don't consume on the regular like you :lol:

See you in EJS, dude!

[nblehm]

Waggy runs :)

[Steve]

video

[6DoF]

Boom!!

[Hoofmann]

Dude! Hell yeah!

[nblehm]

So while the Wagoneer runs, it still needs a bunch of stuff. Fuel system is done, wiring is done but needs cleaned up and loomed. Needs exhaust, driveshafts, shocks, front clip put back on. It is getting there but slowly. Is good to be able to turn the key and it fires up though. My plan was to get it moving and driving before working on the flat fender but my procrastination has killed that and being 3 weeks from EJS I need to focus on the flat fender and my truck.

Flat fender is very broken. I didnt realize how bad the frame is and probably how long it has been broken (though I didnt do it any favors last summer) So a bunch of parts got delievered started today.

Goals for EJS:
Frame repair
New front leaf springs
narrow trac 30 swapped in (regeared and locked)
Saginaw steering swap
Fix brake lights
Added a roll bar from a CJ5
Winch?
I also got a AA 3.15 gear set for the tcase and lower gears for the transmission but dont think that will here in time.

With the roll bar my old TJ bkini top kind of fits
https://i.imgur.com/RtzWAL3.png
https://i.imgur.com/5dtrVrY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8vTRczW.jpg

I have now taken 4 front clips off of projects and so far none of them have ever ran again. Hoping to break that trend
https://i.imgur.com/r87UAo1.jpg
Passenger fender was welded on :james:
https://i.imgur.com/xUHG2lY.jpg
fixed with this
https://i.imgur.com/0h1HiyB.jpg
frame is broken
https://i.imgur.com/VH3LEDf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zrrgVvl.jpg
hydraulic winch cut out
https://i.imgur.com/BfiI4Lz.jpg
front bumper cut off
https://i.imgur.com/Fg9hplF.jpg
Frame spread about 1.5" when I removed the bumper so ratchet strapped in back together
https://i.imgur.com/XUbXIKf.jpg

Thats is where we stand. I am going back and forth with just cutting the frame off at the motor mounts and building new, but will probably just box and fix the frame.

Frame spread about 1.5" after cutting the bumper off
https://i.imgur.com/XUbXIKf.jpg

[6DoF]

for that little thing, i 100% vote you gouge the cracks and weld em. i'm not even sure i'd box it, it's lasted this long.

[nblehm]

Yeah I’m getting steel to box it. I need to anyway on the drivers side for the Saginaw box.

[Cobound]

And here I am putzing in the garage and feeling like I've accomplished nothing!!

Swapped my rear swaybar out for a heavy duty Hellwig - only to torch the top of the link :james: I ended up making it usable, but I'll need to replace it before too long, don't trust that moveable top end. Stupid things.

Weather hasn't cooperated either - more snow, so I can't get my trailer over to the house to put the battery setup in it...but that might just be a cold days work in the coming week just to say Fuggit and do it.

All the little things aside, I'm just mostly dreading the drive - ugh, so damn long :banghead:

[nblehm]

Time to rebuild
https://i.imgur.com/uPksXMa.jpg
Leaf spring had a bad time
https://i.imgur.com/fuVXz6s.jpg
Mocking some stuff up
https://i.imgur.com/GnI1mwn.jpg
Swapping in a narrow trac dana 30.
https://i.imgur.com/riOdLV4.jpg
Some new bling for the j10
https://i.imgur.com/LPCJnDB.jpg

2 weekends until EJS hope to have a good bit of the flat fender done this weekend. Column is modified and just waiting on a bottom bushing. This Jeep man, everything is broken, welded together etc etc. Even the steering column was ovaled out, had to beat it back round to fit the floor mount. I decided I am going to reuse the stock crossmember. Need to notch it for the steering shaft, and then I will plate the bottom to reinforce. I am getting rid of for now the stock front bumper and building a bumper out of 2x3" tube. After buying it I wish I would have bought .120 wall instead of the 3/16 I did buy. I have enough to build a rear bumper too, which I would like to get done because I have hit the rear tub 2 times in not very many wheeling trips.

Narrow trac axle bolts in and is 1.5" wider on each side so I will be able to clear the 7r16 bfgs better. Dana 25 only has 1 locker option and the dana 30 has a bunch. Also my dana 25 had the weaker bendix joints, which one was making a bunch of noise after running wheeler lake. Dana 30 also has 2 tie rod holes on the passenger side so can run a drag link to the knuckle which I prefer. Also has bigger drum brakes. So now I have 2 dana 25's spares on the side of my house to do something with plan is to use parts from the spares to build a full float dana 41 for the rear eventually.

[6DoF]

i actually like the thin wall bumpers ... lighter weight, and if they bed THAT bad you can rebuild. those things work so well stock cuz they are featherweights.

[nblehm]

I agree weight needs to be kept as light as possible. I looked online and the weight difference between 1/8 and 3/16 is like 2-3 pounds a foot. So I just used what I bought. I probably reduced the weight in the front cutting out the hydraulic winch and mounting system for it. That thing is heavy.

[Cobound]

I got my RSE Step Sliders on last week, that was a feeling of accomplishment, but nothing like the deal you're working through.

Excited to see that beast out in the mountains in a couple weeks :rock:

[nblehm]

2 more weekends to go :lol: :james:


https://i.imgur.com/8cC3KZa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WgznIgA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NSHRzmt.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bnOmCCI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OI32XQb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hYpa338.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/o3Ub0oZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kH39Zb0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Yayr9mZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WZ81Nbr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/U5qehSU.jpg
Some sketchy frame straightening
https://i.imgur.com/HW42QBk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ShAIvkk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8JDhKZn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4DYWuNx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dz054v2.jpg

[Cobound]

I'll have room in the Jeep and RZR if needed :p

Looks good tho, you got this!

You still planning to hunker down w/ us?

[6DoF]

hell yeah dude!

[nblehm]

Not much progress this weekend. My back locked up friday night so I spent saturday and sunday morning lying on the floor

https://i.imgur.com/g1nbkZH.jpg
Dana 30 5.38 pinion :lol
https://i.imgur.com/QaC6k0h.jpg
Drivers front shackle bushing was welded into the mount. Had to drill the mount out .https://i.imgur.com/QEfqHJ4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/W2supy4.jpg

[nblehm]

Update: I waited WAY to long to get started on all the shot I need to do :james:

[6DoF]

Update: I waited WAY to long to get started on all the shot I need to do :james:

https://i.imgflip.com/4pw07x.jpg

[Hoofmann]

:lol:

I feel this.

[nblehm]

Tldr

https://i.imgur.com/tpggxLQ.jpg

[xj_man_646]

that is such an awesome setup. I love it :rock:

[6DoF]

100% BA rig

[Hoofmann]

Have fun in Moab dude! :rock:

[Cobound]

Nate fukin owned that place :rock:

Hell's Gate - LIKE A BOSS!

https://youtube.com/shorts/aKFD5B00zg4?feature=share

[nblehm]

Moab report

Reagan making road repairs to the radio
https://i.imgur.com/Gmt1QbC.jpg
Shake down run in Grand junction before going to Moab, just in case I needed to fix anything at my buddies place in Fruita. I thought we were just going to tool around bangs canyon. More on that later
https://i.imgur.com/JgDJ6sG.jpg
Found out my rear shocks on the truck are to long :lol:https://i.imgur.com/EgTsz9n.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QcxNhqB.jpg
Oh actually we are going to run billing canyon https://i.imgur.com/AT3QF7j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GHaZqC1.jpg
Came down on the bell housing and broke both motor mounts here.
Fan hitting everything and throttle linkage pinned it at full throttle.https://i.imgur.com/RKKpDEj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dLIr9c2.jpg
Turned into a long day
https://i.imgur.com/06Nj41Q.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fLmwWPr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NzFVmvG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XNPetWk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G5iMHeq.jpg
After the motor mount debacle, my 2a is not geared low enough for big rocks. Which lead to what turned out to be a fired starter cable. Had to leave mine over night, it was snowing and both alternators in the other willys were dying. Nice when the tow rig can wheel down the trail to where you had to leave your other jeep.
https://i.imgur.com/wFBDS2T.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dIVrI9j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3iXJoCS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ms3Vcbp.jpg
Solid mount for you now
https://i.imgur.com/GHS3pBn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xdpWHPU.jpg

[nblehm]

Left monday morning, Finally got to Moab Wed morning. Missed the wind and snow https://i.imgur.com/AmWTy4r.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2MMMHy0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9BSWGa6.jpg
Similar rigs in our group on Hells revenge :lol:https://i.imgur.com/zXj4QeM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rojNgIG.jpg
Damon and Glen had the coolest rigs in Moab
https://i.imgur.com/uRwym10.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VRXy7BU.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gBMhl9e.jpg
Rode in Cobound's sxs on metal masher.
https://i.imgur.com/lXoRIXt.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HvHkwX9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ydx1dO7.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fXeljUw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TKWiu89.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sNmbxVv.jpg
That is all Folks. I have some videos I will upload. Besides the trying first day breaking and having a rough time, the willys did great. I have a broken e brake and front driveshaft from messing around at Area bfe. Hoping to get the trans and tcase regeared before a return trip memorial day. Truck did great. 999.6 miles with the willys in tow in 5 days without a hiccup. Averaged about 11-12mpg depending on where in the mountains I was.

[nblehm]

Cool shots from Cobound at camp
https://i.imgur.com/BSZkYwl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8zJg8Gx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/i0fSQDG.jpg

Randomly posted my j4000 on market place. it sold in 2 days. So guess that settles what I am going to do with the splurge buy :lol:
https://i.imgur.com/DNz0Kr6.jpg


Willys is back to sunday ice cream duty
https://i.imgur.com/vyvNkk7.jpg

[xj_man_646]

Looks like an adventure filled trip!

[6DoF]

so much win

[Cobound]

Holy, that one didn't last long :p

Nice, very nice!!!

[nblehm]

Tires are breaking in nicely after a few trips
https://i.imgur.com/OlOrWx1.jpg

Bottom of the jeep is getting seasoned in nicely
https://i.imgur.com/dz9LfPw.jpg

One thing that was obvious after my stint on Billings canyon is this thing isnt geared low enough. I am fixing that with t90c gears (lower first and second gear) and a 3.15 gears for the transfer case from advance adapters.

https://i.imgur.com/qXUpc7P.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uoBFaIg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ori2DjZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/a1x6wsY.jpg
removed a lot of dirt and grim
https://i.imgur.com/MZ1Z3ti.jpg
Tool win from harbor freight. I have used this thing a bunch and it works great
https://i.imgur.com/oH9g2so.jpg

Got the jeep back together for our now annual? I guess memorial day trip to moab.
Half mile from camp I managed to do this
https://i.imgur.com/qS4vLnt.jpg :james:
was my buddys dodge crew cab maiden voyage
https://i.imgur.com/hXOTQdy.jpg

photo dump from the trip. We ran Moab rim and Hells revenge (had bigger crowds than ejs)
was dusty
https://i.imgur.com/ibWSZ6a.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qD9O6ty.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AvXPHfm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eROTsCZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7WkwSo4.jpg

[nblehm]

https://i.imgur.com/YeGZSUY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C1t56sX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uMRnUPS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OobJbli.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jpy8Tlx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bezCaZd.jpg

moab was a little bit of a battle for the old jeeps. My buddies we battles not running, and after my creek crossing the trans was not happy after moab rim and tow strapping my buddy's 3a back to camp. Trans was stuck in second gear. Well this is why
https://i.imgur.com/xaGbcmU.jpg
not sure how so much water got into the trans but it did. The syncro got so hot it warped. I was able to beat it kind of back into shape for running hells revenge the next day. I slowly started losing gears on hells, but it worked to get another day of wheeling in. Pulling back off the trailer into the garage I know have 1st and reverse and that is it. Not all bad, I really needed to rebuild the trans again anyway. I only got a seal kit when I did the gear change, because the trans shifted great before tear down. I quickly realized that it needed a full rebuild but I didnt have time to wait if I was going to make it to moab for memorial day.

Picked up a winch, jeep is still 6 volt so still on the fence about what I am going to do. For where we wheel these things though, I need a winch.
https://i.imgur.com/xi6H19n.jpg


J10 doing some more work
https://i.imgur.com/TfBMEr6.jpg

The J10 had a struggle coming home from moab. On the washboard out of the camp site I got a short in the wiring which blew half the fuses in the fuse panel. This made my brake lights, turn signals, trailer brakes and gauges all go out. Was able to get the gauges and trailer brakes work by pulling the flasher, so started the drive home with no turn signals or brake lights. This made us leave way later than we wanted, and the drive from moab to grand junction in 90 degree heat was rough with no a/c. Next it seemed to be running slightly hotter than normal on normal grades on the way home. Time to pull vail pass, usually it will get to about 220 on these climbs. Well it got to about 230 at the top and I am sure the trans was hot. I dont know happened but at the top when we started to go down the pass the truck shuts off. I coast all the way down vail pass to copper mountain with the truck off, during this time I realize I forgot a scan tool and have no idea how I am going to diag this on the side of the road. Luckily after a few cranks the truck fires back up, but the trans is shifting kind of weird (why I am assuming the trans got hot going up the pass). So we have one more hard climb up to the Eisenhower tunnel, truck is running fine because it is a few miles of flat or down hill driving so everything has cooled down at this point. At the bottom of the hill I stop and pack the front grille area with ice and hope for the best. Usually I drive up in 2/3rd gear at 60 or so mph, I decided to take it easy and just climb the hill in the right lane at about 50 let the truck sit in second gear. Truck was at 240 degrees after that climb. Luckily after that it was smooth sailing the rest of the way home.

So now I am looking at cooling system upgrades (with a/c in mind) for the truck. I had a nice novak radiator in it when I first did the swap, but had a electric fan put a hole in it. Currently it has a jegs brand radiator that I had a buddy tig brackets on to. It has never cooled as well and is starting to leak at the core already. The way they mount to the core from the factory isnt ideal in my opinion, so looking into fabbing up a top and bottom mount to isolate the radiator a little bit more, then I can buy a drop in radiator that I dont have to wait on to be fabricated etc. That is next on the list for the truck, I did get it through emissions testing last week so stoked on that. It has been creatively registered for awhile :cotter:

[Cobound]

Damn, you're spoiled :p :lol:

[nblehm]

I say the same about my buddy living in fruita

[Cobound]

Yes, he's super spoiled :lol:

[6DoF]

that was a fairly win-heavy win/fail story!

i've had great luck with the Amazon custom fit AL radiators, they have been awesome. the fan shrouds needed some help, but were a perfect base to work from.

i've been researching aftermarket AC for a while for the 55 and plan to get the Restomod Air kit. biggest thing with all of them i think is fabbing in an actual fresh air inlet duct.

[Hoofmann]

Dude! That little Willys is living its best life!

[nblehm]

that was a fairly win-heavy win/fail story!



Yeah it was a long few last hours home, worrying about making it. Need to get that addressed.



Just ordered the stuff to rebuild the trans. Have more flat fendering to do this summer.


I did list my truck on market place on a whim. I am so hot and cold on it. Usually stoked after driving it, then it sits for awhile and that fades. Really just up in the air on what I want it to be. I am getting soft I think and it might be nice to have a newer truck to tow the willys around. At the same time, invest some money in the j10 and fix the a/c and some other issues and I would be perfectly fine.

[6DoF]

invest in the classic! seriously though, make it swanky if ya want to. get it painted. that will be money you'll get back, or mostly get back. there's basically no way you could loose enough money to match the depreciation on a new truck ...

[Lubes]

1)Get a second 6V battery, wire both in series to winch and both in parallel to alternator?
2)Keep the old truck, damnit!

[nblehm]

https://i.imgur.com/vHiehWL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hxcqQt6.jpg

[6DoF]

no story? what's the plan!?!

[Cobound]

So much potential!

Details?

[nblehm]

What you guys want words? :lol:

Just slowly plugging away on the Waggy. The front clip hasnt been on it about 7 years, so that felt good. I needed to put it on so I could wire the front lights and mount a fan, battery etc. Trying to get the wiring harness finished up, so I can pull it out and wrap it all up. Fuel system is close to done, power steering system is done.

Hooked a battery up to the internal fuse box and the rear window rolls down (huge win in the FSJ world) and all the windows work. Eventually I will probably add relays to all the windows so they have some speed to them. Jeep oe design (and every 80's OEM it seems) of running through the switch isnt the best.

Biggest thing that has been holding me up is the front suspension. Which I need to get done so I can do the exhaust and finalize the o2 sensor wiring. I have leaf mounts tacked in. It had 2" rec tube welded under the oe mounts for a lift (damn previous owners :p ) But last weekend I pulled the axle back out and I really want to 3 link it I think. Trying to find some JK take offs to see if I can use a lot of oe links and track bar. Build some brackets. I am also kicking around the idea of putting the front on airbags. Dave from the dirt head shed has me wanting to try it.

[6DoF]

"don't get it right, just get it running" ... i say get it on the road and save the front suspension upgrade for a winter project later.

on the other hand, ya might end up with a 4x2 TJ for 15yrs :lol:

[nblehm]

I can turn the key and it starts :lol:

I don’t want to have to redo the exhaust, and there is much less room for it at stock height vs my soa truck.

[nblehm]

Put a motor in Lubes WJ.

Number 5 piston skirt was laying in the pan.

Long block from titan engines
https://i.imgur.com/5p5oXth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Cws50v9.jpg

Taking the old one out
https://i.imgur.com/6iytF3F.jpg
Cobound :rock:
https://i.imgur.com/OP8v2hJ.jpg

The carnage
https://i.imgur.com/7wttJhQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vBzS18Y.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8jfXscu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/p354SsX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/D3QfXuE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wpbWvvL.jpg

[Cobound]

Nice coozie ;)

Damn that dude has gone through some engines...perhaps the first one that met it's natural demise tho :roflmao:

[nblehm]

269k miles on this one so it had a good run. Lubes is the drivetrain killer :lol: while we were waiting in this engine, his TJ ate a transmission at trail hero…

[Cobound]

His "TJ" :roflmao:

That beast has eaten more transmissions and engines than most of us have had vehicles :p

[Lubes]

His "TJ" :roflmao:

That beast has eaten more transmissions and engines than most of us have had vehicles :p

Kong is only on engine 7! And transmission number... uh, 8 maybe? Hard to tell since I had a few rebuilt since it was out anyway and I'd rather stay on top of them than have it fail on a trail! Ya know, like this last one did... :(

[nblehm]

I really should be working on my Waggy but I decide to do things like this instead.

https://i.imgur.com/9n1RXW4.mp4

https://i.imgur.com/qkXz7Qv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fP4bcen.jpg

Taking this thing for a bath
https://i.imgur.com/UCUxv7b.jpg

I knew this was a later motor (50s) but got all the junk washed off and found is been rebuilt. Bored 60 over. Motor has always run great besides a vapor lock here or there
https://i.imgur.com/MJHbuKP.jpg

Here is how I ended last weekend https://i.imgur.com/W6TbsMy.jpg

What are my plans you ask? Well... this thing has always had about an inch thick coating of dirt and grease on every surface since I have got it. the passenger front frame rail is packed with dirt still. I love this thing and beat on it, so I want to do some upgrades and cleaning up to help myself and daughter enjoy it. I have been struggling with keeping it as OG as possible and building it a little bit so we can better enjoy it on the trails. Obviously I have already added lockers and swapped in a narrow trac dana 30 and saginaw steering. So cat was already out of the bag. Things I never want to change. This will never have bigger than 7.5-16 tires, have stock suspension, will always have the L134 go devil.

My plans this go around.
-Clean up and paint the frame drive train.
I was pleasantly surprised at the condition of the rest of the frame. After the first year problems of breaking the front crossmember and having to straighten and weld back together the front of the frame, the rest looks solid. Paint the motor and rebuild the trans.

-Converting to 12 volt
I went back and forth on this, I liked the 6 volt just because it was old and stock. Sucked if the battery went dead. Another problem is I have a 8274 winch for it, also the wiring besides the headlight wiring was all super hacked up. I am going to get a universal 8 circuit wiring harness for it and rewire the whole jeep (lights and an ignition system, gauges :lol: ) Going to run a 10si alternator and rebuild the stock starter (needs it anyway, Billings 8 hour winch fest last EJS because of the starter)

-Thinking about putting swing pedal in it.
Make getting to the master cylinder much easier, want to convert to a dual pot master cylinder so if I break a brake line I dont lose the whole system. I also am thinking about a cable or hydraulic clutch. The swing clutch mounted on the frame is a bummer in the rocks sometime as well since you lose the clutch function. I am still on the fence about the swing pedals

-Fix the tub floor rust.
Not looking to restore the tub by any means, but would like to put new floors in it. I had 2 of 8 body mount bolts holding the tub on all the others are rusted out or broken. I would also like to fix all the holes and stuff in the fire wall.


All in all just want to clean it up a bit and have it be something we can enjoy on the weekends without losing the feel of vintage wheeler. More to come.

[6DoF]

i'm 100% down with your plan! keep the character and what makes wheelin the old junk fun, but ditch the annoying bits.

[Cobound]

:rock:

You already know I love that thing, sounds like a damn good plan.

Now, if I make it to EJS I'll still have a seat for you and Reagan if there are any problems ;)

[Lubes]

Now, if I make it to EJS I'll still have a seat for you and Reagan if there are any problems ;)

Orrrrrrrrr you drive a little further this year for Easter and check out Sand Hollow... :D

[nblehm]

:rock:

You already know I love that thing, sounds like a damn good plan.

Now, if I make it to EJS I'll still have a seat for you and Reagan if there are any problems ;)

:rock:

Reagan hasn

[nblehm]

:rock:

You already know I love that thing, sounds like a damn good plan.

Now, if I make it to EJS I'll still have a seat for you and Reagan if there are any problems ;)

:rock:

Reagan hasn’t stopped talking about the sxs since Moab. I’ll admit I was briefly looking at them a few weeks ago :lol:

[nblehm]

Orrrrrrrrr you drive a little further this year for Easter and check out Sand Hollow... :D

Are you sand hollowing for Easter?

[Cobound]

:dunno:

[nblehm]

Going to clean up and paint the motor. Thinking about getting the exhaust and intake manifolds ceramic coated to hopefully deal with the heat soak.
A bunch of bolts broke coming out so that is fun
https://i.imgur.com/bujk1D6.jpg

Transmission is next, got a full rebuild kit from vintage jeeper after the abuse last spring.
https://i.imgur.com/EZ35xvI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DJdopYf.jpg

Cleaning up the frame to paint it. Thinking about using steel it
https://i.imgur.com/SKozzAK.jpg
so much dirt, this is after degrease and power wash. Hitting it all with a wire wheel, then scotch brite and wiping down with micro fiber and acetone
https://i.imgur.com/VpT7xvq.jpg

Found this when cleaning up the frame :james:
https://i.imgur.com/vsEwQcx.jpg

Got distracted and bought this :lol:
https://i.imgur.com/JmqbksQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fD4ju6K.jpg


EJS isnt looking great right now... we will see.

[Dennis]

Nothing that a little JB Weld and duct tape won't fix...

[nblehm]

Nothing that a little JB Weld and duct tape won't fix...

Just keep welding it back together. Annual Frame crack fixing :lol:

[Dennis]

Gonna be awesome when done.

[6DoF]

hording ftw!

[nblehm]

hording ftw!

They just look so sad on Facebook market place I have to rescue them!


Get a ton of thumbs up on I70 towing a flatty through the mountains with a j truck :rock:

[Dennis]

I bet!

[nblehm]

More pics of the 48 cj2a. F head t90 d18.

Snow finally melted off of it, and could check it out a little better. The floor needs redone but other than that it is pretty solid. Looking to get it running in the next few weeks.

https://i.imgur.com/wdJybIo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6N0FGCO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9ZaGlWc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VsNsUcM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Rqv1MFN.jpg

This is the next project, get the lift put up in my mom's garage.
https://i.imgur.com/dGGSp9V.jpg

Ceiling height is only 10 feet so I am trying to decided what the best way to mount the lift will be. Probably go in between the rafters and make a pocket for the lift. Thought about shorting the lift but worried then I would have to modify all the cables. Ideally we would stick it in the corner of the garage but the roof pitch is pretty shallow so going to have to center it I think if we make the pocket. Really should have got a different lift, but got this one for basically free from work when we replaced it with another lift. So making it work.

Been talking to my mom about swapping garages :lol: She live 2 miles from me. I'll store her cars at my house and I can use her garage to build jeeps and fix other cars. I'd get more room, have a lift and 220 plugs for the welder and plasma cutter and it is heated and insulated which would be nice. Probably tow my tool box over there after getting the lift in.

[Hoofmann]

Dude! Hell yeah with the new old flat fender!

[nblehm]

Original plan for the weekend was to mount the 8274 I bough awhile back, quickly realized I need to get a fairlead first so I can gauge where i want it to sit on the bumper.
either it will be centered and the winch will be offset or the the winch is centered and the fairlead is off center
https://i.imgur.com/GZMXmyn.jpg
After moving on from the winch, continued on cleaning parts up. Took a wire wheel and scotchbrite pads and cleaned all the gunk off the engine. Debating on just leaving it raw, or painting it grey or something.
https://i.imgur.com/LjUZfeq.jpg
When cleaning found yet another thing that is broken, the motor mount plate is broken. I'll weld it and add a gusset. Clutch disc is also at the rivets, which I found when putting the motor on the stand.
https://i.imgur.com/k1O87FH.jpg
After that I wanted to mess with the 48 I bought. Was really hoping to get it running and driving this weekend. Supposedly "ran when parked" and just needs keys and a battery to run. Pushed it off the trailer into my moms garage. Plus, brakes work really good, better than my 46. Cons, steering has a spot it locks where it doesnt want to turn right. Got a 6 volt battery from my 46 in it. Quickly found I will need to do some wiring to this thing, its a mess. Started with seeing if it would crank. turned about 20* and locked up. Let it sit over night with the plugs out and oil in the cylinders, still clunks and stops. So off comes the valve cover and side panel. Nothing is sticking, valves move. Off with the head. The front cylinder is rusty and the rings stick on the rust ridge. Ordered a ball hone and a gasket kit. I want to see if this thing will run. Another project stalled.
https://i.imgur.com/DiMDGcc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mfGx8QW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QqROXaY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gnARR5B.jpg

Back to the 46. I have all the things to rebuild the t90 or so I thought. Think I am going to need a main shaft, the bearing surface is pretty rough. Waiting to run all the stuff through the parts washer at work tomorrow.
https://i.imgur.com/KL9FX4P.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/y8sa9N6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QADDzvb.jpg

Hopefully this week I can get the 48 to run. Or at least be able to crank 360. EJS is pretty much out the window at this point.

[6DoF]

oooo, yeah, they both need some love

[Lubes]

EJS is pretty much out the window at this point.

Wanna just go on a bit of an adventure/tour of Utah with me, as I too will be Jeepless and just need to get away??

[Cobound]

EJS is pretty much out the window at this point.

Well, if I were going I'd have a set for you - but I'll be skipping this year as well.

Lubes, I also need some time away - but it won't be UT, sorry.

[nblehm]

Wanna just go on a bit of an adventure/tour of Utah with me, as I too will be Jeepless and just need to get away??

Think I

[nblehm]

Should I be working on the jeeps I already have Yes. Am I doing that, also yes. Do I like buying new jeeps? Absolutely YES! I wasnt even really looking, this just popped up in the comment section of a willys group on Facebook. Guy was local so I went and looked at it. Ended up being almost to good to be true. 1944 MB that as the story goes was a Mt hood fire jeep after WW2 so was painted from OD to red. The guy I bought it from was more of a WW2 tool nerd than a jeep guy. He was planning to restore back to military specs. Gave me a whole truck bed full of parts and pieces he had been collecting. Probably the best score I have made on a vehicle. We drove it onto my trailer with the starter because it wasnt running at his shop. A few mintues of work and some gas and it started right up, brakes feel great. Has a overdrive and ptos. I guess the only con is that it has a 1.8 pinto 4 banger in it, but nothing was hacked up to put it in, so a go devil will eventually drop into its place.




https://i.imgur.com/t6p7pw3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DNbrcgr.jpg
Walk around of the MB https://imgur.com/1QTVVxY

[Dennis]

Wow! That is an awesome piece of Jeep-American History!!!

[Hoofmann]

I see you also like The Dirthead Shed on YouTube.

Cool Jeep, man. You’re making me rethink my life decisions and big burly crawlers.

Just kidding. I’ll never get rid of my crawler. I want one of these flatties too.

[nblehm]

I still want some sort of crawler 37's etc. I do miss technical rock crawling

[Cobound]

:rock:

Awesome on so many levels!!!

Now, 37s…take one of your flatties and do what Glen did ;)

[nblehm]

Dudes. I’ll have to take more pictures. This 44 is awesome. It is also super fun to drive with an overdrive. Can split each gear and do all the things when shifting :lol: drove it about an hour yesterday in the 90 degree heat. Doesn’t over heat doesn’t vapor lock. Only thing I think I need to do is change the glass pack muffler. Way too loud for me. Excited to have a nice driver and the 46 for wheeling

[nblehm]

:rock:

Awesome on so many levels!!!

Now, 37s…take one of your flatties and do what Glen did ;)

Yeah that is in the back of my mind believe me. Put the 48 on 37s. 4.3 auto Dana 300 wagoneer 44s stretch with links :D

[Cobound]

Well, baby steps, talking stretching with links might be a bit of an ambitious goal :lol:

Found another "locally" but such bad timing - ugh, they continue to elude me :banghead:

[nblehm]

Bownut and I ran bill moore lake trail last weekend. The new 44 did great. Probably change the exhaust a little bit. Other than that just keep on driving it.


https://i.imgur.com/fPqsfur.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/tqNohhQ.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/dKdFT5H.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/o387lHu.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/zrbMHs4.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/JxkfABD.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/yKF9Kqd.jpeg

[6DoF]

so much win!

but i did notice your parking brake ... is that really necessary?

[nblehm]

That picture makes it look really flat. Was it needed probably not, but that was really the first time parking on a hill and it would have been a long chase if it popped out of gear for some reason.

[Dennis]

Awesome! Keeping history alive!

[Hoofmann]

I see you out here looking for JK axles. :cotter:

[nblehm]

Yeah I think I’m going to put jk axles under my wagoneer

I had a really good set of Toyota axles that would have been perfect a flat fender but sold those awhile back. Stock suspension and stockish axles for flat fender for me.

[wrath]

Why are JK Rubicon axles so expensive?

[Dennis]

Why are JK Rubicon axles so expensive?Electronic driving nanny's keep them from getting totalled much relative to YJs and TJs. Supply just doesn't get built up much.

[wrath]

There are literally like a billion of them out there though. I don't know what the build numbers are but at any given time there are more cheap JKR and JKUR than TJR on Facespace. I'm not kidding either, a perfectly drivable 2012-2014 JKR/JKUR is the same price as a mostly rot-free TJR. And forget about LJR.

As far as just axles...
TJR D44s are like $3k. JKR D44s are like $5k. I looked into getting a bare housing JKR and even those are kind of high.

[6DoF]

i can come close to building a FF9" / 609 for $5k ... ppl are just scared to pay labor. make it bolt-in!

[Dennis]

There are literally like a billion of them out there though. I don't know what the build numbers are but at any given time there are more cheap JKR and JKUR than TJR on Facespace. I'm not kidding either, a perfectly drivable 2012-2014 JKR/JKUR is the same price as a mostly rot-free TJR. And forget about LJR.

As far as just axles...
TJR D44s are like $3k. JKR D44s are like $5k. I looked into getting a bare housing JKR and even those are kind of high.I wonder how you would do just buying the cheapest JK Rubi you can find on Craigslist/Marketplace, pulling the axles and parting out to sell the rest. Or throw your old axles under with welded on perches and sell it to some HS/College kid who just wants a Jeep to run about at school. :dunno:

[nblehm]

Im just looking for a Dana 30/44. Don’t need Rubi axles or a 60/9 :lol:

[wrath]

So it looks like those JK 30/44 go for about $1000 a pair. Which seems kind of cheap for what they are. Like why aren't they ending up in TJs?


Which brings me the question, is there anything different between a JK Rubicon D44 setup in 2007 and 2018? I don't know what happened this weekend with JKR and JKUR, let alone JK and JKU, but the prices plummeted enough where Dennis' idea is getting more feasible.

[nblehm]

I don’t believe anything changed between those years. I figure if this set up works like I want it to I can always spring for a Rubi 44 in the future and it will bolt in.

Picked up a 30/44 with 3.73 gears rear has a lsd for 700 bucks. Then found take off older Rubi wheels with duratracs for 400 bucks. With just eye ball measuring I think these axles are going to fit really well under the waggy. To fit the 255/75r17s I’m going to have to lift it a little more than I had planned. The jk 30 axle tubes are definitely a down grade over the waggy 44 but I think I’ll be alright we aren’t planning to wheel this thing and they mostly live under 4 door JKs which can’t be too far off weight wise as a wagoneer.

I was going to have at least 700 into gears and stuff for the stock axles anyway, this saves me putting 4 link brackets on the waggy axles and I’m hoping to run all off the shelf jk or JL suspension parts for easy replacements. Also get disc brakes in the rear. Feeling pretty motivated to get some progress done on this so hopefully have some updates for the next few weeks/months

[nblehm]

https://i.imgur.com/3QCAW8h.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/6LSK5JG.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/xjgDA9Z.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/NfrMYjZ.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/ZEVFdrr.jpeg

And the new puppy in the mb
https://i.imgur.com/gnMu8V9.jpeg

[Dennis]

So it looks like those JK 30/44 go for about $1000 a pair. Which seems kind of cheap for what they are. Like why aren't they ending up in TJs?


Which brings me the question, is there anything different between a JK Rubicon D44 setup in 2007 and 2018? I don't know what happened this weekend with JKR and JKUR, let alone JK and JKU, but the prices plummeted enough where Dennis' idea is getting more feasible.

Labor Day, Summer is unofficially over, demand for open top Jeeps drops immediately, just as demand shoots up on Memorial Day. Around here it is pre time to buy until the first snow, when folks try to price gouge.

[6DoF]

holy crap! i forgot all about that waggy ... again ...

[nblehm]

holy crap! i forgot all about that waggy ... again ...

You have built probably 10 projects and this one is still going :lol::cry:

[6DoF]

You have built probably 10 projects and this one is still going :lol::cry:

you do however get out on the trail/adventure with the daughter n dogo more than i do :thumbsup:

[nblehm]

Had one more day off work. And actually did some work on the waggy.

Lower control arm mounts are tacked in. I might slide the front axle back just a hair for better fender clearance up front. Waiting on upper control arms, bushings and mounts. Picked up newer JL Take off springs front and rear, lower control arms and track bar. Also tonight got some 392 fox shocks for cheap with only 5k miles on them. Can’t remember if I stated this but trying to use as many stock Jeep parts as possible. Everything is lining up really nice. Hopefully the rest of the parts I ordered will be here by next weekend so I can get the front close to on its own weight. Then I can do exhaust, finish the wiring and move onto the rear axle swap.

Used some leftover lower control arm mounts I had
https://i.imgur.com/lbqnefV.jpeg
Track bar looks like it should work great. Might have to move the coil buckets out a little bit.
https://i.imgur.com/Pbda9CT.jpeg
Hoping this is about ride height. Measured to the back would be about 4” of lift. Tires are 32s
https://i.imgur.com/ghXvbBx.jpeg
New shocks
https://i.imgur.com/AhAPUKO.jpeg

[6DoF]

i really like the idea of going "as stock" as possible on parts. that would be fun to make work.

[nblehm]

Didn’t get a ton done this weekend. Steering showed up late Sunday and my upper control arms got lost but should be here Tuesday.

Did get the steering put on, upper bushing replaced in the housing. And the track bar and coil buckets mocked up. Need to figure out shock mounts, and going on the spring rate I think I’m going to need to get 2-3” lift springs, or make the coil buckets really low on the frame. Looking at some dual rate springs, and thinking about the dv8 bumps for the front.

Found a jk on a rack this morning. Frame separation is 6” front and rear for the uppers and lowers. So I’ll try and copy that but I’m going to be at the mercy of the frame I think.

https://i.imgur.com/sLodGH6.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/zC5s38h.jpeg

Drag link is too long so need to come up with a solution to that. Thinking about moving the steering box to keep with my plan of using stock parts. Undecided on that.

[Cobound]

SWEET - love that this is coming together, gonna be a hella sleeper!!

[6DoF]

dual rate coils FTW

[nblehm]

Lots of distractions lately. Finally had some time to get back to the waggy. Front suspension is getting close. Full stuff, everything gets into everything about the same time so I will call that a win. Lowers are welded in. Uppers are tacked in until I get the exhaust built. Thinking about ordering some headers instead of the fbody manifolds with the goofy flanges they have.

upper mount clearance
https://i.imgur.com/650biqq.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/qTWMDJi.jpeg
track bar at the same time is close to the oil pan
https://i.imgur.com/ihqmhMX.jpeg
On its own weight for the first time in forever. Going to need some lift springs
https://i.imgur.com/JveEUxB.jpeg
Should be Ride height
https://i.imgur.com/kXSvO4U.jpeg


Debating on what I want to do with the front coils. I havent welded in the mounts yet. I could lower them down so I could use the stock coils. This would also I think give me better tire clearance with the top of the tire. I need to pull the coils out of it and flex it with the tires on, I am worried about the tires hitting the coil buckets. I will also need to move the axle coil buckets out to the inner c's. Other though would be to notch the buckets into the frame to center the coils. I worry about that though because then I am cutting the frame right where the motor mounts and coil springs will all be attached.

https://i.imgur.com/Q8YG1ux.jpeg

Chat GPT tells me my front sprung weight is 1680.

[6DoF]

i wouldn't be worried about notching the frame for the coil bucket. not only are you plating all that back with good heavy plate, but the engine mount is there to help support it if welded in. only weight fwd of that is the core support.

i like the idea of lowering the bucket and Frenching it into the frame. should articulate better, more clearance to articulate, more options to lift later, and the free option to nail ride height. plus then it's the chassis that's custom, you ever break that axle in half (since they do that) you can just toss another in there.

[nblehm]

i wouldn't be worried about notching the frame for the coil bucket. not only are you plating all that back with good heavy plate, but the engine mount is there to help support it if welded in. only weight fwd of that is the core support.

i like the idea of lowering the bucket and Frenching it into the frame. should articulate better, more clearance to articulate, more options to lift later, and the free option to nail ride height. plus then it's the chassis that's custom, you ever break that axle in half (since they do that) you can just toss another in there.

I agree. Thanks for the insight. Modifying the frame and keeping the axle stock sticks with my goal of using stock parts. Will be a bit of work, but I think it is the right move.

With what you are saying I think the frame should be fine. It will defientaly have a bunch of bracing right there with the bucket and the motor mount brackets. Only thing that will be in front of it will be the steering box and trac bar mount but that is right next to the coil bucket.

[6DoF]

WORST case, you start tossing this thing around a road course at 140mph and notice the front frame does shift with steering by a tiny bit ... a quick diagonal bar from the engine mount to the opposite bumper bracket makes it better than jeep ever did.