Andrew Drizmo
Member
Nice progress!
Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Roboto's Garage
- Thread starter Mr. Roboto
- Start date
Workspaces between 705 and 1200 squarefeet.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Thanks Guys!
My lift kit has been ordered
Now the real fun can begin! It could take as long as 8 weeks to get all of the components in, but it is what it is. I was really concerned with not sacrificing any on road performance, and I think this will be the ticket for that. DPG off-road offers some hybrid lift kits that curate pieces from several different manufacturers. I went with their 3.5" super ultimate hybrid kit, and added a few additional components to it as well. For the Jeep guys following along, it contains.
Core 4X4 fully adjustable upper and lower control arms
Core 4X4 adjustable track bar
Old Man Emu Full leaf packs and coils
Old Man Emu shocks
JKS Quick Disconnect sway bar linkages
Extended stainless steel brake lines
New Shackles
All new hardware
Front and Rear extended bump stops
And I think that pretty much covers it. It's going to be a lot of work but I am looking forward to the end result. I'm thinking about adding a new steering linkage as well, but we'll see. First, I have to get over the fact that I spent almost as much on this lift kit as I did for the entire Jeep
BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
That’s a solid sounding kit. You’ll be up quite a bit with a 3.5” kit, especially after you factor in the tired old OEM stuff under there now.
I’m sure you’re already soaking every fastener you can find with penetrant daily....lol. I did, and it was still a super fun job[emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]
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That’s a solid sounding kit. You’ll be up quite a bit with a 3.5” kit, especially after you factor in the tired old OEM stuff under there now.
I’m sure you’re already soaking every fastener you can find with penetrant daily....lol. I did, and it was still a super fun job[emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]
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Arclitgold
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- Joined
- Dec 20, 2017
- Messages
- 317
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Awesome!!! Can’t wait to see that project start!
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Awesome!!! Can’t wait to see that project start!
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eystein
Member
Are the smoked lights equipped with amber bulbs inside ? Do they turn out amber when in operation ?
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
I am absolutely dreading the leaf spring hanger bolts in the front of the leaf springs. They were brutal on my last Jeep, and I don't expect this one to be any different. I have been hitting everything with PB in preparation.
Also, I've been going down the rabbit hole of control arm lengths, caster angle, pinion angle ect really overthinking things as I tend to do. I'm hoping to find a good shop that can really dial in all of the alignment stuff for me so I don't need to worry about it. You happen to know anyone in the area? I found these guys in Manchester so far https://banditoffroad.com/
Me too! I am looking forward to the end result, at least haha.
Yes, the smoked lights all have amber LEDs in them. The only exception are the front lights under the headlights. Those light up white when are on solid, but blink orange when the turn signal or hazards are engaged.
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BigNuge
Well-known member
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Not much to update over here. Parts have been rolling in, but I still need the major lift components. The leaf springs, front coils, and shocks all still need to ship from OME. My work bench is filling up with goodies though!
I have also decided not to invest any more time or money into the Dana 35 rear end. It's just not worth it. I am picking up this Chrysler 8.25 on Friday. It has new rear drums/shoes, and new brake lines at least. I need to get some different u bolts and it should be a direct swap. Since the axle is pretty much disconnected from the vehicle during the lift kit install, now is the time to do it. If this rear end still makes noise, at least I won't feel like I am throwing money away replacing bearings ect. I also need to delete my ABS system as part of this swap, but I'm ok with that. My previous jeep never had it.
Also, I had the AC system charged up after I installed the new compressor. Been blowing ice cold and holding a charge so far, knock on wood. My daughter obsessed with going "out Jeepin" every weekend, so we've been having fun driving around in it on the weekends. I've put about 2,000 miles on it so far since buying it. Here we are during a quick day trip to the beach on a random warm day we had recently. I think she will have even more fun when it's lifted and we can get off road in it.
I have also decided not to invest any more time or money into the Dana 35 rear end. It's just not worth it. I am picking up this Chrysler 8.25 on Friday. It has new rear drums/shoes, and new brake lines at least. I need to get some different u bolts and it should be a direct swap. Since the axle is pretty much disconnected from the vehicle during the lift kit install, now is the time to do it. If this rear end still makes noise, at least I won't feel like I am throwing money away replacing bearings ect. I also need to delete my ABS system as part of this swap, but I'm ok with that. My previous jeep never had it.
Also, I had the AC system charged up after I installed the new compressor. Been blowing ice cold and holding a charge so far, knock on wood. My daughter obsessed with going "out Jeepin" every weekend, so we've been having fun driving around in it on the weekends. I've put about 2,000 miles on it so far since buying it. Here we are during a quick day trip to the beach on a random warm day we had recently. I think she will have even more fun when it's lifted and we can get off road in it.
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BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
You were right up the road dude!!
Love following the XJ build, I did enjoy the process on mine. I’ll say this, the XJ was easy to work on!
That axle swap should be easy. I used the lift and a set of jack stands to do it, worked out pretty well. Did you verify the ratio in that C8.25?
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You were right up the road dude!!
Love following the XJ build, I did enjoy the process on mine. I’ll say this, the XJ was easy to work on!
That axle swap should be easy. I used the lift and a set of jack stands to do it, worked out pretty well. Did you verify the ratio in that C8.25?
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Ah yeah that's right, you are near the seacoast, I forget what town exactly. We made a trip over to get some Lunch at Brown's and ate it on the beach for my Wife's birthday. Will have to check out the BigNuge compound one day!
Yeah, that's the plan for me too. Tall jack stands, disconnect it all, and lift the jeep up off of it. The XJs are indeed easy to work on, until you snap a bolt somewhere, which happens all too often haha.
Yes, the new 8.25 has the 3.55 gears in it that I need. One more update I forgot to mention, I am doing the ZJ Grand Cherokee HD front steering upgrade while I am at it as well. All the components are the same as the XJ, but the tie rods are all solid instead of hollow. Just ordered all the Moog components for that. So, all the steering linkages will be new as well. I want to do those before my alignment. Did you do a drop pitman arm in yours?
I also need to inspect the steering box, from what I have read there is a weak frame spacer used to mount it, and potentially look at a steering brace. I really don't need to do half of this stuff for the measly 31" tires I'll be running, but what can I say, I think you all know by now I like to overbuild and over complicate things
but I'll explore doing that upgrade later on, as changing those components won't mess with alignment.
Ah yeah that's right, you are near the seacoast, I forget what town exactly. We made a trip over to get some Lunch at Brown's and ate it on the beach for my Wife's birthday. Will have to check out the BigNuge compound one day!
Yeah, that's the plan for me too. Tall jack stands, disconnect it all, and lift the jeep up off of it. The XJs are indeed easy to work on, until you snap a bolt somewhere, which happens all too often haha.
Yes, the new 8.25 has the 3.55 gears in it that I need. One more update I forgot to mention, I am doing the ZJ Grand Cherokee HD front steering upgrade while I am at it as well. All the components are the same as the XJ, but the tie rods are all solid instead of hollow. Just ordered all the Moog components for that. So, all the steering linkages will be new as well. I want to do those before my alignment. Did you do a drop pitman arm in yours?
I also need to inspect the steering box, from what I have read there is a weak frame spacer used to mount it, and potentially look at a steering brace. I really don't need to do half of this stuff for the measly 31" tires I'll be running, but what can I say, I think you all know by now I like to overbuild and over complicate things
but I'll explore doing that upgrade later on, as changing those components won't mess with alignment.
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BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
I did do a drop pitman arm (came with the RC kit). If I were you I’d plan on doing that steering box brace, as well as the double sheer output shaft brace.
I say all that because I got burned on the steering issues....lol.
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Ah yeah that's right, you are near the seacoast, I forget what town exactly. We made a trip over to get some Lunch at Brown's and ate it on the beach for my Wife's birthday. Will have to check out the BigNuge compound one day!
Yeah, that's the plan for me too. Tall jack stands, disconnect it all, and lift the jeep up off of it. The XJs are indeed easy to work on, until you snap a bolt somewhere, which happens all too often haha.
Yes, the new 8.25 has the 3.55 gears in it that I need. One more update I forgot to mention, I am doing the ZJ Grand Cherokee HD front steering upgrade while I am at it as well. All the components are the same as the XJ, but the tie rods are all solid instead of hollow. Just ordered all the Moog components for that. So, all the steering linkages will be new as well. I want to do those before my alignment. Did you do a drop pitman arm in yours?
I also need to inspect the steering box, from what I have read there is a weak frame spacer used to mount it, and potentially look at a steering brace. I really don't need to do half of this stuff for the measly 31" tires I'll be running, but what can I say, I think you all know by now I like to overbuild and over complicate things
I did do a drop pitman arm (came with the RC kit). If I were you I’d plan on doing that steering box brace, as well as the double sheer output shaft brace.
I say all that because I got burned on the steering issues....lol.
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
I was finally able to make the trip to grab that Chrysler 8.25 rear end. I used the lift to hoist it out of he bed of my truck. My daughter glued to my side as usual. She even asked to pose for a photo with it hahaha (dont worry she’s not as close to it as it looks in the photo)
Pulled the drum off just to confirm. Brand new brakes, score!
Tucked it away here for now
We went out for a little family adventure yesterday. The rear end is sagging so badly, I can’t wait to rip all of the suspension out. I hardly consider this off roading at all, but the rear tires rubbed the fenders twice on this mild outing. Come on old man emu, ship me the rest of my parts!!
Pulled the drum off just to confirm. Brand new brakes, score!
Tucked it away here for now
We went out for a little family adventure yesterday. The rear end is sagging so badly, I can’t wait to rip all of the suspension out. I hardly consider this off roading at all, but the rear tires rubbed the fenders twice on this mild outing. Come on old man emu, ship me the rest of my parts!!
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Arclitgold
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Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Sweeeeet! Can’t wait to see all this come together!
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Sweeeeet! Can’t wait to see all this come together!
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BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Nice....
Where’d you go on that outing? I made it out Thursday. I was up in Bow/Dunbarton. Had to snug up the passenger side away link post-crawl, but all else went well.
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Nice....
Where’d you go on that outing? I made it out Thursday. I was up in Bow/Dunbarton. Had to snug up the passenger side away link post-crawl, but all else went well.
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OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Well, I've been building it up for long enough
It was just Plum Island. I need to learn where all the actual spots are around here, I really don't know of any yet. How did your alignment go?
Well, I've been building it up for long enough
It was just Plum Island. I need to learn where all the actual spots are around here, I really don't know of any yet. How did your alignment go?
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
So I took a more in depth look at my replacement axle this weekend. Whoever did the very recent rear brake job was a *****. I need to re do just about everything. I think I can re-use the pads and drums as I THINK they're the correct parts at least, but all of the springs/adjusters need to be re-done. The passenger side doesn't even have the auto adjusting mechanism installed. It's always something!
In other news, we went to a "Jeep and Greet" about 30 minutes away from our house I stumbled across last minute on Facebook. I was the only XJ there in a sea of mall crawling wranglers, but it was still fun. I got a lot of compliments on it.
My newly Jeep-obsessed daughter and I. She was absolutely loving it:
In other news, we went to a "Jeep and Greet" about 30 minutes away from our house I stumbled across last minute on Facebook. I was the only XJ there in a sea of mall crawling wranglers, but it was still fun. I got a lot of compliments on it.
My newly Jeep-obsessed daughter and I. She was absolutely loving it:
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Unruh
Well-known member
I took my boy to a local car show and at first he was so upset that he couldn’t get in each one, but still ended up having a great time. I’m sure your daughter had a blast!
BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Nice dude, so awesome that she’s into the Jeep so much!! Get a wrench in her hand as soon as she’s able!
Got my boys in the shop turning wrenches from time to time. Not sure older boy is that into it, but he like wheeling...lol. My younger son (just turned 4) loves being in/around/watching me wrench anything, all the time!
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Nice dude, so awesome that she’s into the Jeep so much!! Get a wrench in her hand as soon as she’s able!
Got my boys in the shop turning wrenches from time to time. Not sure older boy is that into it, but he like wheeling...lol. My younger son (just turned 4) loves being in/around/watching me wrench anything, all the time!
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Hahaha, I can see how that would be an issue. Kids hate hearing no. Apparently, giving out rubber ducks at Jeep shows is a thing (who knew) so she was thrilled about coming home with a nice little rubber duck collection.
My daughter just turned 4 as well. She really does love being out there helping with stuff, so I'm going to try and get her more involved with some of the simpler tasks. I know every parent says this about their kids, but she's really freakin smart - she blows me away sometimes. It's fun to watch her think and troubleshoot. That's great your son loves to be out in the shop as well!
In other news, I re-did all of the brakes on the 8.25 rear end. Turns out, there were 3 rear shoes on it, and one front shoe. Also, 2 left auto adjusters.... all brand new. How does that even happen? I just got new hardware, shoes, and replaced the wheel cylinders as well since I was in there and they're so cheap. At least I was able to save the new drums. I've actually never done drum brakes before, but they were pretty easy. Most people recommend using one side as a reference when doing the other, but since both sides were horribly wrong, I had to use some images I dug up online.
Also, the garage suffered a casualty that is really going to hurt. My 60 gallon compressor died.... it's not even 4 years old yet. I started a separate thread to get some advice in the tool section and have been doing some research as well. The crappy thing is it's so buried in the corner of my garage that I can't even get at it to remove the belt guard to pull the belt to diagnose what's going on. I need to move a ton just to get access to it. Hopefully it can be repaired.
Hahaha, I can see how that would be an issue. Kids hate hearing no. Apparently, giving out rubber ducks at Jeep shows is a thing (who knew) so she was thrilled about coming home with a nice little rubber duck collection.
My daughter just turned 4 as well. She really does love being out there helping with stuff, so I'm going to try and get her more involved with some of the simpler tasks. I know every parent says this about their kids, but she's really freakin smart - she blows me away sometimes. It's fun to watch her think and troubleshoot. That's great your son loves to be out in the shop as well!
In other news, I re-did all of the brakes on the 8.25 rear end. Turns out, there were 3 rear shoes on it, and one front shoe. Also, 2 left auto adjusters.... all brand new. How does that even happen? I just got new hardware, shoes, and replaced the wheel cylinders as well since I was in there and they're so cheap. At least I was able to save the new drums. I've actually never done drum brakes before, but they were pretty easy. Most people recommend using one side as a reference when doing the other, but since both sides were horribly wrong, I had to use some images I dug up online.
Also, the garage suffered a casualty that is really going to hurt. My 60 gallon compressor died.... it's not even 4 years old yet. I started a separate thread to get some advice in the tool section and have been doing some research as well. The crappy thing is it's so buried in the corner of my garage that I can't even get at it to remove the belt guard to pull the belt to diagnose what's going on. I need to move a ton just to get access to it. Hopefully it can be repaired.
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BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Nice!
In the compressor, worst case you should be able to source a nice new pump for it. Having the tank and the motor are most of the battle! Still, it’s unfortunate that it died this quickly...
If you need a stand-in I have a mobile vertical Husky (high speed oiless (read:noisy), you’re welcome to use it if you need it.
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Nice!
In the compressor, worst case you should be able to source a nice new pump for it. Having the tank and the motor are most of the battle! Still, it’s unfortunate that it died this quickly...
If you need a stand-in I have a mobile vertical Husky (high speed oiless (read:noisy), you’re welcome to use it if you need it.
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Thanks for the offer man! My dad also has a 20 gallon upright husky that I will probably steal for the time being hahaha.
Thanks for the offer man! My dad also has a 20 gallon upright husky that I will probably steal for the time being hahaha.
nicholam77
Well-known member
That is awesome. It's so fun seeing what lights them up. This could leave a lasting impression, who knows when she is older maybe you can build up a jeep together as a first car.
There are a few pretty big monthly summer car shows where I'm at (including massive local Cars + Coffee), and I was super bummed it got canceled all last summer from covid. Maybe this summer too, not sure. Obviously safety first, but I've been dying to take my daughter to a car show I know she would love it.
Mine's just starting to get old enough where I want to let her come in the garage with me. She's only 2.5 yrs, but very interested in the "ta-dogde" (garage).
Cheers to little girls who are interested in cars and shop time!!
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
That is awesome. It's so fun seeing what lights them up. This could leave a lasting impression, who knows when she is older maybe you can build up a jeep together as a first car.
There are a few pretty big monthly summer car shows where I'm at (including massive local Cars + Coffee), and I was super bummed it got canceled all last summer from covid. Maybe this summer too, not sure. Obviously safety first, but I've been dying to take my daughter to a car show I know she would love it.
Mine's just starting to get old enough where I want to let her come in the garage with me. She's only 2.5 yrs, but very interested in the "ta-dogde" (garage).
Cheers to little girls who are interested in cars and shop time!!
Same here. There is one huge one in particular where they close several streets downtown in one of the larger cities near us (Manchester) with 100s of cars of all types that got shut down last year as well. It's usually a great time. This small Jeep gathering was pretty small and low key, so we ventured over to it.
My daughter just turned 4. Ages 3-4 were such a blast for me, so enjoy that time coming up with her!
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Got a little practice in for my upcoming lift kit install... My barber asked me if I'd do a 2.5" lift on his JK Wrangler. He bought the lift kit second hand (coils and shocks) and didn't know too much about it. I suggested he added a few things to it as well (rear track bar relocation bracket and brake line bracket drops) which he did.... but didn't want to spring for an adjustable front track bar. Oh well, his Jeep, not mine. Also note to self... don't agree to install used parts without seeing them first. The Bilstien shocks were pretty beat up, needed bushings replaced, and were missing hardware.
Didn't grab a ton of photos, but here they are. Going up... this still never gets old. Having the tall jackstands is key to being able to easily lift/lower the axles as needed to get everything lined up when doing the install.
JKS Extensions
Track bar relocation bracket
Rear end all buttoned up
I stopped taking photos and just banged out the front. All done. He's planning on getting 33s as well (I think)
Couldn't resist a side by side shot. Ehh, I'll keep the XJ
Didn't grab a ton of photos, but here they are. Going up... this still never gets old. Having the tall jackstands is key to being able to easily lift/lower the axles as needed to get everything lined up when doing the install.
JKS Extensions
Track bar relocation bracket
Rear end all buttoned up
I stopped taking photos and just banged out the front. All done. He's planning on getting 33s as well (I think)
Couldn't resist a side by side shot. Ehh, I'll keep the XJ
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OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Made some more progress on the rear end on Sunday. Spent some time with the wire wheels and went to town cleaning up all the rust, and hit it with a coat of rust reformer. It's looking much better so far. Next up is a few coats of hammered black paint, run the new brake lines (picked up some nickel copper to try this time around, I've never used it before) and it should be all set to bolt in when the time comes. I'll probably end up doing a fluid change once it's in the Jeep, and am planning to get a new diff cover at that time as well.... mostly just because they look cool, and looking cool is half the battle!
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BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
The nickel copper lines are the best, I’ve used them exclusively for 5 years or so....much easier to work with!
Are you going to use LubeLockers on the diff cover? I did, they worked great on my XJ! No need to use messy RTV!
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The nickel copper lines are the best, I’ve used them exclusively for 5 years or so....much easier to work with!
Are you going to use LubeLockers on the diff cover? I did, they worked great on my XJ! No need to use messy RTV!
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I am enjoying following. My 3 year old daughter likes to "help" so I hope that continues, despite the fact I don't get anything done when she is "helping."
I acquired a 60 gallon compressor from a friend's dad who was moving on the cheap (and a HF shop press) that is pretty far down on my list. If your isn't salvageable, I will let her go what I paid for it. I can get you pics/info if you want, just let me know. I even drive through NH twice a week...
I acquired a 60 gallon compressor from a friend's dad who was moving on the cheap (and a HF shop press) that is pretty far down on my list. If your isn't salvageable, I will let her go what I paid for it. I can get you pics/info if you want, just let me know. I even drive through NH twice a week...
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
I was thinking about trying out a LubeLocker actually. Every time I put a diff cover on with RTV, all I can think about is how there is a better way haha. Glad to hear they worked out well for you!
Hey thanks for the offer, that would definitely be a great option if I can't fix mine! I'll shoot you a PM to get some details on it.
Yes, their "help" is anything but most of the time hahaha. It's OK though, I just keep telling myself I'll never get these years back. We went out for a little hike this weekend. At the end, I got the "Daddy, can you take a picture of me sitting on my Jeep?"
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OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
After 2 coats of hammered black, the rear axle is all done. I just need to run the brake lines from the wheel cylinders to the distribution block. I ordered SOLID diff covers and LubeLockers for the front and rear as well. I'll wait to get those installed until the lift is on. I want to see how this new rear end rolls first, before I do a fluid change and install the covers.
Also, after what has felt like an absolute eternity, the OME leaf springs, coils, and shocks have finally arrived! I now have everything to begin the lift kit installation
Also, after what has felt like an absolute eternity, the OME leaf springs, coils, and shocks have finally arrived! I now have everything to begin the lift kit installation
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BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Nice, now the fun begins!! Break out the big breaker bar and cheater bar....you’re gonna need them!
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Nice, now the fun begins!! Break out the big breaker bar and cheater bar....you’re gonna need them!
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Things are finally underway! First, ripped out the old Dana 35.
Then, the old leaf springs came out. This is a huge feat, as these bolts are known to be extremely problematic. The weld nut in the frame either breaks off if you use too much force, or the bushing sleeve seizes to the bolt, or both. The were seized for me, so I cut apart the main eye on the leaf, cut the busing out, heated the **** out of the sleeve, and was able to get it separated with some vise grips. Time consuming, but worth it to get them apart without doing any damage.
New shocks and rear upper bumpstops.
I preemptively purchased the upper flag nut kit. The upper bolts ALWAYS break when trying to remove. Mine were no exception. You then air hammer the old broken bolts/weldnuts out, and slip these flag bolts in. Pretty slick.
Unfortunately, this is where I got stuck. Next up was installing the new leaf springs. I could not get the bushings installed into the new leafs for the life of me. The instructions said spray them with some soapy water and hit them in with a rubber mallet... ain’t happening. My ball joint/u joint press didn’t open large enough either. So... I’m giving them to a friend who’s going to bring them to work tomorrow to press them in with a shop press.
Also replaced this vent line between the fuel tank and evap canister. I think this is the cause of my evap leak check engine light.
I moved on the front. Doing front unit bearings and the front axle shaft u joints need replacing BADLY. So, I ripped all that out and what’s where I’m at now.
Then, the old leaf springs came out. This is a huge feat, as these bolts are known to be extremely problematic. The weld nut in the frame either breaks off if you use too much force, or the bushing sleeve seizes to the bolt, or both. The were seized for me, so I cut apart the main eye on the leaf, cut the busing out, heated the **** out of the sleeve, and was able to get it separated with some vise grips. Time consuming, but worth it to get them apart without doing any damage.
New shocks and rear upper bumpstops.
I preemptively purchased the upper flag nut kit. The upper bolts ALWAYS break when trying to remove. Mine were no exception. You then air hammer the old broken bolts/weldnuts out, and slip these flag bolts in. Pretty slick.
Unfortunately, this is where I got stuck. Next up was installing the new leaf springs. I could not get the bushings installed into the new leafs for the life of me. The instructions said spray them with some soapy water and hit them in with a rubber mallet... ain’t happening. My ball joint/u joint press didn’t open large enough either. So... I’m giving them to a friend who’s going to bring them to work tomorrow to press them in with a shop press.
Also replaced this vent line between the fuel tank and evap canister. I think this is the cause of my evap leak check engine light.
I moved on the front. Doing front unit bearings and the front axle shaft u joints need replacing BADLY. So, I ripped all that out and what’s where I’m at now.
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
My friend got those bushings pressed into the leaf springs for me, so I was able to get those in place last night:
I moved back on to the front. Got the old U-joints out of the front axle shafts. As you can see, they've seen better days.
New Spicers pressed in:
I also replaced the front wheel bearings, installed the extended brake lines, and I ended up replacing the calipers. The bleeders were frozen on the old ones, and a new (reman) set from Oriley's was only $60 for both, so I went that route. They have Phenolic pistons.... my first time using a set with them, so we'll see how they hold up.
Originally, I was just going to remove my ABS fuses and relays to disable the ABS system. Most people do this. I have to ditch ABS in switching to the Chrysler 8.25 rear end, which I am happy to do. But, I don't want to have to deal with bleeding the ABS module, so I am going to do a full delete. I picked up a non-ABS proportioning valve, and ordered a set of stainless steel pre bent brake lines to re-route the system accordingly. They should arrive today. It's for the best, as I noticed the front hardlines are pretty crusty where they tie in to the new extended brake lines.
I moved back on to the front. Got the old U-joints out of the front axle shafts. As you can see, they've seen better days.
New Spicers pressed in:
I also replaced the front wheel bearings, installed the extended brake lines, and I ended up replacing the calipers. The bleeders were frozen on the old ones, and a new (reman) set from Oriley's was only $60 for both, so I went that route. They have Phenolic pistons.... my first time using a set with them, so we'll see how they hold up.
Originally, I was just going to remove my ABS fuses and relays to disable the ABS system. Most people do this. I have to ditch ABS in switching to the Chrysler 8.25 rear end, which I am happy to do. But, I don't want to have to deal with bleeding the ABS module, so I am going to do a full delete. I picked up a non-ABS proportioning valve, and ordered a set of stainless steel pre bent brake lines to re-route the system accordingly. They should arrive today. It's for the best, as I noticed the front hardlines are pretty crusty where they tie in to the new extended brake lines.
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BigNuge
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Nice progress dude....I see those hi-vis bump stops!
I’m headed to Bow/Concord tomorrow for some wheeling with the kids....hoping it isn’t straight rain the whole time so we can do some hiking/exploring on foot.
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Nice progress dude....I see those hi-vis bump stops!
I’m headed to Bow/Concord tomorrow for some wheeling with the kids....hoping it isn’t straight rain the whole time so we can do some hiking/exploring on foot.
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Arclitgold
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2017
- Messages
- 317
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
Nice progress!!
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Nice progress!!
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OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Re: Mr. Roboto's Garage Makeover
They will double as traffic cones when I break down Have fun today! Hope the weather holds out for you.
Thanks!
Managed to sneak out last night and get the rear end on. My method for doing this solo. Worked great!
The rear sitting on it's own weight for the first time:
Looks more ridiculous in person.... but damn. I had almost zero wheel gap with the old sagging rear leaf springs.
Not super thrilled with the shackle angle. Basically vertical. I'll need to see how it looks when the rear is settled, but I may end up doing shackle relocation brackets too if it rides like ****.
They will double as traffic cones when I break down
Have fun today! Hope the weather holds out for you. Thanks!
Managed to sneak out last night and get the rear end on. My method for doing this solo. Worked great!
The rear sitting on it's own weight for the first time:
Looks more ridiculous in person.... but damn. I had almost zero wheel gap with the old sagging rear leaf springs.
Not super thrilled with the shackle angle. Basically vertical. I'll need to see how it looks when the rear is settled, but I may end up doing shackle relocation brackets too if it rides like ****.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The XJ is progressing nicely. Doing a great job.
nicholam77
Well-known member
Wow, that's a big difference! Gonna be awesome. It's been interesting reading and looking through all your photos as I've never done anything even remotely like this before. The garage is getting a workout!
Unruh
Well-known member
Right on! That is a lot of work, but also a lot of difference. I recently ran some new electrical wires on my pick-up. It was a lot of work, but in the end just made the dome light come on when I opened the door...lol