Classic XJ and trying to keep it that way

[Rainman77]

It been a while since I've updated. This weekend I finally installed the Boostwerks Engineering steering brace I got from [member=219]Rucas[/member]? a long time ago. It definitely tightens the response in the wheel and helps with any slop in the steering box. 

I also got some new tars too! Toyo Open Country ATIIIs in 265/75 r16 flavor (roughly a metric 32x10.50). The all balanced under 3oz and ride much better than the Falkens I had before. Eventually I'll do a little bit of clearancing, but since it's a highway jeep it's not a huge priority. 

 

[G Beasley]

Good looking tires! Any pics of the installed boostwerks brace?

 

[Rainman77]

It's a bit of a pain to install, but it works well. It's shaped like a front hitch and mounts a pillow bearing to the end of the steering shaft.

 

[G Beasley]

And its a noticeable difference?

 

[Rainman77]

And its a noticeable difference?

 
 It definitely tightens up some of the slop from the steering box and stiffens the front end. I would describe it as more of a direct feel. Little inputs to the wheel seem like less of an encouragement and actually respond a bit even if it's not fully responsive. 

 

[Rainman77]

Yesterday I put the Jeep to work pulling out some nasty Arborvitaes. Once the tires cleared the pulled surprisingly well in the grass.

 

[jeepwrangler97]

Yesterday I put the Jeep to work pulling out some nasty Arborvitaes. Once the tires cleared the pulled surprisingly well in the grass.

Hatch up to avoid tree + window action?

 

[Rainman77]

Hatch up to avoid tree + window action?

Yup! Also it give me much better visibility of the strap to avoid overly hard yanks 

 

[Rainman77]

I had a decent wrenching day yesterday. I've had a horrible clattering coming from the engine and investigated enough to suspect a loose flexplate and bad harmonic balancer. Well, all 4 torque converter bolts were loose and backing out but the holes were still ok. I couldn't see and cracking in the flexplate without taking it off, so I called this good enough. Replacing the harmonic balancer was a pain with limited access. It pulled off easily, but pressing the new one on took a long time. After I started it up the engine was noticably smoother than before and no paint mixer sounds came from the engine. Success! 

Next thing to tackle was the rear suspension. The rearward leaf bushings were barely existent and I had some new shackles sitting around for a few months that I wanted to install. When taking the shocks off the get enough droop, the axle side studs broke on both sides. I hate when that happens.... I left it for the end of the day and continued on. I used a ball joint press for the leaf bushings and knocked them out fairly quick. Then I decided that the fastest and easiest way to fix the shock studs would be to drill and tap them for a 5/16" bolt with big washers. I didn't feel like dealing with grinding and replacing the studs and this should hold until I get another axle swapped in. 

 

[G Beasley]

Chero love for the win!

 

[Rainman77]

Has it really been a year since updating this thread?   ???

Not much to update, mostly just commuter and utility duty for the Jeep. It rolled over 222,222 miles on Tuesday after about just over 7 years of ownership. One of these days I might have the time to work on this thing and make some upgrades, but it may be swapped for a truck in the next year or two. 

 

[Florpro]

Glad to see you are still using it!

 

[G Beasley]

Keep it as long as you can!

 

[Rainman77]

I am seriously considering selling the XJ very soon. I have to get it cleaned up and looking nice to make a full listing, but if anyone is interested please DM me.

Currently is has around 223k miles and is in great running condition. The engine rebuild/refresh is just over 100k miles and still going strong. Cosmetic issues include flaking clear coat on the hood/fenders and some rocker rust, but otherwise it is quite clean. With my current commute is has barely seen 5k miles in the past year. The Dana 35 may need to be replaced soon, but I have a 29 spline 8.25 in the shed that would go along with it. Otherwise is has been trouble free and reliable for me for a long time. 

We are looking at another vehicle this week that could suit our towing needs and we cannot justify 3 vehicles at the moment. I may list it around $5500 with the current market, but JO members or friends would get a better deal. 

 

[Rainman77]

https://www.jeep-owner.com/index.php?topic=4439.msg206294#new


The time has come to sell the XJ. $4500 JO price or best offer. I'll list it on Marketplace in the next day or two as well. Feel free to ask any questions or PM about it.