Akula69

There is a hinge reinforcement kit that is sold by MOPAR - costs about 38.00 per door and consists of a rounded steel insert that goes inside the body frame (behind the hinge), a flat steel plate that goes on the outside (over the hinge), and flat head torx bolts to hold it all together. The instructions talk about checking whether the hinge is over 1/2 way seperated from the frame, but I've done this lots of times with all sorts of gaps without a problem. BUT - if you go this route you need to partially remove the header and loosen the fender so that you can access two of the existing hinge torx bolts directly...DO NOT try to loosen them from an angle as the heads will strip. Believe me, :headpop: it is easier to loosen the fender for this fix then to drill out the stripped bolts. MOPAR part number 05083060AA (same for left and right).

Huh. I was a poet and didn't know it. One other thing I forgot to ask. The LB has a salvage title...I don't know if anyone has experience with those here (I suppose every state is different). Anyway, I wonder if the rebuild is worth it if I ever decide to re-sell. OTOH, I suppose lots of 20 year old vehicles probably have title problems...

Well, I finally did it - I broke down and bought not one but two MJ's for my (ahem) son's education on restoring the beast. I've done some XJ projects but this is my first foray into the MJ. I have picked up a 87 renix 4.0 LB sport 2WD with a wrecked front clip (got the radiator and the condenser unfortunately) and a 87 SB renix 2.5 sport 2WD with a blown head gasket. Pics to follow as soon as I pick up the 2.5. I plan on repairing the LB including doing the dash/bucket seat/center console conversion, but wonder about the SB conversion to 4WD and 4.0 Questions: 1) Have (free)access to a 89 Wagoner renix 4.0 4WD for parts but engine head gasket is is blown. Trans and 231 are good, dana 44 in rear. I have read the threads about 2WD to 4WD conversion but usually with XJ donors. Drivetrain appears the same between the XJ and the Wagoner (basically an XJ)...but can't be sure. Anyone? I believe the drive shafts would have to be cut down or swapped..Correct? 2) I have heard differing stories on the 2.5 about lack of power and various other problems. We have the technology to rebuild the 4.0 out of the 89 but I wonder if it would be worthwhile to just drop the 4.0 in there and call it a day..opnions? all responses are appreciated! :cheers: