Pete M

My thoughts: wind resistance and higher center of gravity.

I think the iron duke 2.5Ls (which are not related to the AMC 2.5L) in the CJs have the chevy 90* block pattern and the AMC 2.5Ls in MJ/XJs have the chevy 60* pattern

Can't happen. Our trucks are semi-unibody which means the body and frame are integral. The bed does bolt to the frame though.

I won't tell anyone it was previously red if you don't. :D At least that way the exterior will match the door seals, engine bay, undercarriage, etc. It'll all look even more factory when you're done.

I just talked with Rick and he says she's doing much better now. :D

Dana 30s are front axles. Dana 35s (for jeeps) are rear axles. 4.10s are better because you can find axles in junkyards that already contain the gears (aka: it can be way cheaper than regearing). 4.88s are better because they will give your little engine even more leverage over those big tires (but regearing 2 axles is expensive).

For a boat anchor? Mail box post?

There is some debate as to whether it is really necessary. It is a weak point in the 8.8 axle, but that's relative. The carrier is a "weak point" too, but I don't see a ton of guys breaking them. For better or for worse, if I was swapping an Exp 8.8 under my truck, I'd probably not get the welding done. :dunno:

But which chevy pattern?

Truly these trucks are an addiction... :D

Be sure to email Rick (xjs4ever@yahoo.com) I don't know if he can leave for a day, but if he can, I'm certain he could use the down-time. :thumbsup:

Try cleaning up your battery cable connections and all grounds in the engine bay. :thumbsup:

Read my signature. :D A better option is to find a Dana 35, Dana 44, XJ 8.25 or Explorer 8.8 with 4.10 gears already in them. :thumbsup: Is your front tire centered in the wheel well?

They should provide a little bit. Maybe an inch. Depends on how saggy they were in the XJ.

Personally, I wouldn't bother trying to convert a 2.5 to auto. The trans will suck away what little power the 2.5 has to offer. :(

The comfort setting is worthless and can actually eat more gas when trying to accelerate with it on. If you're looking to be more fuel miserly, just don't push the gas pedal so far down. :D

Actually, rebuilding the AX-4/5 trans is pretty simple and straight forward. It's the Peugoet (BA-10/5) that is insane. XJs and MJs shared the same axles. They just move the perches and brackets around for the rear axle.

The 4-spd manual is called the AX-4.

In my opinion "power" should be used all the time. Jeep eventually did away with the silly "comfort" setting and left the trans in "power" mode.

Just so I understand this correctly, you added 3" of lift to the front, but haven't done anything else? :hmm: The short list: -longer sway bar links -longer track bar -longer brake lines -longer lower control arms -axles with 4.10 gears -get an alignment Only brand new springs settle. Those have long since broken in. :thumbsup:

Yes. A few of them were ordered over the years and they came with the AW-4 (same as the 4.0, but with a different converter and converter housing). If you can find one, they usually had 4.56 gears in the axles. :thumbsup:

The CJ bushing will only work with swapping a late model AX-15 onto a renix era 4.0. If you're using an HO 4.0, you just need the AX-15 and the appropriate factory bearing. :thumbsup:

Coming along nicely. :D What's your plan for the flares?

Lots more pics. And of the whole MJ family. :D Pulled up the carpets yet?

Thank goodness you checked it before starting it. :eek: