Pete M

I find my cardboard a the local recycling center. :D and please find the caps lock button and tap it once. :typing:

I'd probably hunt down some 29 spline shafts/spiders for the 8.25. :thumbsup:

Only if the input/output spline count matches up between the trans and t-case.

Regardless of his grammar, he does make a good point. But, in theory, you might be able to find a T-5 bellhousing from an 86 MJ/XJ with the 2.5L to mate to a car T-5. Maybe. It's a pretty rare trans, but car-part.com should be able to find you one. Look for a "top loader".

Yup. rjontzen's rig is a super clean stock body. Makes me cry it's so nice. :D

Unions are another of those never ending arguments since they have both good points and bad points and there are fierce supporters on both sides of the issue. I took a labor-relations class. Boy was that a fun time. :shake: Learned a lot though. :D

I think the OP is looking for a car trans. Anyone know what trans was in the old camaros? T-5?

aaaand another thread bites the dust.

So the thought occurred to me to go to the website listed on the coupon. They forwarded me to another site that wanted to install something they call a "coupon printer". Yeah right. Not a chance in hell. :fs1:

Engine grime is Jeep's natural rust protection. :D And x2 on keeping water from the throttle body area.

If I pring them out, aren't I "mechanically reproducing" them? :teehee:

I'm running spools front and rear so I don't have any opinions of other lockers based on actual experience. I only know that spools should not be up front. :D A front spool will limit your turning radius every chance it gets. I'll soon be dumping it for an automatic locker (like a Detroit or an Aussie). Be careful about which axles you're putting locker in. Stock MJ axles are generally not strong enough to accommodate the combination of big tires and lockers.

The gearing in your axles must match (+-1%) in order to use 4wd without breaking something. I say +-1% because different axles will vary in ring/pinion gear size and that can affect tooth count. For example, the Dana 30 is 4.10:1 and the Dana 35 is actually 4.11:1. How to find a 4.10 axle: -It is the most common ratio associated with 2.5L/manual transmission MJ/XJs. This is no guarantee though, and the ratio should be verified. -There's a metal tag that comes from the factory attached to a bolt on the diff cover. If it's still there and it's still legible, it'll have either the ratio (4 10) or the tooth counts (41 10) which divided will give the ratio 4.10:1 if the tag is missing, then the following procedure can be used (and probably should be used anyways): -brace one of the axle shafts still. then rotate the other axle shaft around twice. While you're doing that, watch the pinion closely and count how many times it rotates around. If it rotates around 3 and a half times, it's a 3.55 ratio. If it rotates around just over 4 times, it's a 4.10. If the axle has a limited slip inside and both axles rotate together, then only rotate the axle shafts around one time. Another option is to remove off the differential cover. The ratio (or the tooth count) should be stamped somewhere on the outside of the ring gear. Be prepared to make a big mess if you pop the cover off.

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: