Pete M

4.10s and 4.56s would both be fine on the street and the trail. 4.10s would be cheaper/easier since you can get them ready to go from the junkyards. And you CAN do this yourself. There was a first time for all of us. It's simply a matter of gathering some tools, gathering some info, and taking your time to follow the steps. Space is a concern though, but many members here have done similar conversions in one car garages, in driveways, or even on the gravel/dirt next to the house. :thumbsup: Don't sell yourself short.

I just want to add that anything from 86 really should be inspected first hand to be sure. There's so much variation that it's hard to say for sure. My 2.8/5speed has 4.10s.

Well, looks like I'm going xmas shopping at the mall tomorrow morning instead of junkyarding. :( Oh well. I wonder what days they'll be open next week. :brows:

Ahhhh, so it's required to run one of your other goodies. Gotcha. :D

nope. All were regular XJs. At least as far as I could tell. The grilles were all messed up or missing.

I found myself in the area today and so I stopped by pull-a-part North. Lots of picked over XJs and one MJ. the MJ was rust free, but lived a rough life. If anyone is looking for rustfree bedsides it might work for you, back left corner of the bed was dented (right under the light). Bring a sawzall. Tailgate was ok too. Some surface rust, but no rot. The truck looked like it had spent it's life in the desert. Bery nice weathered patina on it. :D Only a couple of the XJs had anything worth while (couple fenders here and there, no front facias intact, no good seats, no 2-doors). Tomorrow I hope to hit up South and East.

IMHO, C-clips eliminators and lockouts are both overrated. If they come with the axle already, so be it, but I wouldn't pay for them. My hubs are only used on the road because I have that stupid minispool up front (which I hate and am removing) and you have to break a shaft before the C-clip becomes an annoyance. Good luck with that. :thumbsup: And take some video of it happening. :clapping:

Problem is, there's no easy way to do it. It either requires a lot of work, or a lot of money (or both). :(

I couldn't tell if you're turning everything by hand or with the engine, but if the engine is turning everything, do NOT engage fulltime 4wd without a rear shaft installed. The t-case can't take that much differentiation. I think the 242 shifting gate (the little framework that the shifter handle runs through as you pull back) is different from the 231 shifting gate. Did the 4wd shifter assembly come from that same donor XJ? This is the adjustment procedure for the 231. I assume it should also work for the 242.

x2. What transmission is coming out?

Before doing anything drastic I would: -give it a tune up (including making sure all the sensors and in good shape) -eliminate any restrictions (poor mufflers/intakes or clogged cats) -new fuel injectors (5.0 mustangs) -Timing chain (to get everything beck into spec) -gears, gears, gears. If you want a real kick in the pants, gearing will give that to you in spades. :thumbsup: Even street-based MJs can get huge benefits from a bump in gear ratio.

I didn't have much of any tools for heavy vehicular surgery when I decided to build up my 88. So I bought them. And I still don't have a welder. Didn't stop me from building my own. :thumbsup: And mine is a lot more, um, custom than yours will be given your criteria. I still haven't done an engine swap though. I've pulled a couple, but haven't installed one yet. It's on my to-do list. :D Gear setup I'd still leave to a pro. Buy: -3 ton jack and a 2 ton jack at least 6 jackstands, I like a mix of heights; 3 ton, 4 ton and 6 ton (I also have a pair of 12 tons) -folding engine hoist (if installing an engine) -ratchet straps -hand tools -big hammer, at least a 3 pound sledge -angle grinder -sawzall -and other things I'm forgetting, if you really need a list, we can provide you with more details :thumbsup:

PM me your phone number so I can call you if my (my neighbors actually) internet won't work.

And leave a CC card behind... :brows:

I'm calling him later today to swap more info. I'll keep you posted. :thumbsup:

The 27th sounds as good as any for a meet and greet. I'm going to the junkyards this saturday though, as next week is supposed to be chilly. :(

I can't wait to see the console installed. :D

:rotf:

I won't have a car thursday, but friday's weather looks good in the morning and early afternoon. Sat morning could be ok too.

It was Jeep's attempt at reduced drag to increase gas mileage. Didn't work to any measurable degree. Not all Jeeps came that way, and fixing the CAD so it's engaged all the time will make your Jeep just like the rest of them, including all XJs since ~93 and wranglers since 97.

Sounds like you've been busy. :D

What's it going in? I mean, under the hood. :D

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not quite. It's a stock GT-5000. Looks like his neighbor can store it for me, now I'm just looking for someone to swing by and check it out for me.

Like testing out, picking up and storing a riding lawn mower for me? :brows: Apparently the guy is leaving for Florida on the 26th and I won't be driving back up to Michigan until the 5th.