Pete M

Look for ABS. I don't remember which year was the start (89? 92?), but ABS XJs after that should have the 297 joints. And I think it's 97 where all XJs got the 297s. If anyone has the exact info, feel free to chime in. :D

200 is a fairly good deal if the axle is complete and the rotors are good. Make sure the e-brake stuff inside is in good shape if you plan on use it. Stock gears for a 4.0/manual is 3.07. Good gears for 31s would be 3.55 and that's a common ratio for the 8.8s and Dana 30s. Don't forget that your new AX-15 won't bolt to the current T-case. You'll need a 23 spline t-case too.

Keep in mind that the body is a structural part of the MJ and XJ. Alterations must be thoroughly thought out to keep it from bending or cracking in the altered locations once you start thumping it offroad. Plus there's the safety aspect if it's your daily driver.

Getting the right gears is the most important thing. CAD or no CAD is secondary since both axles are arguably the same strength and most of the axles you find out there will still have the smaller joints in them.

Yup. Explorers and Mountaineers. 95+ have disks. car-part.com can help you locate one.

I'd put it all together and see how it sits. Then if it needs another inch, I'd consider a longer shackle.

Yes and no. It's incredibly light and strong (when in good shape), but it's still just a boxed double layer of sheetmetal.

kbb.com is another good source for prices, but they tend to be more accurate with newer vehicles than old.

Hey, if I was a millionaire, I'd have no problem throwing $5000 at him to get that truck. But last I checked I'm not a millionaire, so I guess I'll focus on building up my latest $300 rust bucket. :D

I had 6 quarts on me, but at the time I just couldn't have fathomed needing a new filter for only a weekend trip. Now I carry a filter too. And after a different "learning experience", I started carrying a spare oil pan gasket and rear main seal. And after another lesson I started carrying 5 gallons of water and a bottle of radiator sealer. And after a... well, the list goes on and on and on...

Trying to stitch the uniframe sheetmetal back together seem like a big hassle to me. I'd go with PingPong's "truggy" approach and build the rear half out of tube. Well, actually I'd just leave it at 113 and go have fun with it (I like my longer wheelbase), but if I had to shorten to 100, then I'd go tube. :D

A failed Fram almost killed the engine in my 88. The oil pressure went away completely. I consider myself extremely lucky that I could still limp along and that my engine survived. (although I've lost count at the number of times I almost lost this particular 4.0 and she still keeps puttering along) :D

Sounds like it's time to build a stroker! :D (Just don't use the Peugeot behind it.) :teehee:

Still sounds like a load of malarkey to me. :roll:

I wouldn't say "all the time", but it has been done before and there are a few guys here that run a v8. Some love it and have no regrets, others would never ever do it again, and others never get all the bugs worked out and eventually just sell off the truck to get rid of it. Be prepared to kiss your drivetrain goodbye. Be prepared to fight to keep the beast cool. And be prepared to either fabricate your own brackets, mounts etc. or pay out the butt to advanceadapters.com for the parts you need. It is not for the feint of heart.

Amen to that. :D

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I realize that it's totally possible, but I hesitate taking anyone's word that a Jeep motor is on its way out. I don't mean to imply that all mechanics are trying to screw over Jeep owners, but our engines just seem to show "signs" of dying when in fact they aren't. What makes him think yours is failing? Noises? compression? Leaks oil? :hmm:

jcw.com sells a generic bumper with brackets to adapt it to the MJ. A Dakota bumper will not bolt on with some alterations.

I went with 3/16", but only because I couldn't find 1/4" wall square tube for a decent price. The more attachment points to the uniframe you have, the better off you'll be.

Rocker guards are awesome! :D

Make your own. :D

More info than you'll ever need to know about Ford axles: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html