Pete M

The guards are "offroad only" because they affect light output and the clips make them removable. Gluing them on makes them not-quite-so-removable. :D

You wouldn't be the first. :D

I'm totally willing to accept that some lucky MJs got them from the factory (especially the 91/92s, when they knew the end was near) I just want to see proof.

I HATED the 3.07 gears when I upgraded to 30" tires. But then I demand more from my truck than being mere transportation. If it's not fun to drive, why bother? :D I don't think you can get 3" from adding Explorer leafs. Maybe an inch or so. AALs are pretty cheap, but make sure you get one for an MJ, as the XJ ones will only lift your truck half as much as they would an XJ. Also, from what I can tell, 3.73 gears were more common in Grand Cherokees than Cherokees so keep an eye out for them too.

I've heard claims, but have yet to see proof of a non-longbed or non-Metric ton that came with the Dana 44 from its birthplace in Toledo. A picture of the axle is NOT proof. If it was, I could just show you the 44 that's under my 90 shortbed. I put it there. The 44 swaps right in and could easily have been done at the Dealership if the owner desired (as far as I can tell, hitches were a dealer-only item). Oh, and you could get the Metric Tonne with the 2.5L too. Yes, that's right. Out there in the world are Dana 44s with 4.10 gears in them. Happy hunting. :D

Yup, I've had that happen on occasion. Though usually that happens on bolts that I eventually cut off (meaning that they probably weren't ever coming out due to rust). There's no one tool that does it all. :D

Certainly. I'll get another out to you next time I mail something. :D

Kitchen sink... :D

I lost a headlight to a tree branch years ago (back when the truck was 2wd). I include them in the "get me home" category. Not exactly on par with a fullsize spare tire or the hi-lift, but my "backup" lighting is way too bright for the roads and a single stock headlight doesn't put out much light (blame the crappy wiring). Safety is safety, whether it be on the trail or on the road afterwards. :D Plus I like them. The mounting clips SUCK though, and I've since glued them directly to the lights with silicone. Not a good idea for a daily driver since they do block light output slightly and I imagine you could get a ticket for that.

I actually prefer my little 8" pipe wrench to the vice grips. :brows: Vice grips only get so tight, but the pipe wrench keeps putting more and more pressure (if it doesn't spin of course). If it does spin, then I go for the vice grips or try roughing up the surface so the wrench teeth have something to grab.

I cleaned everything up. (I think) The big problem isn't too few mods, only that I need to get Eagle the power to ban. (Still working on that one. Can't figure out which page in the software lets me do that.) I didn't realize he couldn't. Also, the 2 newest forums didn't have him as mod yet. Also my fault there. Last semester beat the snot out of me and so I'm playing catchup with what needs to get done around here. There's about 5 billion new posts to read. :hateputers:

You wouldn't be the first XJ to join in. :D

When is your spring break?

Dog looks fine to me. Probably bailed at the first sign of trouble. :D My dog is always securely fastened to the seat with a proper doggy harness and for anything really truly hairy I'd probably have someone hold the leash for a minute.

Yeah, I still have to do that on my 90. I just sorta ripped out all the lines without seeing which one lead to the engine. :(

Darwinism in action! :D

Find the "steering stops". If I recall correctly, they are visible from the front and look like a little bolt sticking out and it contacts a flat spot on the axle. Turn the wheel all the way if need be. It'll be the thing that stops everything from moving. Unscrew this bolt and put a washer behind it.

It's a low pinion axle. Plus I bet they have more the 2k into the one they built. Personally, I'd look into a custom unit. It'll be even better. :D

4-5". It's really hard to say because of the variation in leaf packs. Plus no one has done it yet. Care to be a pioneer? :brows:

Don't worry, he's looooooooong gone. :D

Real or not, it happens more than it should on the Great lakes. Every year idiots lose their trucks or snowmobiles out on the ice. Or the ice they're on breaks free and the coast guard has to go rescue their dumb asses.

If you get everything that's needed, then it's a really great swap. If you get most of what you need, then it's still a great swap, just you'll be spending more time in the junkyard. Nearly EVERYTHING changed electrical wise. Get yourself a factory shop manual!

Yeah, compression isn't everything. Make sure all the fuel and spark delivery systems are good to go.