Pete M

It's the stongest, most readily available axle out there that will closely match the front axle. They are all over the place, have disk brakes (96-02), common Jeep gear ratios, and a 5-on4.5" wheel bolt pattern. Every single non-MJ axle out there will require moving the perches.

:eek: Try about 175 lbs. :roll:

Make sure you get the right one. I'm not sure that an AW-4 shifter will work with the older 3-speeds.

96-02 Ford Explorer rear axle with your choice of gears (3.55, 3.73, 4.10) and posi or open differential. The 6 and 8 cylinder models use the exact same axles with different brackets welded on (brackets you won't need), so don't pay extra for an 8 cylinder one. The Explorer (and Mercury Mountineer) were one of the most popular vehicles ever, so don't settle for a $500+ unit that needs all new brakes. Keep looking. $300-400 for a needs-nothing specimen is a good deal. Some of us have found them for cheaper. :brows: Try REAL HARD to get one with intact brake lines and E-brake cables. It's not hard for the junkyard to simply cut the lines upstream of where you need them. Also, make sure you get the shock mounts (just in case they come in handy), U-bolts, and driveshaft flange (which is typically unbolted from the axle and left attached to the driveshaft). Oh, and minimum rotor thickness on them is .409" (I just learned that yesterday).

-buy a Ford Explorer 8.8 with disk brakes, -weld on new perches, -install, -enjoy! :D

MJs have a married t-case.

Or anywhere else on their property. Places of business don't count. Neither does anything mounted to a vehicle. I think I got this contest licked. :brows: Ok, a little explaination. Just a couple weeks ago there were only 8. Four junkyard tires on ford rims for the 88 when it's being towed and 4 spares for Jeep axles (previously these were just leftovers from the 88, but I sold them and bought a set of Canyons). Then I got 3 BFGs from the junkyard to resell, picked up 4 free Vette rims to sell, moved the 90's tires outside, and just now picked up 4 MTRs that will be used on the 90 for wheeling (going to be mounted on the Canyons). Eventually it'll be back down to 8, but for the moment it's at 24. :eek: Good thing the only neighbor that can see them is a good friend. :D 1. junkyard tires for towing the 88 2. Canyons with 235s 3. 31s off of 90 (no axles at the moment) 4. three 31" BFGs 5. 85 Vette rims 6. spare from under 90 7. 31" MTRs

The 4wd leafs are on the left, 2wd in the middle and Exploder on the right. It's difficult to make a direct comparison to the Explorer since there's no weight on the leafs and the Ford leafs are thicker and likely are stiffer. Eventually I'll have the truck together and then I plan to try out the Exploder leafs to see exactly what they do. Notice though, that the high-mileage rusty 4wd leafs still have more arch than the low-mileage rustfree 2wd leafs.

Eagle is helping out with moderator duties. I'm still trying to find someone who can figure out how to use the Cpanel-X stuff so we can put the rest of the site together. I may just break down and find a local guy to teach me enough so that I'm not quite as completely ignorant as I am now.

That's what I thought once too, but car-part.com has the vacuum disconnect as an XJ option through '93. :dunno:

I'd flush the radiator out. I'd also change the fuel filter after the first couple tanks (so the current one catches all the crap in the tank). But then again, filters are cheap, so maybe a new one now and a new one later would be best. :D Extra octane in the tank is good too to help out the stale gas.

Aside from the fact that they are old? -Rust can form in the lines that snake past the gas tank. -The rear prop valves rarely work anymore. -The Dana 35 drums are tiny. Fixes include: -eliminating the rear prop valve and swapping in a Cherokee prop valve up front. -Swapping in a rear axle with better brakes. -Swapping in a 95/96 Cherokee dual diaphram brake booster http://www.madxj.com/MADXJ/technical/technicalfiles/ARbrakeBoosterUpgrade/BrakeBoosterUpgrade.htm

I sent you a PM. :D

I plan to expand the classifieds if it picks up some more. Right now there are only a few new posts per week. But then again, maybe I should split it now before it gets too big. Splitting means I'd have to go through each past post to put them in the proper catagory. :(

The choices are endless so it's important to do what you like ('cause you're the one who has to stare at it every day). Try hunting down a couple of old-iron military websites and see what has been popular over the years. I plan to add plenty of smaller stencils to my truck (when and if I get around to painting it). Things like "step here" and "danger" where applicable. :D

That, or just asking. :D

Speaking of exploders, I now have two sets of 4-leaf packs to play with. :D

I bought it from a guy near me, took the engine out, and then gave it to another MJ owner for his project. I certainly hope it isn't white anymore, but if it is, I'm sure it won't be for long. :brows: It was pretty fugly.

Why did you add an extra overload (the big thick one at the bottom) leaf? I don't advise eliminating them completely, as they are the best defense against spring-wrap.

All white. :D

Dang, I thought I sent it to you. Oh well, I just sent it in a PM.

At the bottom of your profile page there should be some choices for uploading an avatar.

I hesitate doing a single post for topics so incredibly broad. There are soooo many variations and soooo many different levels of abilities of those reading that I feel each case should be taken individually. A single post would never be able to cover everything. Unlike guys at some other sites, I actually prefer that everyone ask their own question. I try to encourage it. That way we can see what they have and what they want and what they have to work with and target the response accordingly. :typing:

It was just a regular ol' 2wd MJ that was painted all white (with housepaint no less). It's currently in the final stages of the 4wd conversion by it's new owner.

You'll need a 4x4 tranny.