Pete M

I think the ZJ 4.0 is swap-able with MJ/XJs. Don't start undoing bolts until someone confirms that though

The new truck isn't in my driveway yet, so I still have some time to figure out what to do about plates for it. An 88 is old enough for historic plates in Michigan (my official place of residence), but the truck will forever be in Georgia (I have no access to sheltered parking in MI). I think I might have some future complications because of the restrictions on "historic" rides and the fact that no matter where I'm going I'll never be going to or from my "place of residence" 750 miles away. Money aside, I think I might want to go with a regular plate just to not ever worry about that. Plus "OLDJEEP" is available as a michigan plate. can't find anything that says I can have both historic and personalized. any thoughts on going the historic route? on a side note I learned that, as a historic vehicle, I can use an original 1988 plate on my truck for authenticity. Bummer is that michigan only had the "blue plates" by 88, which are kinda boring.

"newer" you'll be trading in 30 year old parts for 20 year old parts + a ton of work. BUT if you get a bump in gear ratio, then it might be worth it. ZJ front axle should go right in (but is low pinion).

does this help at all?

YJs are wranglers. ZJs are grands from 93-98. WJs are grands from 99-04 a pic of the Jeep would answer any doubt.

lookin' good! which rear brake kit did you go with?

you've got an AX-5 the t-5 has way less ribbing.

I went with the biggest, baddest 20v impact dewalt sells. I believe it is 700ftlbs? it has yet to let me down. I debated a lot over the lesser ones, but it boiled down to: this is not my normal, everyday go-to tool... if pull it out, it HAS to succeed. plus I already have their impact driver which does a decent job with loosening most regular nuts/bolts.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-500.html

couldn't you buy it, try it, and return it if it fails to meet your needs?

you could also replace the bushings in the leafs/shackles.

that... is...impressive...

gnarly!

I know it'll bolt-in, but I grabbed it because I have a TJ shifter in my 88 and was hoping maybe this would bend back further and keep the shifter out of the dash. dunno yet. it's a project for a future day. I will keep everyone posted when I get to it.

do you have the T-5? can you snap some pictures? it was a rare transmission used when they ran low on the AX-5 on the assembly line (at least that's the rumor). oh, and the AX-5/T-5 are all 21 spline output and the AX-15 is a 23 spline output so a t-case swap will be needed.

what trans are you going with? what axles?

do you have the skills and/or budget to see it through? what shape is the truck in now?

was this dana 44 from another MJ or some other vehicle? If you get a chance, you should add some specs of your truck to your signature

the 242 is great for 365 everything. The awd has been engaged for 99% of the last 10 years of my Libby's life.

I'm friends with both on FB. and yes, Pat's original MJ is still with him.

love that dog one

was looking for something else and realized I never finished my reply to this. for st pattys I spent 18 straight hours herding cats. I've long since learned my lessons of drinking and I now take on the responsibility of the designated "adult" for my friends and (unfortunately) their friends. i live for the first few hours of st patty's day though. people are still sober, great conversations are had, irish music is playing... it's just a plain ol' good time. but the day doesn't end there and it becomes a long slog trying to keep everyone together and safe. this year was easier than others, as we never left the first bar. some years they feel the need to venture out into the world to visit other bars or festivities and then it gets interesting (hence the "herding cats" reference).

the best kind of score... easy

it's a common weak spot and can be bad with no other signs of frame distress.

car-part.com can help, but then you have to find a 'yard willing to sell just the bellhousing