dasbulliwagen

I prefer manuals as well. For me its more a less complexity and more reliability issue compared to autos. But being an auto tech I've found that I transition pretty seamlessly, that is except for Wranglers and Miatas. Every time I get in one of those I automatically reach for the clutch not even thinking about it. Problem is I only get a clutch about 1/3rd of the time.

No rear bumper stock. Had a lighted plate holder on the panel under the tailgate.

I consider the Sportruck to be the base model. My 87 Sportruck is was a 2.5 4 speed 2wd radio delete rear bumper delete no power steering bench seat vinyl floor steel wheel truck. Yours is highly optioned compared to mine. Nice truck though. What are your plans for it?

There are several items on that 5 volt reference circuit. It could be any one of them bad bringing it all down. I'm not saying this is definitely your problem but its possible. Don't quote me bit I think the other items on the 5 volt circuit are the crank sensor, the throttle position sensor, the ac pressure sensor, coolant temp sensor. I've also seen a bad engine ground cause issues like this. Just more stuff to check. Good luck.

There is a downloadable 88 or 89 service manual somwhere on this site. It came in handy for me when I was wiring up my AC conversion and wiring in my power windows and locks. Welcome to the site. These trucks are addictive, enjoy!

Many of the 4.0 trail runners add hood vents to let heat escape while on the trail at low speeds. Heat wants to rise naturally, so adding vents in the hood will naturally let the heat out better. But like was said, check all the other stuff too.

There are sleeve kits available to strengthen the 30 as well, but they don't really apply to the cad axle. There was a non cad axle available in 86. It came with the xj's and MJ's that had the NP228 full time 4 wheel drive option. Not that you have to have an 86 axle. But the upgrade 1 peice shafts mentioned can be made to work in the cad axles with special axle seals.

And these are all new never installed parts correct? Any idea on package price?

Just make sure they are AMC 2.5 and not Chrysler 2.5.

Too much power will also eat an AX4 or AX5 alive. If you have the A904 auto you should be OK as those were used behind slant 6's and small Chrysler V8's. There are upgrade kits available for the auto to improve its shifting that are bolt on as well. I have a couple of 86 parts vehicles that I want to build one out of and the XJ has the A904 and NP228 with the 2.8. A 3.4 inj engine with the A904 may be a future drive train for the 86 MJ I have parked. I'd like to build it in the future for my daughter to drive. I have 10 years at this point to get it done. That SHOULD be enough time!

There are write ups about adapting the Camaro injection as a standalone system. This would be the best way to go for power reliability and economy.

Yeah I forgot about that. Though I have been wondering myself about converting an mpi manifold to renix. The flow characteristics should be better than the renix manifold and it probably wouldn't take much to adapt the TBI.

I read a story somewhere once (saved link on another computer), about a guy who's brother was a machinist and had his 2.5 block bored out to 4 inches and used Chevy small block flat top pistons. It is an unconfirmed story but after some initial research it does seem possible with minor mods. That and the pistons are cheap. The stock 2.5 bore I think is 3.850". The article talked like there was plenty of meat there for a .150" overbore. I think they said that would bump it up to 2.7L. I plan to do more research on this when I get to build my spare engine. I know 505 performance probably has all this info already but I don't really expect them to just hand it all over, especially after the email questions I had about their 2.5 cams were poorly responded to.

Yup

Pull the long block at the yard with intake and all you can get, rebuild it then swap it in your MJ with the renix when needed. In order to do an OBD swap as bolt in, you'll need a like vehicle. Keep the renix or wait for a 91 or newer MJ or XJ to get all needed parts from.

When I did my caster I found the spec to be " 6.5 to 7.5 degrees positive " I had a hard time getting close to that going from stock 2.5 2wd to stock 4wd springs with an additional spring isolator. I just about maxed out the adjustment just to get to 6 degrees. It did help tremendously though. Make sure you do that part.

I've always loved the CJ's and Wranglers and always wanted one until I got to drive a few. You can't haul much of anything in them. They aren't secure with a soft top. And they get relatively crappy gas milage. They do have a cool factor though and that is the draw for most people. You almost have to be fully accepting of the lifestyle to live with one on a daily basis. Especially with a soft top! Even though my MJ is even smaller on the interior, at least I can lock it up, not worry about the weather, and haul a literal ton of stuff in it. And its still a Jeep.

I just realized mine isn't working either. But I think it hasn't worked because my speedo cable isn't hooked up. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself until I install the new cable.

Usually if there's enough play in the steering box to ask about adjustment, you just need to get a rebuilt unit. If you adjust for the wear in the straight ahead position, the area that gets the most wear, you'll end up having binding of the gears when the box is turned out to areas of little wear. That adjustment is mostly just there for initial setup.

There is no such thing as a 4 cylinder JK in the US. The 3.8 is a dog for sure. The new 3.6 is a night and day difference in power and feel for the JK. It especially helps out the 4 doors. I consider them a real Jeep but I also agree that they have gotten too big. And to be that big and still impractical to use on a daily basis is even worse.

On 4bangerjp they talk about installing a certain piston from a 4.0 that has a higher crown than the 2.5 thus increasing compression or conversely decking the block for the same result. That site also has multiple write-ups concerning every other aspect of the 2.5 for better performance. Maybe you can have a friend message them on Facebook for a username and password to access the full site.

Thanks for letting me in over there on that Facebook page. I hadn't seen that one yet.

Go to www.4bangerjp.com there are several threads there on performance upgrades for the AMC 2.5. Including different pistons to use and decking the block for proper quench or whatever. To join there you need to friend them on their Facebook page and request a username and password.

I like your ideas Pete. I might add a front hitch too and a receiver winch. Or at least a little movable 1-2000 lb which for hauling elk or whatever. Maybe you can make it hook onto tow points front and rear with convenient electrical hookups.

I pulled one too during cash for clunkers. I've yet to do anything with it because my headliner is actually nice still. Maybe someday I'll see what it takes to mount it up.