87Warrior

It should be noted that the AX15 has not been used since 1999, IIRC. So 'new' is a relative term. Chrysler also decided ATF+4 is what the AW4 needs. I personally run what worked perfect for 20 years. Not what some ya-hoo recommended a few years back.

You are surprised she runs half way decent? The 4.0 will keep on running even if upside down, without oil, under water, while the driver holds on for dear life!!! Congrats on the "fire". Always nice to hear them roar to life.

As I continue to plan out my trucks build, I keep second guessing my interior options. Bench or Bucket? I have matching buckets and brackets, but keep thinking about going with a newer bench for the 3rd seat and truck feel. From my research, the 2nd gen dakota seats will fit in the cab. Plus the 40/20/40 split looks good. But, how comfortable are these seats? What fabrics are available? Are there any known points of failure? How hard is it to find full manual seats? Thanks for the help!

I DD a 2004 2wd, 3.0 V6, single cab, shortbed, Ranger as my work truck. I am very impressed. Sure it is small, but has 180K miles on it and gets 20mpg in very harsh city driving. Being a company truck, it has suffered the harshest conditions and still runs down the road great. I had to get the ball joints replaced to pass the MO inspection. According to my company, this was the most expensive maintenance ever done to the truck. If I ever wanted a Ranger for personal use, I would get an extended cab, just for the extra head and seat clearance. However, I am building my MJ as a DD. The cab space is perfect for me, and the 4.0 fulfills what I will need. Plus it will tackle the trails I love out in CO.

What is the possible vehicle you will trade with him? This in its self could sway my opinion drastically. I would tend to stay away due to the 2.5, would be a slightly different story if it was a 2.4. On the road, those 4.56 gears will probably feel sluggish on the road, but fine on the trail. However, it sounds like a very well built rig, with a bout $4K in the axles alone. I would not trade your MJ for this particular TJ. Yes, it seems like an awesome rig, but the 4-cyl would keep me away. TJs are a whole lot less aerodynamic than an MJ and really NEED the 6-cyl to overcome wind resistance.

*gear ratio* I had 4.10s in my TJ with 31s and 33s and the 5 speed. With the 31s it was great on the road and off the road. The 33s were ok on and off the road, but totally sucked with any load in the Jeep or trying to go over a mountain pass. This was barely acceptable. Then I got 35s. I hated driving the Jeep on the road and it rolled way to fast in 4Lo. Regeared to 5.13 and couldn't be happier. 2800 rpm @ 70 mph. *moral debacle* Hell ya!

I believe the Hemi PCM/harness will adapt to the factory 97+ harness and dash assembly very easily. The hard part is already done for him.

After 'dealing' with an adoption agency, I will never, ever, try them again. Waste of time/effort/money with absolutly no return. I know they are there to help, at least in theory, but are far to restrictive. I bet our home conditions are what kept them at bay: dog would sleep outside in a large concrete kennel and would be outside roaming the yard most days, would get to come inside every evening and during poor weather, have the ability to roam a few hundred acres a few times a week, and would get constant companionship. After talking with the folks who run the local shelter, I am glad we went that route. They get far less support than the adoption agencies and are always full of animals eager at finding a home.

:USAflag: Great mesage CW! There are far too many people in this country who do not have a clue what Memorial Day is all about. Everybody knows somebody who has served or who is currently serving. Take the time to say, thanks. :USAflag:

Several years ago we lost a great golden retriever and wanted to adopt a pet. After many months of denials and crazy questions/interviews, we get a call from a friend who works at the pound. A 2 year old golden was dropped off over night. This dog was obviously an indoor dog and was groomed better than anybody in my family. Bring her home and have got her preferring sleeping outside and spends a lot of time on the farm. Last Halloween my younger sister brought up a homeless dog she saw a few times while out road biking to take to the local shelter. He was skin and bones, less than a week from death according to the vet. That wasn't going to happen, so I take him in, treat, feed, neuter, vaccinate and love. His name is Squirt and is the most loving and loyal dog in the world. After a lot of research, I believe he is a 2 year old, pure (of darn close) English Lab. He is a great apartment dog and a great farm dog. And to top it off, there is nothing that he would rather do than go for a Jeep ride. This dog knows I saved his life. Thus, he is in a lifetime of debt to me and is eager to please.

I know the TJ and WJ interchange perfectly, with exception of 2 sensors. I believe the intake manifolds and all bracketry will need swapped over for the XJ to WJ to work.

I ran 3 changes of dino oil (first 2500 miles) in my freshly rebult 4.0 in the TJ. Now have 70K miles on it. Doesn't burn or drip anything. I was told you are never supposed to break a motor in on synthetic, even if liberal amounts of assembly lube is used.

I think your title should reference synthetic oils, not just one particular brand. I bought my truck with 185 on what I believe was the untouched original 4.0. Due to the condition of the truck, I think it was safe to say it was not running synthetic oil. I put in my preferred synthetic oil. She certainly did not develop any new leaks and the slight lifter noise stayed the same. Another 15K on the motor and she ran good when pulled out.

I have 60K miles of hard use on my OME shocks on the TJ. They still work great. OME will go on the MJ when that time comes. I am a satisfied customer.

I got a hold of a rust free lwb bed and cab corners for $300 or so. Was a 6 hour drive, one way. I would pay up to $500 for an excellent bed. There is not an unlimited supply of good MJ beds, so you can't be too picky.

:banana: You are the man! Be sure to keep us updated with lots of pictures/details.

Passed an 87, 4x4, D44, MT for sale one day. Jotted the number down and was headed to the bank when I called (nobody answered the door). He sold it less than an hour ago, between the time I looked at it and called when on my way to get $250 cash.... I talked to the new owner once at the filling station. He had no idea what he bought, just that it was a rusty Jeep with a winch. Guess I should keep some MJ money in the glove box.

Some of the MJs in the best original condition are those that sat for years behind a barn or in a backyard. Salt can't get to them that way! Glad you saw the light and joined the madness!

Been on 2 AK cruises. make sure you take extra memory cards for the digital cameras. And yes, it is worth it to wake up early as you head towards the glaciers. I also took a jeep trip from, Seward? maybe, to the Canadian Yukon in a JK. Consisted of many miles of paved roads then about half an hour of 40mph dirt roads. It was pretty scenic, but disappointing on the jeeping aspect.

When my truck starts going back together, it will be sporting a factory style replacement bumper. It is sitting on the garage floor right now. I bought the truck with 3 rear end collisions on its record, so it was void of any bumper.

Here is a video of the motor running before I tore the MJ down, for your reference. FYI - I can get it set on a trailer, but don't have a lift to get it off.

Way to return the favor! I am sure your buddy will finish it right. You know, you are still responsible for posting finished pictures of the truck.... Your build was my inspiration. So it really does not end here.

I have on in KS. 185K miles, minor drip from rear main, burned abou 1/2 qt of oil every 4K miles, and ran full synthetic oil. She averaged me 17mpg in my stock truck. I can get it to KC very easily and am willing to drive through part of MO. Cost? A hundred or so plus the cost of fuel from KC. Also have the engine harness if interested.

Just don't get caught with tires date stamped 1978 like my father did last year in his 68 Camaro. Fubared the fender trim and dented the driver door when she blew. Tires still had some of the little rubber nubs on them and he just couldn't bring his self to get new....or let tire shop guys touch the factory wheels.

Welcome to the club Wally! Slick truck you have.