87Warrior

Be sure to post your findings. I will be putting an overhead console in my truck, but am torn over a basic map light/funny vs. the XJ unit.

Bear with me here, I have never studied the closed cooling system that closely. It seems to me that there should be no coolant overflow, that is the point of the expansion tank. Thus, I speculate the previous owner of the goose was not familiar with the closed cooling system and created an overflow tube which opened the system. When the truck is getting good and hot, the expansion tank is unable to hold pressure and coolant flows out of this tube. I would try and mimick what your other trucks set up is by using used parts or parts from an auto store. On an open cooling system, the overflow tank has an extra overflow opening at the top of the tank. In the unlikely event that the overflow tank flows, it will dump the excess coolant on the ground and all over the engine bay.

I absolutely love the stance of the truck. Keep up the good work.

The problem you will have is in regards to the stock rubber bushings. They are not designed to twist. In stock form, when the axle articulates the factory U arm does the twisting. Keep a close eye on the axle and frame mounts. There is a good chance you could rip them off.

Reson46 has been doing a real nice job explaining how he is building a 44 for the front of his "wifesMJ". Check it out!!! viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8989&start=315 Yes, the TJ Rubicon (03-06) front 44 will bolt into the MJ. Although as mentioned above, the D30 should suit you just fine.

I suspect you are referring to the method I posted, which is a slight variation from the recommended ORO alignment method. I have never tried this on a stock rig so I imagine there would be interference out back. As Correy mentioned above, you must keep the truck on the ground. You could use a plumb-bob to drop the rear measuring point further down, or you could clamp something like old wooden rulers (a square would work fine too) vertically to your level bungee'd to the wheel. However you go about it, make sure the the measurement point is the same for the front and rear. When I did it, I measured from the inside face of each level attached to the wheel.

$65 is a good price for a decent cover. I personally run the Rokmen Riddlers, front and rear on my TJ. I have really abused these covers over the past few years and they have never leaked. 0G5upBGBej0

It's good to hear the yard will.swap you out. I think most places would shrug it off and move on. What a pain you will have just pulling and installing another t-case will be.

Yeah we need pictures!!! Congrats on the purchase.

I believe Jeepcomj did this swap in one of his trucks. I am sure you can find his build or send him a PM for assistance.

It would be pretty hard to put a price on a truck that has undergone the 97+ conversion. There is quite abit involved. Now if the truck is done well and is truly rust free, I could see the value approaching that price point. It really boils down to this: is it worth it to you? If its a spectacular truck, I would do it. We need pictures! To avoid confusion, make sure the VIN on the dash matches the title...

I like the recycle sticker :cheers:

I have been sanding and polishing for what seems like ever. Still have 3 wheels to go :nuts: In the meantime I have been gathering more parts for my disc brake swap. - Longer OEM wheel studs - OEM disc brake retainer plates - OEM rear axle brake lines (for a TJ and will need some tweaking around the MJ spring plates) I should now have everything needed to complete the ZJ rear disc swap on a MJ D44.

Wow, that is quite a hit. Glad to hear the Jeep did its job and kept the occupants safe :thumbsup: What's the new project :brows:

I stand corrected. I knew they were not the inverted torx at the top of the bell housing.

The CPS is on the upper part of the bell housing on the driver side and held in place with two small bolts. *edited for accuracy

I am posting to more or less subscribe to this thread as this is one part of my build I am not sure of. Can you explain to me what tool #2 is and what it does. I understand the flaring tool and bender pliers.

I would ditch Best Buy in general. More computer for just a little more $$$. Only other 14" Dell I could find: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834200286

That's how I feel when trying to buy something from CL. Can't complain though, its free! :rotf:

I am going to have to watch this build! :banana:

A wrangler D44 (pre 07) would be the correct width and lug bolt pattern for our trucks. However, that axle in the ad is not a wrangler D44. It has Leaf spring perches and the only wrangler to have leaf springs was the YJ, which was not offered with the D44. It could be a MJ or XJ 44 if its the right width. Ask him where it came from. Waggy 44 won't bolt in up front, is wider than stock and is a different lug bolt pattern.

Nice truck with a nice plan. You should probably avoid any sort of spray in foam. That stuff will only trap water!

TerraWombat swapped the D44a in to his truck. That axle can be found under a lot of vehicles, including the Viper. Not really a thread to debate the axle, but you can search the web and read about its short comings. If you did buy it, any ZJ disc brakes will bolt to it since the ZJ used the same set up on the 35 and 44a. I just ordered parts to install ZJ rear discs on my MJ 44. Look for a write up in the next few weeks.

Here's to a speedy recovery!

Looks good. I like the gloss :thumbsup: Still no provisions for tag/tag light that I can see.