CRF136N

Thanks! :thumbsup: That WAS my plan from the start with the two colors...but the more I look at it, the more I want the whole thing black :chillin: She may be getting repainted sometime soon :brows: Ya, I have never worked with this interior paint before, I feared it would chip or scratch easily, but it doesn't :clapping: I am anxious to do the center consol and get some black seat covers. Then it will be time for a build thread update :cheers: -James

-Finished painting my American Racing Baja wheels flat black, and mounted my NEW General Grabber AT2 31x15 R15 tires ( :drool: new tires...they ride so nice...its been so long). -Installed my donor '94 XJ seats (more comfortable than my other buckets) along with my '99 XJ consol; And while I was at it, I used interior paint to paint my donors woodgrain door panels black :D They turned out suprisingly nice -Put my new Grizzly Grip spray in bedliner to the test hauling a bunch of steel and later my dirtbike which spilled gas all over it...this is some tough stuff!!! -Reminded myself -as I do every day- how rediculous my truck looks with those front fender flares white...but then I find some other project before I pull them off and paint them :fs1: Damn thing looks lopsided. :shake:

Got the matching front d-30 today :D Once again, diff oil was fresh and gold, and the brakes are new So now this is getting farther off from the initial post, so I may just start a new thread if I don't find what I am looking for in my next questions...It seems enough people poke at this thread to where I may get answers to these seemingly simple questions: The AMC 20 cover; the holes were on the top, closer scrutiny revealed two, symetrically located opposite one another...one had a rubber plug in it, the other doesn't. Although symmetrical, they don't appear to be factory...more like a punch and hammer tear in the metal. Before I give this cover to the welder to be sealed, I can't imagine they serve any purpose.?. There is what appears to be a functioning vent tube on the axle, so any other possible ideas :???: The d-30 front; First off, the axle on my MJ right now came from my donor '94 XJ. I didn't have a ball joint seperator (of all things to forget), so I removed JUST the axle with the brakes from the '86. Working with only a hammer, I left all the steering linkage (was easier to pound out ball joints at the spindles), so I'm assuming all the steering linkage and control arm from the '94 will go onto the '86 axle, no problem...right? As I recall, I may have some issues with the brake calipers though, so I may need to use the current '86 calipers, correct? One final question on this '86 axle...it has the vaccume actuator on it, which my MJ 's current setup doesn't have. I understand there are ways to permanently lock it, but I like the idea of one of these manual (cable operated?) mods for that axle to allow more control. Does this work similar to the manual locking hubs? Reason I ask, is if I were to get the manual kit, can I shift into 4-low, with the axle disengaged and theoretically be driving in 2wd low gear? Would just be nice to have that option, even if I only used it a couple times a year. Last question; HOW THE HELL DO YOU GET THESE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCHES OFF THE AW4 TRANNY!!!!??? :fs1: :wall: Got a possibly good one at the local p-n-p with 112k (not wanting to spend $150-200 on a new one!) I got the main shaft nut off, and the little washer ring thing, in addition to the 12mm bolt, but something is still holding it on there! :rant: Mine is getting BAD; afraid it won't start at all soon in P or N THANKS!!! :cheers: -James

Ya, dunno why :dunno: Pulled cover off and everything inside looks fine.?. I know a welder/fabricator that owes me some favors, so I'll give it to him tomorrow to fix it.. Ahh, ok. :thumbsup: -James

I WIN!!! :banana: ...I think.?. :hmm: So its been a week since this comanche claimed its defeat on my attempts to take its rear bumper. Despite our rough first meet (and a weeks worth of a gimp hand, which is still not 100%), I returned with the determination to get SOMETHING off that damn truck. I got there yesterday, about 15 mins to closing...so I ran back and had enough time to get the not-so-great taillights and the suprisingly nice tailgate...all for $65.00 :D The tailgate really is nice, aside from some minor surface rust on the top, there really is no rust or dents (aside from 1 quarter size dent at bottom. I plan to just sell this tailgate: Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found As I paid for my loot, my eye caught an ad for their current special...50% off complete axle assemblies :eek: OK, now that AMC 20 with the 4:10's seemed a little hard to pass up. I returned today and got the complete rear AMC 20 4:10 axle assy for $87.00 :D Yes, $87.00, not a typo. All the gears feel tight, the fluid is gold and the brakes (drums and shoes) are practically NEW!!! So, just curious...when I twist the driveshaft, both drums turn the same direction, but when I turned just one or the other drum, the opposite would turn the other direction...is that a limited slip, or? Regardless, I'm stoked :banana: I gave it my all to get the matching front axle, but ran out of time half way through the removal. The sale is good through tomorrow, so I plan on returning as soon as I get off work to finish removing the front...the cashier said he would give it to me for the same price (which its usually much more) :clapping: Going to try attempt #2 for that rear bumper too if I have time. Image Not Found Image Not Found Oh ya, and he just gave me the int pillar lights, one of which must have been replaced before as it looks new with NO broken tabs, and the other is in great shape with 1 of 2 tabs broken...going to be selling those too eventually :yes: I guess everything happens for a reason...had I not smaked my hand, I wouldn't have returned to discover the axle sale...and to get both front and rear, an amc 20 at that with 4:10's for under $200 is priceless (the full service junkyards were quoting me $800-1,000 for the pair of axles :shake: ) :cheers: Oh ya, and Pete...why should I get the leaf packs? I have the Hell Creek lift leafs on my MJ...this axle will work with those OK, right? -James

The inside of my bed looked like this...original paint stripped, then 2 different colors have been applied since...which had been for the most part chipped off, so it was multicolored with lots of bare metal :ack: So today I put a wire wheel on a drill and went at it, then sanded the rest; Acetone treatment and applied a 2-part body shop grade PPG primer via HVLP spray gun (cheapo "electric" HVLP paint system I got from Harbor Freight...worked GREAT!) BTW, first time with HVLP and shop grade primer, had an absolute blast doing it...WAY better than rattle cans. :yes: After that dried I applied my "Grizzly Grip" bed liner via spray gun in bed, and roller on bed rails. (same stuff azscott painted his whole truck with; it had good reviews so I got it for my bedliner; very happy so far...) One coat, still kind of wet. 2nd and final coat in morning BTW, rolled or sprayed, this stuff is MESSY and gets everywhere!!! :ack: Good thing the boss wasn't around to see the disaster I created in the shop before I cleaned it up :rotfl2: Can't wait to see 2nd coat finished product. I also got two metal pans to mix the stuff in, so I am letting the residual from the first coat dry in the pan so I can give it the torture test and see how well it holds up to abuse :cheers: -James

REALLY!?! :eek: , someone makes OEM replica MJ bumpers aftermarket? Who? LOL, I was going for the bumper first, as the lights were not my priority due to their cond. and the tailgate handle wasnt working, so it was stuck shut...firgured I would wreslt it open after I got the bumper :shake: :D -James

Oh ya, I will...I'll get the lights, bumper and tailgate; but it may not be for another week or so as I am going to be very busy this week...but I figured there is the chance that these parts may already be gone by then; so I just figured I would throw the offer out there :cheers: The lights were kinda crappy though; all scratched and faded, beyond repair...but I figured I would at least use them to try tinting them darker and see how it would look on my truck...and if I liked it, then sell mine :D -James

OK, I know 1st thing I am going to hear is "put this in classifieds", but hear me out :no: ... I saw this clean, straight CHROME rear MJ bumper today at pick-and-pull. It was accompanied by a descent tailgate and questionable lights. The rest of the truck is trashed (except its got 4.10's front and rear with the rear being the 20 amc or whatever that is...spent all my $$$ already :fs1: ) I figured the chrome rear bumper at least would be a good investestment as they are hard to come by so I should be able to flip that for a little extra to someone who needs it. SO, the bolts had just enough surface rust and my tools were so limited I did the best I could with what I had to work with...until the socket slipped off the bolt head and threw my hand back into something :???: Just about tore my thumbnail completely off and I thought I broke my hand it hit whatever it was so hard :mad: Shaking in pain and hand dripping with blood, I gathered my tools and quietly left the yard, cursing myself for being such and idiot :roll: Point in case, that bumper is still there. For as much as I don't care to touch that truck again, I hate the thought of that bumper disappearing. I will return someday with the right tools and see if it is still there and try again, but if anyone has the interest in it, let me know via PM with OFFERS!!! (this is why I didn't list it in classifieds) I don't know what its worth, and its almost kind of one of those things someone restoring an MJ would really want...So I can go back sooner than later if your offer is in the right range to make it worth my time and fuel then I can make time; otherwise it will be a "when I get time thing". Only damage is ding by trailer ball, and upside down v shaped rust spot... And how about this one...think it got the peoples attention when they got hit? And aside from nasty rollovers, this has got to be one of the hardest front end hits I've seen with an XJ there: Oh yes, and there was this nice C4C wrangler with 100k on it :( Never seen one at pick n pull before. -James

Damn...x2, almost to a tee... -Gutted interior (except dash)...-no rust found :banana: - -New carpet ordered -Swapping the seats from my donor xj (got some cool neoprene seat covers :yes: ) -Painting '99 xj consol -Prepped int. for grizzly grip on back, roof and sides, got heat shield/sound deadener for the floor -Thought about buying new tires :rotf: ...but then again I do every day, and each time realize I don't have the money so I tell myself they will last another day :( Haha, seriously...what a trip.?. I also finished planning my full cab width box for behind the seats...to include storage, speakers, a sub and amps in one complete assembly -James

Drove it 128 miles to a desert off-road motorcycle race. Showed up late (right at race start, but still pulled it off) :clapping: Transmission in dirt bike grenaded during race. :( Returned to truck, loaded bike and discovered something leaking under comanche... :???: popped hood on MJ to discover brake fluid reservoir somehow leaked out through lid, ruined paint in rescently painted engine bay :fs1: Got brake fluid and topped off reservoir, will figure out problem and get mad about paint later :headpop: Started truck and turned steering wheel...PS pump moaned BAD :huh???: Popped hood again; PS reservoir dry :eek: found leaking low pressure hose :redX: Couldn't find any PS fluid Had an 18 mile dirt road and 45 mile 75mph highway to drive to nearest parts store :wall: Accepted the risk of ruining my PS pump, just wanted to get home...4 miles away from parts store, RAN OUT OF GAS :rant: Fellow racer stopped and gave me fuel :thumbsup: After a quick fill up at nearest gas station, made it to auto parts store :cheers: Tried to pull bad hose off, kinda stuck at the reservoir...then PS fluid reservoir SPLIT APART!!! :rant: :fs1: :wall: :wall: Drove remaining 65 miles with no power steering, over a mountain pass...fun :grrrr: Bad day. Now I got a broken Comanche with a broken dirtbike in the back...all in the attempts for a day of fun. :fs1: Thats my comanche story for the day. My 3 day ongoing comanche saga has been waging war on a damn mouse thats found its new home in my truck...little bastard is wreaking havoc in my interrior, chewing things, etc. My Grizzly Grip bed liner should be here soon, got extra to sound deaden interrior, so I am tearing interior apart to prep...I'll find him sooner or later! :fs1: OK, I'm done now. -James

So, I bought this beauty new in 2006 (my 3rd CBR ) and rode the hell out of it for two years...now it just sits in storage and collects dust :( (trying to sell it now) 2006 Honda CBR 600rr And here is the reason I don't ride the streetbike now; I can't get enough of: 2005 Honda CRF 450x Sometimes when the snow is fresh and fluffly, I can't resist a little fun on: 2005 Polaris RMK 700 144" BUT, everything costs money...and this is the one that it all goes to: (LAST NEW CAR I EVER BUY!!!) Financing seems so easy until you gotta pay it off :mad: 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i So with toys, my Jeep and work I stay busy :yes: Oh ya, I got a girlfriend somewhere in the mix too...I think :???: She has threatend to leave me on multiple occasions because of my pre-occupied lifestyle, but never does :chillin: -James

Got it stuck :roll: Put the final touches to my 4x4, and despite bald tires, I knew it was snowing on the top of the mountain and couldn't resist a 4x4 test. Pulled off onto the trail and it did GREAT! :clapping: Tried climbing a steep hill, with no luck :( So I went to leave, and the plow had made a few passes...the burm was a little deeper than I thought :shake: Yep, got 'er stuck, right on the roadside during commuting hour for all the world to see :doh: People had their cameras out taking pics, the cops used me as an excuse to look busy and add to the excitement with those flashing lights and I even got a few dirty looks accompanied by shaking heads. The whole time I had a huge grin on my face...finally my buddies showed up to my rescue with tow straps and shovels Just the first of many. I love my Jeep. :yes: -James

Took the Flowmaster 40 series muffler off and put an OEM replacement on :( Neighbors didn't like it as much as I did :hmm: Didn't care their thoughts until I rescently got a second job, which requires I drive my vehicle doing early morning deliveries...bossman wanted my truck to be quieter :wall: Dunno about any of you, but a growling, roaring 4.0 liter is music to my ears...I like to feel my exhaust in the frame; what the hell is wrong with these people!?! Oh well, I guess I can deal with the "silence" for that extra paycheck right now. -James

Got my rear chrysler 8.25 w/ the 3.55 welded in...I NOW HAVE 4x4!!! :banana: :D Got to go play on some trails now before the snow comes in too thick, they are calling for another big storm this week, but the closer we get, the warmer it looks, so maybe just rain :clapping: Got to get my rear brake line figured out first though, gonna go to NAPA tomorrow and see what they can do.?. This will at least buy me some time as I look for some 4.10's. -James

OK, so here I go again asking about performance parts for my MJ. I feel like blowing a little cash on the MJ tomorrow, so I was on Summit Racings website making my shopping list and I stumbled across this: "More performance for your Dodge or Jeep. These ACCEL Mopar Remote Super Coils provide increased performance for Dodge trucks and Jeeps. You get quicker starts, improved idle, crisp throttle response, and higher top rpm power. These coils are compatible with Mopar J-TEC computer-controlled ignitions, and are direct bolt-in units." They want $46 bux for it, plus another $23 for a wiring adaptor. I did a search and found a few people who have installed these, mostly on the 2.5 it seems, and a few have reported good luck on the 2.5...but I am working with the 4.0...and a high output at that; any success stories on this product? Or is this one of those don't fix if it ain't broke things.?. Just thought I'd ask. I do notice -intermittant- hard starting, but at other times it starts on the first or second crank, and the occasional rough idle. Nothing bad, never would've put second thought to it had I not seen this product. Think I am going to get all the neccesary stuff to do an elec fan conversion too. I'm just in one of those "I want to buy SOMETHING for my jeep" moods :nuts: Thanks! -James

Hmm, sounds interesting. I plan on trying my hand at '97+ flares on the rear of my shortbed, prob going to get the parts flares tomorrow...but I think I am going to use JB weld for the inital adhesion of the two and I'm going to apply a nice thick coat on the backside, then bondo glaze the outside...sand the whole thing and flat black the flares. I have had incredible luck using JB weld on plastic so far. It'll be purely experimental, but I'll let you know how they turn out. If it is a success, I got all the '97+ side moulding too, but that is going to take a bit longer and much more patience...so I figure I'l try the flares first :D -James

I think most the Ford ranger/explorers to current are 5x4.5, but I got a nice set once and while the bolt pattern lined up, the center hole was so slightly too small. Had I been more mechanically savvy at the time, I should have just bored them out a bit because they, and the tires were NICE. I have also seen xj wheels on a few 2wd Toyota '90's trucks and '96 up Tacomas, no idea if it goes they other way though. -James

:drool: Welcome! Thats a nice looking MJ! The wheel offset, lift and tires couldn't fit that truck better. I noticed the Reno4x4.com at the bottom of your avatar (or whatever they call that :hmm:) Do you live in the area? If so, and I ever get my MJ somewhat trail worthy, we'll have to get together sometime and explore some trails :thumbsup: Can't wait to see the progress on this truck :cheers: -James

I personally haven't done anything major in parts store parking lots, but I used to work solo as a graveyard Valet parking attendant at a 5-star Hyatt resort (rooms there started at $400 a night, and went up to $1,500/night :eek: ). On the nights I didn't fall asleep in the company shuttle car :rotfl2: (counter chick would call my cell to wake me up when someone needed their car :yes: ) I would pull my MJ into the dark corner of the Valet lot and wrench on it...I once replaced my idler pulley for the fan belt that way Had to gently drop the hood and hide if security came around :rotf: I kept a bottle of Gojo handy, so I could make for a quick cleanup...between that and it being dark, nobody ever noticed my less than presentable (grease stained) hands, which was good since I was often dealing with very high dollar cars :D What an awesome job that was...I got away with so much stupid stuff :shake: I also managed to do my 1st ever clutch job in the carport of my rental condo, in the middle of winter, without my overly anal landlord finding out...he lived a stone throw away, next door. It took me 3 days start to finish, because 1) It was too COLD to work for very long and 2) I couldn't figure out what those damn two bolts on the top of the bell housing were about cause I had never seen them before, and could only figure them out by braille...then once I figured out the whole reverse torqx thing, I had to drive all over creation to find the right sockets. Those are my best so far. -James

Oh, no...the MJ is actually a pretty nice truck...maybe you or someone can explain to me the whole 20"+ rim thing, on a lifted truck. I never did get it :hmm: And the ZJ, while maybe a photochop (if so, lot of work went into it), it still looks pretty silly IMHO...right idea, wrong body lines :nuts: -James

Oh yes, and I cannot forget this one. LOL, sadly enough...I was the creator of this one :oops: It seemed like a good idea at the time :dunno: BUT, would any of you belive me if I said that 6 years later, this is the EXACT same truck as my current MJ...? Its true :yes: I think the theft and crash of this truck was the beginning of the best thing that happened to it. This MJ and I go way back... -James

OK, I will help the thread. These pics may have wound up on here before, I dunno, either way I came across them on the net the other night :shake: :hmm: -James

Went back to Pick and Pull and got: -The OEM foglights for my '99 bumper, and put them on. Now I got to wire them, prob just go and get an aftermarket fog light wiring harness just to make it easy. Thinking about some 4300k HID's to match the headlights :nuts: -Front fender flares off a '00 xj to match the bumper better...and put them on, was pleasantly suprised to discover they fit right onto the "old" style fenders, only having to drill one hole, all the other holes lined right up with the brackets :yes: I had expected some major modification :shake: Tomorrow they come off, get sanded and painted satin black to match everything else...then I got to make the rears match the fronts. -Fender liners from the '00 xj so everything fits and looks right, but haven't put them on yet. -James

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :bowdown: I stumbled across this one. I like it. Everything about it (could do w/o the windshield banner) Love the color. :bowdown: