boxyjeep

Rear axle fully painted, installed and the truck is back on 4 wheels: I also welded up the exhaust with a new Flowmaster 40 series muffler and nice chrome exhaust tip (not too flashy, don't worry). Now, there's a few things to do: Install new rear shocks. I made the mistake of buying Fox 985-24-131 for 2-3" rear lift, but they are too long when compressed with only ~2.5" of uptravel possible. I could have solved this with longer lower shock mounts at the loss of ground clearance, but will be returning them and getting Fox 985-24-130, which should fit perfectly. Cut emergency brake cables to length. I need to make a custom aluminum coupler before I can do this. I'm using this kit. Install fluids/bleed brakes. Adjust the front suspension height by swapping in RE 4.5" coils and an extra set of isolators. Also need to install the bump stop extensions and high-steer sway bar brackets (using this kit from Claytons). Paint front steering linkage. Raw aluminum just isn't my vibe. Alignment and road testing. And hopefully offroad testing... :-)

Thanks--found the video. Looks like this is the original sticker:

Thanks! Can you share the link to the walkaround video?

Thanks for sending that over. That's the one I've also found online, which from my understanding is an "almost-perfect" reproduction. For example, it's missing the "U.S." before "Olympic Team". I also believe the secondary outer black frame was not on the original. While I certainly like the updated one better aesthetically, I believe some folks want it as close to original as possible.

I also noticed this issue. Not sure if it's a recent thing or what, but I had to go into my Notification Settings (https://comancheclub.com/notifications/options/) and specify email for all updates (I don't like push notifications and don't use Tapatalk).

Thanks! It's done--just need to adjust the colors :-)

Does anyone have any pictures of these stickers as they came from the factory? There are a few reproductions out there, but I haven't seen any original pictures beyond this very badly weathered one. I'm primarily trying to find out the color scheme to reproduce for someone with an original Olympic edition MJ...

Go to a junkyard and grab a bunch. Then take them apart to re-key to match your key. Don’t ask how I know 😂

I've been going a little crazy with painting parts for the rear axle/suspension and getting the rear SOA brackets installed. The best method I've found to paint hardware: Clean it up with rust converter/wire wheel/etc. Then use an old box with holes in it to get everything positioned. I also like to use masking tape face-up to keep nuts and washers in place. At this point, I don't have too much left to do: Paint rear axle and assemble axle shafts/brakes. Install rear suspension: springs, shocks, axle, and driveshaft. Install new gas tank straps and skid plate. Install and weld up exhaust. While I've been working on this I started contemplating whether or not I'd like to have a manual transmission instead of the automatic that's currently in the truck. My first few Cherokees were stick shift and I really enjoyed that back when I was younger. I may start hunting for the parts for the swap...

Sounds like a good plan. If you ever have issues down the line you can always swap in a 3.4L GM engine. ...or maybe an LS...?

Love it! That thing is unique! What’s your plan for the engine? The 2.8L is known for not being so great.

@Limeyjeeper did something cool to replicate the stock weatherstripping there. He got 1/2” aluminum angle iron, riveted it in place and used the other edge to attach the weatherstripping. I’ve bought the parts but haven’t attempted it yet. The upper seal is made by Precision part no DWB 6111 84.

Someone needs to buy this and take it across the finish line. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/223241833556285

You’re the man! Thanks

The cup has a hole for the stud on the rubber part. But still needs to be pressed into the cup.

I ended up using these: Crown Automotive 52087635 Bump... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3MWY00?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Daystar KU09037BK Front/Rear... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IARR9U?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Had to use my vice to crank them it (very tight press fit).

Anyone have the measurements of these bracket by chance? Trying to make a set for larger speakers but don’t have originals.

Take some pics of the crossmember and where it mounts to it.

This truck is coming along amazing! I was rooting for the chrome trim, but I’ll admit the single color looks a lot better.

https://www.blipshift.com/products/chiefly-2?variant=41557353562157

Picked this up from an ad on IG. I suppose it might also work for an XJ... I primarily got it since it matches my truck pretty closely. Not sure if it'd be weird to wear this when driving What are you guys sporting?

I sent in a few entries (the 'no purchase necessary' instructions are on their website). I like some aspects of the build, but was surprised by some others (like keeping the closed cooling system, as well as the aftermarket AC). The hidden winch was a nice upgrade. I asked them to share how they did it--apparently they will be posting about it on YouTube soon. If I won, I'd probably clean it up a bit more, take it to a few car shows, and sell it at some point. I've got too much time/work into my MJ to ever consider swapping...

You've got some luck! Took me 2 years to find my MJ and I had to settle on a Renix.

Super rare to find a '92 short bed 4x4. Keep that thing pristine if you can.

Been making some good progress on underbody painting and rear axle. I abandoned my attempts to run native 5-on-5" axle shafts with Eldorado calipers/weld-on brackets. Apparently these calipers are notorious for having issues (hence why most factory rear disc brake configurations use "drum-in-rotor-hat" instead). That being said, I've had the truck in the garage for the past few months and really want to get it back on the road, so I ordered a new set of rear drums/shoes and will be sticking with those for now with slim 1" 5-on-4.5" to 5-on-5" adapters. All taped off to prevent any overspray: Sanded/scuffed: First coat (using Rustoleum flat black): Also getting some semi-gloss on the rear leaf springs before reassembly: And wire wheel/rust converter/wire wheel on the rear drum backing plates. I'm actually super impressed by how well the water-based converter works (this is the one I used). Pictures show before/after: Remaining tasks: Finish up under-body painting (this is a really unenjoyable job--rattle can doesn't do so well spraying upwards). Reassemble spring packs (will be using new pads and grease). Weld up new spring perches/shock mounts on rear axle. Paint rear axle afterwards. Install new rear drum brake components and longer wheel studs. Weld up exhaust (CA-legal cat, Flowmaster 40, Walker tail pipe) and paint with high-temp paint. Measure and install cut-to-fit emergency brake cables. Swap in 4.5" RE front springs, install high-steer sway-bar mounts, paint steering linkage. Alignment. Get it re-geared to 4.56 and install front locker (still deciding between an e-locker and ARB). I've also been debating a manual transmission swap. My first few Cherokees were 5-speed and while it can get frustrating in traffic and in some off-road situations, this isn't a daily driver and I do miss the level of control and fun.