derf

I'm in that kind of mood tonight.

Exactly

I have some but I'm going to paint it first.

Mine is a 97 as well. Low compression in 7 cylinders, one way low. With 300k of abuse it is time for a full rebuild. So that's my winter project. I'm going to bring it back to life. Rebuilt engine, added intercooler, ATS stage 2 transmission, rebuilt tcase, Dana 60 swap in place of the TTB50. Air bags in the back. It'll be a good tow pig when it's done.

The 12 PSI wasn't quite enough...

Well, in the back...

I remember when Optima moved their manufacturing to Mexico. Shot their quality all to hell for a few years. But at this point they have it all sorted out and they make a decent battery again. If you dig, you'll find that there's only like 2 or 3 factories building AGM batteries. Several brands will be the exact same battery with a different sticker on it and maybe a different color plastic case. Most of them are decent or better.

Follow up: This may or may not be 100% correct but Novak has a chart: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/np-nvg-input-gears/

It matters what kind of XJ you pull from. I'm going from memory here. Anyone who knows better, feel free to correct me. 4 cylinder manual definitely had 21 splines start to end. I'm not 100% sure on 4 cylinder automatics. Renix era 4.0 has 21 spline. HO era switched to 23 spline. The spline count may not perfectly match the switch from Renix to HO. I don't remember for sure. There are 3 different input shaft lengths on the 231. Short, medium, and long. I believe the AW4 pretty much used the medium length shaft. AX15 used a short input shaft. My memory is failing me on what used the long input shaft.

The average age of my vehicles (not counting the parts truck) is 20 years. But that's skewed by the fact that I have a 2021 Wrangler. The newest one after that is a 1997. It has 300K miles on it and is in the process of getting a rebuilt drivetrain since the existing one is shot.

Yeah, you have to wonder why he didn't use mandrel bends.

I hesitated pulling the trigger on my diesel wrangler for that reason. Did it anyway. Glad I did. It has all the power I need, especially after the Banks pedal monster and derringer tuner. Not 392 Hemi power but enough for me. And the turbo keeps the power up when I go over the passes. The lack of AWD sucks but everything else is great.

Yeah, a 700R4 or early 4L60 (same transmission with a different name) would be my choice. It is a fully hydraulic transmission with the only electrical component being the lock up torque converter. I would avoid the electronically controlled 4L60E which came out in the 90s. It's basically the same transmission but went to full computer control. You will need the right transmission bellhousing. Yours is the 60 degree v6 pattern. The much more common 90 degree pattern won't bolt up.

It's also targeting the Land Rover and BMW entries. It is definitely intended for the country club crowd. Given the reliability of the Land Rover, they don't have a high bar to clear in that regard to compete. The biggest question is how the name plate will compete? Are people in that segment willing to be seen in a Jeep? It will be interesting to watch. The 80's and early 90's Grand Wagoneer were targeted at higher income folks. Country clubs back then were full of high option GWs towing horse trailers. So having a "luxury SUV" is not new for Jeep. But towards the end the platform was so hideously out of date (no major upgrades since 1963, even the sheet metal was interchangeable). AMC was diverting profits to keep their cars afloat and didn't redesign it. Chrysler didn't even bother trying to keep it alive after they took over in 87. They just strung it out for a few years until the Grand Cherokee could be brought to market. I hope it is a financial success for them. I hope it helps pay for the rest of the Jeep brand to keep doing other stuff.

I haven't used mine much so I can't comment on durability. But I like to over buy on stuff like that. Get the heavier duty ones. They can usually accommodate thicker winch cable and they hold up better to abuse.

Looking for a transfer case for my 4x4 swap. Old and in need of a rebuild is fine. Rebuilt with SYE is fine. Anywhere in between is fine. I can pay cash according to condition.

Drive it. Take it easy. Drain and refill when you hit 500 miles. Check the fluid for excessive glitter.

Do you need the trim bar for the center of the hood above the grill? I have an extra one, along with FSJ round headlight buckets I have no use for. I'd be happy to toss everything in a box and send it your way for cheap.

A good steam clean and some Febreeze is the best way get all of the crud out of the air. If you don't clean the carpet and seats, they'll just keep releasing the built up crud.

That's an expensive upgrade. Wouldn't a used camper be a cheaper option?

I always wanted an 80s F-body. I see them show up from time to time and give thought to buying one. If you want it and can afford it, go for it.

How can any list be complete without the Wagon Queen Family Truckster? Gotta add National Lampoon's Vacation to the list.