neohic

Most because the wife is tired of the revolving door of Jeeps. Didn't really talk price, but that seems to always be a problem for me lately. I'd need to go on a selling spree again like I recently did to put new shoes under the Ape.

People might hate me, but I kind of like the idea of swapping over parts from my '98 XJ and just having fun with it. :peek:

Went out looking for a rear view mirror for the Ape this morning. Found one, but what else I found was even better. Sitting next to the salvage yard office was a '86 diesel XJ. It's sitting on its own weight on tires with 214k on the clock, it has keys, it shifts smoothly, the body is so-so, but it's missing a battery. So I go inside and ask what the deal is with it. "That? Oh... we just picked that up a couple months ago. Neighbor of ours was moving and needed it gone right away. It ran so good that we couldn't part it out so we've just been using it as a yard vehicle. Nice little thing too. We even have the title." Here's my dilemma... I really have no use for it but I hate the thought of it just wasting away and bouncing around as a salvage yard parts mule. Can someone talk me into it? Chances are, they didn't pay much (or anything) for it either but they do know that they're kind of rare. I dropped the fact on them that parts are going to be a real bear to find and that they're really only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. So again... talk me into it? :dunno:

:popcorn:

Looks nice Don, but the big ol' sticker is kind of a turn off for me. :no:

:hmm: You sure about that, Bo? Looks to me like the fiberglass box sides are throwing off some lines, but it all looks short box to me. :dunno:

I figured as much. I guess I was hoping someone who's done a '97+ swap on their MJ would chime in with something along the lines of, "Oh yeah! Check on the connector under the left muffler flap that's labeled 'HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HORN' because it actually has everything to do with the horn." :D A guy can hope for something as simple as that anyhow, eh?

There's enough '97+ swaps around to ask here, I think... The horn in my '98 XJ does not work. Right now there's no horn physically in it, but I don't get power out to the wires on either side where they should be. When I push the horn button, I hear a clicking over in the passenger side footwell (I assume there's a relay for it) but I doubt that it clicks loud enough for outside traffic to hear to be a suitable substitute. Anywhere else I can look for a fuse or...? If it matters at all, the turn signal doesn't shut off by itself when you complete a turn nor do the high beams work without holding the switch. Thanks dudes! Picture... because people like pictures.

Funny... For the once in a great while that I do try and sell something, I get less responses when I include my location. I don't blame them though... I don't care for MN either. :fs2:

True dat. Can't believe I drove this thing the way it was for as long as I did. Even took it out on the interstate! :eek: Wind was howling all day today though. Without sway bars it was just about on its side! :laughin: Steering was tight as a drum! :banana: As for the list... Maybe weld up the exhaust to do away with a few dozen exhaust clamps... that all leak Make a mount for the tube doors Make up high lift mounts Clean up wiring to CB Find a rear view mirror... newly added

Track bar axle bracket rebuild done today. Got everything back together, painted, and took it down the road. Thing steers like its on rails now. Feels pretty good to have the big items taken care of. Really hoping I don't run into anymore surprises though. Won't have much chance to work on it next weekend and then the weekend after is the main event that I've been waiting for. Took a look inside at where I might be able to make up a mount for the tube doors and I really don't see that happening. Unless I give up the back seat or loose a bunch of space in the rear, I think they'll have to go elsewhere. Maybe make partial use of the roof basket? It'd be easy enough to make up something to put them up there, and I guess it'd make sense to make some use of it. I really only put it up there to put the high lift up there and I guess there's plenty more space to be used... because it's huge. With that, a new list of things that might get done in time... might not... Maybe weld up the exhaust to do away with a few dozen exhaust clamps... that all leak Make a mount for the tube doors Make up high lift mounts Clean up wiring to CB

So... I was out and about today and I hit a pot hole. Damn near shook the steering wheel right out of my hands!!! :eek: Pulled it over to stop the hellacious bucking only for it to return again once I got over 40 mph. Fortunately, somewhere along the lines leather seats were swapped in... easy cleanup from the no doubt new skid marks on the driver's seat. It did this in the past when it was on the 33s that I got it with but those weren't balanced. Had a little shimmy form time to time since those went but never the dreaded death wobble! Took the back roads home to diagnose. Prior to this, I had the windshield replaced which was another ordeal. It's raining today... rain is bad for the tape that's trying to keep one's brand new windshield from popping out when they close their door. For whatever reason, the passenger side of the windshield kept popping up when the guy would try and seat it down. The tape kept piling up and it was looking like it was going to hold. The passenger side wiper arm wasn't put back on in hopes of trying to keep the tape where it belonged... it didn't help. Once things got a little wet not even a block down the road, everything came falling apart. I turned it around and the guy was trying to figure out what to do. Granted, I could only get one on and still drive so the other one went on once I got home, but ratchet straps for the win! It's still chilly this weekend so I'll just leave them there for now. The wife and are taking off for a wedding this weekend, so by the time we get back on Sunday it should be more than fine. Anyhow... the track bar... I was the only one home this afternoon so I got a little creative with the camera. Moved it from joint to joint on the steering looking for movement... nothing. Moved it to the track bar... bingo. About a quarter inch of play at the bracket. The bushing is fine, so it got slightly reamed out to fit a 1/2" bolt. Even with an over sized bolt, the axle bracket was in bad enough shape that simply drilling it too out just wasn't doing to do it. Obviously, the sway bar mount wasn't needed... nor does most of even exist anymore! :laughin: If plating over the driver's side frame rail wasn't good enough, this sealed the deal that this Jeep will never see a sway bar ever again. Meh... So, here's where I'm at now. Everything is all cleaned up and everything ugly is now gone. Should be able to get it wrapped up this weekend yet. Isn't all that big of a deal, really... just unexpected. Make up a steering box brace Swap in another drag link Change oil in the diffs Change motor mounts Start and finish the rear fender flares Fix drain plug in the oil pan Get windshield replaced Update OHV registration Maybe weld up the exhaust to do away with a few dozen exhaust clamps... that all leak Wire in the wireless winch control module Make a mount for the tube doors to keep them secured somewhere inside Change out the radiator Brakes Rebuild track bar axle bracket... newly added.

:redX:

Thanks dude! I wouldn't have the Jeeps I do without inspiration threads like this for fun little details. :cheers: Yeah... The JK Moabs are easier to find and run about a dime a dozen. The TJ Moabs have a little deeper face on them. I like that... not quite as flat looking. From the side, I could really go either way, but in profile I really prefer the TJs. Really diggin the black/silver look on yours! Noted if I find a set.

Looking good, Bo! :thumbsup: There's just something so right about Moabs on an MJ. I'd really like to put a set of TJ Moabs under my Eliminator at some point. Can't wait to see this truck all cleaned up nice.

Ugh... again?! :roll: Another pissed off bird later, the Ape got some more attention. Today I took care of some more wiring. The wireless module finally got taken care of but I had to figure out what wire did what first. I looked around online and found what I thought was the correct pin out, but the only color that matched up to what I've got was black. Here's what mine ended up being for reference: green = power in, white = power out, red = 12v supply, black = ground. I put the 12v supply on a switch so there wouldn't be any potential unfortunate accidents in the future. Mounted the module in the header panel so there would be good line of sight for the green antenna. "Plan B" switch right above the electric fan switch with a fancy light because I found it in my toolbox. Didn't want to leave the original connector in the cover. Bugs me when there's wiring or really anything that's left in a vehicle that doesn't work. OD green duct tape for the win! ... then the cover finally found its way back on. Then I added a cute little storage box in the rear. Nice to keep things from rattling around back there. One deep drawer in the bottom and a couple swallow ones that'll be nice for keeping tools in. Scratched a major item off my list today too. Everything needs another good coat of paint once the sun comes back. Make up a steering box brace Swap in another drag link Change oil in the diffs Still need to change the front. Change motor mounts Start and finish the rear fender flares Fix drain plug in the oil pan Get windshield replaced Update OHV registration Maybe weld up the exhaust to do away with a few dozen exhaust clamps... that all leak Wire in the wireless winch control module Make a mount for the tube doors to keep them secured somewhere inside Change out the radiator Brakes

That's a tough price range to work in there, Pete. The Miller 190 is a fun little package, but for a little more I'd look at the 211. Never have I ever said, "ya know... I really wish I had less capabilities" when talking about a welder. If you plan to go Miller, have a look at THEIR REBATES going on through Dec. 31. Otherwise, have a look at the Lincoln 210 MP also. That's a stout little machine and can be had for right around $1000. It just came available this year and the demand is big enough that a bunch of suppliers are a few weeks out on getting more in my area. While in the same price range, a Tweco (formerly Thermal Arc) 211i is a real winner in my book when it comes to functionality and fine tuning options in the small welder line. 110v or 220v is a nice option too. But again, for a little bit more its bigger 252i brother has a ton more punch. I'd highly consider looking a little higher than the $800 cap. :thumbsup:

I love these drivetrain swap threads. It's always little details, and little details, and little details... and then it all comes together! Nice job so far. :popcorn:

It was a Robin... and it was pissed. Now I get dive-bombed just about every time I go outside! :peek:

Key word there is POTENTIAL. :D Life is hard for us in the northern country.

Sounds like a potential leak turning into rusted floors for either you or the next owner. I wouldn't do it. :ack:

Spent a little bit of time on the rear again and got them looking more how wanted... Got one some fully welded while the other took more time to get to fit nicely. Originally I wasn't planning on sheeting over the whole quarter panel, but I really didn't like how it turned out the first time. Still not totally thrilled with them... I'm typically not a "that'll do" kind of fabricator, but I spent way too much time on the passenger side flare. They look fine, but it really bugs me that they don't match from side to side. Couple measurements got a little out of hand... not that you can see both sides at the same time anyhow, I guess. Make up a steering box brace Swap in another drag link Change oil in the diffs Still, still, still need to change the front. Change motor mounts Start and finish the rear fender flares Still started Fix drain plug in the oil pan Get windshield replaced Update OHV registration Maybe weld up the exhaust to do away with a few dozen exhaust clamps... that all leak Wire in the wireless winch control module Make a mount for the tube doors to keep them secured somewhere inside Change out the radiator Brakes On a side note, I went outside this morning and saw that the Ape is returning back to nature in more ways than just the rust now. :laughin:

It's May!... and then some! We're a little late but better late than never, eh? Had some issues getting some pictures figured out but I'll guarantee everyone that it's worth the wait. This month is another one of those members who puts together a truck that just stands out. Everything on it seems so right! Everything looks well thought out, in its place, and pretty damn cool while getting the job done. Was it planned? Was it just the way it worked out? Or was it something that came in a vision from a higher power?... almost... spiritual? This month goes to... YEAR/MODEL ● 1988 Comanche Sportruck ENGINE/PERFORMANCE ● Homemade cone style intake and flowmaster muffler DRIVETRAIN ● 4.0L with 99k miles, currently the stock BA10-5 awaiting a rebuilt AX15 swap with newer np231 with SYE and CV shaft. I've also got all of the pieces for a gear swap and ARBs front and rear, and 30 spline chromoly front shafts and chromoly rears. I plan on mounting the air compressor inside of my tool box and making a small hole between the cab and bed for the lines to run from. COOLING ● New factory cooling system parts with an open radiator conversion. ELECTRICAL/IGNITION ● OE ignition with new plugs, wires, coil, cap, rotor, ignition control module, and CPS SUSPENSION/STEERING ● RR 1ton steering upgrade, 5.5" Rubicon Express coils, factory springs with Ruff Stuff perches and shock mounts for SOA swap, ORV shocks, RR adjustable track bar, RR sway bar disconnects, RK long arm front. (currently with custom cross member for BA10-5 use) INTERIOR ● All stock bench seat, Hurst pool ball shifter (white), Rubbermaid cupholder mod, factory vinyl flooring, aftermarket headunit with USB and AUX ports, 5.25" JVC door speakers and Pioneer 6.5" rear speakers. (need rear brackets!) Also a homemade velcro in headliner since my truck didn't come with one. BRAKES ● Cross drilled and slotted rotors for the front, factory pads and calipers, rear disc swap from the 8.8 with OE pads, rotors, calipers. LIGHTING ● Trucklite LED headlights, two 3" cube LEDS on stinger bumper. EXTERIOR ● Customer front steel bumper with stinger and JCR rear DIY rear bumper with 2" receiver. Factory faded paint, repainted grille and bezels, aluminum rear tool box. WHEELS/TIRES ● 33x12.50x15 Mud Dawgs with American Racing AR62 rims. FULL BUILD THREAD HERE Remember That One Time?... Tell Us Your Best MJ Story ● I think the funniest story I have so far would have to be when doing my SOA swap and long arms. I had one day on two different weekends so we focused on the SOA swap the first weekend. So at the end of the night I drove home with the rear up about 5.5"-6" in the air on 215/70s and the front at stock height. My rearview mirror was pointless and I got some CRAZY looks when driving it home. Aside from that it would be the whole journey with this thing from pick up until now. This truck had sat for a 11 years and only had 94K miles on it bone stock when I picked it up! CC is Awesome!... Why Do You Think So? ● I love the wealth of knowledge about these trucks and getting inspired to do things to my truck from watching other people build theirs! ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● This Comanche has it... period! You did an amazing job with function, form, and a bunch more form, Rev! From the dirty little scrappy truck that it was to the beast that it is today, this truck has definitely been touched by something divine. Definitely worth at least a few more spiritual puns, anyhow! Please feel free to list more... :D Congratulations, Rev! -Ben This post has been promoted to an article

Swapped the radiator this morning and started on the rear flares. Not all that happy with how they're turning out though. Probably salvageable... it'll just take some time. :grrrr: Make up a steering box brace Swap in another drag link Change oil in the diffs Still, still need to change the front. Change motor mounts Start and finish the rear fender flares Started Fix drain plug in the oil pan Get windshield replaced Update OHV registration Maybe weld up the exhaust to do away with a few dozen exhaust clamps... that all leak Wire in the wireless winch control module Make a mount for the tube doors to keep them secured somewhere inside Change out the radiator Done Brakes

:cheers: