1987Comanche Posted January 15, 2017 Author Share Posted January 15, 2017 I knew I was behind on updates but I didn't realize I was 4 months behind. Mea culpa :dunno: . The 12.7:1 ZJ steering box and V8 solid TREs have been in for about 2K miles and there is a noticeable improvement in how she handles. Georgia ready for the ZJ steering box: Hollow and solid TREs side by side. Box installed! Yes the pump didn't need to come out just to reach the box but I was going to replace it. Long story but the old pump went back in: Note the new TRE at the Pitman arm. Figured might as well replace it if I had it apart: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted January 15, 2017 Author Share Posted January 15, 2017 Dug the cruise control connector out from it's hiding place near the fuse & relay panel. It was shot as it had been open to the elements for all these years. Found a '93 ZJ that donated a new connector to the cause: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted January 15, 2017 Author Share Posted January 15, 2017 Went back over Xmas and mounted the cruise control servo assembly and cable. Drilling the mounting holes was a pain as I had to wiggle a lot of stuff around to get a straight shot with the drill. Cruise is in! Checked communications and everything looks good: Cruise control works pretty well but is a little "jerky" relative to what I expected. The junkyard fresh assembly may need to loosen up a bit more or perhaps I need a long, flat run for a true test. It will hold speed within 2mph but isn't as smooth as I'd expect it to be in doing so. I've never had an MJ/XJ with cruise so I don't have a basis for comparison. Can anyone else comment on their cruise control system (either Renix or HO)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted December 28, 2017 Author Share Posted December 28, 2017 It's been quite a while since I've updated the build thread. In late winter/early spring Georgia started having shifting problems that got progressively worse. She reached the point where I couldn't shift into 1st from neutral when hot so I drove her minimally throughout the year. I got a quote of $1800 to rebuild the AX-15 so I decided to keep an eye out for a donor I could try to rebuild myself. I found a suitable candidate at LKQ over Labor Day Weekend: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted December 28, 2017 Author Share Posted December 28, 2017 Cleaned it up, ordered the rebuild kit, and cracked it open. I checked all the clearances, replaced bearings, synchros, shift keys & springs It was a good donor as the gear train was in pretty good shape. The 1st gear bearing was starting to go so it wouldn't have lasted too long without some TLC: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted December 28, 2017 Author Share Posted December 28, 2017 Case Cleaned, reassembling transmission: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted December 28, 2017 Author Share Posted December 28, 2017 Pulling the old AX-15. Flywheel and all the clutch components looked ok: Wasn't happy with the LUK plastic throw out bearing at all. Poor fit and the spring didn't engage the entire front of it: Ended up reusing the old cast iron unit. It only had 25K miles on it and was nice and smooth: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted September 23, 2018 Author Share Posted September 23, 2018 Haven't had much time to keep the build thread updated with my current job (55-60 hrs/week doesn't leave time for much else) but I did roll 290K this week!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted May 27, 2019 Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 Been a while since I posted an update on Georgia. New job & moving to TN so I've been working her hard. She's not a fan of climbing the mountains between NC and TN but she takes it all in stride (55-60mph pulling a long grade in 4th). Trans is doing well & I should have garage space for her at the new house Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted December 23, 2019 Author Share Posted December 23, 2019 Looks like my P/S pump is starting to go out. When it's cold outside (less than 40 degrees) I have a dead spot (no steering assist) for the first 45 degrees of steering wheel travel. After 3 or 4 turns it's back to normal. She is loving life in the garage though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neohic Posted December 24, 2019 Share Posted December 24, 2019 Good to see you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted December 24, 2019 Share Posted December 24, 2019 every MJ deserves a nice warm spot under a roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted December 25, 2019 Author Share Posted December 25, 2019 Thanks & Merry Christmas! Work + the move has been all-consuming but yes, I'm happy she has an indoor home now. She's now sharing garage space with the '69 Cutlass convertible . Got the pump changed out earlier this week. Looks like the bearing was going out. New pump is fairly loud at the moment but I'll drive it for a bit and see if it calms down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted January 4, 2020 Author Share Posted January 4, 2020 The reman pump was junk (sounded like marbles in a coffee grinder), so I hit the LKQ sale and harvested a '94 ZJ P/S pump and another steering box from a '97ZJ. When I replaced the steering box a few years ago I had to put the old pump back in as I needed her on the road. Unfortunately the fines from whatever was eating itself in the box/pump eventually ate up the box. Here's what was in the oil: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted January 4, 2020 Author Share Posted January 4, 2020 I just finished replacing the pump & box and have it bled out. The junkyard pump sounds normal and the fluid in both donors was clean. Now to drive her around for a while and see if my dead spot is gone: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted April 11, 2020 Author Share Posted April 11, 2020 New pump and box are doing well. Took her to Raleigh to help a friend regear a 8.5" 10 bolt and picked up some gems, including a rebuildable heart for the convertible: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 The Olds Rocket 350 is torn down and packed up. Ready for Georgia to haul it to the machine shop! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 that's a sweet engine for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 I can't wait! I took a lap around the machine shop prior to giving them my engine and was happy with what I saw. Very clean overall (shop & equipment) and they had a Sunnen SV-10, a Rottler, a VF-3, and a few Clausings. Interestingly I didn't see a Bridgeport but it was only a quick lap. He's going to see if he can locate Mahle Motorsport pistons for her. Good alloy and has a modern ring pack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 sounds like you found a quality shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted September 27, 2020 Author Share Posted September 27, 2020 Had to change out her steering box again . Last one started leaking at the pitman arm seal and I was getting some scary handling over bumps which may/may not be attributable to the box. I'll save box #3 for now. If handling is the same and #4 has issues I can always replace the seal. So the steering box summary is: #1, OEM. Started coughing up metal fines. #2 1st ZJ box. Developed a dead spot (no assist) when cold. Had to reuse the pump from box #1 and I'm guessing the fines eventually ate it. #3. 2nd ZJ box. Started leaking at the pitman arm seal. Also some odd handling but we'll see if that's related to box or something else in the front end. #4. 3rd ZJ box. Also found a coolant leak I need to trace down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 I assume these are used units? the youngest ones are 22 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted October 4, 2020 Author Share Posted October 4, 2020 They are used units. At one point I picked up a reman one for my Suburban but it had more slop than what I'd intended to replace. Also I found a lot of paint on the fluid inlet side. Cardone boxes didn't inspire my confidence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted October 4, 2020 Author Share Posted October 4, 2020 Traced down the coolant leak to the thermostat housing. Should have been a straightforward project but the top bolt seized to the housing. Had to cut the housing at the bolt with a Dremel, beat it off the stud with a hammer/chisel, then use some Freeze & Release to work the stud out. She fought me on new shocks too. Upper mount on the passenger's side decided to peel the threads off with the nut. 7/16"-14 die was a decent fit and I had some Top-Lock nuts so I used that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted October 11, 2020 Author Share Posted October 11, 2020 After the steering box/shock/thermostat housing battle it was gratifying to take Georgia on a nice road trip. I put 350 miles on her, she ran great and earned her keep. I picked up a GN 200-R4 for my Olds and found some other goodies for the fleet. Perfect junkyard weather: overcast and low 70s in Charlotte. Also saw a sweet old Vette on I-40. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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