magealexstra Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Hello, I've been reading this forum for about a month now. I didn't want to join until I owned an mj. Well today I bought one. 1986 xls. I'll post a picture tomorrow. It needs a little bit of work but she drives. I wanted to ask if anyone has a recommendation for replacment door locks and how to snug up the steering. She gets kinda squirmy off the line. There's about 2 inches of play in the steering wheel. Anyway I don't want to make this post too long so I'll leave it there Thanks in advance. Cheers Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
13 Legion Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Welcome! Look around the site, tons of info! Lot of DIY tips as well as searching info in the MJ tech section. My advice to you is do http://comancheclub.com/topic/48463-cruisers-mostly-renix-tips/.... Also check out your floors (driver and passenger side!) Lift that carpet up!!!!!!!!! As far as your steering goes check out front suspension. Your problem could be from a worn out gearbox as well. Word of advice I was given day 1 here....'Don't just start throwing money at random parts thinking that may be the problem' A second opinion always helps. Lot of knowledge here in these forums. There are no stupid questions... Cause I already asked them here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 For the loose steering, lift the truck and support the chassis with stands to unload the suspension and steering. Pull and tug on the various linkages for the steering and check to make sure none of the tie rod ends have any play. Also, check your wheel bearings by grabbing the wheels top and bottom and trying to wiggle them, side to side as well. See if there is any excessive play there or if you can spot any movement in the rod ends. It cam sometimes help to have the truck running, wheels on the pavement, and view it from the ground with someone turning the wheel back and forth a little bit. If all else fails, you can try to tighten up the steering box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 12, 2016 Author Share Posted April 12, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 12, 2016 Author Share Posted April 12, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 12, 2016 Author Share Posted April 12, 2016 Sorry it took so long to reply. I underestimated my data usage on the phone. I'll give your suggestions a try today. I also picked up a headlight kit though I'm unsure how they mount, as of now. I'll just start taking off the old ones. I'm sure it'll make sense once I see how their mounted. Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 Wow, that's a nice clean looking truck. If you need help with the headlight stuff just make a thread in the MJ Tech section. Sounds like you are doing a relay harness or upgraded H4 housings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 Upgraded houseing. It turned out to be really easy. Though I did run into some other problems that probably need addressing. My haynes book doesn't get in till next week so I'm kinda in the wind with some of this stuff. I'll post some pics Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 Not sure what these are but they go to what looks like a sensor on the axel. They were all cut off and tucked away. Any idea what they are or if they are important Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 This is where they end Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 I also found this on the other side Again it goes to the axel. But I have no idea what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 Last one. It looks like a vacuum line that runs into the firewall along side the ac line. I'm hoping it goes to the ac because I plan to rip that out anyway. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 The 3 or 4 lines that run to the axle from the transfer case are part of the central axle disconnect system. When you put your transfer case into 4wd mode, that switch on the transmission sends vacuum from the engine to an actuator on the axle that slides a collar over to engage an inner axle stub with the outer axle for the passenger side. This fully engages your front axle giving you 4wd. If they are broken, then as it sits right now your front axle doesn't engage. If you search a bit you can find solutions to this, from locking it in place, using a cable (what I am doing), or replacing all the vacuum lines.The vacuum hoses on the firewall near the AC and Heater Core are part of the HVAC system, and if i remember correctly they control a door that blocks off the heater core completely. Not really a big deal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpdriver1 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 welcome to the site, if these folks don't know what it is or how to fix it -- ain't nobody does first place I look for info good looking truck !!!! the larger hose from axle up to firewall --- differential vent --- consider lengthening them (one on the rear also) if you're going to ford streams, create a mudder ect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 The 3 or 4 lines that run to the axle from the transfer case are part of the central axle disconnect system. When you put your transfer case into 4wd mode, that switch on the transmission sends vacuum from the engine to an actuator on the axle that slides a collar over to engage an inner axle stub with the outer axle for the passenger side. This fully engages your front axle giving you 4wd. If they are broken, then as it sits right now your front axle doesn't engage. If you search a bit you can find solutions to this, from locking it in place, using a cable (what I am doing), or replacing all the vacuum lines. The vacuum hoses on the firewall near the AC and Heater Core are part of the HVAC system, and if i remember correctly they control a door that blocks off the heater core completely. Not really a big deal Has anyone done a write up on converting to cable? Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 I'm sure there is a DIY how-to or two floating around, a quick google search netted this result. Not super detailed, but it gives a good idea of what you can do. http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/homemade-posi-lock-78838/I dropped the coin on a Posi-Lock setup myself: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pos-920?seid=srese1&gclid=CKqQ7ZH1iswCFQcLaQodP4AHEw As mentioned before, some people just permanently engage the front axle. There is a write-up on that here on this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Here is another, and better, DIY Cable setup. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/home-made-posi-lock-write-up-595515/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 Well I read through and it looks like picking up the posi-lock system would be the best option. Also it would alow me to get ride of all the vacuum hoses and other junk coming into the bay. Thank you sir. Very helpful. Cheers Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 It just depends on what you want and what kind of budget you have to work with. Locking it in place is the easiest and cheapest solution. Or, finding a set of axle shafts from a non-CAD Dana 30 (early 90's and later XJ) and just making/buying a block-off plate is another option. I like my Posi-lock for now, but I am looking to upgrade to a non-CAD axle, or upgrading axle shafts here soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 If you just put a single-piece shaft into the CAD housing, you'll end up with a lovely spray of gear oil all over your passenger-side wheel well. Unless you pop open the diff and put in the one-piece axle seal. It's not the end of the world, I've been running a one-piece shaft with two-piece seals for years, just keeping an eye on the oil level. But likely not a great idea if you do much in mud/water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 19, 2016 Author Share Posted April 19, 2016 Well I found a way to delete the vacuum on my front axel. So far I've got 9 bucks in it. I should be able to rip it off and rebuild tomorrow. If the weather doesn't go crazy again. I have to replace the differential fluid anyway and I'm going to be installing a new center link. Then it's on to the transmission. I spent 4 hours today getting both the door handles fixed. At least now I can lock the truck :) Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 20, 2016 Author Share Posted April 20, 2016 Here's a pic of my cad delete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 nice looking truck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magealexstra Posted April 22, 2016 Author Share Posted April 22, 2016 Yeah, I'm pretty happy with it. Still needs some work but so far I've only found one spot of rust in the passenger floor board. So over all a good buy. Also just as an update. I replaced the alternator. Rewired and upgraded the gauge on all the alternator wires. Replaced the front sway bar bushings, and cleaned up all the po's wiring mess. Tomorrow I have to rebuild the steering box and install a new drag link. I guess I really should start a thread under another topic. :) I'll do that tomorrow as well. Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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