89 MJ - Refreshing a Beater

[Pete M]

On 9/13/2020 at 7:32 PM, scguy said:

No, they weren't flying much.

 

bummer   but as they say, if hunting was successful every time they'd just call it grocery shopping.  

[scguy]

Cooper Tire EU messaged and asked to use my Comanche photo for their Instagram feed. Thought that was pretty cool.

[JMO413]

That's awesome! 

[Pete M]

sweet! 

[scguy]

Finally got around to a few put off items.

1: replaced the undercharging stock 90A alternator with a new 117A from a 99 XJ. It came with a load test spec sheet in the box and it tested at 138A at 2000RPM. I went with the 117A because I didn't want to mess with grinding down the block and bracket to fit the 136A, more popular alternator swap. Bolts right up, just make sure to get a connector, because they're not very common and are very expensive to order new (~$38). I actually made a Pull a Part run just for the connector.

After install, at idle with the high beams on (100w Hellas), AC on full blast, radio on, electric fans on, etc, I was sitting at 14.2V. Great success. This alternator will be able to take more advantage of my 2ga battery cables.

2: AC compressor kit. My old expansion valve froze up, so I decided to replace the compressor as well. I went with all the stuff from a 94 XJ, which came with R134a. AC is back to working well, and I pulled several leaves out of my blower motor resistor.

[scguy]

I also replaced my coolant temp sender for the cluster gauge, but it is still off by 30 or 40 degrees. Probably will have to go Mopar. Are you supposed to use Teflon tape on the threads?

My oil pressure gauge needs a sender as well.

[scguy]

Spent Saturday doing seat work. My driver's bottom cushion leaned towards the left, so I swapped the cover off of it to a spare cushion, replaced the factory bucket seat brackets with Krustys fabbed ones.

I didn't really want to do that, but somehow I managed to misplace the factory passenger bucket seat with brackets attached. An entire seat, gone. I have no clue.

I swapped seat covers and foam onto my other 2dr XJ bucket to install, just waiting for another evening to assemble them.

I got rid of a factory horn that sounded like stepping on a dying goat and replaced it with a Hella horn I had lying around. Much louder and better

Also pictured, my MJ console insert I salvaged from an 87 Chief that has the E brake handle block off plate.

sound

[scguy]

Well, look there. Two seats!

[scguy]

I really need to replace my window seals so that I can get my windows tinted eventually.

[Pete M]

yeah, all my MJs need those seals done  

 

bonus points if you pull the glass out for the tinting   that guy that did my original baby's windows messed up and there's this tiny flaw at the bottom that annoyed the heck outta me. 

[scguy]

I've got a little surprise project being worked on tomorrow. I'll post pics when it happens. A little grinder action is about to go down. 

[scguy]

Well, what do we have here?

[WahooSteeler]

Headache rack?

[scguy]

Yep, can't wait to finish it, get it painted or powder coated, and some lights on it. 

[89 MJ]

I love this color on these trucks.

[scguy]

Installed new front door speakers since my LF didn't work. Ended up not fixing anything, so I tracked the problem down to bad terminal pin fit at the head unit connector. I found a new connector to install.

[scguy]

New AC blower motor last night, it's amazing how much quieter it runs.

[Pete M]

new bearings are the bees knees    

[scguy]

Pretty excited to have this almost done. Have lights on the way.

I also ordered new spring perches from Barnes4WD for when I go SOA with a Chrysler 8.25.

While I was at it, I ordered a new soldering station for work, but I'm sure it will get some MJ time as well.

[Pete M]

that looks pretty dang good.    what lights are you installing?

[scguy]

that looks pretty dang good.    what lights are you installing?

These are on the way from@derf 4 should look good.

[Pete M]

heck yeah! 

[scguy]

Trying to stick to my "no LEDs" rule is getting hard. I might cave and get a small lightbar for a reverse/cargo light. Non LED lights can be so bulky.

[89 MJ]

5 minutes ago, scguy said:

Trying to stick to my "no LEDs" rule is getting hard. I might cave and get a small lightbar for a reverse/cargo light. Non LED lights can be so bulky.

But they look cooler and more correct.

[scguy]

So I got my Pro Comp lights from@derf mounted. Still have to wire them, but I'm digging the look. Glad I didn't go LED lightbar.