Just another 86 mj

[magealexstra]

Hello,

 

Well I started this thread in the pub under my intro. Though I thought it best to move in here.

 

 

Here's a pic of the truck. Still needs some work and seeing as I had another question I'm going to just start fresh.

 

Anyway my question is, after I rebuild the steering box. How do I align it for reinstall. By that I mean, adjust the shaft so my steering is aligned.

 

the walk through that I'm following doesn't cover this and I couldn't find anything under steering box install on here.

 

Anyway thanks in advance. :)

[13 Legion]

Welcome first off! Nice looking truck. My advice is to buy yourself a Haynes Repair Manual for the Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001. This single manual covers the Cherokee, Wagoneer as well as Comanche. Readily available at your local parts store. Chapter 10 covers suspension and steering. Not sure if you have power or manual steering. I replaced manual gearbox and it was pretty straightforward in the Haynes book. Why are you choosing rebuilding original unit over replacing? Just asking unless you know exactly what the culprit is. Some one else will chime in if its a power unit to help you out. Again good looking truck!

[magealexstra]

Thanks,

 

I picked up the haynes manual for a song online. Most of the information seems to be general automotive maintenance. I'll look again to see if there's an explanation to my question.

 

The truck has power steering. It's got a leak in the front and bottom seal but overall seems to be good. Plus I like the challenge of rebuilding.

 

I'll post some more pics as I move through the rebuild.

 

Thanks again :)

 

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[magealexstra]

Ok so I looked it up. It says to mark it's position. So I guess I'll just have to keep up with the markings as I go about cleaning.

 

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[magealexstra]

 

 

So here's the steering box ripped apart. I already put it back together and reinstalled it but I'm out of power steering fluid. So I'll let you know how it went tomorrow.

[magealexstra]

So I'm flushing radiator. because, so far everything the PO told me he did doesn't seem to have been done... ever. After emptying the system I think, let's go ahead and flush it. So I start taking off the air box so I can get to the bolts to pull the thermostat. Finding yet another present...

 

 

Now I know what your thinking. Oh this guy left the bolt off but you'd be wrong. He broke the bolt off in the block.

[benjy_26]

[13 Legion]

This happens. See if there's enough of bolt left sticking out to heat. Than grab a pair of vise grips. Broke 3 bolts recently between changing gearbox and water pump. If not you will have to drill out. Was the thermostat housing leaking prior to noticing this?

[magealexstra]

Not that I was aware of but it would account for the general wetness in the engine bay.

 

I already bought the valve cover gaskets. So that's happening. :) whenever i get in there to do that ill clean everything off, repaint, drill it out and re-tap the hole.

 

Also I have a question regarding the carburetor.

Inside of it there seems to be window screen stuffed in the right side. And, in what i belive to be the carb vent there is some kind of paper.

 

What would this be for?

 

While removing the charcoal canister and most of the emissions items i.e. erg. I found similar forms of blockage. Between the main vacuum line and the erg, let's call it an actuator, there was a black silicone of some kind. Could have been rtv but I'm not sure.

[magealexstra]

 

Would these replace what I have on my jeep?

 

It's an 86 xls

[shelbyluvv]

Unless you want the rear 4" higher than it is now, no. I won't recommend cRusty's parts to anyone either. Look up Hell Creek and give Tom a call. He is a member here and will treat you right. He has stock rear packs, metric ton, or 3"-4.5" packs.

[outlaw star]

 

Would these replace what I have on my jeep?

 

It's an 86 xls

We put those on a friends MJ. They aren't stiff but gave it more of a 6" lift instead of 4". We put XJ shackles on to lower it a bit to around 5".

[magealexstra]

Unless you want the rear 4" higher than it is now, no. I won't recommend cRusty's parts to anyone either. Look up Hell Creek and give Tom a call. He is a member here and will treat you right. He has stock rear packs, metric ton, or 3"-4.5" packs.

I'm guessing it's hell Creek suspension?

 

 

I just want to return it to stock for now. later on I plan to put in a rough country lift.

 

I'll take a picture of my rear end in a bit so you can see my problem.

[Megadan]

General Springs stock replacements.  It's what I have under my truck for 2 years now and they sit exactly at stock ride height measures now that they have settled some.

[magealexstra]

General Springs stock replacements. It's what I have under my truck for 2 years now and they sit exactly at stock ride height measures now that they have settled some.

Did you go with the 1280 lb or the 1700 lb?

[magealexstra]

 

Don't mind the siding. I have her parked in a weird spot so I could lift the front up.

 

Is this some kind of helper spring? It's only on one side.

[Megadan]

Yea, that's a helper spring.  Should be 1 per side.  I'd remove it and call it a day.  Those leaves look like they have flattened a little, but still have some life left in them.  If you do want to replace them with new ones, I went with the 1280, which are factory replacement.  the 1700lb springs are Metric Ton replacements.  They also have another spring option with a military wrap on the front eye that is designed to give 1 1/2" lift over stock springs (new or factory ride height).  A bit more expensive. http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/gsc-571.htm

[magealexstra]

The springs I have now seem to give a lot more than I would expect. However, I don't really have experience with this trucks ride characteristics. I'd be happy not having to replace them. If I could get away with cleaning them up and painting that would be awesome.

 

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[Megadan]

They do give a lot, even my factory replacement springs will give a lot even with my just climbing in the bed.

[shelbyluvv]

Pull it and see if it squats on that side. If not call it good and spend the money on something else. Good looking truck. I like the 86 MJ, but I'm biased.

[magealexstra]

Will do. I still have the front end lifted so it'll be a while before I get back there. I'll post a few pictures in a minute of the work I've done so far.

 

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[magealexstra]

So here's a side by side of the engine bay so far

 

 

 

 

And where she stands now. Still have more to do

 

 

 

 

In the bay, I have:

Removed the ac compressor and lines

Removed the charcoal box to make room for a second battery.

Removed all unnecessary vacuum cans and hoses.

Replaced and rewired the alternator, battery pos and neg lines

Painted the bay, radiator, behind front grill, brake booster, master cylinder, and a couple of odds and ends.

[magealexstra]

I don't have a complete picture of the front end before I started. but, here it is in pieces.

 

 

 

 

And as she sits now...

 

 

 

 

I have:

 

Rebuilt the steering box

Replaced the center link

Replaced the bushing on the sway bar

Swapped the front differential fluid

Removed the vacuum from the cad and built in an always locked system

did a redneck front alignment until I can do it properly

Cleaned what I could and greased all joints

[magealexstra]

Also I replaced the headlights.

 

[magealexstra]

Does anyone know what oil pan gasket goes on my truck? It has 14 bolts and lifts in the front and back. I've looked everywhere but can only find 16 bolt and 12 bolt gaskets.

 

A link to one would be greatly appreciated.

 

TIA! :)

 

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