jbain Posted June 23, 2018 Author Posted June 23, 2018 I really didn't want to do this but with a 4k plus mile trip next month I figured a filter and fluid change on the AW4 was warranted. As expected the dipstick tube refuses to separate.
jbain Posted June 23, 2018 Author Posted June 23, 2018 Finished up the filter change on the AW4, now to tackle the oil filter adapter O-rings. This is gonna suck!
jbain Posted June 23, 2018 Author Posted June 23, 2018 Might as well do the valve cover while I'm at it.
jbain Posted June 23, 2018 Author Posted June 23, 2018 The donor Jeep had well over 200k on the clock but it must have been replaced recently because there is absolutely no buildup in the valve cover and it carries 37 pounds of oil pressure at idle hot. Very cool!
jbain Posted June 24, 2018 Author Posted June 24, 2018 6:47 am, time to get busy. First thing on today's agenda is to flush the cooling system and install a new radiator and cap.
jbain Posted June 24, 2018 Author Posted June 24, 2018 First thing I do when I look at an XJ is pull the cover and check the filter. I was happy to see mine clean and dry after 1500 miles.
jbain Posted June 24, 2018 Author Posted June 24, 2018 Well the pre-trip maintenance phase is complete. The Eagle got a Transmission flush and filter, cooling system flush and radiator, new idler pulley, oil filter adapter o rings and Mobile 1 oil change, new valve cover gasket a complete nut and bolt as well as new foam gaskets on all the windows on the topper. It's been a busy couple of days but I'm officially mechanically ready for next months trip.
jbain Posted June 25, 2018 Author Posted June 25, 2018 The XJ donor for The Eagle had factory fog lights so hooking up the front light bar took about 5 minutes, on to the rear bumper LEDs
jbain Posted June 25, 2018 Author Posted June 25, 2018 I finished up the front and rear LED lights as well as fixed the passenger front speaker. I also added a couple switches and replaced the cigarette lighter with a second 12 volt plug in the factory switch panel and added an external antenna to the VHF radio. I think that pretty much finished the truck completely..... Seems odd.
jbain Posted June 28, 2018 Author Posted June 28, 2018 Brown Santa brought a few more items for The Eagle this afternoon.. portable air, Topper Tape, and a new latch so I can lock the topper when I'm away from the truck.
jbain Posted June 29, 2018 Author Posted June 29, 2018 Did a little work on my fuel pump cover last night, as you can see math was never my strong suit.
jbain Posted June 30, 2018 Author Posted June 30, 2018 Brown truck brought me a swing out tire carrier kit from EMS OffRoad.
jbain Posted June 30, 2018 Author Posted June 30, 2018 When I put the 97 fuel pump in the MJ tank I could either lower the tank below the frame rail or cut a hole in the bed to make room for the regulator, I chose the latter. I finally got around to finishing the cap so now I can start building my sleeping area for next months trip.
jbain Posted July 1, 2018 Author Posted July 1, 2018 Decided I may as well get busy on this swing out tire carrier.
jbain Posted July 1, 2018 Author Posted July 1, 2018 With the taper of the Dirtbound Offroad bumper on the corner I had to grind the same angle on the axle spindle. Then I'll do a couple plug welds on the angle then pull the bumper and weld up the back.
jbain Posted July 1, 2018 Author Posted July 1, 2018 Welding on the bumper swing out tire mount is complete and is back on the truck. The tolerances are tight but I dig how it turned out.
jbain Posted July 1, 2018 Author Posted July 1, 2018 Had to modify the bumpstop that came with the kit but I think it's still gonna work.
jbain Posted July 1, 2018 Author Posted July 1, 2018 Took a chance on this JK fold down table to mount on my swing out tire carrier. My Colman stove fits perfectly.
DesertRat1991 Posted July 2, 2018 Posted July 2, 2018 On 6/19/2018 at 1:34 PM, jbain said: We'll be heading west in just 30 days! Time to start setting up The Eagle for extended exploration Where out west are you headed..? Are you planning to sleep in the truck bed? If so, I wonder where you will mount the gas cans?
jbain Posted July 2, 2018 Author Posted July 2, 2018 5 hours ago, DesertRat1991 said: Where out west are you headed..? Are you planning to sleep in the truck bed? If so, I wonder where you will mount the gas cans? We are going to cross Colorado on Mountain passes and dirt roads then drop into Moab. I do plan to sleep in the truck bed so I'll be mounting the gas can on the swing out tire carrier.
jbain Posted July 2, 2018 Author Posted July 2, 2018 My buddy stopped by yesterday and while we were talking he asked if the Cruise Control worked. So I made sure everything was hooked up and on the way to town this morning I gave it a try. Sure will be nice crossing the country.
jbain Posted July 2, 2018 Author Posted July 2, 2018 Main bar is welded up and I've added the latch on the driver's side and the pin to hold it open on the passenger.
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