Jeep Upgrades

[cmeyer]

Now that the Jeep is finally a 3rd car / play vehicle, going to start doing some work on it.

My current list of upgrades is as follows:

1.) install 5-760x U-joints in front Dana 30 axle
2.) install 4.88 gears front and back (Josh recommended on this forum will be doing the work)
3.) install 2.5" lift (springs, shocks, bumpstops, JKS adjustable trackbars front and rear.)
4.) install new aluminum 3-core radiator ( new hoses, thermostat as well )
5.) Cowl induction conversion, using a Ford Windstar intake
6.) Set of Maxxis Bighorn 33x12.50r15 from Les Schwab in Parker.
7.) JK Turn Signal Conversion
8.) Fender Trim if needed to clear the 33s ( have a 1" body lift in there already )

As the Jeep currently sits, lonely out in the shop

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--eOEsvQ_wUI/Uu7W7xhicRI/AAAAAAAAAx0/3B34-60SqYk/w666-h446-no/Feb2014_jeep+007.png

Today I did the front U-Joints (note those calipers safety wired up out the way). Springs and shocks are removed and things are ready for the new bumpstops and springs to be installed.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zCCJ0HEL-YU/Uu7XAWGNNKI/AAAAAAAAAyA/0JNYE0-Z5Ls/w879-h588-no/Feb2014_jeep+009.png
And that is a new 5-760x Dana Spicer U-Joint in there.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8oD3f8zYQ2s/Uu7XAIKbL8I/AAAAAAAAAyE/e_6PQP9wx4w/w879-h588-no/Feb2014_jeep+010.png

Note: when installing U-Joints, I learned, after the fact, that tapping on the outside of the yoke lightly while applying pressure with your U-joint press will help things come apart nicely. I slightly bent one of the yokes, however was able to get it straightened out and the new U-joints back in and C clips installed, hopefully things will be OK.

Second, watch those stinking needle bearings. One slipped out of position and during pressing in the new U-joint I split the cap. DOH! I reused one of the old caps from the old U-joints for now, however I have another 5-760x U-joint on the way and will be replacing on Tues/Wed night. I consider that a 30 dollar lesson.

Third, in the picture above you can see a length of angle iron, found it the perfect size to wedge between the U-joint and steering knuckle to lock everything together to remove the hub nut.

So, currently waiting for a new U-joint as well as some 2" bumpstops. Once those arrive will get the front end buttoned up and then switch to the rear.

If anyone has any wisdom, tips and/or tricks to share that may come in handy, please let me know.

[Tom]

Nice shop. Roomy

[94ToyBear]

Looks like your gona have some fun with it !! Is it set up with an electric fan allready ?

[cmeyer]

Looks like your gona have some fun with it !! Is it set up with an electric fan allready ?

No electic fan yet, going to leave stock fan in there for now. Once all is done, going to do a few short day trims along the front range and then doing a week in Moab with a friend in May.

Once I recover from this flurry of upgrades the next steps will be:

1.) Tera Low 4:1, SYE and HD upgrade on the 231 transfer case, replace the rear main seal and replace the clutch.

2.) Ox Lockers front and rear with upgraded axles ( 30 spline up front, 35 spline in the back ) and a rear disc brake conversion

3.) Metal Cloak Fenders and 35" tires.

And I think at that point I will be satisfied with how the Jeep is built. Should be able to do everything I need with it at that point.

[88Toy]

Gonna be a fun rig when done! You'll love the low gearing and lockers.

[Serious Offroad]

Ran an Ox up front for 1 season....bigest mistake EVER.

E-Lockers are a much better option.

[cmeyer]

Ran an Ox up front for 1 season....bigest mistake EVER.

E-Lockers are a much better option.

What didn't you like about the ox locker?

[Serious Offroad]

Routed the cable exactly per the mfg. instructions...still melted 2 of 'em.

Routed the tfird one differently and still had to add protection from the heat so it wouldn't melt.

I had to constantly adjust the cable/actuator to get the damn thing to engage. At least once per trail run I'd have to back-off an obstacle because the locker wouldn't engage.

The final straw was when I pulled the cover to change the oil and about 6-8 bolts that hold the locker together came out with the gear oil.

Never again...and I won't sell 'em either.

[The StRanger]

Iv never heard any good from the OX locker !!

[cmeyer]

And this is why I joined this forum. Good advice from those who have been there done that. Will do some research on the Elockers when I get to that point.

[Rick]

Iv never heard any good from the OX locker !!x2