Shane's 00 WJ

[Shane]

Should have done this title from the beginning so that I don't have 3-4 threads started. So after upgrading shocks and spring, build some sliders (still need to add on a few tubes), winch mount, winch, hitch and bedline both bumpers I started wondering what could I do next, especially with the wife's comment regarding the freshly painted bumpers. Well got a wild hair and decided lets finish the fender work I started a year ago and paint it. Started fixing some of the small little dents in the hood tonight.

[Shane]

Was finally able to start the dis-assemble of the WJ from Brendin's accident

[Shane]

and a few more, need to get some gas for the welder on Wednesday and hit the junkyard next Sunday.

[xaza]

I was wondering what had happened with this. Looks like you got a lot of work to do. :wrench:

[Shane]

yah finally had time to work on it, I spent last Sunday just cleaning up the garage to get it pulled in. Spent the day drilling out some spot welds and removing a few things. Next is to do a little cutting and remove about 8 more spot weld. Then welding, grinding, prime and some paint.

[Shane]

went to the yard to find our unsuspecting victim. They had 5 WJ's their but they all were damaged on the same side. Until we came to the last one over in the corner. We did not get all the parts we needed but at least some for a start. Was their for about 3.5 hrs and 5 18 volt batteries later. Brendin was taking back the wheel borrow that was the hardest he worked the whole time.

[Shane]

okay so hit HF last weekend to pick up some panel clamps and a welding spoon, then stopped at NAPA to pick up some weld through primer. After that all of the running around finally got home and did a little more trimming with the grinder then did a mock up.

[Shane]

last night finally had the time to get it welded up, and spent part of today cleaning up the welds. I still have a couple more parts to weld on but with having the garage door open and no heat the cold kept messing with the welder so just gave up.

[The StRanger]

very nice

[Hypoid]

HOLY COW that's a lot of work!!! I hope Jr. at least broke a sweat, and his wallet. ;)

[Shane]

at least broke a sweat, and his wallet Sweat no, wallet yes. I tend to just do the work and have him pay for the parts. I should have him out there with me but....just don't have the patience I guess. May have him put on the headlight bezels, headlights and grill. He will be working with me when we fab up the bumper though.

[Shane]

Ok, so finally decided to start wrapping this repair up. still have to pick up a few things to finish it up, but it runs and drives and is out of the garage. Looking at doing a full repaint over the summer.

[Java]

Looks great!! :thumb: What color?

[Shane]

He picked a blue from the Eastwood color chart I got. It looks more purple to me though.

[Java]

:thumb: I didn't recognize Brandon in the photos at first, he's huge compared to last time I saw him at the dunes. I'm surprised you have any paint money left over after feeding that boy!! :)

[The StRanger]

:lmao:

[Shane]

Ok, so the WJ is done except for paint, fabin up a front bumper and grill. So here are the before and afters.

[Shane]

Maybe I should rename this the 00 WJ resurrection thread. So have to do a few things before I can take her out of retirement and go wheelin again. So just some basic stuff right now.

[xaza]

That viscous coupling on the drive shaft was such a mistake by Jeep, prone to failure. On my ZJ we replaced the yoke with one from an XJ and had Bill build me a drive shaft to eliminate it.

[TyTheJeepGuy]

Cool build thread, excellent job on the accident repair.

[Shane]

Well still have to do a few things to the WJ before she is trail ready, at least their still some time left in the year. Fuel pump is next, seems that the pump may be running hot and causing her to die after about 3-4 hrs of driving. Not the cooling system new fan clutch and auxiliary fan is working. The never ending.

[Java]

Sounds like you have a Jeep...

[Shane]

:lmao: Yes I do!!!:lmao:
Hopefully get it done in the next few weeks. Wife wants to go to Creed and Wheeler Geo for our anniversary trip this year.

[Shane]

Okay so after cleaning out the tank (strainer separated from fuel pump) and replacing fuel pump all was good! Now its starting to go through coolant, Time to park her and decide her fate. So for the mean time had to find a new daily driver/work vehicle, since I used her for work.

[Shane]

So here's the new ride, May catch a little flack over it but it's cool!!!!

[ColoJeeper]

I won't give you any grief, I have one and love it.

[Shane]

Thats's a purdy blue!!!!!!, I think Sam might a little all in fun of course. one came in on trade 1 time and we kinda made fun of it. But after driving it and used it to pull the trailer earlier today it didn't do to bad. Does drive nice on the street curious on how it'll do on some trails. Plans are to do MFC spacers and up the tire size which should be almost the same clearance as the WJ with OME springs, GOBI rack. Maybe the ladder. Then winch mount and light bar. Nothing to crazy. Should be ok for some moderate overlanding and some wheelin.

[ColoJeeper]

Love the Trailhawk, more skidplates, upgraded suspension and a rear locker. I'm happy with it.

[Shane]

What trails have you run with it the way it is?

[ColoJeeper]

Geneva Creek up on Guanella Pass, Chinn's Reservoir and Loch Lomond and a bunch of the stuff behind Central City. Not getting too carried away with it until I get some rocker protection

[Java]

Nice rig, Shane. :thumb:

[The StRanger]

Thats's a purdy blue!!!!!!, I think Sam might a little all in fun of course. one came in on trade 1 time and we kinda made fun of it. But after driving it and used it to pull the trailer earlier today it didn't do to bad. Does drive nice on the street curious on how it'll do on some trails. Plans are to do MFC spacers and up the tire size which should be almost the same clearance as the WJ with OME springs, GOBI rack. Maybe the ladder. Then winch mount and light bar. Nothing to crazy. Should be ok for some moderate overlanding and some wheelin.

But you got to remember. We seen what other folks didnt want.
if you start having trans problems
RUN !!!!!!

[Shane]

if you start having trans problems
RUN !!!!!!
Yeah i saw that is a common problem with um, Hopefully with this one being a 2015 with 85,000 on it, I might get lucky. That's why I still might hang onto the WJ.

[Steve-O]

I have a 2015 KL as well with 71k miles on it and 9 speed trans. Overall i love it. I've never had any major issues with anything except the trans shifts HARD into third gear. Every. Single. Time. I now, without thinking, lean forward as the RPMs increase in second gear, preparing for the jolt...I've had the TCM/PCM flashed a couple times -- no difference and dealership is not helpful (surprise)

[open_circuit]

That's the same ZF 9 speed transmission in the new Honda Ridgeline I believe. It seems like a lot of people have issues with that transmissions, particularly when it comes time to change the fluid. The KL looks like a pretty awesome vehicle but I don't think I want any part of that transmission from what I've read about it.

[Shane]

Yeah did see that the trans concerns with these vehicles. Most from what I've read seem to be 30,000 miles ish or less?:eek:. Thats why I figured with the mileage I might be ok :erm:. But the good thing is the 2 year warranty that came with it, fine print said it does cover trans failure but we'll see. Hoping it's all good.

[Steve-O]

@Shane from my years of pretty extensive research into the issues people have had, I believe you are correct. Any of the major issues/failures will present themselves by 30k, more likely sooner than that. Some of the more minor annoyances, like my situation, are going to be there for the life of the vehicle so you would have recognized them already or even in the test drive. I'd say you are in the clear (one man's opinion I guess...)