Ever feel like you've turned a corner in your CJ projects?

[Hedgehog]

In a previous thread I was whining about an excess of the jeep projects. I suddenly feel like I've turned a corner. The projects in green are done.

1 - Install new gas tank, but first
2 - I have to remove the old PO bumper, but then:
3 - I have to build a bumper to replace the old one
4 - While the Gas tank is down, I've got to cut out some 3" steel plates the PO installed, my guess was for added weight
5 - Install new E-locker and 3:31 gears
6 - Install the disk brake front axle, which leads to:
7 - Install power brake master cylinder, proportioning valve and booster, naturally:
8 - New brake lines
9 - Finish OBA system, the tank (bottle) will go where the steel plate was
10 - Paint and take pictures of my new "Sport Bar" configuration (I'm lovin' this thing)
11 - Strip the original equipment front fenders and paint
12 - Install parts to allow a true and honest horn button
13 - Reconfigure the stock dash with fancy pop outs for gauges
14 - Wire KC lights
15 - Not jeep related but related to the jeep, finish working on boat

But what made all the difference was completing project #4. Those steel plates have plagued me since the day I first noticed them. These things were BIG steel and it took a huge amount of work to remove them. They were welded to the frame rails just in front of the gas tank support bracket. I thought they were held by a small weld along the frame edge and that is where they were welded. Unfortunately taking up the space between the back of the steel and the outside of the frame was welded in a spacer. To get the plates out I'd planned on cutting out the welds, pushing the plates toward one side and the plates would fall to the ground. With the spacers that wasn't going to happen, but it HAD to happen somehow. MUCH manipulation and parts removal later the plates were moved forward enough to clear the spacers. Then everything happened as planned. When those plates thumped on the ground a huge weight was lifted off my and the CJ's shoulders. Light is definitely being seen at the end of the tunnel now!

 

[Torxhead]

Glad to hear that you are almost done.

 

[Hedgehog]

At least most of the major things are done. Optional projects are just that optional or cosmetic. No question about it, that will be nice.

 

[Woolyworm]

[emoji106][emoji122]


Wooly

 

[Petescj]

I'm starting to get that feeling with the Laredo . Kinda like you had to deal with your #4 I finally have my Transmission in and no leaks. That was a long drawn out process. While I still have things to do that was the one I was fighting the hardest. Now I need to keep up with it while I dive into the Scrambler.

 

[Kane]

I pulled my CJ5 off the road because it needed a bunch of work and I thought it would motivate me to work harder on the scrambler rebuild being jeep less. I have so much more to do on the scrambler 1.5 years later I finally bit the bullet and did the jeep work. Two weeks later she is road worthy again. The scrambler, well at least i am not jeep less for the next twp years. I feel you on this one.

 

[hdgapeach]

Hit a "roadblock"......YES!

'Turned a corner".....NOPE!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Any time I wrench on mine, and it still starts is a good day

Stay on it HH-
You'll have one sweet Jeep when done.
LG

 

[Old Dog]

When I finally got my front 44 in I thought I could finally see the light at the end. Now with $ being tight and a couple big buck things needing done (it runs fine now but I want better) the light is getting dimmer. Something to keep dreaming about I guess.

HH glad to hear your feeling good about the cj.

 

[Hedgehog]

I suppose it wasn't a truly big accomplishment, but I must have been dwelling on it at the very back of my mind ever since they were first discovered. When they first hit the ground it was like a huge weight came off the shoulders. Why I actually can't say why, the CJ certainly was able to handle them being there. I guess it just wasn't right and almost impossible to get too.

 

[Flex BT]

I hope to some day. My jeep has shaken going into first since the first day I had it, I just was too happy when test driving it and didn't notice. I've replaced everything between the engine and Transfer Case and the problem persists. Turned flywheel, re-geared the rear end, new u joints, etc. Tomorrow I pick up a new Transfer Case . If that resolves the problem, my corner will be turned and I can drive it without being pissed off. If it doesn't, next is a tom woods CV driveshaft. If that doesn't work I'll probably just drive it off a cliff because I got two bad transmissions or something.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I hope to some day. My jeep has shaken going into first since the first day I had it, I just was too happy when test driving it and didn't notice. I've replaced everything between the engine and Transfer Case and the problem persists. Turned flywheel, re-geared the rear end, new u joints, etc. Tomorrow I pick up a new Transfer Case . If that resolves the problem, my corner will be turned and I can drive it without being pissed off. If it doesn't, next is a tom woods CV driveshaft. If that doesn't work I'll probably just drive it off a cliff because I got two bad transmissions or something.

I would be replace'n the engine and tranny mounts before do'n anything else.
The best made engine mounts are from these guys-
https://www.mountainoffroad.com/
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

Flex BT - Man I feel for you. Before throwing more money and parts into your jeep, you need to explain in a no slang (not that you use slang) no verbal short cut post about EXACTLY what is happening. I can tell you right now, if ?shaking? when shifting from 1st to second is your problem, your Transfer Case is NOT the problem. Please be very specific in your explanation. I have a similar problem related to clutch engagement under load. It's only during a very short period when letting out the clutch. Rob at Willys Works says that he is seeing that more and more. He believes its inconsistent clutch spring pressure causing the clutch to chatter. I'm in a bit of a negotiation on a T-18 /Dana 20 power train swap so I haven't pulled the Transmission to swap out the clutch yet. If you are swapping BIG parts for another reason I understand, if you are doing it to get rid of a shake please don't dump money into a far less expensive simple repair. Shaking during shifting is something taking on more power during the transition from one gear to another. If the CJ is shaking during normal driving, not during shifting, that's another problem (mounts, bearings, drive shaft (s), even wheel balance).

 

[Torxhead]

Yeah, Lumpy, I have to agree with you on that. Getting past the price of those things is the hard part. I think adding one of those neopreme tranny mounts would work good also. They seem to work really good for the six, maybe the eight cyl. doesn't really need them. Make sure that torque arm is tight also.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I put those mounts in about 12 years ago, and no regrets at all.
The OEM engine mounts are a very poor design and now they are all China made JUNK.
Buy once-CRY once
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

....... Big expensive motor mounts ........ I want .....

 

[Lumpy Grits]

....... Big expensive motor mounts ........ I want .....

They're MINE, ALL mine--------
LG

 

[Flex BT]

I have replaced the motor and Transmission mounts (Transmission mounts twice). Basically what I have is no matter how much or how little gas I give it, when shifting from neutral into first the jeep will shake quite a lot, doesn't matter how slow or fast I am on clutch release. I read someplace that this can be bearings in the Transfer Case , which is like the 10th lead I'm trying to follow. Next is a CV driveshaft to deal with the big drive line angle but I don't think that's it since it happens still when I remove the rear drive shaft and go in 4hi. I've tried getting help here on it many times with a lot of good suggestions but it has remained. I got the flywheel resurfaced, replaced the pilot bushing etc.

 

[Hedgehog]

This happens when you are stopped and not moving? Does the jeep try to creep? Power is being added some where in the power train. Long before it gets to the Transfer Case .

I'm sorry, but repeating the exact same thing doesn't help to clear up what is happening. Be very specific with your description of what you are experiencing.