New to me CJ. A few questions...

[Halfmoon]

My goal for now is to just get it mechanically sound. A few questions...

Are these just dust covers or do they hold grease? Would this be the right replacement here, it looks different.


What's the oval hole in the firewall and where can I find a plug for it?


The top shackle bolt was loose. It's bent out at the top and the spring is a bit crooked within the shackle. Fix now or is it fine?


The AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is paired with a T-18 Transmission from a '79 CJ5 . I need a boot to keep the hot air from coming inside. Can't seem to find one. Any thoughts?

 

[BusaDave9]

I've always thought these tie rod boots were a good idea but I've never installed them because by the time the OEM boots failed I'm replacing the whole tie rod end. Having boots that last longer than the tie rod ends doesn't make much sense. You have to half way remove the ends to put the boot on anyway. Just my 2¢.

I would get aftermarket shackles. Not too long. If you get the ones that have the center brace those are nice and strong even though they are about half an inch longer than stock.

I just bought an aftermarket boot for my T-18

 

[Kane]

The hole by the battery box was for the computer wire harness. It looks like your has been deleted. I would just cut some plastic or sheetmetal and then use some sealant with sheetmetal screws to hold and seal it.

 

[Torxhead]

From your pics, I see a high lift suspension has been added. If you take your rig out on the 4wd trails it will create enough stress to eventually break the two front oem spring shackle mounts right at the rivet clearance hole. This can be corrected either before or when you break them with an aftermarket set of those mounts. You will also need a set of spring shackle bushings to go with those aftermarket spring shackles as they are different from the oem ones.

 

[97DieselVT]

From your pics, I see a high lift suspension has been added. If you take your rig out on the 4wd trails it will create enough stress to eventually break the two front oem spring shackle mounts right at the rivet clearance hole. This can be corrected either before or when you break them with an aftermarket set of those mounts. You will also need a set of spring shackle bushings to go with those aftermarket spring shackles as they are different from the oem ones.

fix it before it breaks on the trail and leaves you stranded