Slipped to the square side

[KenB]

Here I sit feeling the first pangs of buyer remorse. I'd been looking for a CJ to let my granddaughter "borrow" for an extended field trip that's part of her Geology degree requirement, and something for me to play with. Anyway, couldn't find one that wasn't either a major project, or a project gone bad, for a reasonable price. Well, I found this 95 YJ that looked reasonable, checked it out, and the 'buy it' impulse smacked me up side the head. Pretty clean, no rust, 4 banger sounds like a good sewing machine, good ride. For $3057 (his note at the bank). So I did the deed, loaded it on a trailer and brought it home.
Well, first, it should be a 5 speed tranny, not a 4. I KNEW that. Seems theres a clip in there that goes out. Local shop says $490 plus parts.
TC shifts smoothly into 4Lo/4Hi - but front axle doesn't lock OK, did try the 4WD and could feel the difference, but didn't get my sorry a** out in the rain to verify that it was actually locked in. Probably a vacuum problem.
Whiskey dent in the left front fender, no biggie, until I checked the price for a new fender. Oh, well, gives it some character.
Looks like I'm gonna be busy for a while. Grandpaws can be really stupid sometimes.

 

[Jet]

Grandpaws can be really stupid sometimes.

Naw, doubt that.

Your granddaughter will love the Jeep.

Hang in there.:rock:grandpaw !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BrockGrimes]

You can easily swap grills and the dash for cj types:
http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/body/154_0905_turn_your_yj_into_a_cj/index.html
http://jeep.off-road.com/jeep/feature/swapping-a-cj-dashboard-into-a-yj-9865.html
JeepWire's Jeep Tech: YJ Dash Upgrade

There are others a brief search will give you tons of info!

 

[KenB]

Thought I'd give a little update.
First, I should have held out for a CJ! This square headlight thing is possessed!
The Transmission overhaul turned into a major rebuild. $$$
Then it wouldn't run - Crankshaft sensor
Then it would conk out unexpectedly - Throttle Position Sensor, Coolant Temperature Sensor.
Ignition fail - Camshaft Position Sensor
This thing has so many dang sensors I'm afraid to fart cause the extra gas might trip something. Told the wife today that it gets good gas mileage though - still on the first fill-up. Yeah, she says, they don't burn much behind a tow rope.
It's running now. Granddaughter still hasn't seen it, so I think I'll give it a bath, then try to break it again.
T

 

[Busted Knuckles]

I wouldnt worry about it too much, youre running out of parts to replace, Ive got a 94 YJ with 200k on it, its a good running jeep, Ive also got an 91 XJ with 200K. Both 4.0s.. I like em, the power plant that is, not the wrangler front end, I pretty much hate that. Im going to convert it over and keep it as a beater. Ive had both for several years and have had to replace nothing but brakes

 

[ken98k]

This will take care of your front axel problem. 4x4 Posi-Lok Positive Axle Engagement System for Jeeps
I've had my 1990 yj since 07 and I love it.

 

[KenB]

I hesitate to praise this beast, but it has run perfectly for several days now. Last problem was a wiring harness that had slipped down and come in contact with the exhaust manifold and melted a couple of wires. At some point in its life, it seems to have lost the oil fill cap on the valve cover, and liberally coated the firewall with 'rust preventer' (oil). I'll be cleaning all that up and re-securing wiring/hoses.
The granddaughter is coming today for her first look (she doesn't know its supposed to be for her yet). Think I'll give it a bath, and try to remember the best way to teach someone to drive a stick shift. I may end up with a wheeling buddy out of this.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

I hesitate to praise this beast, but it has run perfectly for several days now. Last problem was a wiring harness that had slipped down and come in contact with the exhaust manifold and melted a couple of wires. At some point in its life, it seems to have lost the oil fill cap on the valve cover, and liberally coated the firewall with 'rust preventer' (oil). I'll be cleaning all that up and re-securing wiring/hoses.
The granddaughter is coming today for her first look (she doesn't know its supposed to be for her yet). Think I'll give it a bath, and try to remember the best way to teach someone to drive a stick shift. I may end up with a wheeling buddy out of this.

Sounds good Ken, let us know how the "reception" goes.

 

[KenB]

Well, let's just say any thought of 'recovering my investment' is greatly delayed, as if that were ever a realistic thought.
She fell in love with the little demon.
After an Easter lunch, I asked when she wanted her first driving lesson (she is a good driver, but no experience with manual Transmission ). "How about right now?" Well, it was about what I expected - jerky starts, missed gears, etc., but after a bit she started to get the hang of it. Lessons and practice will continue when she's home on weekends.
Grandpaw has a wheeling buddy!

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Well, let's just say any thought of 'recovering my investment' is greatly delayed, as if that were ever a realistic thought.
She fell in love with the little demon.
After an Easter lunch, I asked when she wanted her first driving lesson (she is a good driver, but no experience with manual Transmission ). "How about right now?" Well, it was about what I expected - jerky starts, missed gears, etc., but after a bit she started to get the hang of it. Lessons and practice will continue when she's home on weekends.
Grandpaw has a wheeling buddy!

Kudo's well dont gramps !

 

[gert]

:jeeplove: Way to go grandpa we will have a new member soon

 

[Project86]

WTH? where are the pictures? I had my 12 yr old driving my CJ up and down some country roads down here until I began to get serious about the rebuild/repair. She was doing pretty darn good.

 

[dave123]

"Yuppie Jeeps" are Jeeps too - sort of

Seriously, I hope it is the beginning of a life long love affair with Jeeps for her. She can tear this thing up, then graduate to a CJ when she knows what she is doing. Consider it a practice ride.