Test drive after 4-year build...

In typical Jeep fashion, the back axle - the only parts NOT rebuilt for the build - took a dump. The irony, the axles were the only parts I wasn't worried about - 'cause they came out my last CJ and "seemed" fine then.

The builder/mechanic who installed the engine/intake/wiring, etc. took the CJ for a short drive yesterday - the first time this Jeep has EVER moved under its own power. He said it drove great, e.g. tons of power, stopped straight and strong, ran cool, no noises... He pulled into the shop, hopped out and there was a huge puddle of gear oil forming inside the driver side rear tire. He dug in a bit and saw that in addition to the seal, the bearing was mostly toast - not crushed/ground up, but allowed the axle to move around way too much. So, now the rear axle is being rebuilt. Doesn't make sense to do one side... I guess sitting still for 4 years can do that to seals huh.

I wonder what's next ;-)

Ugh. Yeah, sitting does terrible things to seals.

On the bright side, congrats on getting it drivable!!

Polarfire said:

On the bright side, congrats on getting it drivable!!

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Sorry, didn't mean to be all negative! I was so excited when I saw your thread title, I was expecting different news and it threw me

The great thing is that axle seals are not that big a deal and the light at the end of the tunnel should be pretty dang bright!

Thanks guys. I guess in the back of my mind I wondered about those axles. I told myself "they're good - no worries". But this build has taken a very different route - a lot more money, time, etc. EX: when picking a cooling fan, my first thought was a salvaged Contour fan. But, went with a new $350 direct-fit setup from Summit. That's kinda been the theme - do it once. do it right. In retrospect, the axles were not "up to par" with the final build.

The more the guys and I talked, I kinda dodged a bullet - the axle seal brought attention to a bearing that was gone. No damage to anything but lots of play. A few hundred miles and it would've cost me an axle. So, we pulled the other side apart. Not as bad, but not great either. Both sides will have new seals and bearings... and new drums, pads, wheel cylinders, brake lines, and on and on. In the grand scheme, it's a minor setback. Still may be taking my 9-year-old to school in it Monday! Maybe ;-)

Congradulations! You know:

MrBeep said:

Congradulations! You know:

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Yeah, yeah... I know. I've been reluctant to take any pics recently - the damn Jeep is soooo dusty from a year in the shop. I already have the place picked out where I'll probably spend an hour burning up a camera... or being run off by the property owner.

Here's a shot from last week:

That is sweet. Nice eye candy.

Manhattan said:

Here's a shot from last week:

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So Purty!!!

The hits just keep on comin...

Once the axles were disassembled, we noticed something odd (at least to me) - the back side of the spring perches (rear axle) were crushed and curved up slightly. Clearly, a result of the torque (it's in the right direction) and - guessing here - made worse by the degree shims. So, the axle tube will rock/roll on the spring. Fix: Cutting off the spring perches and replacing them. On the bright side, they'll be welded in the optimal location without a degree shim. I'm going to drive this Jeep some day... right? ;-)

It does sound like "someone" let the new ponies play a little.

Manhattan said:

The hits just keep on comin...

Once the axles were disassembled, we noticed something odd (at least to me) - the back side of the spring perches (rear axle) were crushed and curved up slightly. Clearly, a result of the torque (it's in the right direction) and - guessing here - made worse by the degree shims. So, the axle tube will rock/roll on the spring. Fix: Cutting off the spring perches and replacing them. On the bright side, they'll be welded in the optimal location without a degree shim. I'm going to drive this Jeep some day... right? ;-)

Click to expand...