Adventures with Peggy's jeep.

[spankrjs]

I think installing/removing the steering boxes is almost as big of a PIA as a clutch install

 

[Chamba]

I think installing/removing the steering boxes is almost as big of a PIA as a clutch install

But worth every minute. Best bang- for- the- buck I've ever done (80 mph now with a single finger on the wheel, sipping my coffee).
I put the TDK bracket in before I knew about the 1" MORE bracket..... wish I had that, but no way I'm pulling it again just for that.
My front axle is 1.5" forward from stock but with my high steer conversion I've had no interference issues.
Looking forward to your bracket install.

 

[Randyzzz]

I installed the MORE 1” bracket on Red. With the Wrangler springs it’s perfect. I cheated on the hose fittings though…

 

[Oakley]

You going to sell those used tailgate cables? They don’t look completely shot

 

[sdsupilot]

I think installing/removing the steering boxes is almost as big of a PIA as a clutch install

It was yet another task I underestimated. Much less fun than I planned it to be.

But worth every minute. Best bang- for- the- buck I've ever done (80 mph now with a single finger on the wheel, sipping my coffee).
I put the TDK bracket in before I knew about the 1" MORE bracket..... wish I had that, but no way I'm pulling it again just for that.
My front axle is 1.5" forward from stock but with my high steer conversion I've had no interference issues.
Looking forward to your bracket install.

I can definitely understand not wanting to pull it again. I think a full high steer is another good option for a 44 in a CJ. Getting the steering correct took much more planning and work than cutting/building the 44 in the first place.

I installed the MORE 1” bracket on Red. With the Wrangler springs it’s perfect. I cheated on the hose fittings though…

I think I will switch to wrangler springs eventually. In hindsight I should have used the same banjo style fittings as you did. I probably wouldn't have had to cut the crossmember. With the reinforcing I did I am not concerned about strength, but it would have been cleaner. I like being able to buy off the shelf parts.... but with the chevy PS pump I need a custom pressure line anyways.

You going to sell those used tailgate cables? They don’t look completely shot

lol sure! No low balls, I know what I have!!!!

 

[Chamba]

How do you like that MORE bracket now that is done and dusted? We've now got virtually the same axles front and rear, same width, etc. I'm really happy with mine. My front axle is 1" further forward than stock but it seems to be clearing alright with my high steer and regular TDK bracket.

I do wish I'd gone with 6 x 5.5" lug pattern though in retrospect, just because there are so few 5x5.5" rim options. The 6x5.5" is Chevy and Toyota so you can get virtually anything in that pattern.

How did you attach your steering dampener?

Hindsight rocks.......I only wish I could benefit from my own.

 

[sdsupilot]

I’m happy with the MORE mount. It’s a nice solid unit. That said, if it weren’t for my clearance issues I would have probably not changed it.

I know the feeling of lug pattern regret. I’m not necessary overly sad about 8 on 6.5. It just seems most of the focus for newer style wheels is a different 8 lug pattern. Another reason is I could have gotten a set of 17” race lines ridiculously cheap. Those were coincidentally 6 on 5.5. With the rear being full float, my pattern was decided. Unless of course I would buy an aftermarket hub.

I haven’t ran a steering damper in years. It wouldn’t hurt, but I haven’t really seen a reason to throw it back on. That said, I will prob run a redneck ram/PSC on this vs a standard damper.

Hindsight is a funny thing. Suppose the main thing it’s good for is to give pointers and lessons learned to others.

 

[sdsupilot]

Learned something new about tilt columns. In the past I’ve had a loose column. I tightened the bolts in the column a time or two but it was never truly tight. We went jeeping in Broken Bow OK this weekend and the wheel got progressively looser. I pulled the column apart again and found that the bolts were still pretty tight. Then saw this:



I only saw about 1/4” that wasn’t cracked through. I took my trusty welder and welded the cracks on both sides to add a bit of thickness. I then used a die grinder and only took enough off to clear the base of the tilt column. Should be good to go for a long while. However, I will probably get another column to build up after this. I put it back together without new bearings as I didn’t want to lose a weeks worth of driving to wait on parts.

 

[Randyzzz]

I know the feeling of lug pattern regret. I’m not necessary overly sad about 8 on 6.5. It just seems most of the focus for newer style wheels is a different 8 lug pattern. Another reason is I could have gotten a set of 17” race lines ridiculously cheap. Those were coincidentally 6 on 5.5. With the rear being full float, my pattern was decided. Unless of course I would buy an aftermarket hub.

I have noticed that the 6X5.5 seems to be the bolt pattern that has survived the test of time. Most aftermarket manufacturers still support it. I thought the 8X6.5 would be here forever, but everyone has changed that too. Just bought wheels for my Silverado- 8X180! Go figure...

I still like the look of a 5 lug hub on a Jeep.

 

[sdsupilot]

Haven’t had any major projects, just tinkering on things.

I made a wall hanger. This poor grille had seen some hard driving in its life.


A while later I replaced the sending unit/fuel pressure switch mess that I made. This turned into the normal fiasco as the male/male fitting stuck in the block and laughed at vice grips. Luckily I had an ez out of the appropriate size.


Then I sold my supply of 5 on 5.5 wheels and tires then bought these from 4x4 Land, thanks Mike!

 

[sdsupilot]

31s fit pretty well in the back. Even got the spare.


Helped a friend change out a quadratrac for the around the 5th time. This time it broke in a more dramatic way than normal.


My duramax got a bit of attention. Removed the side molding and tinted the windows. Probably need to start looking for a wider trailer as well.


We then went wheeling at Crossbar Ranch in Davis OK. We ran the screen door/waterfall areas. The creek was low which made some parts easier.


The TJ is a solid build on 35s, but the Scrambler was clearly a better climber. Was a great day trip, we are looking forward to fall wheeling.

 

[sdsupilot]

I seem to keep recycling treasure. With my 5 on 5.5 inventory gone, I purchased more 8 on 6.5. Found a set of 17x9s with 3.5” backspace. They were on marketplace with someone I sold one of my CJ8 half cabs to a year or so ago.




Now to start down a path of questionable choices. I have to thank @93_Fummins for this. It’s an early 90s TBI 350. 4 bolt main block that has provisions for factory roller lifters. I’ve looked over it a little bit. The choice is to leave it mostly stock with a mild cam and factory TBI, or make it fun with stroker kits and sniper injection…


I also added a GMRS radio for an adventure in the next post.

 

[sdsupilot]

The Ultimate Adventure 2021 started in OK this year with its second day at Crossbar Ranch in Davis OK. I know a few of the folks at the ranch and volunteered to help guide the group. It was really neat to watch all the vehicles pull in the gate. Pretty cool to see folks and the vehicles you've watched for years. I took one of the two Quigly vans the longer way to the main waterfalls. After that I joined in with the main group and followed along for an hour or so. After that the group split up and I followed the sponsors to where they shot their video. Got to sit around and chat with the group. Pretty great day of wheeling. I do wish I took more pictures, but didn't want to be "that guy".

 

[jeepnjon]

The Ultimate Adventure 2021 started in OK this year with its second day at Crossbar Ranch in Davis OK. I know a few of the folks at the ranch and volunteered to help guide the group. It was really neat to watch all the vehicles pull in the gate. Pretty cool to see folks and the vehicles you've watched for years. I took one of the two Quigly vans the longer way to the main waterfalls. After that I joined in with the main group and followed along for an hour or so. After that the group split up and I followed the sponsors to where they shot their video. Got to sit around and chat with the group. Pretty great day of wheeling. I do wish I took more pictures, but didn't want to be "that guy".

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Nice! I spy TubeSock and #Mom'sSpaghetti. Been following the TubeSock build for years.

 

[sdsupilot]

Christmas came early for me. I’m not much for waiting so I went straight to work.


My main concern with this was my DIY roll cage. I installed a top on a friends CJ8 years ago. I used mental notes when making the cage hoping a top would fit in the future. Guessing it was more luck than skill, but the top fits really well over the cage.




I think it looks pretty sharp for a patina style rig.

 

[bigwalton]

Looks good!

 

[sdsupilot]

Also, should have listened to @Randyzzz and @certifiablejeep 2 years ago when they suggested I countersink my front cage mounts….

It was actually a pretty quick and easy change.




Also picked up a 205 from a friends treasure pile. Debating on a magnum 205. I don’t “need” one, but I definitely want one.

 

[sdsupilot]

Finally.. finally got new tires mounted to the wheels I bought last year. Pretty happy with it. 35 12.5 17 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3s mounted on 17x9 3.5” backspace wheels.


This of course caused some fender clearance issues. With all the grief I have given my wheeling friends over the years, I decided to trim before telling anyone…



This wheel and tire combo has also caused an issue with my trailer. It is 77” wide, my Jeep is now 77.5” wide. It will squeeze on but that isn’t a long term solution. So it will get some attention here soon. Plan is to remove the rail and make one or both fenders flip over. Then reinforce the frame under the deck.

 

[mwqpd11]

My 81 is the same as yours. Pretty cool

 

[sdsupilot]

My 81 is the same as yours. Pretty cool

Twins! I always love seeing other 8s in the same color scheme. Makes me reminisce to when I first got mine and it was mostly unmodified. Yours looks to be a very nice build.