Thought I would do a quick update on a few projects I have been working on for the last year. Can't believe its been that long since an update, but here goes.
I came across some best top boxes dirt cheap in a closeout deal at collins brothers jeep. I think the set was $40 shipped. So of course I bought a set and put them in the back. It helps a bunch with recovery gear and tools.
I modified the hinges to swing inward instead of back on one of the boxes. I had bought an oba set up and wanted to mount the tank on top of the box.
I had been wanting a viair oba system for the jeep. I stumbled across a group buy on the forum and jumped on it.
I had also been wanting to get some boom shackles to go along with the 1.5-2.5 lift I have yet to buy. Again, I found them on the forum from member VACJ5. He made a set to my specs and shipped them way cheaper than I could find anywhere else. Shipped quick, look great, couldn't ask for more. If you are interested in a set from him just send him a pm, super nice guy.
What I thought would be a half a day fun project turned into a pita. Bushings had rusted to the bolts and I had a tough time getting some out. Others came out with no problem, but I had to order some new parts.
They came out great in the end. I havent bought the center bolts just yet, I think I am only going to use them in the front though. I dropped the tank down to install the booms and found I needed some work on the gas tank. The seal was shot and the return/sending lines were really rusted. So I cleaned them up and bought a new seal. If you have never dropped your tank I would suggest you do just to check your seal. Mine was so bad you could tell that fuel was leaking from the top, probably for some time. That $5 seal will probably pay for itself in no time flat! Also pulled the tube from the vent line to add 5 gallons of capacity. Sorry no pics of that stuff, but it was pretty straight forward.
I had been looking for an 8.8 axle to through under the jeep. I had gone to the junkyard on a regular basis looking at axle codes....needless to say I was sooo tired of seeing D4 on the door! So one day I was just doing my regular check and HOLY Sht! there it was....an open carrier 4:10 of my dreams. It was complete also, axles, brakes, rotors, it was perfect (for a jy axle anyway). So $140 and a little work, I was headed home with my new axle. Stripped all the junk off and started to rebuild, currently I am still working on it, piece by piece.
Painted up the calipers, but they are in rough shape. I think I will probably get some rebuilt units down the road.
At some point I was waiting for paint to dry so I made a "thing" to keep the gas door open while filling. Now I don't have to use my gas cap wedged anymore. 1/4 aluminum round stock and a rubber covered clamp. Free mod from scrap! Credit to the original person with this idea, I saw it somewhere on the forum and thought it would be good to do down the road.