[JustinCHorst]

Originally Posted by domano 68

Wow, amazing thread and tons of information.

"NOTE : This notification applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 4.0L eligible ("S" in the 8th VIN position) and an engine build code between 902944 (October 20, 2004) and 900325 (February 1, 2005)."

I have the S in the 8th position of my VIN. Where can I find information about this build code?

Just want to determine if my LJ is affected. My VIN is 1J4FA44SX5P349069 TIA!

it is...all 2005-2006s are

[domano 68]

Originally Posted by JustinCHorst

it is...all 2005-2006s are

Ok. Where do I look to find my engine build code location?

[JustinCHorst]

Originally Posted by domano 68

Ok. Where do I look to find my engine build code location?

should be on the door frame (drivers)...but seriously it doesnt matter we all can have/do have the opda issue...every single 05-06, chrysler sucks..but I do love my LJ

[Gary2]

USPS Priority Mail , You should have it by Monday Stripperguy.

[Brainwashed2566]

Originally Posted by stripperguy

To all:

Here are some photos of the retrofitted OPDA, along with some simple details..

Here are the OEM parts, in all their scored and burnt glory



Here's the pile of parts I made/bought to do the retrofit




Here's the setup for the only required modification: drilling of 3 holes, using the upper bearing housing as a template



Here's a view from the bottom, showing the custom manufactured bronze Oilite bushing pressed in place. It's a light press and could be done with a soft mallet. Also, I am pointing to one of the 3 drilled holes.



Here is the retrofitted OPDA, along with the $400 bore micrometer and custom ground reamer that I needed to do the job correctly.



Here is a top view of the retrofitted OPDA, showing the custom machined upper bearing housing. Not visible are the shaft sleeves and deep groove, sealed ball bearing.



Here is a side view, showing the position of the target wheel. Don't be fooled by the apparent mislocation, that's just an artifact of the camera perspective, the target wheel is in the same position as OEM, since it's location is determined by the thrust bearing and drive gear.



I do not have photos of how incredibly smooth the OPDA shaft rotates, you'll have to take my word for that!!
Also, if you noticed how scored the shaft was at the upper bushing location, that scoring has no effect on this retrofit.
I now need to pull my OPDA and swap around the sensors.

Of course these need beta testing, but I imagine this retrofitted OPDA will never have a bearing or gear wear problem again. NEVER!!

Looks amazing, can't wait to see these in action.

[-JD-]

Ok, I pulled my old OPDA (New one might just continue to sit on the shelf).

55Kmi. And I've had it for 5K.

Spins very smoothly. Even, shallow gear wear on the drive face and almost no backlash wear. Minor scoring at the lower bushing, a noticeable groove at the upper seal, and almost no appreciable wear at the upper bushing. There was even evidence of oil/grease/something around the upper bushing where it meets the housing below the target wheel.

My little digital camera had trouble focusing on the cam so I'll try to get a better shot tomorrow and bring in my borescope - but it almost looks like there was significantly more cam gear wear than OPDA gear wear. It leads me to wonder if the OPDA wasn't replaced maybe 10K and 2-3 years or so ago.

What do you all think?

ETA: Updated Cam-gear photos.

[Gary2]

Thats kind of where I am at , the jeep has 50 some thousand on it but I have only owned it for the last couple months which is less than a thousand miles. Mine didn't look like it had any issues but who knows if it was a replacement or not, what kind of oil was used and so on . Thats why I am playing it safe and install a modded one very soon.

[TJJP77]

Stripperguy,

If you need/have room for another tester, I'd be interested. I fixed my gear wear problem by replacing the cam and OPDA drive gear, but still have the issue of the shaft wear of course.

[GMBNT42]

Originally Posted by stripperguy

Some, yes, but not all are spoken for yet...
First set of OPDA's for beta testing will cost only enough to cover my materials, no labor charges. Shipping is OPDA owners' responsibility.

Mike, yes I have the original, old one too.......would that one be better? Do you mod or regrind the shaft down or? ALso, where do I get the new gear that slips on the bottom of te shaft? Also, I could send you BOTH. That way I have a spare on hand.

ANdrew


Your inbox is full and needs to be cleared out btw.

[stripperguy]

Sorry guys,
That box has been filling pretty fast. Just cleaned it out, feel free to PM me.

[-JD-]

Originally Posted by -JD-

Ok, I pulled my old OPDA (New one might just continue to sit on the shelf).

55Kmi. And I've had it for 5K.

Spins very smoothly. Even, shallow gear wear on the drive face and almost no backlash wear. Minor scoring at the lower bushing, a noticeable groove at the upper seal, and almost no appreciable wear at the upper bushing. There was even evidence of oil/grease/something around the upper bushing where it meets the housing below the target wheel.

My little digital camera had trouble focusing on the cam so I'll try to get a better shot tomorrow and bring in my borescope - but it almost looks like there was significantly more cam gear wear than OPDA gear wear. It leads me to wonder if the OPDA wasn't replaced maybe 10K and 2-3 years or so ago.

What do you all think?

Ok, I got a decent camera and updated the cam-gear pics.

Any reason not to just mod this one and keep the new one on the shelf? I'd imagine that it would result in less cam gear wear compared to introducing a new OPDA gear into the equation.

[bonza]

Originally Posted by -JD-

Ok, I got a decent camera and updated the cam-gear pics.

Any reason not to just mod this one and keep the new one on the shelf? I'd imagine that it would result in less cam gear wear compared to introducing a new OPDA gear into the equation.

looks very similar to mine. I modded the old unit and re-installed and have been removing it every 3,000 miles to inspect. have done about 12,000 miles or more on it since with no further deterioration. also have an unused fogmodded spare in the garage for just in case.

I also think you will find the wear as shown on the images for the cam looks worse than what it actually is. mine looks the same and I used a scriber or o-ring pick and "felt" the wear on the teeth and could not feel a step or strations of any sort. I think you will find it is just the normal bedding in rubbing marks from the mating gears

[john NC]

Originally Posted by meatlord

I also have a brand new unit I am willing to test. Let me know if you need additional testers.

You sir, are my hero.

same here, a tip of the hat to you sir

[Gary2]

I have my OPDA back and installed this afternoon after Mike worked his magic on it and it started up and runs like it was new. I have all the faith in the world in this man's work after talking with him and reading about some of his company's projects . As they say time will tell and I don't expect to have anything but smiles to report on .

[Killedbybob]

Ok installed new opda without any mods. I used the alignment pin method. And it still is making squealing noises. Y would a brand new unit be squealing already? The jeep runs fine other than that.