[LSU_TJ]

^ Really nothing to it. Like any paint job prep is key. Make sure surface is clean and degreased and start shooting. The writeup is fairly detailed and the toaster ovens work great for small parts.


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[LSU_TJ]

Well I did not get a chance to do some more work on the shock project but I did manage to get a few other things done. One of the projects on the to do list involved a vibration I have been getting around 50 - 60 mph. Nothing too bad but enough to make me want to look for the cause. I had checked all u-joints and they are all tight so I did not think it was coming from the drive shaft. When I did pull on the transfer case I did notice some slight movement so looked a little more at this and looked like I had a crack in the Transmission mount so time for a new one.

First thing I did was put a jack on the TC output shaft to lift slightly and take the pressure off the skid plate.





Next I loosened my Skidrow front skid plate and then removed the four nuts in the center of the factory skid that hold it to the transmission mount. Once these were out time to drop the six bolts holding the factory skid to the frame.





Now that this is out I can see the tranny mount.





You can see in the top of the picture there is a pretty good size crack.


Next I dropped the four nuts holding the mount to the transmission to inspect how bad it really was.











Wow. Definitely time for a new one. Whenever I change a mount or bushing I always go with Prothane. Installed and ready to go back together.





Hopefully that will tighten some things up. Next will be the rear track bar bushings. Got the bar out but the bushings are being a real bear to remove. This will require a press. Hopefully I can tackle this tomorrow but I may get sidetracked if I know what's good for me.....


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[LSU_TJ]

I got to the rear track bar bushing replacement. Little piece of advice, learn from my heartache......

Did the first side the wrong way, then figured out a much easier way on the second side.

I decided not to use a press, don't think it would really work well for this but could be wrong. The original bushing was slightly brittle so I decided to pry it out with a pick and screwdriver......... Once I had had dug it all out you have to remove the metal insert that is stuck inside the track bar. Not fun. I decided to use an air saw and cut two sections and pry it out with a hammer and screwdriver.








This worked after a lot of beating but I found an easier way on the other side.


Do it this way.

I took a torch and blasted the bushing till it swelled and caught fire. I let it just burn and took an old screwdriver and pried and pushed the bushing out with ease.





Now you have the steel insert to deal with. On this side I used a reciprocating saw and cut one notch through it. This thing cut through it like hot butter, then one tap with the screwdriver and hammer and the insert fell out......








Time to put the new bushings in. I use Prothane bushings so here it is and these are two piece. I took them apart and greased them well with the supplied grease pack and pushed one side in then greased the other side and pushed it on. Like butta'




Putting the track bar back in was a different story. The bar came right out and I had the wheels blocked and did not move the jeep but the holes did not line back up. Must have sagged and shifted slightly while the track bar was off. I installed the top side first and nothing to that but when I pushed it back down inside the bottom mount on the axle the hole did not line up enough to push the bolt all the way through. I pushed the bolt half way in and then had to put a comealong on the frame and pull the jeep to the right until the bolt would pass through the mount hole. Then tightened everything up. Manual said 74 ft/lbs on these bolts. Back in, job done....


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[LSU_TJ]

Now, time to run some new air lines along the frame and grease the front u-joints while the belly is down and we are back on the road.....


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[OrangeSteel]

The lights look great. Thanks for the info. Im looking at installing a pair in the next few weeks.

[LSU_TJ]

Thanks. If you have questions on it let me know.





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[ancestralworm]

fantastic build but the only problem i have is the beer. guiness is good but you should be turning up turbodogs. cheers from the delta side. thread is crawled.

[LSU_TJ]

Thanks ancestralworm

And, Abita is not far from me. I have turned up more than my share of turbodogs..... I know, I've seen me do it..... Guess its the Irish in me but I love Guinness. I don't think there is an Abita I have not tried, love their seasonal stuff and their Amber is one of my favs. That is one great micro.

to you.


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[GSU_DAVE]

Originally Posted by V-8unlimited

Umm,, yeah, nice jeep, but we want more pics of the avatar!!

X2

[LSU_TJ]

Stay tuned, they rotate........




Ok, Ok, one more for now......







Go Tigers!!!


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[GaytorHater703]

Geaux Tigers!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GSU_DAVE]

Originally Posted by LSU_TJ

Stay tuned, they rotate........




Ok, Ok, one more for now......







Go Tigers!!!


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How does she feel about riding topless?

[LSU_TJ]

Originally Posted by GSU_DAVE

How does she feel about riding topless?

Do you see any tan lines.........


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[wmeyer116]

I think you should supply more pics so we can further inspect for tan lines, or lack thereof

[LSU_TJ]

Ok, back on topic......

Ran the air lines today so I could bolt the belly back up. That was interesting single handed. Got one side of the skid pan held up and one bolt started then went to the other side and pushed it up and it did not line up with the bolts on the tranny mount. It was about a 1/2 inch off. I had to pull the TC toward me while it is balancing on a block of wood on a jack and pushing up the skid and lining up the tranny mount bolts with the holes in the skid all at the same time. Whew. Once it all popped into place I started a skid bolt as fast as I could. Then it was a matter of just tightening everything back up. Looks like we have blue skies tomorrow so I guess I'll take the jeep and try it out with the new bushings and mounts. This should tighten some things up.

time......


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