I have a few things I need to fix on my XJ.
1. I get a wobble around 45 MPH
2. Valve cover is leaking
3. Won't start
4. Heat/AC blower only blows on 4 (high)
I'll put some pictures and video to follow.
Discussion
I have been asked this a Few times so i figured id give a run down of how to get a decent lift put together for the jeep Cherokee and what i would do if i had another stock platform to work with. First off, get a set of used Chevy S10 leaf springs. Use a band saw and cut the mounting bushings off, throw this under the main leaf of your factory leaf pack. You will need to source longer center pins. I use grade 8 bolts, cheap and easy top find. http://i.imgur.com/yHnf33J.jpg https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDwdgxvQOSzKjNuVCgMV9iyV4gStYDSrW8GXpgCvQBlB149F01 Bolt this "Bastard Pack" back in and it should be good for around 4" of lift in the rear. For the front, you can source a Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ, equipped with the v8. Grab the front springs (good for 1.5" of lift and a stiffer spring rate) and grab the front steering system. (tie rod and drag link) This steering is a huge improvement over stock, and retains the factory geometry. source yourself a 2" front spring spacer, or if you stack stock spring pads, they are good for about .5" of lift each. 4 pads, 2" lift. At this point you will be down to shocks and a adjustable track bar and bracket. I prefer the Skyjacker M-95 series shock. they are mono tube, gas charged, and very good on pricing. if it were me, id spend the coin here to get a better than basic shock setup. come take a ride in my xj, you will see what i mean. Adjustable track bar. i would shop around a bit. Always get a track bar with a bushing on one end! the front end eats up heim joints, and with them at both ends it wont be long. something like this is what i would recommend. it has the TRE on one side and a bushing on the other. this will let you keep the factory track bar bracket and not have to spent more coin on a new aftermarket one. Just make sure to re torque the bracket after the new parts install! https://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-7572-Country-7572-Front-Adjustable/dp/B00B2AF0MU/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=177600321358&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032993&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=b&hvrand=13299461255752516783&hvtargid=kwd-2426452473&keywords=jeep+cherokee+adjustable+track+bar&qid=1554613330&s=gateway&sr=8-1 In short Junk yard: S10 leaf springs V8 ZJ Front steering, and coil springs New or JY: Front 2" Coil Spring spacers. New: Adjustable Track Bar (TRE and bushing style) Shocks for 3.5 to 4.5" lift of your choosing. (you get what you pay for in on road ride quality) Thanks it! Hope it helps, post up with questions. there are a few things id do quickly there after, but this gives a ncie place to start. Take Care, Thanks For Being Here! Bronze.
here are my new tires! wobble seems to mostly be gone
replaced the valve cover gasket but here is the mess from needing it
I think my drag link end needs replaced.
battery is putting out 12.3 volts and alternator seems to be good. I pulled the battery cables while it was running. It continued to run so I think i have a good alternator.
Got a new drag link and tie rod off of a grand cherokee with a V8. Think I should replace the boots on the ends?
I started to replace the tie rod and drag link today. (already pulled the cotter pin before I took the pics)
These weren't too bad to get off. I didn't even have a pickle fork!
Welp she's on stilts until i can get this off
I may have to get a new steering stabilizer. I can't disconnect it. Plus, I think i mashed the threads while trying to pop it free
any ideas how to get it off?
Wonder if i need to use a tap and die set on that tapered pin. or if i should just replace it
can you get a pic of the back side of the stabilizer? I see the problem with the stud and threads, but im confused on something 1st. what is holding the thing from slipping off if the threads and nut are on this side? not sure what could be holding it.
Looks like you are coming along with the jeep! I look forward to what you do with it.
john.
did you have the battery load tested yet? or the alternator tested for voltage? after talking via PM id still bet its bad battery and or cables ad connections.
I found a vid that shows that back side of the stabilizer/what your fighting. Go grab a can of PB Blaster. Hit it 3 times a day with that. put the tires back on and set the jeep on the ground. steer it back and forth in the driveway a few times each day, when you hit it with the PB. After a couple days of that grab a torch and heat the piss out of it, then beat on it with a hammer. The heavier the hammer the better. (short handled sledge) it will free up eventually. now that the ends are boogered up you will need to get a new pin for the hole/stabilizer.
easy to find.
https://www.4wheelparts.com/Suspension/Crown-Automotive-Shock-Absorber-Mounting-Stud-J0912703.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=9208&t_pn=CROJ0912703&gp=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&scid=scplpCROJ0912703197726&sc_intid=CROJ0912703197726&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyvm9xovY2QIVRGV-Ch0KHQzmEAQYBiABEgIJjvD_BwE
if you need a new stabilizer i have a pile of them here at the house. you will be fine W/O one at all. i've not had one for over 5 years now. it's really just a shock absorber for your hands on the wheel, incase you nail something really hard. takes up some slack too, but not really that much.
Good Luck Brother, keep posting your progress, im digging it!
John.
alrighty...I had some tools loaned out from some cowokers. I didn't have the PB blaster but DW40. Beat the hell out of the drag link and it finally popped free. The coworkers gave me a tap and die set that I used on the end of that boogered up pin.
there it is put back together!
here is the new linkage with new dust boots.
After installation my steering wheel was a bit side ways. I managed to get that straight. Now I have a Toe-in of about 1/2" on the front
very nice tyler! looks like you had some fun. im surprised you saved that pin. good work man!
as far as the battery, i put a multi meter up to it with the cables off and was getting 12.3 volts. Another funny thing happened today when i tried to start. it was attempting to turn over and over and over as i held the key to the start position. after a few seconds of holding it, the XJ started up!! any idea why?