The weather finally got too cold for me to keep the roof off, so I dug the soft top out of storage and wrestled it back on. Not long before I can take it all off again though, hopefully!
That Jeep is looking awesome!
Jonah said:
That Jeep is looking awesome!
Thanks! It’s been a labor of love getting it running again, but it’s totally worth it.
Jonah said:
That Jeep is looking awesome!
Thanks! It’s been a labor of love getting it running again, but it’s totally worth it.
Do you have trouble finding parts? I’ve got a ‘95, and having parts easily available has been a lifesaver since I use mine every day.
@Jonah
Some parts are tricky to get, but Rock Auto ships to us, which helps. Shipping can cost more than the parts, though! My YJ is a mix of parts from different Jeeps—XJ axles, a 4.0 engine from a ZJ, a soft top from a CJ. The hardest part was getting the hardware, especially imperial bolts for things like seat belts. Next, I’m installing WJ brakes to get rid of the rear drums and upgrade the fronts.
@Cade
Oh, and window seals are a pain. My windshield seal is completely rotten, and replacements are super expensive. That’s my next big expense.
@Cade
Yeah, Jeeps are basically adult LEGOs! I’m planning to swap my rear axle for a Ford 8.8 to get discs and more strength. I’ve already got the 4.0, so if the auto transmission ever gives out, I’ll put in a 5-speed. I’ve been looking at diesel swaps for when the engine eventually dies. The WJ brake upgrade sounds cool. Are they much bigger than stock?
@Jonah
The WJ calipers are a bit bigger and have two pistons, so they work better. The downside is having to drill the rotors because the bolt pattern is different. I love the diesel swap idea—turbo diesel in a lightweight Jeep would be amazing, especially with low diff gears. Torque for days!
@Cade
Yeah, you need to get creative with a grinder sometimes. My next big project is adding a hydraulic pump off the main pulley to power PTO implements like a brush hog or log splitter.
Jonah said:
@Cade
Yeah, you need to get creative with a grinder sometimes. My next big project is adding a hydraulic pump off the main pulley to power PTO implements like a brush hog or log splitter.
That’s awesome—turning your Jeep into a mini tractor! My next idea is converting the AC pump into an air compressor and adding a tank for onboard air. Jeeps are so simple to work on compared to newer vehicles.
@Cade
If you haven’t already, check out this forum for ideas. I’ve seen a few posts about the AC-to-air conversion. Newer vehicles are such a pain—I had to remove the front fascia to change a headlight on a Yukon. Never again!
@Jonah
Same here! My Audi needs a thermostat change, and I have to take half the engine apart. I’d much rather work on the inline-6. A buddy of mine turned his bumpers and rock sliders into air tanks with outlets at all corners. It’s cool, but way out of my budget!
Mine’s been on since November… no choice here.
Tate said:
Mine’s been on since November… no choice here.
It’s been a mild winter here so far, but it’s about to drop below freezing. Time to layer up!
Tate said:
Mine’s been on since November… no choice here.
It’s been a mild winter here so far, but it’s about to drop below freezing. Time to layer up!
Yeah, it’s been below freezing for a while here. I probably won’t have the top off again until late April.
@Tate
Do you drive yours daily? Mine’s just a weekend and hobby vehicle, so I can park it when the weather’s bad. Nice to have it ready for snow, though.
Cade said:
@Tate
Do you drive yours daily? Mine’s just a weekend and hobby vehicle, so I can park it when the weather’s bad. Nice to have it ready for snow, though.
It’s my daily for now, but I want to turn it into an off-road build once I get a more practical daily driver.
@Tate
That’s a good plan. My YJ is just for off-roading and the occasional sunny-day drive. We live rural, so if it snows, it’s nice to have it ready to go.
Cade said:
@Tate
That’s a good plan. My YJ is just for off-roading and the occasional sunny-day drive. We live rural, so if it snows, it’s nice to have it ready to go.
Same here. I need it for snowy and rough roads during winter. A good set of snow tires makes a huge difference.
@Tate
I envy you! All we get here is rain and sleet, not much snow. I miss real winters.