A lesson learned—keep it light and nimble!
- Thread starter Irun
- Start date
I notice you've got the sway bar end links attached differently on each side. Was that intentional? Do you have any interference with the lower mounts and the wheels such as this? https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/sstjs-mostly-stock-97-se-2-5.50320/#post-886164
OP
On the plus side, here's what worked well:
1. The belly, oil pan, gas tank, and rocker skids were at the right height - although I contacted them a few times, their height was never a limiting factor.
2. The ride was better than expected - the last minute add of the 3" springs and shocks allowed the Jeep to flex sufficiently for the variety of trails I ran. More shock travel would be a good thing, but it wasn't a limiting factor.
3. The corner armor and rub rail saved me from tub damage - when I took out the driver side mirror, they came in contact with the tree. There was no damage at all, but I am re-thinking whether I'll I'll paint the corner armor body color. If it would have been painted, I'd be fixing that now.
4. I know this is heresy, but the rear locker and front Detroit TrueTrac worked flawlessly - That said, I know the fronts limitations. It, primarily, worked because whenever I needed it, all for wheels were in contact with the ground and I used the brake method. On every hill the combination never let me down. To be clear, these were hills with either mud or loose dirt/gravel and steep enough that walking up them was difficult.
5. The Firestone Destination M/T2 tires absolutely blew me away - they easily took everything I threw at them. Because I knew my differentials would be my lowest point, I made the decision to not air down and ran them for three days at the street 25 psi. To be 100% clear, I'm not advocating for or recommending not airing down. What I am saying is that not airing down worked for me, in the very wide range of conditions I covered. Also, I'm convinced that the taller, but narrower tire (255/75R17) was a factor.
6. The 241 OR was invaluable - many climbs and descents were made much easier by simply running 4 Low and in 1st gear.
7. The small manual hub conversion, in my opinion, is worth the money - when leaving the trails I'd take Interstate 81 back to where I was staying. I could run 75 - 80 mph, with the V8 Broncos, with zero vibrations.
Out of all the things here, I do still plan to add a HP30, with 30 spline axles and a selectable locker. As I said, I know the limitations of the TrueTrac, which is not a true locker. I have all the parts now, minus the locker.
1. The belly, oil pan, gas tank, and rocker skids were at the right height - although I contacted them a few times, their height was never a limiting factor.
2. The ride was better than expected - the last minute add of the 3" springs and shocks allowed the Jeep to flex sufficiently for the variety of trails I ran. More shock travel would be a good thing, but it wasn't a limiting factor.
3. The corner armor and rub rail saved me from tub damage - when I took out the driver side mirror, they came in contact with the tree. There was no damage at all, but I am re-thinking whether I'll I'll paint the corner armor body color. If it would have been painted, I'd be fixing that now.
4. I know this is heresy, but the rear locker and front Detroit TrueTrac worked flawlessly - That said, I know the fronts limitations. It, primarily, worked because whenever I needed it, all for wheels were in contact with the ground and I used the brake method. On every hill the combination never let me down. To be clear, these were hills with either mud or loose dirt/gravel and steep enough that walking up them was difficult.
5. The Firestone Destination M/T2 tires absolutely blew me away - they easily took everything I threw at them. Because I knew my differentials would be my lowest point, I made the decision to not air down and ran them for three days at the street 25 psi. To be 100% clear, I'm not advocating for or recommending not airing down. What I am saying is that not airing down worked for me, in the very wide range of conditions I covered. Also, I'm convinced that the taller, but narrower tire (255/75R17) was a factor.
6. The 241 OR was invaluable - many climbs and descents were made much easier by simply running 4 Low and in 1st gear.
7. The small manual hub conversion, in my opinion, is worth the money - when leaving the trails I'd take Interstate 81 back to where I was staying. I could run 75 - 80 mph, with the V8 Broncos, with zero vibrations.
Out of all the things here, I do still plan to add a HP30, with 30 spline axles and a selectable locker. As I said, I know the limitations of the TrueTrac, which is not a true locker. I have all the parts now, minus the locker.
OP
OP
That's the beauty of this particular diff skid. There is no loss of clearance. The way it's designed, it tucks up just above the bottom of the diff housing. It's primary purpose is to protect the rear yoke, which I've broken a couple times without the skid. Unfortunately, the skid is no longer made.
OP
I had some binding of the Swayloc, so I moved one side to eliminate it.
That's the beauty of this particular diff skid. There is no loss of clearance. The way it's designed, it tucks up just above the bottom of the diff housing. It's primary purpose is to protect the rear yoke, which I've broken a couple times without the skid. Unfortunately, the skid is no longer made.
I have taken a hit on my driveshaft close to the yoke. This was while still on 31" tyres. Got 35" on now so may be a bit better.
Also been under to check a control arm popping. Passenger side front mount has taken a hit. I need to get my mini skids in before the weather cools down again.
Yep, that is the inherent weak spot for that ZJ tie rod. Bent mine almost in the same spot on the Rubicon trail. I have BMB goodness waiting in the wings.
OP
I have the TR ends for #2. Now, I'm searching for #1 and #3. If I can find those, then I'll order Blaine's TR.
ranger101
TJ Addict
I have the TR ends for #2. Now, I'm searching for #1 and #3. If I can find those, then I'll order Blaine's TR.
View attachment 339524
https://www.morris4x4center.com/cur...uHPW__TVdIfcz18jupNlCElnGYoiI8PxoC_SUQAvD_BwE
https://www.morris4x4center.com/cur...Zse1_l-G_wRAk8svdMi6wkTpfJttLbExoCW9cQAvD_BwE
The tie-rod flip is another great mod to move that sucker farther out of harm’s way, albeit it does require another mod to move the sway bar links. Me whiskey eye sees a bent shock shaft but it could just be the whiskey.As I've said a couple times, the Jeep, overall, exceeded my expectations. I went everywhere the group on bigger tires did, and a few places only a smaller contingent ventured into. Although I didn't have anything I'd classify as "major" carnage, there was some damage. Those things included the following:
1. Took out the driver side mirror - this was on a very steep off-camber hill climb, where only 3 of us went. I was the second up and after watching the first person struggle, I took a different line between two trees that were just wide enough for me to fit. As I entered the trees, the tail end kicked to the driver's side. Given how steep the hill was, I knew if I stopped I wouldn't be able to start again without potentially getting sideways. Because of that, and the two big rocks at the top I had to get over, I kept up my momentum, knowing the mirror was going to be sacrificed. It was, but I made it up and over.
2. Bent the ZJ tie rod - here I underestimated how I would use the Jeep and figured the ZJ parts would be tough enough for my use. It wasn't. While trying to crawl through a series of "Black" trails down by the "Rock Garden" the ZJ tie rod, and clamp, got pushed into the lower part of the swaybar link, as seen in the picture. I was able to bend it back straight, with a winch line, but the damage showed a flaw in my thought process.
3. Honestly, my single biggest problem was the differential height - on 32" tires I'm at 9.25" (rear) and 10.5" (front) of clearance. I was able to mostly keep the front from being abused, but the rear really took a beating. This can only be addressed by larger tires, so I'm just going to have to focus on being a better driver. The other thing I can do is install the two cameras I have for the Insane Audio system.
4. The mini skids and wheels were abused - these are things I'm glad I did. The mini skids saved me from having bent lower front control arm mounts and the wheels performed their sacrificial role.
5. One rear shock kept popping off the bottom cap - this was a very minor thing, but annoying
6. The axle side track bar and rear sway bar upper link bolts loosened - My steering felt weird and I was hearing a rattling sound in the back, so I stopped to check things out. I found the bolts had backed out so far, they were just short of falling out.
7. The passenger front tire was into the SwayLoc, when stuffed and turned in - it wasn't enough to worry me, but I knew it was there.
None of this was bad, just demonstrated that I need to not underestimate what the Jeep or I can do together. Out of all this, getting an upgraded tie rod, and doing the tie rod flip,
View attachment 339457
View attachment 339458
View attachment 339459
View attachment 339460
View attachment 339461
View attachment 339462
View attachment 339463
View attachment 339464
View attachment 339471
OP
I have all the parts for the flip, thanks to Blaine, including the knuckle with the insert and bracket to replace the stock sway bar link. As soon as I get the Currie CorrectLync parts and the BMB tie rod, I'll be digging into that modification. Now you're going to make me look at my shocks, to verify if one is bent. Thanks "Whiskey Eye"!
I'm using the stock drag link and just replacing the tie rod with the BM one. If I bend the drag link after that then I guess I'll upgrade that too.
OP
Interesting. I didn't know that was possible. Now I'll need to do more research!
The stock drag link is meaty, though not as much as the Currie. My first upgrade was just the ZJ tie rod.
Interesting. I didn't know that was possible. Now I'll need to do more research!
The question was asked in Blaine's thread about the BM tie rod.
Just want to say that I've really enjoyed following along on this build. Yours was the first build thread I read upon finding this forum last year, and I've enjoyed seeing it progress. Hope to emulate some of it some day.
Also, awhile back you posted a picture with a bunch of running medals...what types of races did you/do you run? A runner myself, although the finisher medal collection isn't nearly as extensive as yours
Also, awhile back you posted a picture with a bunch of running medals...what types of races did you/do you run? A runner myself, although the finisher medal collection isn't nearly as extensive as yours
OP
Just want to say that I've really enjoyed following along on this build. Yours was the first build thread I read upon finding this forum last year, and I've enjoyed seeing it progress. Hope to emulate some of it some day.ha
Also, awhile back you posted a picture with a bunch of running medals...what types of races did you/do you run? A runner myself, although the finisher medal collection isn't nearly as extensive as yours
A sincere thanks for the build support. Any success I've had with it has been a direct result of the tremendous wealth of knowledge on this forum. There are some fantastic folks here with a willingness to share, in-spite of the silly mistakes some of us make!
As for the running, I was never much on the short races. Because of that, mine have been largely half and full Marathons, along with a few longer endurance races sprinkled in. I ran my first Marathon when I was a teenager and have been at it ever since then!
Last edited: