What did you do to your TJ today?

Quick one month functionality update on the cabin air intake duct/filter design. At least 500 miles logged since installation, and while I haven't run the AC for all of those miles, a number of 1-2 hour trips with the AC running at all fan settings. Temps ranging from 90+ to high 40's/low 50's. Mix of dry and wet weather over the month. Mostly road use but some dirt and gravel use as well.

Observations when opening the cowl this morning for a look-see:
  • ABS plastic prototype assembly shows no signs of damage due to exposure to temperatures and vibrations - appears "as installed"
  • All subcomponents appear to be functioning as intended, no cracking or splitting at joints or anywhere else
  • K&N VF1010 filter appears to be relatively clean and free of debris
  • Hint of rust on cartridge housing speed nut, no surprise and nothing I'm worried about. Factory speed nuts for the cowl panel look far worse.
  • Filter housing and duct beyond filter show no signs of air leakage inside (no trace dirt)
  • Foam seal seems to be doing it's job, no evidence of water infiltration between duct and sub cowl, no water in footwell from the cowl
  • No evidence of contact with underside of cowl panel, the design seems to give sufficient clearance to any existing physical features
Slight musty smell detected when running the system from cold, in particular after a stretch of wet weather. The odor dissipates after a few seconds. I believe this has nothing to do with the duct/filter and everything to do with the sub cowl being a bit of a breeding ground for funk since it tends to stay wet/damp long after the weather passes. For reference, I had an '07 BMW E90 and that thing smelled like a farm yard every time I used the system, even with a fresh filter and Lysol-disinfected ducting. Not too worried about the Jeep. ;)

I realize this isn't a long term test, but I think I'll leave that up to whoever might be interested in trying out the design for themselves. I've got a few minor modifications I'm making to some of the parts to improve the overall design. I may create a cartridge box that will accept standard filters as this one is specific to the VF1010 and I realize some might not want to spend the loot for the K&N. I'm also considering an optional cartridge box door/air horn design that may improve weather proofing even more (though this has not been an issue for me personally).

Beyond that, I'll likely upload all of the files here for anyone with a 3D printer to download and try out, along with some caveats and tips for printing, assembly and installation.

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Man i gotta say that is a pretty clever design my man good work!
Every time i see something like this just gives me another reason to get a 3d printer, im not too handy in CAD or sketchup but i can make some stuff...kinda
 
Installed door seal, right side, install was pretty straightforward, fits well, door shuts a little tight but I think that’s a good thing. Applied silicone to the mating surfaces, No wind noise, happy camper! I couldn’t find OEM, not surprised, the APDTY seal looks good

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Went to Earl's Ford again for a fishing weekend. No trail riding this time. While at camp I took time to wire and install my new third brake light. I also installed bubble levels on the frame of my tent so I can eyeball my sleeping position a little better. Weekends like this are really improving my quality of life.

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Confirmed that the transmission weep hole is the source of my trans fluid leak. I used some antifungal foot powder spray to coat everything down in white powder to confirm the source of the leak.

Looks like I am replacing the transmission output shaft seal and the transfer case input seal the week of Thanksgiving.

Since I have the TC off, anything else I should proactively replace?

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I'm also considering an optional cartridge box door/air horn design that may improve weather proofing even more (though this has not been an issue for me personally).

Took a crack at an alternate cartridge box door/horn design yesterday and thought I'd see how it fit this morning...

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No interference with the underside of the cowl panel when installed, ~1/4" clearance verified with a blob of plumber's putty. This should provide a bit more protection from direct water infiltration, though I think both would work fine for general use. (y)
 
Took a crack at an alternate cartridge box door/horn design yesterday and thought I'd see how it fit this morning...

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No interference with the underside of the cowl panel when installed, ~1/4" clearance verified with a blob of plumber's putty. This should provide a bit more protection from direct water infiltration, though I think both would work fine for general use. (y)

Very cool, was Jeeping this weekend and had the dust coming through the vents some and thought about this.
 
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While figuring out that the trans fluid is coming from the weep hole in the transmission, I also noticed that there is some trans fluid on the side of the transmission to. The white food powder spray does help figure out where leaks are coming from. Any idea what is causing this? The big glob of trans fluid on the right is the weep hole leak.

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Just paid 5.23 per gal. Took little over 12 gallons to fill her up. So I figure I worked my most of my 4 hr. shift last night, just to get back and forth to work for the week. LOL

Need to get a SAM’s or Costco membership. We just paid 4.98 here in Sac. The cost difference in gas alone these days pays for the cost of membership.
 
Drove it to work last night. :D Was nice to drive it again after about a month hiatus, LOL. I also finally put my hook on that I got for @Zorba . Only thing is. It's just on there for looks right now. Not sure why it doesn't line up with the bolts in the back bumper area? Unless the hitch is using other bolt holes? Or, maybe it goes on the front bumper and I wanted it on the back. LOL I like it though, for looks anyway. :D

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Need to get a SAM’s or Costco membership. We just paid 4.98 here in Sac. The cost difference in gas alone these days pays for the cost of membership.

I have one, I am just to impatient to deal with the long lines there. My son told me he waited 10 minutes and it was at the slow time of day.
 
I have one, I am just to impatient to deal with the long lines there. My son told me he waited 10 minutes and it was at the slow time of day.

Were you at in Sac? We just joined a cool 4WD club, Hi-Landers, been around for a long time. They meet in Orangevale and usually have a run each month. Feel free to stop by sometime, they meet the second Monday of each month.
 
Were you at in Sac? We just joined a cool 4WD club, Hi-Landers, been around for a long time. They meet in Orangevale and usually have a run each month. Feel free to stop by sometime, they meet the second Monday of each month.

I'm over by Arden Fair mall area. Mondays are bad for me. I work nights, so have to sleep during the early evening to go to work by 11pm. I will look them up though if they have a website and try to possibly do a run with you guys one day. :D
 
Just checked it out. To be a member one has to attend at least 3 meetings and go on so many runs, within a 4 month period. With my work schedule, that would be out. Looks like a fun group though. Maybe one day I can join in. :D

Yes, they aren’t too sticky on the 4 month part, I think whenever it happens it happens. The 3 meetings and runs / events that we do stick too from what I can tell. It took us 5 months I think as we missed July as we were on vacation.
 
Drove it to work last night. :D Was nice to drive it again after about a month hiatus, LOL. I also finally put my hook on that I got for @Zorba . Only thing is. It's just on there for looks right now. Not sure why it doesn't line up with the bolts in the back bumper area? Unless the hitch is using other bolt holes? Or, maybe it goes on the front bumper and I wanted it on the back. LOL I like it though, for looks anyway. :D

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I have one of those hooks and it goes pass front.