Rocky Mountain Billy Goat Build

[rasband]

I took today off because I was going to camp before Holy Cross tomorrow, however with the shakes this week I stayed home to do the ZJ conversion (and I ordered an adjustable front track bar too, though that won’t be here until tomorrow).

The paint probably won’t last long with the rush job, but that’s fine for now. So far no sign of shakes or instability and the front end feels really nice and tight.

Bonus points for me as I finally learned to do the toe in and steering wheel adjustment - pretty happy with that new skill.

 

[rasband]

I took today off because I was going to camp before Holy Cross tomorrow, however with the shakes this week I stayed home to do the ZJ conversion (and I ordered an adjustable front track bar too, though that won’t be here until tomorrow).

The paint probably won’t last long with the rush job, but that’s fine for now. So far no sign of shakes or instability and the front end feels really nice and tight.

Bonus points for me as I finally learned to do the toe in and steering wheel adjustment - pretty happy with that new skill.

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Wow, I wish I knew what was off in the old setup. However after the ZJ upgrade the steering and front end is worlds better. No shimmy or shake so far, and the steering is tight (probably primarily the original steering damper still being present). I’ll need to retry aligning my steering wheel itself

After getting home from (riding) Holy Cross and (driving) Mosquito Pass the JKS adjustable front track bar was here. After installing shiplap for my wife, I earned some goodwill back to get time to install the track bar.

It’s significantly beefier than OEM. I’ll be interested to know how it performs next weekend in the San Juans.

 

[rasband]

This post scared me, so I pulled the trigger on the Savvy skid. Hopefully my wife doesn't leave me. It'll sit a few months while I get the UCAs and funds for the DS.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/savvy-has-discontinued-the-tj-transfer-case-skid.26112/

 

[rasband]

A proud moment today, my son and I enjoyed his first (and our first together) wheeling on Argentine Pass. It was a long day for him and he fell asleep somehow. Hopefully it’s one he remembers after I’m gone.

 

[rasband]

Well this is frustrating, I am starting to see P0457. The gas cap appears to be fine and the filler neck. What's really odd is when it triggers the engine just stops while driving. I have to quickly remove the key, throw it back in and it will start right back up.

I'm wondering if maybe it's just a loose hose I hit during the BL install... now to learn about how the evap system works.

 

[EJD]

A proud moment today, my son and I enjoyed his first (and our first together) wheeling on Argentine Pass. It was a long day for him and he fell asleep somehow. Hopefully it’s one he remembers after I’m gone.

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Haha, I love it!
It's amazing how a ride in the Jeep puts kids right to sleep. My daughter somehow crashes out soon after the pavement ends and wakes up and we're on top of the world somewhere. Looks like you guys had a time for sure absolutely beautiful up there!

 

[rasband]

Well this is frustrating, I am starting to see P0457. The gas cap appears to be fine and the filler neck. What's really odd is when it triggers the engine just stops while driving. I have to quickly remove the key, throw it back in and it will start right back up.

I'm wondering if maybe it's just a loose hose I hit during the BL install... now to learn about how the evap system works.

So I overnighted some parts and went to the stealership for others and replaced:

* Gas Cap (non lockable OEM)
* Crank Position Sensor - since a similar issue last year this may have been a factor and may not be OEM
* Cam Position Sensor - same as above
* All 4 O2 sensors - they appear to be original with 57k on it, seems like a good thing to do regardless of it fixing anythjng

With drives between each change to see if the stalls were addressed at all (the answer was no change until the O2s)

The idle feels better (though not necessarily bad prior), and I was able to go further than before without any stalls.

While I was doing things I also got some throttle body cleaner to get to that.

 

[Alex01]

After installing shiplap for my wife, I earned some goodwill back to get time to install the track bar.

Sounds like our wives watch the same shows on HGTV. So far I have been tasked to shiplaping half the downstairs and next will be the kitchen.

The new bumper looks great.

 

[rasband]

Sounds like our wives watch the same shows on HGTV. So far I have been tasked to shiplaping half the downstairs and next will be the kitchen.

The new bumper looks great.

It earns the good will, the bad part is my hands are always dirty - so we have to repaint it if I touch it

 

[rasband]

33s look good on me. Even with the stalling issues I prepaid for these a bit back, driving slow and easy it was pretty happy. I do need a spacer up front still, the rake is a little more than I want. Probably 0.75” is enough when gear is back there.

Oh, and I need to get some steering spacers in due to LCA rubbing near full lock.

 

[rasband]

Today I got new plugs, Autolite XP985s and swapped those out. Early tests seem to suggest my stalling issue is fixed. The old ones were quite aged.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/intermittent-stalling-help.26320/
As expected with the new rubber there was rubbing on the LCAs. The Discount Tire guys got a little concerned but I calmed them by explaining what was going on. Added some washers and the rubbing is done.

One question, would needing fewer washers on 1 side vs the other indicate the axle isn't centered right, or are there other things at play to consider?

 

[coastalcop]

discount tire, see if they can get you the rebate slips (hopefully still ongoing) file them online and get some money back I did 5 wheels and tires about a 2 weeks ago and submitted online. Prepaid cards arrived in the mail last friday (basically paying for the 5th wheel and tire) (american baja wheels and 33x10.5x15 ko2 tires)

 

[rasband]

discount tire, see if they can get you the rebate slips (hopefully still ongoing) file them online and get some money back I did 5 wheels and tires about a 2 weeks ago and submitted online. Prepaid cards arrived in the mail last friday (basically paying for the 5th wheel and tire) (american baja wheels and 33x10.5x15 ko2 tires)

I hemmed and hawed on the certificates and they threw in one for free. That on top of the Labor Day rebate made the 5th tire cost around $30 or so. Not bad!

 

[rasband]

I wasn't sure how long the Savvy backorder would be for the late model under armor, now I know. It shipped today and should be here sometime next week...

Since I have an LJ, I may see how it works without the UCAs and DS - with the longer term intent of correcting that.

Unrelated - I was hearing some new fun knocking today. Apparently I lost some shock bolts in my driver rear - hopefully the shock isn't damaged.

 

[tworley]

I wasn't sure how long the Savvy backorder would be for the late model under armor, now I know. It shipped today and should be here sometime next week...
Apparently I lost some shock bolts in my driver rear - hopefully the shock isn't damaged.

You'll love it. Good opportunity to clean up frame rails too. Have you had the skid removed before? Nutserts can be frustrating at first if they're spinning

 

[rasband]

You'll love it. Good opportunity to clean up frame rails too. Have you had the skid removed before? Nutserts can be frustrating at first if they're spinning

I can’t wait, it’s the last big project on the list (for now). Hoping I can join for the end of the season run in Oct.

I haven’t had the TC off yet and worked around it (cursing the whole time) to get the savvy shifter cable in. I plan to clean up the frame rails while I’m in there but didn’t plan on the nutsert contingency.

To avoid coming back in a flurry, are there some things to keep in mind if nutserts are spinning?

 

[tworley]

To avoid coming back in a flurry, are there some things to keep in mind if nutserts are spinning?

If one starts to spin you can apply downward pressure between the frame and skid if you can get a pry bar in between.

 

[rasband]

I have some painting to do.

 

[JDS123]

I have some painting to do.

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What? Don't you have a son for stuff like that? I think you mean G has some painting to do.

 

[tworley]

Are you planning on painting the skid itself too?