Back in an LJR (build / plans)
- Thread starter AndrewLJR
- Start date
Thank you for chiming in and recommending the full kit. I didn’t want to spend this now but once I lifted it and put bigger tires, there’s no doubt in my mind that something in the suspension would be upset so better to address it now.
She has arrived! Finally!
I love it! It certainly needs some TLC but Im really glad I got one that needs some help rather than spending more coin on the purchase, to just do the things Im planning anyway. This am I dropped it off at the shop to get a few things I don't have time for:
AC isn't working- Compressor clutch isn't engaging. The dealership said they will work with me on this since I was given in writing it was functional.
Cats seemed to be clogged as it struggles on acceleration. Ordered cats, muffler and O2 sensors. Will do plugs as well since Im unsure of their condition and I like to address things like this anytime I buy a new, used car. Fluids, plugs etc will all be taken care of
E-brake needs adjusting.
Other than that, its suspension needs attention. As you can see the front is sagging and it feels loose, which with 226k it should! And tires are shot. As I mentioned, I planned on doing a full suspension upgrade and new tires anyway, so this is perfectly set up for a refresh! Oh and Ill be doing a BMB upgrade all around, just the OE replacement stuff.
Time to get to work!!!
I love it! It certainly needs some TLC but Im really glad I got one that needs some help rather than spending more coin on the purchase, to just do the things Im planning anyway. This am I dropped it off at the shop to get a few things I don't have time for:
AC isn't working- Compressor clutch isn't engaging. The dealership said they will work with me on this since I was given in writing it was functional.
Cats seemed to be clogged as it struggles on acceleration. Ordered cats, muffler and O2 sensors. Will do plugs as well since Im unsure of their condition and I like to address things like this anytime I buy a new, used car. Fluids, plugs etc will all be taken care of
E-brake needs adjusting.
Other than that, its suspension needs attention. As you can see the front is sagging and it feels loose, which with 226k it should! And tires are shot. As I mentioned, I planned on doing a full suspension upgrade and new tires anyway, so this is perfectly set up for a refresh! Oh and Ill be doing a BMB upgrade all around, just the OE replacement stuff.
Time to get to work!!!
Brakes ordered, also doing YJ brake lines for when the lift gets done.
Regarding the lift, the Made in USA thread had me thinking. Id much rather support a smaller company that continues to do so much for our chassis and Im grateful enough the extra coin isn't going to hurt too bad. So Ill be doing the full Savvy lift with their Fox shocks. Once I have the Jeep dialed in and maintenance done, Ill tackle the lift/brakes/steering.
Once I get it back, Ill be doing some well needed clean up/polishing, yes I know its a Jeep but Im OCD about cleanliness. Ill take some good pictures to keep the thread updated.
Regarding the lift, the Made in USA thread had me thinking. Id much rather support a smaller company that continues to do so much for our chassis and Im grateful enough the extra coin isn't going to hurt too bad. So Ill be doing the full Savvy lift with their Fox shocks. Once I have the Jeep dialed in and maintenance done, Ill tackle the lift/brakes/steering.
Once I get it back, Ill be doing some well needed clean up/polishing, yes I know its a Jeep but Im OCD about cleanliness. Ill take some good pictures to keep the thread updated.
AC seems to have a small leak somewhere so we filled it, added dye and will trace it down.
Fan clutch is locked up which was making it feel sluggish. And doing an oil change since it looked really dirty for supposedly just being done. Rather know it’s done then wonder given the poor inspection report, which showed everything good hahaha. Not like I didn’t expect it, good thing I paid under $8k for it!
Good news is it looks in really good shape given the issues mentioned and the miles. Ball joints, unit bearings, steering, ujoints, etc all seem tight with no slop. Turns out it does have the ZJ steering which is great and has spare tie rod ends under the seat so saved some there. Cats, muffler and O2s will be here Saturday as well as new Champion plugs. Brakes sometime next week and I think I’ll have it ready to enjoy and lift!
Fan clutch is locked up which was making it feel sluggish. And doing an oil change since it looked really dirty for supposedly just being done. Rather know it’s done then wonder given the poor inspection report, which showed everything good hahaha. Not like I didn’t expect it, good thing I paid under $8k for it!
Good news is it looks in really good shape given the issues mentioned and the miles. Ball joints, unit bearings, steering, ujoints, etc all seem tight with no slop. Turns out it does have the ZJ steering which is great and has spare tie rod ends under the seat so saved some there. Cats, muffler and O2s will be here Saturday as well as new Champion plugs. Brakes sometime next week and I think I’ll have it ready to enjoy and lift!
Thank you! It’ll be even better once I have some time and money into it!
Oh yeah, they always are
Look at the @Midnight LJR build. Same color as yours, and it turned out looking damn good.
Oh yeah, they always are
Look at the @Midnight LJR build. Same color as yours, and it turned out looking damn good.
I've been in there almost daily getting ideas. I can only hope my build in the same class as his!
Savvy lift ordered. Going to give the Rancho RS5000x a try after way too much reading on shocks last night. I will be painted them black to get rid of that ugly white!
Bailed the Jeep out of the shop and freon is completely out so we are thinking evap. But its running much better without the load from the fan clutch. Ill be starting on cleaning it up over the weekend and will post some better pictures. Brakes, cats, exhaust will also be done over the next week and then the lift. Things will move quickly as Im impatient!
Bailed the Jeep out of the shop and freon is completely out so we are thinking evap. But its running much better without the load from the fan clutch. Ill be starting on cleaning it up over the weekend and will post some better pictures. Brakes, cats, exhaust will also be done over the next week and then the lift. Things will move quickly as Im impatient!
Yea we have dye in it but it was cool when I left the shop but 5 minutes later it wasn't. He's not fully operational and had already left the shop. Im going back next week anyway and will figure it out.
I've had mine to 3 different AC shops and they couldn't find the leak. Replaced the evaporator and heater core while I was in there and had it charged up yesterday. It would typically hold freon for about 3 weeks before bleeding out. When I replaced the receiver/dryer I literally poured 4 ounces of green dye from it.
Pulling the dash, while not terribly difficult, was a PITA! Took me about 7hrs. in total, taking my time. Do yourself a favor and replace all the line orings while you are there.
Im hoping we are missing the leak under the hood. We looked yesterday once we filled it with no luck. ITs quite possible its something else and it took awhile to start leaking but to be completely empty 24 hours later is not a small leak!
Alright here she is in the flesh. I didn’t get all the of the parts for any one job. So this weekend I focused on getting it up or close to my OCD standards. It’s a Jeep, with 226k so it was heavily marred, hazy with little to no depth in the paint. I used to do high end detailing so while I know most on here don’t care, I’m the exception to that rule. So started with a heavy undercarriage clean with all purpose cleaner in an IK foamer and fender well brush. Flushed the frame rails out and cleaned as much mud, dirt and grime as I could. Then did a complete decontamination wash which was stripper soap, fallout remover and clay bar. Polishing process was done with a microfiber pad and one step compound- Meguairs Ultimate. This referred to a diminishing compound meaning it starts out semi aggressive and finishes like a polish, you only do a single polishing step. This removed 65-70% of defects but I wasn’t chasing perfection. Wiped everything down with Carpro Eraser, and coated with leftover Cquartz UK ceramic coating and Carpro Reload. I then used Gtechniq C4 on the flares and really like the results. Much deeper but they’re matte, I may do another coating and let it sit. Also used all purpose on the interior and Carpro Pearl to protect the dash and plastics. Love this color in the sun! I didn’t do anything with the wheels which will be addressed when the tires arrive. Working with a local vendor hooked me up on tires. More on those next week!
Also think I found the leak. My neighbor is an engineer on yachts and brought over some really good black lights. Looks like the connection going to the condenser is leaking which is great news. Easy cheap fix it’s that’s it. I couldn’t find any other signs of dye anywhere.
That’s it for now
Also think I found the leak. My neighbor is an engineer on yachts and brought over some really good black lights. Looks like the connection going to the condenser is leaking which is great news. Easy cheap fix it’s that’s it. I couldn’t find any other signs of dye anywhere.
That’s it for now
A lot more effort than many realize, but yeah, today's chemicals and buffers help a lot. It also helps to know when and where to use certain things.
Awesome Jeep!
Can’t wait to see your build.
I am not biased at at all but you definitely got the best color!
Can’t wait to see your build.
I am not biased at at all but you definitely got the best color!
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