The 2004 Jeep service manual calls for 100 foot pounds torque on the D 44 ring gear. The bolts are 3/8-24 and 50 ft. pounds is the max. for that size.
I don't want to snap them. What torque is everyone using?
I find that many of the breakdowns that I encounter on the trail are due to poor or lack of maintenance.
I don't mind helping others but hate it when it is their fault for not taking care of their vehicle.
My driveshaft hit the forward skid plate crossbar so I cut out part of the crossbar & welded in a reinforcement that clears the drive shaft--that solved the problem.
How many of you are running with no swaybar or with it disconnected all the time?
What bad effects does it cause?
I just found that the horn on the axel that the front swaybar link attaches to has broken off
and is missing. It broke just above the axel tube and is a part of the axel so it's not...
I would agree---replace the starter & cables as well as clean everything up. This will give you a more dependable jeep
which you need if used in the back roads where you don't want any break downs.
I find most break downs on the trail that I have helped with are due to lack of maintenance.
It doesn't matter what transmission you have. You will need a mild lift to clear the 33" tires and according to your needs you may want a lower gear ratio in your differentials.
I don't have a picture of the stock linkage but if you have a lifted jeep you should replace the linkage with a cable shifter kit. The original linkage was poorly designed when new. Several companys make a kit, I installed he Advanced Adapters kit and am happy with it although the others are...
You DO need a no ground plane if mounting it on a bracket on the back.
If you were mounting it in the middle of the roof (if it was a metal roof) you would have a good ground plane.