Sorry for so long since my last build thread post. Between maintaining my e-commerce store for Jeeps
and working on the TJ, and my normal share of spousal to do items, I've been swamped.
Since my last post, here is what has been accomplished:
Flushed radiator, heater core, engine block, and overflow bottle
Installed new thermostat and housing
Installed new radiator hoses (upper and lower)
Installed new heater hoses (both)
Installed a new vacuum line along back firewall
Removed old coil rail and spark plugs
Compression tested engine - pretty normal for 208,500 miles
Installed new spark plugs and coil rail
Removed old front and rear diff covers and installed new red aluminum
Alloy USA covers and new diff fluid
I still have a long list of refurbishment tasks before I even get to upgrading it. I've decided to do a 1" body lift that also replaces the existing bushings, since they are dry and cracked. Then I will do a 2" coil and shock lift along with replacing both front and rear track bars, an upgraded steering system, etc. I'm
Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure I need a new rear main seal, the drip continues even after the new valve cover and gasket. I'm going to take it to a shop to get done since my garage is not equipped for the task. While the shop has the oil pan off are there some other things that I get them to do since the bottom is opened up?
While I was replacing the vacuum line, I need to removed the battery and batter tray to get to where it terminates and decided to wire brush the surface rust off the battery tray and give it a quick Rustoleum spray, there was hardly any rust but I thought I would clean it up while I had it out.
The pics below are: the spray painted battery tray, the engine compartment with all the new shiny stuff, and a before and after pic of the front diff, I got too carried away with finishing the rear that I didn't get a before pic, but all you have to do is look under any other 2003 Jeep TJ with a Dana 35 and you'll see what the before looks like....LOL