OP
My garage is so full of stuff, it's borderline unmanageable...
'98 Sahara build: "Staying the Course"
- Thread starter Squatch
- Start date
OP
There are some incredible build threads in this forum! Mine, unfortunately, has been more of an "Accumulation thread". The time we can dedicate to our rigs varies greatly. For me, I haven't had much time to devote to it, but I do whatever I can, whenever I can.Squatch, I really like your first post and how you are tracking everything you have done there. Although mine is simple, I really should get my own build thread going to document my journey and expenses, especially since I plan on keeping the Jeep in the family as long as I can. I have the same feeling about build threads and thus have never done one before for any car, even ones I have spent countless time and $ on. However, I like this site. It has a great non-commercial vibe to it, and Chris lets us store pictures of our TJ's. Even though I am not really "building" anything, it still would be fun to document and share with the TJ family. I'll leave the real building and serious off-roading to all you others, LOL. I sure have learned a lot from all of the experts here regularly, both before and after I bought my TJ.
OP
I do, and it does. Haven't started it since dropping the tank, however. But I did a full tune-up on it prior to tearing the tank out. Also, I ran non-ethanol fuel in it, so that's what remains in the system.
Yeah, I have nearly popped wood over some of the pics in some of the recent build threads, LOL. Beefy customized Dana 60's bigger than my arm, that I know nothing about. I am learning as fast as I can, but a lot of that stuff is seriously above my pay grade. I just love seeing all the information being shared by everyone, no matter what level of difficulty or amount of organization. You never know what might be useful to the passer by. The cumulative body of information that is here is amazing and is very useful to newcomers.There are some incredible build threads in this forum! Mine, unfortunately, has been more of an "Accumulation thread". The time we can dedicate to our rigs varies greatly. For me, I haven't had much time to devote to it, but I do whatever I can, whenever I can.
OP
OP
Was able to sneak out to the garage for a couple of hours this evening. Finished removing any surface rust off the Dana 44. I'll hit it with the appropriate primer tomorrow, and let it cure. I was scheduled for a week and a half off starting next week, but my lead operator's wife is expecting their second child next week, so I'm likely going to cancel my vacation while he takes some time off to get to know his newest family member. Oh well, I'll keep plugging away at it whenever I can. Sure hope those new Toyo tires are good in the snow, because that's starting to look like when it's maiden run will be!
I’ll bet once @Squatch is all done with this, and it’s time for the big reveal, we are going to be looking at a Rambler body on a TJ frame!
OP
OP
OP
Though I don't believe I ever announced it, I did pick up a JKS adjustable rear track bar a while back, and a set of those Wild Boar grab handles, as well. The Teej is loaded inside with boxes of new parts. No more room in the garage! :facepalm:
I just installed a JKS rear bar on mine during my Currie lift. It is pretty easy. In fact the rear end was squared up so the bar fit without too much fuss.
You're gonna need new springs, just to support the weight of all the stored aftermarket goodies. At least until they are installed!
I have a 1998 sahara as well. Has 120,000 miles on it. 3.5 spring lift, 1" body lift. 33x12.5 R15 tires bf goodrich all terrain. I will be interested to see the updates as I am new to the more technical stuff. I can't believe you got that for 750.00. I'm not sure the value of mine, has a soft top. I would value it 5 or $6000.00. Good luck! Looking forward to more and post pictures.
OP
I'm finding that the $750 price tag was merely the bait on the hook. I've spent more money on this thing than any other vehicle I have ever owned!
The previous owner put the lift on mine. Thank God bc I'm too much of a tight wad to spend that kind of $. As I look at suspension parts the higher you go the more it costs. Replacing axles sounds intimidating to me. Not really sure what Dana's are? And why people joke around about Dana?
Dana is the manufacturer of the axle assemblies. TJs use Dana 30, 35, & 44 axles. The only Dana axle that gets grief is the 35. But it can be beefed up with new axle shafts.
You read this thread, and compare with what you have!
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...d-what-the-difference-is-with-each-axle.9060/