James & The Sahara Build Thread
- Thread starter JamesAndTheSahara
- Start date
OP
Tj04
TJ Enthusiast
What James said is right I'm just gonna add a tad more detail. Rubicon's with the mirror map lights temp and compass used basically a Chrysler made gentex model I belive, and sometimes sports and saharas had them as well. I belive it wasn't actually a gentex that was used though and it only fits a certain select few models of gentex. I think the gentex 77 fits the factory wiring harness.
OP
I checked today and I did not have one. Thats ok though I was planning on doing all the wiring.
OP
It is time for another big update!
Sourced my rear axle today! A mint dana 44 TJ axle with 40k miles on it. Everything turned beautifully, looked good, and checked out. The gears are in great shape, just need to take time to figure out the gear ratio (I thought it was written on the tag). Going to try to install the axle asap and then regear/lockers after. More to come!
Also, yes I did pick it up in my TJ. Fit just fine without the rear seat in
.
Sourced my rear axle today! A mint dana 44 TJ axle with 40k miles on it. Everything turned beautifully, looked good, and checked out. The gears are in great shape, just need to take time to figure out the gear ratio (I thought it was written on the tag). Going to try to install the axle asap and then regear/lockers after. More to come!
Also, yes I did pick it up in my TJ. Fit just fine without the rear seat in
.
OP
Take some brake cleaner and really spray the differential out. On the ring gear should be some numbers stamped into it (the smooth part). Those numbers should indiacte ring gear teeth and pinion teeth or simply the ratio of the two. Example: "4.10"
OP
Congrats on a great find! I really want to say The Off Road Connection does gear installs for $500 IIRC
Just FYI.
Hope you get it in without issue. Best of luck!
OP
I appreciate it, gonna be putting it in thursday before the hurricane rain comes. We don't get it bad but want my back window in
.It was! Taking it to class with me tomorrow!
OP
My 2nd floor apartment patio is already full of old jeep parts to pass on to people, aint got room for an axle. Gotta get her on fast!
It is time for another big update!
Sourced my rear axle today! A mint dana 44 TJ axle with 40k miles on it. Everything turned beautifully, looked good, and checked out. The gears are in great shape, just need to take time to figure out the gear ratio (I thought it was written on the tag). Going to try to install the axle asap and then regear/lockers after. More to come!
Also, yes I did pick it up in my TJ. Fit just fine without the rear seat in
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Okay- serious question. I have been considering cleaning my diffs and replacing the fluid myself, but I read it is the most horrific smell imaginable. I see you now have some experience with this- what do you think?
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OP
I have never heard it and didn't smell anything doing this. I guess I'm noseblind to this kind of stuff... I wouldn't say its too bad but I'm about to reload the Dana 44 possibly tomorrow so I'll get a good whiff and let ya know. Researching stuff I don't know like can I swap brake lines over without bleeding fluids ect.
Diff fluid definitely can have a strong smell. Best way I can think to describe it is, bitter smelling. But it isn't so bad that I had to stop working.
OP
So if I swap this axle tomorrow anyone have an idea on if I just remove the brakes/brakelines and swap em over without releasing the fluid? Thats the only part im unsure of at this point. Need to know if I need brake fluid
That axle looks like it has discs on it...don't you have drums? Is everything just bolted on to some sort of backing plate? If it were disc to disc, I'd say yes, you can do it without breaking the lines open. If you are moving your drums over, I think you'll have to pull the wheel cylinders and open the lines.
OP