New Guy Here With A Question About Suspension

[Jerry Bransford]

Well thank you very much for those recommendations, I will be sure to pick them up then and get them installed. Depending on the price I may either get the pre-filters or just buy a new filter element. I have no clue where the stock setup might be so unless I can source an entirely new unit I would imagine I’ll still be staying aftermarket. Thank you so much for the help!

The Warn has gotten me out of trouble as a youngin’ so I’m very thankful to have it . I am considering getting a synthetic rope for it instead of the braided cable. Do you have any recommendations/opinions on that?

A 3/8" synthetic rope is the way to go. I replaced a couple wire ropes after they kinked with broken strands 20+ years ago, I will never go back to a wire rope. While your current wire rope is 5/16", I'd go for 3/8" with synthetic for its extra strength, synthetic is not as abrasion resistant so the extra strength provides a good safety margin. Not that in 20 years of winching have I ever needed to run the rope over something abrasive that could damage it.

You would be fine with a used factory air intake, they're usually on sites like eBay. My current TJ came with a cold air intake like yours and I found a used factory air intake system to replace it with.

 

[RHanna]

Well thank you very much for those recommendations, I will be sure to pick them up then and get them installed. Depending on the price I may either get the pre-filters or just buy a new filter element. I have no clue where the stock setup might be so unless I can source an entirely new unit I would imagine I’ll still be staying aftermarket. Thank you so much for the help!

The Warn has gotten me out of trouble as a youngin’ so I’m very thankful to have it . I am considering getting a synthetic rope for it instead of the braided cable. Do you have any recommendations/opinions on that?

I know you didn't ask me but I'm going to chime in anyway.

You won't be able to source a new intake. The best you can do is buy off facebook or a website like https://daveysjeeps.com/parts/product/1997-2006-jeep-wrangler-4-0-air-intake-tube/ That's just the tube and not the box. You are looking at about $100 or you could post your current setup on facebook and ask if anyone is willing to swap.

The part circled in red is what you are after. I'm keeping an eye out for my own TJ because I have the same setup you have.

As for synthetic you should look for dyneema type rope which is just a brand name, you want 3/8" thickness. I think you can expect to pay around $2 per foot and don't get fooled by the amazon/ebay ropes. They may have the ratings advertised but usually have thicker diameter than advertised and you end up not getting all the rope on the winch. I went with Tactical Recovery Equipment even though many on here are too happy with that company right now because of how they treated a former employee (I don't know the whole store). This is a whole rabbit whole you can easily fall into for a while.

If you go the synethic route I'd recommend using this as the connection point. This company is run by someone that knows a thing or two about TJs and he's pretty active on the forum. His main products are the big brake kits.
https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/wizard-recovery-gear-safety-thimble-black

 

[Skees]

I would look into getting roll bar padding on those bars. It doesn't take much of a jostle to send a face into one very hard. A cut or a lost tooth can spoil a nice outing

Agreed on the padding. I’m pretty sure in my younger days I have hit the crown of my head on the bars and I don’t want my kids doing that .

 

[B00mb00m]

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Does anyone know what axle this is? I didn’t realize there was an OEM rear high pinion?

 

[RHanna]

I know you didn't ask me but I'm going to chime in anyway.

You won't be able to source a new intake. The best you can do is buy off facebook or a website like https://daveysjeeps.com/parts/product/1997-2006-jeep-wrangler-4-0-air-intake-tube/ That's just the tube and not the box. You are looking at about $100 or you could post your current setup on facebook and ask if anyone is willing to swap.

View attachment 440250

The part circled in red is what you are after. I'm keeping an eye out for my own TJ because I have the same setup you have.

As for synthetic you should look for dyneema type rope which is just a brand name, you want 3/8" thickness. I think you can expect to pay around $2 per foot and don't get fooled by the amazon/ebay ropes. They may have the ratings advertised but usually have thicker diameter than advertised and you end up not getting all the rope on the winch. I went with Tactical Recovery Equipment even though many on here are too happy with that company right now because of how they treated a former employee (I don't know the whole store). This is a whole rabbit whole you can easily fall into for a while.

If you go the synethic route I'd recommend using this as the connection point. This company is run by someone that knows a thing or two about TJs and he's pretty active on the forum. His main products are the big brake kits.
https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/wizard-recovery-gear-safety-thimble-black

Didn’t mean this post to be condescending with the picture, just wanted a pic of the stock one for reference.

 

[deadbeat son]

Does anyone know what axle this is? I didn’t realize there was an OEM rear high pinion?

Couldn’t someone have retubed a Ford hp44 front axle for use on the rear?

 

[Skees]

A 3/8" synthetic rope is the way to go. I replaced a couple wire ropes after they were kinked with broken strands 20+ years ago, I will never go back to a wire rope again. While your current wire rope is 5/16", I'd go for 3/8" with synthetic for its extra strength, synthetic is not as abrasion resistant so the extra strength provides a good safety margin. Not that in 20 years of winching have I ever needed to run the rope over something abrasive that cold damage it.

You would be fine with a used factory air intake, they're usually on sites like eBay. My current TJ came with a cold air intake like yours and I found a used factory air intake system to replace it with.

Okay awesome I’ll start looking around on eBay/FB marketplace. I need a couple erroneous things for the interior as well like the rubber inserts for the cup holders and I also need to find a passenger side air vent because the one in the currently isn’t in great shape .

Thank you for the links, I’ll start my search tonight and see what I can find in regards to those parts. You guys have been instrumental for me I really appreciate all of the help.

 

[Skees]

I know you didn't ask me but I'm going to chime in anyway.

You won't be able to source a new intake. The best you can do is buy off facebook or a website like https://daveysjeeps.com/parts/product/1997-2006-jeep-wrangler-4-0-air-intake-tube/ That's just the tube and not the box. You are looking at about $100 or you could post your current setup on facebook and ask if anyone is willing to swap.

View attachment 440250

The part circled in red is what you are after. I'm keeping an eye out for my own TJ because I have the same setup you have.

As for synthetic you should look for dyneema type rope which is just a brand name, you want 3/8" thickness. I think you can expect to pay around $2 per foot and don't get fooled by the amazon/ebay ropes. They may have the ratings advertised but usually have thicker diameter than advertised and you end up not getting all the rope on the winch. I went with Tactical Recovery Equipment even though many on here are too happy with that company right now because of how they treated a former employee (I don't know the whole store). This is a whole rabbit whole you can easily fall into for a while.

If you go the synethic route I'd recommend using this as the connection point. This company is run by someone that knows a thing or two about TJs and he's pretty active on the forum. His main products are the big brake kits.
https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/wizard-recovery-gear-safety-thimble-black

Okay great then, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a stock intake setup. My Dad may have actually kept the stock setup, I just need to ask him about it. I’ll be heading over there in about half an hour so I’m hoping he’ll have some answers and that I can also get that book of receipts from him too since that should provide me with some clarity on everything.

Yeah I’m very certain I’ll be going synthetic rope, even my wife wants the synthetic on there so we don’t have to worry about the little ones getting shanked by a loose wire or anything. I’ll keep those recommendations handy when the time comes. I also had read that I need to replace the external rollers on the bumper when I change to the synthetic, is that true?

 

[RINC]

Look into upgrading your steering. Cheap upgrade is going with a ZJ tie rod.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Okay great then, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a stock intake setup. My Dad may have actually kept the stock setup, I just need to ask him about it. I’ll be heading over there in about half an hour so I’m hoping he’ll have some answers and that I can also get that book of receipts from him too since that should provide me with some clarity on everything.

Yeah I’m very certain I’ll be going synthetic rope, even my wife wants the synthetic on there so we don’t have to worry about the little ones getting shanked by a loose wire or anything. I’ll keep those recommendations handy when the time comes. I also had read that I need to replace the external rollers on the bumper when I change to the synthetic, is that true?

The roller fairlead can stay with a synthetic. If there are any burrs on the rollers just file them off.

 

[Skees]

Look into upgrading your steering. Cheap upgrade is going with a ZJ tie rod.

Just an OEM ZJ tie rod I'm assuming? Thanks for the tip .

 

[Skees]

Does anyone know what axle this is? I didn’t realize there was an OEM rear high pinion?

I spoke to my Dad about it today and he said it’s custom from a local place called Tri County Gear. So maybe that will help direct your search .

 

[B00mb00m]

I spoke to my Dad about it today and he said it’s custom from a local place called Tri County Gear. So maybe that will help direct your search .

Well sounds like the answer is it wasn’t an OEM axle. That’s a unique addition.

 

[Skees]

Well sounds like the answer is it wasn’t an OEM axle. That’s a unique addition.

Yeah I had asked him and he told me he had it made custom, i just had remembered to ask him specifically about the axle because I remembered your question.

 

[Skees]

Also some good news, he said he might have the stock air box in the attic of the garage! So I’ll be grabbing a ladder and heading up there soon to hopefully recover that . I still need to get the hard top and half doors from his place but I’m hopeful that the intake is up there.

I also asked him about the folder of receipts and he said he’ll have it for me next time I head over. So that should provide some clarity. He couldn’t remember the rear end gears but he did tell me it’s re-geared correctly for the tires and that the speedo is accurate.

He also told me he geared down the transfer case which is pretty cool.

 

[deadbeat son]

Also some good news, he said he might have the stock air box in the attic of the garage! So I’ll be grabbing a ladder and heading up there soon to hopefully recover that . I still need to get the hard top and half doors from his place but I’m hopeful that the intake is up there.

I also asked him about the folder of receipts and he said he’ll have it for me next time I head over. So that should provide some clarity. He couldn’t remember the rear end gears but he did tell me it’s re-geared correctly for the tires and that the speedo is accurate.

He also told me he geared down the transfer case which is pretty cool.

Be careful, the TeraLow 4:1 t-case kits are notorious for failing. Time hasn't treated them favorably.

Regardless, it's a beautiful TJ, and I hope you enjoy getting it back into shape and that your Dad does well enough with his battle that you are able to take him for a ride!

 

[Skees]

Be careful, the TeraLow 4:1 t-case kits are notorious for failing. Time hasn't treated them favorably.

Regardless, it's a beautiful TJ, and I hope you enjoy getting it back into shape and that your Dad does well enough with his battle that you are able to take him for a ride!

I’ll keep that in mind, thanks for the heads up. I’ll ask him which kit he had installed, I had kinda figured he had it done at the same place he had the rear axle done but I’m not sure.

I hope so too, he’s not too optimistic about getting back into the Jeep but I told him if he gets up and can walk on his own, I’ll pick his ass up and put him in there myself and we’re going for a ride . I’ll bring my son along and we’ll make a day of it! He made some great progress today, I’m incredibly proud of him and hopeful. Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it .

 

[Skees]

So I wanted to reach back out and let everyone know that I did end up getting some new Rancho RS5000X shocks and I ended up getting all 4 for a great deal ($258 shipped). I haven't gotten around to getting them installed yet but I am excited to get to it!

I did manage to take her out and have some fun with my kids, my son especially loves it he calls it "the monster truck" which is just awesome. I'll attach a couple pics I took while we were out to this post. Didn't do anything crazy, just some basic stuff. It's been a long time since I've done any "crazy" off-roading and I need to re-learn the truck before getting crazy with it. Especially with the little ones with me lol.

Unfortunately, my Dad did end up passing away at the end of August, he made it just past his 70th birthday and unfortunately his body just could not continue on. The decline was sharp and fast and honestly quite shocking to witness, but it happens .

 

[tr21triton]

So I wanted to reach back out and let everyone know that I did end up getting some new Rancho RS5000X shocks and I ended up getting all 4 for a great deal ($258 shipped). I haven't gotten around to getting them installed yet but I am excited to get to it!

I did manage to take her out and have some fun with my kids, my son especially loves it he calls it "the monster truck" which is just awesome. I'll attach a couple pics I took while we were out to this post. Didn't do anything crazy, just some basic stuff. It's been a long time since I've done any "crazy" off-roading and I need to re-learn the truck before getting crazy with it. Especially with the little ones with me lol.

Unfortunately, my Dad did end up passing away at the end of August, he made it just past his 70th birthday and unfortunately his body just could not continue on. The decline was sharp and fast and honestly quite shocking to witness, but it happens .

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sorry for your loss ! lost my dad in Feb. and it sure is rough .

 

[Rickyd]

Sorry to hear about your dad. It sure can happen fast sometimes.

Did he get to ride with you?

Thats cool a third generation is getting to enjoy his jeep!