NOOB resurrecting a 2000

[xackley]

Hello
A friend had a beat up TJ that has been sitting in a field for 2 years.
So far I have replaced all the brake lines, wiper motor, O2 sensor, reconnected and/or replaced lights, put a horn button in the dash, and a mess of other stuff necessary so it might pass inspection.
Yesterday he finally got the Title straightened out so I got NYS temp plates so I could get it out of the field and into my garage. Top speed I felt safe at was 35MPH because the front drive shaft pretty much just flops around.
Today I started working on dropping the plate that supports the transfer case to remove the front drive shaft and inspect the frame. I actually broke the handle of a breaker bar in half removing the bolts. But between an impact wrench and another breaker I am close to sliding the pan out.

I have a WTB in the classifieds for a rear window for a Pavement End top
Thank you for listening.
Don

PS: If anyone has an original length front drive shaft with non greaseable U-joints, let me know. This TJ has no lift.

 

[glwood]

Sure would like to know exactly what "the front drive shaft pretty much just flops around" means...was it detached on one end, or apart in the middle...? sounds scary...

 

[xackley]

The U-joints by the transfer case are very loose. I will not know if there is damage to the shaft or seals coming out of the transfer case until I finish dropping the pan.
there may also be a wobble at the slip joint, whatever it's correct name is. I will know for sure when I get it on a bench. I would rather just replace the shaft with a good original that someone pulled because of a lift.
Don

 

[Rob5589]

Welcome aboard! Before going further, get some Kroil or PB Blaster to break loose any bolts you need to take out. I can imagine a NY rig sitting around for a while is pretty rusty. Saves a lot of headaches and repairs later. Get some pics up when you can. There are many folks here with a ton of Jeep knowledge so don't be afraid to ask.

 

[glwood]

I love Jeep resurrection stories, I'll be following this. One, I hope you got a great deal on this, and two, you have a lot of patience...! Good luck.