Added 4 more washers to the stack of "transfer case drop shims" (washers), so there is now 1.25" drop. My rear driveline vibrations post-lift are now 95% gone. Enough to feel satisfied driving it. Quick shot of flat black paint on the, let's be honest.....it looks like a stack of casino chips....tower of washers that is my transfer case drop, so that it doesn't look totally redneck/shadetree. Drives smooth, ride is good. Not like my '96 Town Car was, but pretty much the same as before the lift and 33s. Fixed the 1" toe-in problem by upgrading the tie rod assembly to the bigger diameter solid Cherokee setup. Toe-in is now approximately 1/8". Jeep doesn't feel darty anymore. Also put on a new dampener. None of my old stuff, shocks, springs, dampener, tie rod, etc, felt worn when removed. But the Rancho shocks, like any new shock would along with new, different springs, firmed up the ride somewhat. Not unpleasant, but somewhat different. Took a friend for a ride tonight, and he too was satisfied with how it rode. Took it out on the highway to verify speedometer error and manners at speed. Still pleased. 60 indicated was 65-66 actual. Fine for now. Speedohealer on the list though down the road.
Got tired of looking at the corroded no-door mirror mount. Took it off and wire wheeled it and painted it.
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And then I drove it to my buddy's to check out the progress on his Cougar. He hadn't seen it lifted yet.
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So, funny story. I was waiting for part of the tie rod assembly to arrive at the parts store. While at home, I decided the paint was dry enough on the mirror clamp to reassemble it. I had to use some channel-loc pliers on the wheel knob to unscrew it, and had the mirror and pliers laying on the cowl/cowling. I reassembled the mirror and anti-seized the screw, so it would be easy to adjust if needed, when needed. Then it was time to go get the steering part. Came back home and threw it together, got it on the Jeep, and had the wife help with the measuring tape. Got the tie rod adjusted and took it for a ride. Down 7 or 8 blocks, up 4 or 5 blocks, then down 7 or 8 blocks, and then back 4 or 5 blocks back to the house. Adjusted the draglink to center the steering wheel and decided to maybe run by a coworker's place (he was off at 4pm) and then work to get my paycheck, since I was off today. Thought I should grab the check first, then the bank, then maybe the coworker's house. Came out of work and went around the front of the Jeep.......and saw the channel-locs still sitting on the cowl.
Now, I'm not saying it rides like my Town Car did and maybe the rubber on the pliers handle had something to do with it. But...........
