Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

What is a mod criteria?

C.O.F.DisplacedAlaskan

C.O.F.DisplacedAlaskan

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Cleveland, Ok
I guess what I'm trying to say is... when does it start to not feel like polishing a turd? I purchased a farm jeep with good bones (frame, tub engine bay without cutting out rust). It came with the typical farm modifications (rusted winch, broken light bar, mismatched & dry rot mud tires, wasp habitat and an engine damping squirrel nest. The motor now has a nice purr and chasing vacuum tube and wires (back to the squirrels... Babies need chew toys.)
My first official mod attempt was rear drum to disc conversion but still chasing brake lines and proportioning valve with sponge brakes (superior in the new ice and snow but like the leg press at the gym).
Well, it may be ranting but I've psyched my self up for steer dampening and front shocks in the morning at 32°F/0°C... Hot coffee and hand warmers, now that's a Mod!!!
 
C.O.F.DisplacedAlaskan said:
I guess what I'm trying to say is... when does it start to not feel like polishing a turd? I purchased a farm jeep with good bones (frame, tub engine bay without cutting out rust). It came with the typical farm modifications (rusted winch, broken light bar, mismatched & dry rot mud tires, wasp habitat and an engine damping squirrel nest. The motor now has a nice purr and chasing vacuum tube and wires (back to the squirrels... Babies need chew toys.)
My first official mod attempt was rear drum to disc conversion but still chasing brake lines and proportioning valve with sponge brakes (superior in the new ice and snow but like the leg press at the gym).
Well, it may be ranting but I've psyched my self up for steer dampening and front shocks in the morning at 32°F/0°C... Hot coffee and hand warmers, now that's a Mod!!!
Click to expand...

Don’t let the squirrels win.
 
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NashvilleTJ said:
That’s just mean, Mac…

🙂
Click to expand...

Mean would be including an expresso machine, beer fridge, comfy couch and a big screen TV in said heated shop.

I've got a roof on mine and all the doors and windows are leaned up in a corner. Still cold, damp and no lift...

IMG20250103102959.jpg


-Mac
 
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macleanflood said:
Mean would be including an expresso machine, beer fridge, comfy couch and a big screen TV in said heated shop.

I've got a roof on mine and all the doors and windows are leaned up in a corner. Still cold, damp and no lift...

View attachment 585899

-Mac
Click to expand...

Well, since you’ve not yet given us a tour, I’m starting to think all these “glances” of your new shop are AI…🙂
 
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How far the finish line is depends on how far back you start.

I like projects but I don't have the time for a project car - I'd rather have something solid I can work on, but drive, than something that is sitting in my garage for months on end.
 
Sayantsi said:
How far the finish line is depends on how far back you start.

I like projects but I don't have the time for a project car - I'd rather have something solid I can work on, but drive, than something that is sitting in my garage for months on end.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. My daily driver has gone from 35 MPH to 75 MPH with a month of wrench turning and habitat Destruction 👍
 
Only in the last 3 years have I owned a home and with it came a garage space big enough for cars/trucks. However 2 weekends ago the starter gave out in my TJ, in the drive way, blocking my other car inside the garage... I was super thankful once I got the Jeep back into the garage to continue working on it.

Once in a while when I'm sitting in my heated garage, drinking a beer watching the tv, I have a real epiphany of how lucky I am these days...;)
 
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Limestone said:
Only in the last 3 years have I owned a home and with it came a garage space big enough for cars/trucks. However 2 weekends ago the starter gave out in my TJ, in the drive way, blocking my other car inside the garage... I was super thankful once I got the Jeep back into the garage to continue working on it.

Once in a while when I'm sitting in my heated garage, drinking a beer watching the tv, I have a real epiphany of how lucky I am these days...;)
Click to expand...

Show off
 
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Once you have something reliable enough to daily drive and you aren't tripping over broken stuff all the time it'll feel like you are doing mods, not polishing a little chrysler shitbox.

At least that's how it was for me with my two tj's. Both of them were pretty rough when I got them.
 
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Rickyd said:
Once you have something reliable enough to daily drive and you aren't tripping over broken stuff all the time it'll feel like you are doing mods, not polishing a little chrysler shitbox.

At least that's how it was for me with my two tj's. Both of them were pretty rough when I got them.
Click to expand...

Well, this is what I started with. A farm find for 5K. The Ugly; as mentioned in the start of this post it was home to squirrels and wasps. Also had rotten mismatched tires, paint chips with more dimples than golf ball and "Uff!!!" 330k miles. From the condition and miles I'm pretty sure it was flat towed extensively. After a new computer and basic repairs with fluid changed the engine and drive line seam solid and the frame & tub are (after repeat inspection) light minimal rust. I'm more a boat guy and this is my first Jeep. As I'm use to naming boats I will name my TJ "Auginassa" which translates to Agnes in the American backwater dialect.
I haven't twisted tools regular for 30+ years and this Jeep is bringing me some much needed self assurance so far.
Another thread they said I need to post more pictures I guess I'll have to start doing that

IMG20241203130541.jpg
 
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Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the odometer counts mileage from towing.
But yeah, that looks pretty good for 5 Grand.
 
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