Changed out the diff fluid Saturday, then went for a trail ride on Sunday followed by a day trip to the bike park yesterday.
What did you do to your TJ today?
- Thread starter LJRubiconGuy
- Start date
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
I got one today for $162 with the Prime Day deal. Thanks for the link.
Some things are better left to the professionals. I do not like removing coil springs for any reason.
CJ with a TJ
TJ Enthusiast
I started the welding learning process. Took my first 10 passes using flux core, I know that it's not pretty, but it's a start. I wasn't trying to dial in any settings or technique, I just wanted to pop the cherry, and see what it looked like through the helmet. I have lots of time to improve.
Welcome to the "Ugly Bead Club." We meet on the third Thursday of the month.
Just remember - every cross-country hike begins with a single step!
CJ with a TJ
TJ Enthusiast
Welcome to the "Ugly Bead Club." We meet on the third Thursday of the month.
Just remember - every cross-country hike begins with a single step!
I hope the club's monthly dues aren't too high, it'll cut into my practice wire fund.
Well, I have been waiting for a deal and the Bestop Sailcloth Replace-A-Top is on the Amazon Day deals so I ordered one
Changed transfer case, front and rear diff fluids - figured it was time considering the fluids were 20 years old.
Hopefully the rtv seals on the diffs.
Hopefully the rtv seals on the diffs.
Last few days , we call this progress. Life has been in the way of the Jeep but I’m patient. 
Much more to do.
Much more to do.
Lube Locker gaskets are a worthy investment.
I see... Had I known I would have ordered 2 lol, doing the rtv was messy. I'm sure the gasket would have been a bit quicker instead of applying, let it sit, torque to spec, wait 24hrs then fill diff. Makes the diff fluid procedure a 2 evening event.
Transfer case was a snap!
In reality, even though the fluid was 20years old, it was still almost new considering the Jeep has 40k km's (25k miles) on it.
This Jeep continues to be the BEST 10k I have spent even if I technically just traded my Mini straight for it.
I'm really impressed with the 4.0L and the torqueness of the little engine. Especially given it's not regeared. I did a trip this weekend, took my youngest camping, then we went up Washington Basin, it's about 18 miles up and from 6000ft to 9705 at the highest. I never felt like the engine was under powered.
Maybe I'm retarded. That is more than likely.
But still. I loved our JL. But... maybe it's the simplicity here and the fact that this 20yr old Jeep just trucks along. That I barely have 4k into it and feel like it's already better than the JL.
I dunno. But I do know I want to find a second one for the wife.
I'm really impressed with the 4.0L and the torqueness of the little engine. Especially given it's not regeared. I did a trip this weekend, took my youngest camping, then we went up Washington Basin, it's about 18 miles up and from 6000ft to 9705 at the highest. I never felt like the engine was under powered.
Maybe I'm retarded. That is more than likely.
But still. I loved our JL. But... maybe it's the simplicity here and the fact that this 20yr old Jeep just trucks along. That I barely have 4k into it and feel like it's already better than the JL.
I dunno. But I do know I want to find a second one for the wife.
Last few days , we call this progress. Life has been in the way of the Jeep but I’m patient.
Much more to do.
We also got the Barnes “rear bumper” installed. I decided on welding it to the rear crossmember. I do wish I’d done the “butt crack” removal but didn’t, so that’s that. I’m happy with this rear bumper.
CJ with a TJ
TJ Enthusiast
More welding practice. I won't stop until I'm kicked out of the "Ugly Bead Club".
Is it a 110V or 220V flux? I've never been able to have a clean weld with a cheap 110V without lots of prep and preheat
My first thought is you're having trouble seeing the puddle. Put spotlights on your worksite and reduce your shade a little (dont burn your eyes out). Then SLOW down. Also bracing your welding hand with your offhand can really help. GL!
Ps-I'm not a welding instructor but I like to melt stuff.
CJ with a TJ
TJ Enthusiast
CJ with a TJ
TJ Enthusiast
You're definitely on the right track, because this set of 10 was markedly better than my first set of 10 yesterday.
These 10 beads I intentionally went slower, and tried to concentrate on the trailing puddle vs the wire, to try to gauge the weld. And I turned the shade dial down to 9 from 11, and I could see much better. I'll try the spotlight, I never thought of that.
I do definitely need to dial in the off hand technique, as you can clearly see when I jump a little. I need movement to be smooth and fluid, which it is not right now. But I'm going to put in the time to practice.
Thank you for your insight/critique, I really appreciate it!!!
I think you meant to reply to the other guy, but if you got any tips to make 110 flux not look like shit then I'm all ears lol
Similar threads
