Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

What did you do to your TJ today?

Today, I DROVE my Jeep! Its been down since early spring with diffs that finally grenaded on me. Saved up cash, watched some BFH garage videos, and tackled setting up gears. Installed Yukon Zip lockers front and back while I was in there, and fixed the parking brakes too.

I just got done with the 3rd "heat cycle" on the new gears, and it's quieter than the old gears were by a long shot! (they howled due to bad setup) It was a pleasure to drive the old girl again.

TJ's are just such a fun vehicle to drive!
 
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Finally went after the last oil leak. Timing chain cover. The harmonic balancer definitely needed replaced.
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Nice fresh one to take over the job.
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Didn't take a pic of the cover. Suffice it to say it was nasty inside and out. Two of the small bolts were loose. Obviously cleaned it up.
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Timing set was original and the chain was definitely stretched well beyond the .5 inch total flex.
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Replaced.
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Alot quieter in there now. New gasket and seal and all buttoned up.
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Now I know some of you have a lot of complaints about rockauto and wrong parts and crappy refrigerator magnets but I ordered the timing set from them and once again, the right parts, quick shipping, 3 days, and another, in my opinion, cool refrigerator magnet.
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Maybe it's because these orders come from, of all places, Sacramento?🤔
 
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Replaced my drivers side hub bearing on my Apex. It was probably fine, but there was a lug I had to replace because I had to drill off a lug nut that wouldn't come off. Since you have to at least pull the bearing out a bit to change the lugs, I figured I'd just replace it at 200k miles.

This is the Jeep I just finished the motor/trans swap in. My buddy brought over his repair plate and we took it for a ~20 mile ride. Thing did great, very quiet, no leaks, transmission shifted well, etc. The motor has a bit of piston slap, but whatever. Overall, I'm very happy so far. Have a few more things to do before I get it registered and go for inspection.

Hopefully some pics later today!
 
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Not today, but yesterday, the Jeep got moved out of the garage and back outside. Really should have pulled it out last week when I put the top back on. My father-in-law has a Costco carport he bought to use at a job site that he said I can have. Going to put that up in the driveway to keep some rain off the Jeep and hopefully put an end to my leak frustrations. It doesn't leak consistently or seemingly for any particular reason. So if it's covered most of the time, hopefully there will be no leaks.

Oh and of course it rained the first night it was outside! That's the PNW for you.
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JMT said:
Removed the cowl which had two areas completely bare and rusting. I did the prep today. I ordered some 2K fill primer and will be here next week. Trying to get all painting done before cooler weather. So, hoping to get the painting done next Thursday.

View attachment 644311

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Can I send you mine to paint flame red? The corners are fading and my painting skills are equal to a drunk house painter. :unsure:
 
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