It just happened!

[Irun]

As usual, a simple job turned out to be way more work than I planned for. Since the PCM was already out, which was sent to Blaine to add the SKIM feature, it was my intent to only install a new battery terminal kit. However, that devolved into removing the battery, battery tray, fuse/relay box bracket, and airbox. The inner fender and airbox was cleaned, and the battery tray and fuse/relay box brackets blasted and repainted. When everything was re-assembled, I did a little wiring clean up. There is more there to do, but it's a start.

Below is the terminal kit I installed. I'll post some pictures later!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K2MH6C3/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[SvtLdr]

As usual, a simple job turned out to be way more work than I planned for. Since the PCM was already out, which was sent to Blaine to add the SKIM feature, it was my intent to only install a new battery terminal kit. However, that devolved into removing the battery, battery tray, fuse/relay box bracket, and airbox. The inner fender and airbox was cleaned, and the battery tray and fuse/relay box brackets blasted and repainted. When everything was re-assembled, I did a little wiring clean up. There is more there to do, but it's a start.

Below is the terminal kit I installed. I'll post some pictures later!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K2MH6C3/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Honestly, with your level of experience, you should've see the rabbit hole of that project coming!

I went with the same terminal kit a few years ago and it has served me well.

 

[Irun]

Honestly, with your level of experience, you should've see the rabbit hole of that project coming!

You don't know me, but you know me!

 

[SvtLdr]

You don't know me, but you know me!

I only "know you" because I've been there... multiple times... and I haven't learned my lesson either.

 

[Irun]

In a time when we're complaining about wait times and customer service, it's nice when you get a pleasant surprise. Since I'll be re-doing the entire brake system, I recently ordered a set of Centric Premium rotors, new (not rebuilt) Raybestos Element3 calipers, and a set of Black Magic pads. When I received the rear calipers one was completely the wrong part. I created a RockAuto return authorization Friday evening, then boxed everything up and shipped the part back to them first thing Saturday morning. When I got home from work on Monday, the replacement part was waiting for me.

 

[robertgreen79]

Rich I saw you mention something about the steering in an earlier post. What were your plans for that?

 

[Irun]

Jeff already added the ZJ steering. With just a 32" tire, I don't see a need to update that to Currie. However, I will be adding a Derale single pass power steering cooler. Also, since it has the stock track bar, I have a new JKS track bar to install on both the front and rear.

 

[Irun]

Rich I saw you mention something about the steering in an earlier post. What were your plans for that?

See above ^^^^^

 

[Irun]

The PCM, SKIM, and keys arrived from @mrblaine. Of course, not without a small amount of drama. Apparently, the "new" SKIM I sent him was not new. Someone had burned a VIN into it, rendering it useless, then returned it. Additionally, two of the Mopar keys I sent wouldn't program.

Even though these things weren't my fault, given my own situation with limited time, I really take it personally when someone else has to waste theirs. Fortunately, Blaine was professional, handled things accordingly, and didn't make me feel worse than I already did!

 

[Irun]

Started cleaning up the wiring on the driver's side. All the brackets were removed from the fender, cleaned up and painted. Also bought a set of wiring harness clips and replaced all the broken ones securing the main harness to the fender.

 

[Irun]

Rebuilt the front drive shaft. That was not fun!

 

[bobthetj03]

Agreed! That cardan joint is a PITA!

 

[Mike_H]

Rebuilt the front drive shaft. That was not fun!

View attachment 291833

View attachment 291834

Last time I rebuilt one, I swore that would be the last time I did it. For what I spent in parts and the amount of time fighting it...It would be well worth the extra 100 bucks or so to just call Tom Woods and have a new one shipped.

 

[Irun]

Last time I rebuilt one, I swore that would be the last time I did it. For what I spent in parts and the amount of time fighting it...It would be well worth the extra 100 bucks or so to just call Tom Woods and have a new one shipped.

I did consider just ordering a shaft from TW. However, it just didn't make sense here. The stock shaft was in very good shape and I'm not going to be doing anything to this Jeep that would require an aftermarket shaft. Plus, all the parts to rebuild both the front and rear were $149.

I hadn't rebuilt one of these in years, always ordered one, and it really wasn't a bad as I remembered. After the shaft was out, it took me a total of about an hour to rebuild it. A significant amount of time was spent on one stubborn u-joint. Once I broke out the torch, it came right out. The toughest part of the job was getting the caps on the back double cardan. When I figured out that swiveling it around was the trick, everything lined up and went on.

 

[Irun]

Both rear axle seals are leaking, so the driver side received a complete new 4340 axle shaft from East Coast Gear Supply. While doing that, I disassembled the parking brake mechanism, removed the brake backing plate, then cleaned and painted everything. The passenger side is next on the list.

 

[Wildman]

Busy busy dude.

 

[jwilson2899]

Both rear axle seals are leaking, so the driver side received a complete new 4340 axle shaft from East Coast Gear Supply. While doing that, I disassembled the parking brake mechanism, removed the brake backing plate, then cleaned and painted everything. The passenger side is next on the list.

I’m taking this as a good sign that everything went better this time lol

 

[Irun]

I’m taking this as a good sign that everything went better this time lol

Much!

 

[Irun]

Busy busy dude.

In-laws were in town for a week, so I had to keep my nearly 80 year old Father In-law busy. We cleared a small section of woods that had gotten overgrown, patched a drywall hole from a previous water leak, worked on the Jeep a little, and more.

 

[SvtLdr]

In-laws were in town for a week, so I had to keep my nearly 80 year old Father In-law busy. We cleared a small section of woods that had gotten overgrown, patched a drywall hole from a previous water leak, worked on the Jeep a little, and more.

Sounds like you're ready for a vacation now!