Project "Landshark"

Something I've been envisioning for a while. Replaced the cracked and chipped wheel center covers
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Time for a long one...
So, about two months ago I was driving to a concert roughly 30 miles away, a mere fraction of some trips I've taken the jeep on. About 20 miles in, I noticed the smell of something getting hotter than it should. Shortly after I developed a pull to the right that escalated greatly with braking. Long story longer, I didn't make it to the concert. After a friend generously lending their trailer and some inspection, I suspected a seized caliper due to deteriorating brake hoses. Since the brakes were looking sub-par to begin with I ordered new calipers, rotors, and BMB pads. During installation, I noticed the RH pads weren't settling into the knuckle slides properly (see pics). Thinking they would settle in after some driving I continued with the install and the break in procedure.
 

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I had a pull to the left due to the right pads not making full contact with the rotor. I eventually realized the knuckle itself was bent out of spec where the pads are supposed to sit on the sliders. After a good amount of work with the BFH and torch trying to move those sliders I decided it was time for some new parts. Ended up going with Detroit Axles factory replacement units. Part# KB697922
Here's where my "brake job" got out of hand. I knew my hubs were on their way out, added Timken HA597449s to the cart. Taking the old knuckles off revealed a seized u-joint on the left and figured the right wasn't far behind. Set of Spicer 5-760X's added to the parts pile. I had a hard time getting the left knuckle off the ball joints and discovered the upper was toast. Added Spicer 706944X upper and lower ball joints.
 

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While I had everything apart, I put my recent acquisition of a $100 China Freight sandblaster to work (about as much media as I put in ended up back on the floor under the cabinet. Going to need to get crazy with the caulk). Cleaned up the axle shafts, brake dust shields, and some hardware I planned to reuse.
 

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Reassembly went fairly smooth. I went throught and Torqued everything per the factory specs found on these forums. I checked and adjusted the toe to 3/16" wider at the rear of the tires (35s). Checked all the other steering components and went for a test drive. Happy to say it went pretty well however cruising at ~50mph I now have the previously nonexistent death wobble after some decent bumps. Currently retracing my steps to make sure everything's to spec. Updates to come...

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Gear shifter v2.0
While I liked my "custom" bottle cap, the factory rubber knob was a bit grimy...never a good thing. Took the pool ball approach, matched to the jeeps color scheme of course. Sketched out the fin with a lacquer paint pen and cleared over it with the pearl effect


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How’s the liner holding up in the cab? I sprayed the outer of green TJ with hot lip red back in 2020. Sold it to a buddy, and it looks like crap last I saw.

I want to do my tub with the darker red here soon, rather than the black.