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toocheaptosmoke
05-16-2008, 12:01 AM
It all started last spring when I had the Jeep in for inspection. My mechanic told me that this would be the last time it would pass inspection without some work, it was going to need some brakes, new tires, and the frame was becoming questionable. Among those problems I could hear a bearing in the tranny going south, front driveshaft slip spline was loose as hell, leaf springs and most bushings were pretty much wore out, and EVERY thing leaked except the front axle.

I continued daily driving and hauling a boat with the jeep for most of the summer, that is until I crawled under it one day with a big screwdriver and started prodding around. What I found made wasn’t good. Since so much stuff needed replaced I decided to finally build it up a little like I’ve always wanted to, then maybe even do some actual off roading with it! :107: Here’s a list of stuff and what will be done with it,

Engine – 4.2L, leaving mostly stock because it has always ran good, might do the TFI ignition and MC2100 upgrade later on.

Tranny – T-177 4 speed, rebuild

T.C. – dana 300, put new seals in it and twin stick

Front axle – dana 30, freshen up and new seals

Rear axle – AMC 20, one piece moser shafts, new seals, ghetto axle truss

Frame – fix

Suspension – 2.5” lift

Brakes – go through stock front brakes, do disc brake conversion in rear

Tires – 33 x 10.5 BFG muds



I started the project late last summer, but took a 9 month hiatus for school. Here’s what has been done so far,

Here’s the frame after I started poking around with the screwdriver, it was amazing how much steel was rotted away and things were still holding together. There was no visible hole when I started. All four points where the rear leaf springs were mounted are pretty much gone. Dirt had built up about a half inch thick and rotted everything. The affected area was actually pretty confined to right around the shackle hangers, I didn’t have to cut too far to reach solid metal.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0621072010-1.jpg







I rebuilt the transmission with a kit from Novak, very happy with the kit and the customer service there. Autozone didn’t have a posi-lock puller big enough for the mainshaft bearings, and I didn’t feel like spending a couple hundred bucks on one either. So, I broke out the $10 harbor freight puller, some steel stock, add a few hose clamps, and we were in business. Found a broom handle that was the perfect size for an arbor, used that to hold the counter shaft bearings in place. I heated the main bearings up in the toaster oven to slide onto the shafts easier, my mom wasn’t to thrilled about that when she wanted to toast a sandwich. :biggrin:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0808072015x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0809071753x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0814072327ax.jpg






Put a new pinion seal in the rear axle and took the old 2 piece shafts out. If I would have known how tight the original hubs were stuck onto the axle shafts I would have though twice about getting one piece shafts. I also made a truss from some leftover angle I had, I know it’s not the beefiest, but it should be better than nothing. I still need to weld the tubes and redo my welds on the diff housing, first time welding cast and didn't get enough penetration and didn't preheat it enough.


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0811071913x.jpg







Had to relocate the project halfway through.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0504081233x.jpg








Started making the frame patches for the spring hangers, using 3/16 x 3” steel.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0513081231x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0513081311x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0515082040x.jpg




Got the old steering box out and traded in for a reman at autozone, good thing they don’t care about broken and rusted bolts. Also going to need some new TRE’s and might try and make disconnects for the swaybar.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0510081237x.jpg





Took the front axle out to work on, man is that thing heavy, about got a hernia dragging it around the driveway.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0510081438x.jpg





Rebuilt the front calipers, they are ready to go.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0514082351x.jpg





Got most of the axle apart now. I am thinking now would be the time to do the ball joints, they are most likely original. There is no play in them but they are kind of stiff to turn. It doesn’t look like balljoints will be a fun job though, what am I in for? I’m also putting in all new seals and u-joints. Rust has been my mortal enemy throughout this project, and the jeep hasn’t even been driven in the winter for about 8 years.



http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0515082039x.jpg

92YJCBG
05-16-2008, 12:21 AM
i really like scramblers, your is going really well. Great build

wozz
05-16-2008, 09:41 AM
Very nice. I can't wait to get started on mine. I started ordering parts so I can start on it when I get home from school. So are you going to pull the body off the frame or try and work around it?

toocheaptosmoke
05-16-2008, 11:28 AM
Very nice. I can't wait to get started on mine. I started ordering parts so I can start on it when I get home from school. So are you going to pull the body off the frame or try and work around it?


Plan on leaving the body on, all the mounts are rusted pretty bad, just one more thing I don't really feel like taking on. :042: At the rate things are going though, who knows, I just keep finding more things that need fixed. I hoped to get this thing back on the road within a month of getting back from school, might have to extend that. :disgust:




Couple shots of the frame

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0516081031x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0516081032x.jpg

joshs1ofakindxj
05-16-2008, 12:15 PM
Holy rust holes batman!

Looks like you got your hands full but you seem capable! Keep up the good work.

doublejz
05-16-2008, 12:37 PM
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0516081032x.jpg

you are the weakest link :-P

toocheaptosmoke
05-29-2008, 10:22 PM
Found part of my frame!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0528082040x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0528082033x.jpg


Here's the 300zx calipers for the rear axle, got them remanned off ebay for 40 bucks, no core charge. The brackets are also from fleebay, there's a guy making them for this conversion, got them for 40 bucks shipped. I don't have the tools to cut metal that thick so it worked out good.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0529082200x.jpg


Got some new motor mounts in.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0517081323x.jpg

LordAthens
05-30-2008, 06:06 PM
Looks like a decent project, I've always been a fan of 8's. I can't believe that frame hasn't snapped in two yet!

toocheaptosmoke
06-09-2008, 12:32 AM
New pinion seal.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0603082312x.jpg


New inner axle seals.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0605082245x.jpg


I got the MOOG ball joints because the uppers are made with the grease fitting on the side, so they clear the axle shafts. Should be able to grease the things any time I want now. The MOOG joints were only 37 bucks a piece so they weren't terribly expensive, made in USA too.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0606082230x.jpg


Gettting the olds u-joints out was a beeotch, no way these things were coming out for a trail repair. They might have been original to the jeep. I had to cut each clip out with a dremel first because they were rusted too bad. I got a 20 ton press and it was working hard to get these things out, I was even blowing the ends of the caps off.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0608081329x.jpg
(Note that prison style shank/file :101:)

toocheaptosmoke
06-09-2008, 12:42 AM
I can't believe that frame hasn't snapped in two yet!


Don't worry, I've got 3 sets of jackstands under the jeep as well as a couple logs, she's not going anywhere. Scary part is I was driving and towing things with the frame that way. :107:

pghjeeper
06-09-2008, 12:52 AM
I would say get a new frame seriously it would be like building on a bad foundation. I know they are a lot of money but a nice CJ8 is worth it. Heres some inspiration my 81 CJ8.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/blueknight6670/IMGA0508.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/blueknight6670/IMGA0502.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/blueknight6670/IMGA0514.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/blueknight6670/IMGA0494.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/blueknight6670/IMGA0496.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n254/blueknight6670/IMGA0512.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
06-09-2008, 01:17 AM
I would say get a new frame seriously it would be like building on a bad foundation. I know they are a lot of money but a nice CJ8 is worth it. Heres some inspiration my 81 CJ8.



That looks great, she turned out very nice.

I did seriously think about getting a new frame, but there was a couple reasons why I didn't. The main of course was the money :043:but, the other was the time it would take for a whole frame off resto. Although, it has almost turned into one now... I just had a feeling if I got a whole new frame the project would end up going from months to years and never get finished, I want to drive the thing.

With the exception of the drivers side rear, most of the gaping holes are from me cutting everything away to get to solid metal. The rust was actually very isolated to where the dirt was collected, once you go about a half inch up from the bottom of the frame it's almost untouched. The front half and the rest of the frame is real solid. There was never any buckling or bending while the jeep was on the road to suggest the frame was that bad, until I went at it with a hammer and screwdriver.

gonecheenin
06-09-2008, 07:23 AM
lookin good


That frame isn't anywhere near as bad as my YJ was, and after cutting out dang near the whole frame rail @ the drivers rear spring hanger the frame is strong as could be again - Sure a new frame would be sweet but if you repair yours right theres no reason that won't be just as good
Biggest tip I have for you, make sure you fill the frame rails with some rust to primer/rust destroying catalyst, then some paint or oil or "fill in blank here" (bought the strongest arguement for a new frame is rust proofing the INSIDE from day one!)

On my new YJ I plan to change the t-case mounting style then holesaw out the originial skid mounting holes & rubber plug them so that I can flush the frame out & run used oil through it from time to time

toocheaptosmoke
06-13-2008, 11:30 PM
Well, been trying to get some work done on the frame patches, but my welder has not been cooperating. It will not produce a consistent arc anymore, tried everything I could to fix it, must be an internal problem. Damn thing is only 4 years old and probably not had more than 15 lb. of wire through it, It's a Hobart Handler 135, made by Miller. Going to have talk to the guys at the welding supply, see what I can do. Not sure how much is still covered under warranty. Hope the circuit board didn't take a crap, don't need a $400 paper weight. :011:


Here's what's happening, blue lines are where there is good arc, red is intermittent. Kind of hard to see in the pic, but you get the idea of how random the problem is.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0611081754x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
07-02-2008, 01:26 AM
Tried everything I could to find what was wrong with the welder, three times, still had the problem. Found a shop in millvale that could take a look at it and the guy there was real cool and tried to help me figure it out over the phone, still didn't work right. Drove the whole way down there and the damn thing worked PERFECT. Could not get it to re-enact the sypmtoms at all. :104: Brought it back home and it's been working good ever since. (knock on wood) Got most of the frame patch pieces finished and the captive nuts on.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0630082031ax.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0628081055x.jpg


Got the front axle done finally, she's ready to go back in. We'll see how "super strength" those u-joints are.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0625081128x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0611081851x.jpg




Then a friend bought this '89 Quadzilla, and I've been working on it lately which is putting a dent in my jeep time. It's pretty fast though, got to love the 500cc singles. :)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0621081406x.jpg


Started getting things together to put in the one piece axles, but noticed patches of rust inside the axle tubes. There was NO rust anywhere else in the axle, must have been from condensation. So, I decided to drop the carrier out so I could more thoroughly clean things out, that's when I discovered my carrier bearings and races were bad. Everything had turned silky smooth in the axle so I assumed all was well... Looks like there was bits of race floating around the axle so my pinion bearings are probably toasted as well. Not like I really wanted to learn how to reset gears, but I guess there's a first for everything. :040:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0629082123x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0629082225ax.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0629082225bx-1.jpg




Using the ghetto fabulous harbor freight puller again. :033:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0630082318x.jpg


Took apart and cleaned starter while I had it out, was filthy inside.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0627082356x.jpg

gonecheenin
07-02-2008, 04:42 AM
dayum, you ain't scared of anything! :nod:

XJchris98
07-02-2008, 09:05 AM
Looking good man! You going to have that thing done and ready to take up to school?:066:

toocheaptosmoke
07-03-2008, 12:46 AM
Thanks. Ya, really hope to have it back on the road within a month. (wait, didn't I say that last month? :120:)

toocheaptosmoke
08-10-2008, 12:52 AM
Well, it's a month later, still not finished. :043:



Chopped up the stock drum backing plates, just need the centers for the new disc brakes.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0702081410x.jpg



Here's what's left of the gas tank support, flipped it over to the top where the rust hadn't eaten it way. As of now I have almost all the frame welding done, all patches are in as well as the gas tank support and e-brake bracket. Just need to put on a couple body mounts.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0704081913x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0716081317x.jpg




Nice welding AMC. :s-minigun:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0702081454x.jpg



And while I'm bashing AMC, why the hell did they make you lift the freaking engine just to get the oil pan off.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0706081153x.jpg




Putting in an oil pump kit while I got things apart. Note to Melling: Package your kits better!!! I had to go through FIVE before I got one that wasn't damaged enough to throw away!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0804082245x.jpg



Had to move the jeep again.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0722081739x.jpg



Adding rear AAL's per skyjacker's recommendation.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0707082346x.jpg



Got all new bearings for the pinion and carrier and got them installed.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0713082240x.jpg



PVC is stronger than I thought.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0716082329x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0702082222x.jpg





Checking old crush sleeve and setting pinion preload.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0716082312ax.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0718082237x.jpg




What should have been a relatively easy job of keeping track of stock shims and simply replacing bearings went south. I got things together and the backlash was way too tight, something's different in the new bearings... I got a shim kit from Ratech and have been getting things sorted out in the axle, it's been slow but getting there.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0802082321eleventhou.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0802082320elevthou.jpg




I needed a magnetic base for my dial indicator, but the local store was out. I was feeling extra thrifty that day, so I cannibalized one of those cheap magnifying glass stand things and some all-thread.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0719081658x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0719082125x.jpg





Some other things that have been cutting into my jeep time, my dad's truck has been needing weekly maintenance, had to replace the axle seals which were leaking and causing the brakes to bind.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0802081914x.jpg


Didn't feel like spendin 17 bucks on an actual wheel bearing lock nut socket, so I bent up some steel stock and welded it to an old bearing race.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0801082123x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0802082002x.jpg


I know the d60 is a full floater, but I am surprised at how much beefier my m20 shafts are.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0801082000x.jpg


Then my buddy's quad has turned into a full rebuild by you know who.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0729082342x.jpg

XJchris98
08-10-2008, 01:36 AM
NICE!

That thing better be up at PSU come the 25th!

toocheaptosmoke
09-03-2008, 12:48 AM
Haven't got much done on the jeep lately, was on vacation before school started, then over this past weekend I had to rebuild the power steering pump in my car. Got my tires though, 33x10.5's. :003:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0807081655x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0830082152x.jpg

XJchris98
09-03-2008, 01:30 AM
Still looking good man!

Nice choice in tires too...those should do nicely for these erie winters :077:

toocheaptosmoke
09-03-2008, 07:27 PM
Thanks, probably won't be seeing much snow though, I don't drive the jeep when there's salt on the roads. It hasn't seen road salt for at least 12 years, only reason the body and frame isn't swiss cheese. Well, more than it already was. :043: Talk about backwards, I drive the rear wheel drive car in the winter and the 4x4 in summer. I'll definitely bring her up when it's done though.

toocheaptosmoke
10-07-2008, 12:44 AM
Monthly update time. :disgust:

FINALLY got the gears set in the rear axle, setting up used gears is as much of a PITA as you hear. Spent way too much time having to cut shims and put bearing races in and out. But, got things looking good.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1004081925X.jpg




Then I sold enough stuff on ebay to buy a locker, got it just in time to finish up the rear axle.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1003081719x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
11-09-2008, 10:48 PM
Another month gone. :104:

Been having a tough time keeping motivated on the jeep, too many other fun things to do on the weekends. Went riding last week at Majestic Trails, up near the NY border. It's all private so your atv's don't need to be registered. It's a sweet place to go riding, lots of hill climbs, mud, moguls, and a MX track.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1101081529x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1101081655x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
11-09-2008, 10:49 PM
Finally got the rear axle pretty much wrapped up, what a PITA that has been. Even the one piece axles didn't go smoothly. This weekend I dry fit the axles and tires in place to see how things were going to sit.



Lock right

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1107082333x.jpg



Pressing bearings onto new axles.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1107082246x.jpg



http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1109081317ax.jpg

wozz
11-09-2008, 11:34 PM
looking good man

toocheaptosmoke
12-09-2008, 10:45 PM
Guess I lied before, rear axle wasn't done. Replaced the remaining original spring perch with the new one I had laying around. Then fit the caliper brackets, and then hit everything with some zero-rust paint. (didn't do the cover because it isn't sealed and I didn't want to get paint inside the bolt holes)


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1125082259x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/1129081601x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
03-15-2009, 10:53 PM
Didn't go to florida for spring break, so I did the next best thing, wrench on the jeep in the dark and cold... :retard:


Had to take apart the clutch again to clean things up, moisture got into everything.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0309091737x.jpg


H.F. jack is the shiz. :033:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0309091825x.jpg


Had a battle with a couple of the skid bolts, bolts won.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0310091257x.jpg



4/6 bolts currently holding things together, going to weld extra tabs to the frame if it needs more support. Got the clutch, tranny, and t.c. in.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0312091637x.jpg


Remanned steering box, painted.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0312091757x.jpg



Homebrew HD shackle hangers.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0312092319x.jpg



Got new 300zx pads, geo tracker rotors, and some chevy 1/2 ton brake lines for the front. Also got some moog tre's.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0310091736x.jpg



I got both tre's for the drag link because I figured I might as well do them both, but after I scraped the crud off only one tre is replaceable on the drag link, wtf?

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0312092338x.jpg



Spending too much on grade 8 hardware

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0315091318x.jpg


Unhooked the front axle and ground the spring perches to correct my castor angle, I'm making some HD shackles that will be slightly longer, get maybe .75" of lift from them.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0312091645x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0312091709x.jpg


Money is running out on this project, literally had to raid my change jar to buy a case of gear oil. :gear_tounge:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0308091204x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0309091814x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
04-06-2009, 09:43 PM
Here's some real poser flexing, hi-lift jack and not a driveshaft in sight. :033:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0404091404x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0404091403x.jpg

Deadman 94 xj
04-06-2009, 11:24 PM
I can't wait to see this thing done! Nice work

toocheaptosmoke
06-06-2009, 12:58 AM
The never ending project continues, I almost forgot how much I like throwing cash into something that's still sitting in my driveway... :disgust:



After I got back from school the front axle on my dad's truck started leaking gear oil, and had a u-joint going out. What a PITA the passenger side axle shaft seal is! Been busy with crap like that and am just now getting back to work on the jeep.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0516091446x.jpg




Got the remanned steering box in, with new hoses. Also got the new TRE in the drag link, steering is nice and tight again, which is a miracle considering all but one TRE is original.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0604091302x.jpg



Got the extended front brake lines in.



Had to make an e-brake bracket for the one caliper, got the calipers cheaper because it was missing.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0603092249x.jpg





Got the rear brakes on.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0604091520x.jpg






More new hoses.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0604091741x.jpg





The '69 vette MC I go from autozone (mistake) started pissing brake fluid from the piston when I tried to bench bleed it. :s-minigun:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0604092327ax.jpg

Peccavi18
06-06-2009, 01:19 AM
Where did you get the nipple things to bench bleed? I have wasted hours trying to get my damn mastercylinder to bleed out. I searched online and asked locally and have yet to find them, Maybe I am asking for the wrong things what are they called?

Peccavi18
06-06-2009, 01:20 AM
btw - Nice work glad to see someones is going together. What other work/ plans you got lined up for this thing?

toocheaptosmoke
06-07-2009, 01:16 AM
Thanks. Those bleeders came with the $26 MC from autozone, I forgot to return them with the bad MC, so with any luck I can get another set, you can have a set if you want. I'll also check at work tomorrow to see if there's any other standard barbs that could work.


Plans are to get the heep rolling as soon as possible. But, I still need to fab a new gas tank skid, repair a couple body mounts, make the shackles, make some rock sliders, then replace/tighten all the suspension bolts with high grade stuff. Bleed the brakes and stuff. Then patch together an exhaust, and replace the water pump and radiator sometime soon.

Peccavi18
06-07-2009, 02:43 AM
I got my master cylinder at Pepboys, it cost about 3 times that and the instructions talk about those barbs or nipples or whatever they are called but I didn't get any included and have yet to find any.

Cheapest I have found Grade 8 is at Tractor Supply Co.
And I know my exhaust isn't the best but I bought $20 some dollars worth of pieces from advance and welded them up using turndowns welded together for bends and abunch of hack shit like that but I know I'm gonna beat it on the rocks anyways and figured I'd start out with a cheap trial before I invest in a shop bending stainless only to have it get torn off.

toocheaptosmoke
06-09-2009, 12:33 AM
I got everything I could from tractor supply, but still had to get some 9/16" from fastenal. My old exhaust is still hanging together, kind of. Just gonna get it together enough to pass inspection, don't care if it gets bashed up.







It runs!! Fired right up for sitting a couple years, sounds good with no exhaust. :080: Had to run it on the bottle, no fuel tank yet.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0608091317.jpg




Picked up a new battery, the old wally world battery finally croaked after using it to run navigation lights last year on the boat.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0607091835.jpg




Cleaned up the distributor terminals

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0607092008.jpg




Filled up the fluids in everything but the axles

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0607091914.jpg




Made an oil pump primer from an old screwdriver

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0607091857.jpg






Got the twin sticks installed

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0608091708x.jpg

cityslicker
06-10-2009, 04:16 PM
wow this is impressive.
I hope i learn some shit from you guys, so's I can build some ish somedays

toocheaptosmoke
06-11-2009, 11:55 PM
Got some brake line brackets welded to the rear axle today, then I got new u joints in the rear driveshaft.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0611092301x.jpg




Got the shackles pretty much done, they'll give me .75" of lift.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0611092221x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
06-17-2009, 12:52 AM
Got the brakes bled out the other day, took a little while but I think I got it, pedal is nice and firm.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0615091021x.jpg


Started on the gas tank skid too, holy $#!t is 3/16" plate expensive, bought a 4'x8' sheet of it, $126. Still a heck of a lot cheaper than 300+ for an aftermarket tank, and I got a lot of left over plate for other projects now. Good thing patf10 talked me out of buying an aftermarket tank skid. :042:


Old skid was flimsy and rotted to the point I didn't trust it.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0612091915x.jpg


Made a template

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0612092021x.jpg


Started hacking, gonna try to finish it tomorrow if I got time.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0614092028x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0616091925x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0616091951x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
06-28-2009, 03:37 PM
Finished the tank skid, but my welder has started to do the same crap it did when I started this project. Can't make the greatest welds when it keeps cutting out, but it was good enough for the gas tank skid. Damn welder is pissing me off... I also got the shackles finished. All new fuel lines and filler hoses. Replaced all the shackle and spring bolts with grade 8 stuff.


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0622091100x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0623091922x.jpg



Went to try and drive it for the first time yesterday but it almost caught fire, one of the fuel lines split and was dripping gas onto the exhaust manifold. :103:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0627091500x.jpg



Finally got it going though, first time I've driven it in almost 2 years! :003:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0627091722x.jpg



This is as high as I gould get on the redneck travel index, needs another ramp... :nod: Not even fully flexed, I think the skyhacker shocks I got with the kit are not going to have the right travel, I took measurements and it looks like I'll have to find a set of cheap shocks that will fit. :012:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0628091156x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0628091156bx.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
07-02-2009, 09:07 PM
Stayed up 'til 1 AM getting stuff together yesterday, got it inspected this morning. Had to put in the exhaust and shocks. I decided to just make do with the shocks I had for now, might be losing a little travel but just don't have the cash to drop for another new set. I did relocate the mounting brackets though, so I should get as much travel as possible from those shocks.


The whole exhaust is pretty much one big patch by this point.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0630091028x.jpg



New shock mounts are on the axle, should keep the shocks tucked up better out of harms way. Stock rear mounts look like rock magnets. Up front I made some bolt on brackets to raise the shocks 1.25"

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0630092252x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0701091041x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
07-08-2009, 12:11 AM
Got the front drive shaft shortened today, old one was wore out and I got a freshly rebuilt one real cheap off ebay a couple years back. Chopped the end off then shortened it down a couple inches.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0705092223x.jpg



The splines looked damn near new, didn't even have any of the blue coating wore off.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0706091142x.jpg





Looks pretty hack, but I got the runout down to a few thousandths like this. :033:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0706092300x.jpg






Finished up.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0707091240x.jpg



Made a steering box brace from plumbing, just had to mangle a bit of schedule 40.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0707091319x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0707092031x.jpg





Also made a skid plate for the steering box, with some scrap left from the gas tank skid. Not sure how necessary it will be, leaf springs hang down lower than the steering box. :042:


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0707091653x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0707092035bx.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
07-10-2009, 10:02 PM
Rock sliders,


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0708091635x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0709092009x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0710091239x.jpg

joshs1ofakindxj
07-11-2009, 11:12 AM
The progress looks great. Keep on keepin on!

toocheaptosmoke
07-12-2009, 12:46 PM
Been driving the thing every day for over a week trying to work the bugs out, never put more than a few gallons of gas in the tank in case I had to drop it again. Well, just filled it up this morning and when I park back in the driveway I smell gas, fuel line went. Mother$^%#$ :s-minigun::091:

joshs1ofakindxj
07-12-2009, 06:39 PM
Just replace everything haha, it reminds me of when I replaced the rear brake hard line on the beater jeep, then the driver side front went...then the passenger side front, it's like come on...seriously? haha, just replace it all...

aman-fred
07-17-2009, 04:42 PM
I saw it parked out at Trader Horn or Warehouse sales the other day. Looking good! I love these old things

toocheaptosmoke
07-17-2009, 09:32 PM
Thanks man, I'm working there for the summer.

jim91303
07-18-2009, 02:40 PM
nice build . i hope my build goes that well. i dont have the kimda $ you had to put into yours .. but i will manage for now.


looks great !

toocheaptosmoke
07-19-2009, 10:03 PM
nice build . i hope my build goes that well. i dont have the kimda $ you had to put into yours .. but i will manage for now.


looks great !


I really didn't have the money either! :042: Just one thing after another, probably got about 2500 into it,:088: over 2 years though. Have been doing as much as possible myself to keep costs down.

toocheaptosmoke
07-19-2009, 10:08 PM
Tore the Carter carb apart and cleaned things out. Also did the "nutter bypass" to bypass the computer. With both of those it's running a little stronger, still got a little tweaking to do. Still might do the mc2100 swap at some point, but for now the carter is staying.


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0718092323x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
07-30-2009, 01:00 AM
Made a speaker box for some tunes. It's built into the center gun rack (consoles/cup holders be damned...:067:) and had just enough room to get the correct volume. Picked up a TMA 10" sub, and hooked it to a crappy 600 watt amp, sounds pretty good for a half azz system.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0727091914x.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
08-11-2009, 11:13 PM
Took a gps with me the other day, always knew the speedo was off a bit, but turns out she's off a little over 15mph at 55. :103: No wonder I've been passing everybody on 422...




Made a front tow point today, used a chunk of 1" x 2" and bolted and welded it to the frame. Would have done another one for the passenger side, but the flat tow hitch ball on that side would not budge loose.


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0810091218x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0811091234x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0811091314x.jpg






Also made a mount for the jack, the bottom is bolted to the roll bar base and the top is held down with a variable length stainless steel retension strap. (hose clamp :047:) Will come up with something more solid later, but it's good enough for now.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0811091703x.jpg

Macabre
09-16-2009, 01:51 PM
Was that your rig that I saw yesterday on Route 8 going up towards BC3? If so, looks good! Nice to see a Scrambler in Butler.

toocheaptosmoke
09-16-2009, 10:03 PM
Yup, thanks man, I assume that was you coming down the road as I turned in?

toocheaptosmoke
04-01-2010, 08:40 PM
Pulled the jeep out of winter storage today. :thumbsup: In all the years I've had it never once had the top off, but that changed today. Need to get a bikini top and some half doors.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0401001925ax.jpg

village_idiot
04-01-2010, 11:39 PM
imagine that, i pulled my top off today too.

Ed_Lorentz
04-08-2010, 11:19 AM
I didn't realize how much work you put into that Scrambler when I saw it the other day....this is awesome. I'm definately going to be hitting you up for advice on how to fix up the wrangler.

destefano027
04-08-2010, 04:16 PM
Pulled the jeep out of winter storage today. :thumbsup: In all the years I've had it never once had the top off, but that changed today. Need to get a bikini top and some half doors.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0401001925ax.jpg
i got some half doors for sale

redruby
04-11-2010, 06:32 PM
I have been a mechanic for 30 years and I have to tell you thats really a great job you did. Most mechanics I know won't attempt a rebuild on the rearend. Good luck

tjblair
04-11-2010, 06:37 PM
I have been a mechanic for 30 years and I have to tell you thats really a great job you did. Most mechanics I know won't attempt a rebuild on the rearend. Good luck
Most mechanics you know wont rebuild a rear axle???????????

redruby
04-11-2010, 06:59 PM
They don't want to do anything but put a used one in. Most are younger and grew up with front wheel drive.

tjblair
04-11-2010, 07:02 PM
I don't know how you can call yourself a mechanic and not be able to set up gears. I usually do 2-3 a month.

redruby
04-11-2010, 07:16 PM
Jeff what are your shop hours I would like to see the BDS lift
Thank you

tjblair
04-11-2010, 07:39 PM
Pm sent.

toocheaptosmoke
07-12-2010, 01:00 AM
5 days until the next wheelin trip, time to get back to work on the heep. :mrgreen: Figures that almost every vehicle is in the shop for something... Got a half dozen things I'd like to do, we'll see how much gets done before the weekend.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0710001521x.jpg




Got one step closer to having a full size spare, scrounged a 31 to replace the 29.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0711001129x.jpg




Then took a trip to my favorite 4x4 accessory shop, the plumbing isle at trader horn. :045:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0711001509x.jpg

jeepxj3
07-12-2010, 01:21 AM
Then took a trip to my favorite 4x4 accessory shop, the plumbing isle at trader horn. :045:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0711001509x.jpg

Please dont do anything structual with that...

toocheaptosmoke
07-12-2010, 11:05 AM
Please dont do anything structual with that...

Yeah, I know about the pipe vs. tube debate :042: more like armor and skids.

Sloth_Fratelli
07-12-2010, 05:12 PM
do you know somewhere to buy metal blocks like what you made the tow points out of that wont cost an arm and a leg?

toocheaptosmoke
07-12-2010, 05:28 PM
do you know somewhere to buy metal blocks like what you made the tow points out of that wont cost an arm and a leg?

Not sure man, best bet would probably be to contact a machine shop or steel place and see if they had any scrap bits laying around they'd sell cheap. I lucked out and got that 1"x2" in some garbage.

Dick.Breakey
07-12-2010, 05:54 PM
theres a place down at camp horne road and 65(near avalon bellevue area) that does metal work. will cut your templates or build everything. dont know the prices, but good to know it. its across a parking lot from the meinike(?) right there. check em out

Mack
07-12-2010, 07:08 PM
The Jeep looks good man! Keep on keepin' on!

toocheaptosmoke
07-13-2010, 11:58 PM
Thanks.

Got the billet pine bump stop extensions made :033:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0712001244x.jpg


Front locker installed,

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0713001249x.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0713001305x.jpg

jlovbasz3
07-14-2010, 12:24 AM
I do like your bump stops!Use what ya have.

Sycotik Skier
07-14-2010, 05:36 PM
billet pine...classic

PatF10
07-14-2010, 07:45 PM
looking good vinny, remember wood holds moisture, dont want that frame rusting away under those bump stops

toocheaptosmoke
07-15-2010, 06:56 PM
looking good vinny, remember wood holds moisture, dont want that frame rusting away under those bump stops

Ya, should have done it right the first time and used pressure treated... :nod:

Sycotik Skier
07-15-2010, 09:30 PM
I have some 1.5" square tube scraps that work nicely for bump stomp extensions, if you are interested

toocheaptosmoke
07-15-2010, 10:38 PM
Hopefully I get a chance to try the rti ramp this weekend so I can see if I need more or less, then maybe we can work something out. :023:

toocheaptosmoke
07-19-2010, 12:54 PM
Got most of the stuff done I wanted before the weekend, still need a few more things though.

Made some diff guards from .5" hex stock I had laying around, the amc 20 really needed something because the stock tin cover on there is a joke.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0715002315x.jpg



I sleeved the tie rod and drag link with plumbing to stiffen them up a bit. Still has the original tie rod ends from 1984, see how long those last. :119:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0716002013x.jpg



Going to sipe the center lugs of the tires for better wet pavement and rock traction, so I started making a cutting tool to expedite the process, aka the wrist slicer 5000. Came close to going to the hospital while putting it together. :037: Basically it's 5 carpet razor blades spaced .375" apart. Still need to make a handle for it.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0716000033x.jpg



Decided the last minute to add a bit of cage to the jeep since the roof is off for the summer. Relying on the stock roll bar and windshield frame alone for protection had me a bit concerned, and I also wanted some grab handles to get in and out of the jeep. This cage is not made for a competition rock buggy, it was made to compliment the stock roll bar and still be removable so I can put my half cab back on. And yes, it is 1 1/4 A53 schedule 40, after researching I decided that a slightly weaker "pipe" would be sufficient for what I wanted to do.

No bender, so it was chop and notch.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0716001156x.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0717000750x.jpg

JEEPIN/J.S.A
07-19-2010, 10:30 PM
oooh nooo! I see bad things happening with the siping tool from hell your making....lol




"Ya, should have done it right the first time and used pressure treated... :nod: "

^i couldn't stop laughing when i read this...this kind of reply only comes around once!

Sycotik Skier
07-19-2010, 10:34 PM
Hey vinnie I was thinking about your welder. Have you cleaner out the liner that runs from the welder to your stinger? If it's dirty or kinked it can cause the wire to sporadically come out. That or try to keep your lead as straight as possible with only gradual bends.

toocheaptosmoke
07-19-2010, 11:41 PM
Hey vinnie I was thinking about your welder. Have you cleaner out the liner that runs from the welder to your stinger? If it's dirty or kinked it can cause the wire to sporadically come out. That or try to keep your lead as straight as possible with only gradual bends.


I've not cleaned the liner, everything seems to slide easily through it though, no kinks or anything. What seems to happen when it starts "pulsing" is that the tips get dirty extremely fast and the wire starts to stick making things even worse, until the wire completely sticks to the tip. Clean or replace the tip and get another couple inches and it starts all over. Use it the next day with the same tip and it will go for an hour no problem. Tried different wires, tips, roller pressure, never fixed it. I took a video of the welder doing it's thing a while back, have to try and find it.

tjblair
07-20-2010, 06:49 AM
Try using .035 tips with .030 wire. that is what I use with the same welder. I also had to replace the liner on ours not to long ago.

toocheaptosmoke
07-22-2010, 09:37 PM
Try using .035 tips with .030 wire. that is what I use with the same welder. I also had to replace the liner on ours not to long ago.


Not a bad idea. I tried it today, I'm already using .035" wire so I drilled out an old tip a little. Didn't hurt anything, but eventually started to do the same thing. Next thing to try is tear the welder apart and make sure there's no crud or dust stuck in the circuitry causing random problems.

tjblair
07-22-2010, 09:56 PM
THat is a hobart 140 handler right? If so I think that that machines max wire size is .030. I could be wrong I will have to check the machine at work tomorow.

toocheaptosmoke
07-22-2010, 11:04 PM
It's a 135, so it's good for .035. I run .030 though it for lighter stuff and it still has the problem.

toocheaptosmoke
07-26-2014, 08:02 PM
Wow, 4 years since the last update!



FYI, the welder's problem was a bad thermister on the circuit board, I replaced it and it works better than it did when new.



Nothing too drastic has really changed on the jeep, last season (or the one before?) I put in a new water pump, timing set, and aluminum valve cover. Got an aluminum rad in it now too. Put in a smaller bore master cylinder to improve the brakes. Hasn't seen nearly enough dirt.


This year the carb was seeping fuel and it developed a stumble. Thought about doing the conversion to the MC2100, but then I thought some more and just got a rebuild kit for the Carter.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/DSC03026_zps7444febb.jpg



Then finally got around to doing part of the team rush ignition upgrade. Jeep was still running OK, so I went on rock auto and tried to get everything as cheaply as possible. Came out to like $33 shipped, mostly close-outs. When it arrived I was shocked to find every part made in USA!? Double win right there. :045:



http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/DSC03024_zps34100df7.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/DSC03025_zps4272c902.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/DSC03028_zps483744e9.jpg


Got some more plans for the near future, then hopefully get back on the trails this year. Just got to keep the rest of the fleet of vehicles going...

toocheaptosmoke
08-05-2014, 10:02 PM
Finally gave in and spent the money on a JB conversions 4:1 kit. Luckily I ended up missing one of their "Limited Time Sale" by like 12 hours and got to spend an extra $25 for it. :disgust: Didn't even get a wizard drawn on the box or anything... :042:

My clutch will definitely be happy, but hopefully we don't start breaking too many other parts with the new found low range.


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/DSC03055_zps45b036a4.jpg

toocheaptosmoke
10-02-2014, 10:04 PM
Got the new gears installed. Only replaced one bearing on the input shaft, the rest looked good so we're letting them ride. Re-used the stock detent ball springs on the shift rails, but shimmed them with a couple of little lock washers. So far so good, hasn't been popping out of gear.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/DSC03071_zps608d5e75.jpg




Went up to the Outback Offroad park, had a good time there. The new low range was awesome, my clutch was very thankful. :D Definitely have to be more careful now with the extra gear reduction. Still rocking the original stock hubs as fuses, but I know I'm going to pop one some day.

Heater core sprung a leak so it's been bypassed for a couple weeks. Just finally replaced that this evening.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/toocheaptosmoke/0913041127_zpsb0a7a260.jpg

highlandercj-7
10-03-2014, 08:49 AM
Nice, IMHO t case gears are the shit, keeps your drivability on the road. That liberty looks mean.