1988 Jeep comanche AKA the penny sniffer

[Seth]

http://www.harrissupplysolutions.com/18-rebar-18-reinforcing-bar.html ??

[mudtoy67]

A built dana 30 is just fine. A lot of people use the "coulda bought a 60" argument. It's true, you probably could buy the 60. But you have to replace the rear axle to match the front. Are you going to put a 60 on shortarms? No, so now you're into a 3 link. New driveshafts? New wheels? New tires if you bump to 16/16.5/17" wheels? Add a couple grand over what he has in that 30.

Build the 30, wheel the 30, realize it does have limitations, bring spares, have fun. :D

Oh ya, there's always some other jeep dummy looking for a built dana 30 when you're ready to sell and upgrayedd. :D

[robertf03]

A built dana 30 is just fine. A lot of people use the "coulda bought a 60" argument. It's true, you probably could buy the 60. But you have to replace the rear axle to match the front. Are you going to put a 60 on shortarms? No, so now you're into a 3 link. New driveshafts? New wheels? New tires if you bump to 16/16.5/17" wheels? Add a couple grand over what he has in that 30.



Yup, and then it drives like **** on the street and you end up with a wicked wheel

[AggieTJ2007]

Yup, and then it drives like **** on the street and you end up with a wicked wheel

or buy a scrapped YJ width 609 project designed to run leaf springs?

[robertf03]

or buy a scrapped YJ width 609 project designed to run leaf springs?

But then you need a scrapped scout rear 60

[mudtoy67]

Yup, and then it drives like **** on the street and you end up with a wicked wheel

And that's when the whores come in...

[TdmayfieldIV]

Yup, and then it drives like **** on the street and you end up with a wicked wheel

More boost is always better

My truck drives great on the street btw :flipoff2:

[Sparling]

Don't feed the trolls

[zebvance]

You could've bought a set of rubi 44's or a kingpin 60 for all the money you've dumped into that axle. And at the end of the day, it's still a dana 30 with shafts the size of rebar. Just sayin

Maybe I shoulda just went with a king pin dana 30. That would make me a bad ass then right?:cool:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/316E49EF-89EE-4332-9439-C38C46201A92_zpszpqoqmyw.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/316E49EF-89EE-4332-9439-C38C46201A92_zpszpqoqmyw.jpg.html)

[85cj7]

I see balljoints

[Sharpe]

A) that axle has balljoints

B) kingpin 30s had closed knuckles and therefor blow donkey nuts

[zebvance]

A) that axle has balljoints

B) kingpin 30s had closed knuckles and therefor blow donkey nuts


Yup clicked the link to the wrong picture, fixed now. I imagine those front drum brakes were awesome at stopping too.

[robertf03]

What's wrong with closed knuckles?

[Sharpe]

On 'Merican **** they usually have smaller u-joints than their open knuckle counterparts.

[TdmayfieldIV]

Don't feed the trolls

Just sayin....

[Sparling]

And they leak too

[zebvance]

Got bored.....

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/B7CA52B0-9B94-4066-BA92-812B2B295374_zpsnmiu9qcn.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/B7CA52B0-9B94-4066-BA92-812B2B295374_zpsnmiu9qcn.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/91D64BD7-F62B-4EF0-9263-0D4CAA82C24C_zpsi4kmh4pv.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/91D64BD7-F62B-4EF0-9263-0D4CAA82C24C_zpsi4kmh4pv.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/2DC440C6-D5E2-4649-A17D-3A1246CF9884_zpshlfzovje.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/2DC440C6-D5E2-4649-A17D-3A1246CF9884_zpshlfzovje.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Went to a local offroad park (might as well be called a mud hole...) this weekend. Had fun, but got stuck quite a few times. I knew I would, seeing as how I only have 2wd right now because I still have the old front axle in with the non matching gears to the rear. Just made me want to get the long arms and new axle under even quicker. Did have some damage this weekend too. The rear break lines got wrapped up on something and pulled them and I don't think I have rear brakes right now. Something went in the front axle. Makes some got awful noise when I turn. I think It is a ball joint. Don't really care cause the whole axle will be sitting in the scrap yard in the next week or so anyway. Oh and some new pin stripes of course!
Most of the pictures I have is of when I was stuck...


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/DD9943B2-8911-47FE-8CAF-D19104CDCCA7_zpsv1tjxxcw.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/DD9943B2-8911-47FE-8CAF-D19104CDCCA7_zpsv1tjxxcw.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/02CB664E-72B8-48FF-A594-4BB7851BA739_zpso2q0e53o.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/02CB664E-72B8-48FF-A594-4BB7851BA739_zpso2q0e53o.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/FE836B00-43D0-45D6-B448-7C768A216398_zpspdhpgvut.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/FE836B00-43D0-45D6-B448-7C768A216398_zpspdhpgvut.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/81F42F4D-E240-4373-8A48-F34963900734_zpso8tg9fh4.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/81F42F4D-E240-4373-8A48-F34963900734_zpso8tg9fh4.jpg.html)

[DRAGOONRANCH]

Local to College Station? 47?

Looks like fun though. Glad you can still get it out and drive it.

[Sparling]

Looks like Texas off road ranch.

[zebvance]

Yes it is.

[DRAGOONRANCH]

gotcha

[zebvance]

Got some more work done on the Turdy 30 this past weekend. Was able to drill the knuckles and pitman arm for the 1 ton steering. Ball Joints are pressed in and u-joints are also. Went an picked up some hub bearings from advance. Ordered "MOOG" ones but they gave me "National" and didn't have any Moog ones in stock, kinda ticked me off... Don't know much about "National", are they as good as Moog products? Anyway, had to order 2 spindle nut kits from Napa because I misplaced mine, from what I hear you are suppose to replace them every time you take them off anyway. Also lost the bolts that attach the hub bearing assembly to the knuckle. Going to head to fastenal today to get some. Called the dealership and they wanted like 6 bucks per bolt, Smh.... Highway robbery. Waiting on a buddy to get back in town next week to install it all and the lift. Then I will have to measure and have a custom front drive shaft made with multiple cardone joints on it to deal with the steep angle. Also Still need to install the locker in the rear. Hope to have this thing wrapped up by the 1st of July. Reds are starting to hit hard in matagorda bay and its killing me not having a 4wd.

comparison of the knuckle drilled out to 7/8ths to accept the 1 ton tie rod ends. Second time I have done this and its not very fun..... Burnt up my Dewalt hammer drill.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/49C576ED-8AFA-4525-A85C-6EE69287958B_zpsypiynb7g.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/49C576ED-8AFA-4525-A85C-6EE69287958B_zpsypiynb7g.jpg.html)

With the tapered inserts installed.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/CCD1379E-22FC-4096-82BE-3BD36A8CFD1F_zpsmg8qjouz.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/CCD1379E-22FC-4096-82BE-3BD36A8CFD1F_zpsmg8qjouz.jpg.html)


And the axle 95% complete
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/E5F2174B-CDF4-44BF-AB64-64A2AB9BD786_zpshhhiui9s.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/E5F2174B-CDF4-44BF-AB64-64A2AB9BD786_zpshhhiui9s.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/D080E815-402B-4917-8E4B-B38F49CD8BC4_zpsmzwkxrqj.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/D080E815-402B-4917-8E4B-B38F49CD8BC4_zpsmzwkxrqj.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/92C40C3D-D518-46FC-9142-A99F24B86C4F_zpszzgd2cpj.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/92C40C3D-D518-46FC-9142-A99F24B86C4F_zpszzgd2cpj.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/B871E559-3850-4E4F-8B3A-F899A8993625_zpsrvz23s5l.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/B871E559-3850-4E4F-8B3A-F899A8993625_zpsrvz23s5l.jpg.html)

[Sharpe]

Why were you using a hammer drill on metal?

[zebvance]

All I had.

[DRAGOONRANCH]

I bet it is a selectable hammer/no hammer drill. Full time hammer drills are usually pretty good size.

[jerryg79]

Has anyone asked what a penny sniffer is?

[zebvance]

Yes it is selectable.

[colman]

national is a good brand

[TdmayfieldIV]

National is Moog. They're just Moog's bearing and seal division....

If you really care about brand, get timken from autozone. Just bring part numbers with you because I've almost shot myself several times in that store.

IMO, for a rig that sees a lot of sand and mud I just buy the cheapest bearings. Sand and mud will tear up even the nicest bearings you can buy.

[zebvance]

Buy the cheap ones or buy the good ones that have 3 year warrantys and keep exchanging the out under warranty.....

[Sparling]

That keep exchanging thing may not work out so well. Especially at advance with how the computers work.

[zebvance]

Well axle is all done so now to start on the lift. Went ahead and mocked up the serious offroad crossmember to see what im going to have to do to make it fit. I am going to have to make a new mounting point for it on the frame. So the plan is to get some 1inch by 3 inch channel, weld to studs to it them weld it to the frame. that will be the man mounting location for it. The drill two holes through the side of the frame and bolt it up. I am going to have to trim the crossmember vertical plate that hugs the frame to fit around the cab support. Also It looks like its going to be a serious tight clearance for the drive shaft. So Im going to notch that part of the cross member and plate it back in. One last thing, The crossmember transfercase skid looks like it might not be deep enough. Looks like the transfercase might come in contact and rest on the skid. I have to do some cutting and test fitting before Ill know for sure though.

Jacked the truck up to see where it "should" sit once the new lift. After all this and 8.5 inches of lift it looks as if Im still going to rub on the street with 35's..... I was really trying to avoid cutting fenders because I didn't want to cut into the bed. They are getting harder and harder to find. First things first though, get the lift on and then go from there...

Last thing is front drive shaft. Im trying to find one that should be able to take the steep angle. From what I have read some xj guys were able to get away with just an extended stock shaft on 8 inches of lift with no problems. Others had bad vibs. I found a driveshaft that should be able to take the angle. A multiple double cardone joint DS. Tom woods makes them. However I am getting mixed reports as to its hwy use... if I have bad vibes with that the only other option I have I believe is to cut off the C's on the axle and rotate back for the pinon angle or do manual locking hubs that way the ds is not spinning in 2wd.

[KrazyKarl02]

Did you measure your angle? what is it?

Rather than cutting C's you can just put some shims bolted to the leaf spring pack, lots of people run those and it shoudl take care of the pinion angle. I don't think you would notice it that much with the steering geometry.

[zebvance]

It's coil sprung. Not leaf sprung. No problems with the angle in the rear (leaf sprung) just the front (coil sprung). I haven't been able to get a measurement on the angle yet.

[TMatheaus]

You can prolly adjust your front arms a fair amount to help with the pinion angle.

[BroncoJo]

I just want to make note that adjusting the caster based on pinion angle will negatively affect the steering and handling.

[AggieTJ2007]

You can adjust it a little, I would be more concerned about adjusting the angles to keep the caster correct.

Get it together and see what the angle looks like. I don't think you will have a problem but 8.5" is a lot of lift.

[KrazyKarl02]

Sorry I posted that at work and could not see the pics. I mean I'm a dumbass, but not that much of a dumb ass.

Like freight on and tommy said, put it together and try to adjust the lower arm short, see where you are at. A cardan joint 1330 will take a lot of angle and should suffice, but a cardan joint on each end seems vibrolicious, I assume that is what you mean by double cardan.

Like Travis said and you have read on the interweb it will effect caster, but I would think you could find a happy medium.

[jerryg79]

that will be the man mounting location for it.

At Frick's house we call that "The Rap Shack", but you can church it up if you want.

[zebvance]

I'm hoping so but I have been told it won't be enough from some xj guys. But y'all are right. Will just have to get it on and go from there. If only I could get some days off work now to get it going.

[zebvance]

Nothing new to mention about the mj right now. Have been hitting the books hard and will be graduating in about a week. In the mean time I have been looking to trade in my 2008 ford fusion as soon as I get a job for a H3T. What do yall think. I am not considering anything less than the V8 option. They are hard to find and have been looking for the past year.

[zebvance]

I think it is a good looking vehicle for a dd. Plus if I can get it with front and rear diff locks( which is fairly rare) it will be icing on the cake. Planis to throw some nice tires on it and rock it. looks like I can get one with about 50k for 28k. It will come with the 5.3 a trusted vortec....

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/Hummer-H3T_Alpha_2009_800x600_wallpaper_03_zpse4e3bfda.jp g (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/Hummer-H3T_Alpha_2009_800x600_wallpaper_03_zpse4e3bfda.jp g.html)

[stx4wheeler]

I would just go buy a chevy 1/2 ton 4x4, v-8. You should be able to get that new or 1 yr old below that price range.

[Sparling]

I laugh a little every time I see one of those somewhere. A regular Chevy pickup would be a much better option.

[jerryg79]

I'm sure they are great vehicles, I'm just not into the whole "blowing guys in the bathroom stall" scene that goes with ownership.

[sam_hodnett]

In all seriousness those things suck. They are on the same chassis as a colorado, so even though you have the bigger motor, you do not have the suspension or frame to handle anything bigger than a mini truck can. I owned a colorado and it was a massive pile of ****. The interior in H3s are still small and not very roomy, the mileage is terrible, and you still have to look like a Dbag in a mini version of a vehicle that was cool 2 generations ago.

Like frick said, buy a half ton 4x4 chevy. They are bigger, will probably get better fuel mileage, look better, and you can handle towing more with it.

[jerryg79]

I was being serious.

[Sharpe]

I think it is a good looking vehicle for a dd. Plus if I can get it with front and rear diff locks( which is fairly rare) it will be icing on the cake. Planis to throw some nice tires on it and rock it. looks like I can get one with about 50k for 28k. It will come with the 5.3 a trusted vortec....

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/Hummer-H3T_Alpha_2009_800x600_wallpaper_03_zpse4e3bfda.jp g (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/Hummer-H3T_Alpha_2009_800x600_wallpaper_03_zpse4e3bfda.jp g.html)

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/rsharpe08/2167898E-7D48-483B-AB4A-6B01C5D492AF_zpsw5pe3ajv.jpg (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/rsharpe08/media/2167898E-7D48-483B-AB4A-6B01C5D492AF_zpsw5pe3ajv.jpg.html)

[Sharpe]

Also, if you knew the last H3 driver that was in the club, you would seriously reconsider your opinion.

[FJAggie07]

I was just about to ask, where the **** is hot pocket when you need him???

[tommy53002]

I like the way they look, but I wouldn't buy one (for most of the reasons already stated).

[Sparling]

If you like the way they look it's already too late for you

[jerryg79]

I was just about to ask, where the **** is hot pocket when you need him???

Probably lighting a doob with one of the 100 dollar bills he made delivering pizzas today.

[Sharpe]

They come with this bumper sticker from the factory.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/rsharpe08/41574483-CE31-48FA-A64A-61B914EF6BA3_zpskbgc4brd.jpg (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/rsharpe08/media/41574483-CE31-48FA-A64A-61B914EF6BA3_zpskbgc4brd.jpg.html)

[Shaggy]

So gay. Just saying.

[zebvance]

Bunch of negative nacey's

[Sparling]

I don't know who nacey is but if Tate says your h3 idea is gay you better bet your little midget family ass that its pretty ****ing gay.

[zebvance]

I don't care if Richard Simmons wearing a banana hamock said they were gay. It's his own opinion. As far as I'm concerned I don't give a flying ****.

[Sparling]

You asked what everyone thought, this is what you get.

[jerryg79]

I don't care if Richard Simmons wearing a banana hamock said they were gay. It's his own opinion. As far as I'm concerned I don't give a flying ****.

So you prefer the company of men...good to know.

[Sharpe]

Gayer than a handbag full of dicks.

[zebvance]

You asked what everyone thought, this is what you get.

When and where did I ask that?

[sam_hodnett]

Even if you pushed aside the fact that they are gayer than a cum covered mustache, they are still ****ty vehicles. That is what you should be concerned about.

[Sparling]

In the mean time I have been looking to trade in my 2008 ford fusion as soon as I get a job for a H3T. What do yall think.




When and where did I ask that?

No clue

[BroncoJo]

They also said I should get a 5.0...


Get what makes you happy, but I do agree a Chevy truck would probably be a better option.

[zebvance]

In all seriousness those things suck. They are on the same chassis as a colorado, so even though you have the bigger motor, you do not have the suspension or frame to handle anything bigger than a mini truck can. I owned a colorado and it was a massive pile of ****. The interior in H3s are still small and not very roomy, the mileage is terrible, and you still have to look like a Dbag in a mini version of a vehicle that was cool 2 generations ago.

Like frick said, buy a half ton 4x4 chevy. They are bigger, will probably get better fuel mileage, look better, and you can handle towing more with it.

What problems did you have with yours Sam. Also don't really plan on towing anything. Maybe the boat to gorda, that's about it. And atleast it has a frame. That's more than what I can say about the mj...

[sam_hodnett]

What problems did you have with yours Sam. Also don't really plan on towing anything. Maybe the boat to gorda, that's about it. And atleast it has a frame. That's more than what I can say about the mj...

Rear end went out, transmission went out twice. Front end needed to be rebuilt when I sold it. 4x4 messed up, AC messed up, other little ****. And I sold it with 110000 miles on it. almost all problems happened with less than 100,000 miles on it.

One of my friends has an H3, and she never takes it off the pavement. She is always having electrical issues, and her entire four wheel drive system exploded on her the other day while she was driving to work. I just dont trust them.

Also, when I owned my colorado I never thought I would really tow anything, but it surprised me how much I wished I had a bigger truck.

But like Travis said, get what makes you happy, just dont expect us to not make fun of you :flipoff2:

[Sharpe]

Did you know the H3 was designed by Ralph Nader?

[zebvance]

Other option is a jk8. But want 4 doors.

[jasonjuch]

Other option is a jk8. But want 4 doors.

Why not get a JKU? A JK8 has no usable bed (it's just for looks in my opinion) and you could always take the top off of a JKU and use a soft top if you like the open back. When I got married my wife had a JKU so it's now sort of mine and it's a 2007 with 120,000 miles on it. Everything runs great. The only common problem I've run into and read about is a phantom oil leak which I was able to fix by replacing the intake manifold gasket. Other than that they seem to be great.

Like people have previously said though, I would like a vehicle with more towing capacity just to have that available. If I were to get another truck I'd want to be able to do truck things with it.

[zebvance]

Little bit of a update. since I graduated, got an engineering job & attempting to do my best to grow my business I haven't had much time for the Mj.... I have done a few things here and there and drive it from time to time.. But, I need to try to get this thread up to date on where I'm at with it. I still have not put on the long arm lift, new front axle, or tires. Me and some buddies were planning on hopping back on this thing this past weekend to try to fab up the crossmember in the attempt to hopefully have it lifted and 4x4 back in it for the summer months ahead. Unfortunately weather was not supposed to cooperate so we canceled working on it.. SO now the plan is to work on it 3rd weekend in Feb. The cross member fab is the major stepping stone. After that everything else is ready to bolt up.

I also just recently blew out the rear main seal. Since at this point my time is more valuable than money is I plan on taking it to a shop and have them button up every leak on this thing. That will be the first thing that happens after the lift is on.

Then Its an alignment, fluid changes, and then Ill have measurements to order the front drive shaft.

Man im ready to get this thing back off the pavement where it is suppose to be...

[zebvance]

A bit of a quick update, trying to really give the mj the attention it needs. Dropped off the truck at the shop and had them put a new rear main seal in, along with a new oil pan and oil pan gaskets. Buttoned up a few things here and there and then I told them it has started to lose power over the last year but I figured it had to do with the TPS acting up. Just haven’t got around to replacing it. Well here is the bad news. They did a compression test and here are the results.

Dry Test

Cylinder 1 - 125 psi
Cylinder 2 - 100-105 psi
Cylinder 3 - 145 psi
Cylinder 4 - 130-135 psi
Cylinder 5 - 140-145 psi
Cylinder 6 -140 psi


Then they did a wet test on #2 by putting a few drops of oil in first and it jumped to 150 psi. So that confirms bad ring in #2. He suggested putting some stuff called CRL Restore in it and rocking it. They have used that stuff before and said it really works. They did a compression test after the put it in and #2 read 155-160 psi… Considering the rate at which I drive this thing ( 2000 miles a year),I’m going to rock it with the CRL restore every oil change. The plan is to get a craigslist 4.0 and start building a 4.7 stoker in the garage over a length of time as funds allow.

Enough with the bad news and on to the good news. This weekend I have a couple buddies coming to help get the long arms, new dana 30, and 35s on. There is some fabrication that will need to be done to the cross member before we can install it and the motor has shifted sideways a bit from the sketchy trans drop that’s on the truck, so it will need to be man handled some to get it lined up right. Then its bolt on time. There is a lot of work to be done. My goal for the weekend is to have the cross member fabed up and bolted on by the end Sunday. My buddies seem to think we can get the whole lift on. Regardless, progress will be made which Ill be happy with!

[zebvance]

Update!

Well the cross member for the long arm lift is finally in place. First things first I had to move the engine back in place from where it had sagged back and at a angle because of the sketch trans drop that was on it before.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/6D476A4A-6CD4-4C02-B499-F40E1CBE834A_zps03qgvrer.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/6D476A4A-6CD4-4C02-B499-F40E1CBE834A_zps03qgvrer.jpg.html)
With that done I test fit the serious off road cross member and started cutting into it so that it would fit appropriately. I had to trim the front side and back side of where it hugs the frame. This was so it would not come in contact with the Comanche cab frame supports.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/92ED4F2A-16CF-4192-B6DF-CBE78A5A85D7_zpsvsnag6qs.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/92ED4F2A-16CF-4192-B6DF-CBE78A5A85D7_zpsvsnag6qs.jpg.html)

In my particular case being that I’m lifting around 8 inches with a low pinion dana 30 I added a permanent 1 inch trans drop. I did this using 1x4 tube, welding it to the frame, and them making nut strips to slide in the tube to bolt the cross member to.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/2B89DF24-F228-4DDA-88F0-1D4AFD495DF1_zpsudkpfcwp.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/2B89DF24-F228-4DDA-88F0-1D4AFD495DF1_zpsudkpfcwp.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/4197BEF7-F834-4847-A750-5C33FE13FF27_zpsuhailugq.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/4197BEF7-F834-4847-A750-5C33FE13FF27_zpsuhailugq.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/4BCEEE3D-321C-4AE7-ADC9-AE1B83C969EF_zpsci3h02yv.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/4BCEEE3D-321C-4AE7-ADC9-AE1B83C969EF_zpsci3h02yv.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Had to get real creative when I realized the welder wouldn’t reach the truck…..

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/EDD8331C-1F1C-4F41-941F-102C66F75477_zpsgbhm1uq1.png (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/EDD8331C-1F1C-4F41-941F-102C66F75477_zpsgbhm1uq1.png.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/859CA168-603B-4826-A78C-011028411F45_zpsyrbubi1l.png (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/859CA168-603B-4826-A78C-011028411F45_zpsyrbubi1l.png.html)


Here is the almost finished product. I still need to drill to mounting holes on each side of the cross member and through the frame to put horizontal mounting points. I’ll do that with a 5 inch bolt going though the cross member, frame and a piece of 2 inch flat bar on the inside of the frame and. essentially sandwiching the frame.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F2D3C611-A59B-443A-A0F3-53C7637A6EF6_zpskgbbrwxj.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F2D3C611-A59B-443A-A0F3-53C7637A6EF6_zpskgbbrwxj.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F7C44542-302A-4FE6-AFED-4DADDDB47271_zpsxrylyqai.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F7C44542-302A-4FE6-AFED-4DADDDB47271_zpsxrylyqai.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/8F24A676-56A9-4333-8E2F-F04A1FCCC3CB_zpsutdjksm0.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/8F24A676-56A9-4333-8E2F-F04A1FCCC3CB_zpsutdjksm0.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/5C9E50C1-B59F-4DCE-8D82-99226B6C9D8F_zpsf36qcrzc.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/5C9E50C1-B59F-4DCE-8D82-99226B6C9D8F_zpsf36qcrzc.jpg.html)


So I am just about ready to install the new axle and long arms along with all new lift components for the front. Just have to drill the 4 last holes through the frame. But I couldn’t have got any of it done without the help form a couple of buddies. I will also have to cut the old control arm mounts off the frame so the long arms have the clearance to flex. I hope to get all that done and on the new tires in the next couple of weeks or so. Really trying to get this thing ready for the beach this summer.

[sam_hodnett]

Glad you are making some headway!

[zebvance]

Thanks Sam. Its been a long time coming. Already have plans of pulling the bed off , bobbing it and throwing a flat bed on it this coming winter. Going to get my use out of it this summer though.

I am really digging these two flat beds.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/9B796939-23D1-4475-BD1B-A2BA49918393_zpsc8ni29rc.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/9B796939-23D1-4475-BD1B-A2BA49918393_zpsc8ni29rc.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/E0FC0664-28EC-464F-BB6E-1FE8FA813AF5_zpsozujngcc.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/E0FC0664-28EC-464F-BB6E-1FE8FA813AF5_zpsozujngcc.jpg.html)

[sam_hodnett]

I like the first one, but like the roll bar of the second.

[zebvance]

I like the first one, but like the roll bar of the second.

I agree!

[zebvance]

This past weekend I was able to get the side frame bolts drilled and in. It was a pain in the ASS. 8 drill bits later everything was bolted up. I don’t have pictures but I put a piece of flat bar on the inside of the frame rail and drilled two holes though it to sandwich the fame in between. Figured that would keep the nut from possibly punching through the unibody.
I also was able to get my Hazards working again (which have never worked since I have owned the truck. While at it I mounted two new horns but haven’t wired them yet. The old horn is busted. This was all done in the attempt to get it back street legal to get it inspected. However I still have to tighten up my e-brake cable, as it has loosened up since I installed the 8.8.
Since it is going to rain this weekend I I’m going to work on replacing dash bulbs with LEDs and wiring up a few other things.
Next weekend we are going camping at Llano State Park right outside of junction. I am seriously thinking about taking the Comanche on this road trip. I have made plenty of trips in it to Huntsville, and Matagorda (2.5 hours) but this makes me kind of nervous because it’s a 4.5 hour drive…I also haven’t driven the truck that much over the past year ( maybe 500-1000 miles) but I have replaced a TON of parts…
So the plan is try to get all the little things buttoned up this week and next. Insurance, Inspection, registration, Alignment, Washed and probably take it on its first long road trip. After that the next clear weekend I can get some extra hands the new Long arms, axle, trac bar, coils, and shocks, and 35’s are all going on it.
I am really excited about getting this thing going this summer. The hardest part (cross member fabrication) is over.


Side note: This weekend I noticed the rockers are getting some rot. So I’ll be doing some research on doing some boat sides or 2x6 sliders. I would like to tastefully incorporate a step on them or something. The old lady already complains that it is too tall for her to get into, so when this thing goes up another 4-6 inches she will really be fussy then ***.

 
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/2740F6BD-75B7-4491-86ED-26742C2C815A_zpsmsrmqydk.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/2740F6BD-75B7-4491-86ED-26742C2C815A_zpsmsrmqydk.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/24BBF6E3-22B4-4D99-BD97-FC8833578406_zpswiogi1ia.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/24BBF6E3-22B4-4D99-BD97-FC8833578406_zpswiogi1ia.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/803277A3-C687-4759-A741-8B71E110FC70_zpslpbthksf.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/803277A3-C687-4759-A741-8B71E110FC70_zpslpbthksf.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

I’m currently working on a lot of wiring in the cab of the truck which I will post a update of when I’m done. This weekend I plan on taking the truck to Llano State park to go camping for the weekend. This past week I got it inspected, insured, and registered. It’s about a 4.5 hour trip, the longest trip I have ever attempted to take with the truck. Kind of nervous.
As soon as I get back I’m ripping the front axle and suspension and going to start on the lift. However, until then I still have some things that I have done over the past few weeks to get this tread 100% up to date.

I went ahead and gave the truck a FULL tune up. New plugs, wires, rotor, distributer, cap, and coil. Went a bit overboard on the wires, but I got a good deal on them. They are OML 10mm racing wires.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/495C5607-EF81-415B-BDC3-130EF23CF3BA_zpshcndsjyf.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/495C5607-EF81-415B-BDC3-130EF23CF3BA_zpshcndsjyf.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/E3BC9CF0-3341-48AB-BED4-CCBC6E0E9873_zpseudw29p5.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/E3BC9CF0-3341-48AB-BED4-CCBC6E0E9873_zpseudw29p5.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/88AAC173-8382-47A6-BA2C-6C0D386C44DB_zps0flfzjwd.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/88AAC173-8382-47A6-BA2C-6C0D386C44DB_zps0flfzjwd.jpg.html)

After some research, I realized why I had such bad blow by. The flute stems in the valve cover of the stock renix 4.0 sat way to low, sucking up oil and dumping it into the oil filter, just a bad design. Now, since I recently found I have a bad ring in piston #2 I knew that this would not fix the problem but hopefully help to contain the oil enough to get me by until the stoker build. So I ordered a newer style aftermarket cover that did not have the flutes in it. I have since put about 100 miles on the truck and NO BLOW BY!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/16F7FF98-28C6-43E9-BF0E-86B2A2C60FC9_zpsgilj5yws.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/16F7FF98-28C6-43E9-BF0E-86B2A2C60FC9_zpsgilj5yws.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/030BE244-F991-4E77-86C3-07B1C3065444_zpssygkjkc3.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/030BE244-F991-4E77-86C3-07B1C3065444_zpssygkjkc3.jpg.html)

And here it is all done!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/6D7F8909-9D06-4307-9574-26163E84D807_zpsy7h6g403.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/6D7F8909-9D06-4307-9574-26163E84D807_zpsy7h6g403.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/A18715C2-83B2-4526-B340-72349BAD7BE4_zpskzplwsmw.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/A18715C2-83B2-4526-B340-72349BAD7BE4_zpskzplwsmw.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Next up, I wired up a little boom boom for the trails. I had a hard time finding a subwoofer enclosure small enough to fix behind the seats of the cab. After I finally found one what should fit I had to add some wood to the bottom of the box for it to sit level in the cab. I had a real problem trying to figure out how I was going to secure it and the amp in place without it rolling around. I was tiring to avoid screwing in to the back wall of the cab at all cost. So with some brain storming I came up with a idea. I went to harbor friend and got some of their bar magnets and screwed them to the back of the box. PERFECT! They stick to the wall of the cab and don’t move a inch! I also did the same set up for the amp and put it to the left of the sub. I don’t have any pictures of the amp right now but I’ll try to t get some tonight.
That’s not the end though… I have never been a fan of no name cheap electronics but this time I was forced into buying a no name brand because It came with a box that would fit the cab. Well once again I learned my lesson. 3 Days after I installed the 600 watt max “audio pipe” sub on an OLD 300 watt pioneer amp (not bridged), I blew it. Started smelling and them made some god awful racket. I just bought a 1500 watt max Pioneer shallow sub to replace it which I hope to get to tonight.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/11EAC0F2-97CE-4BB4-8E26-5225ED05AC6C_zpsv83mptjb.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/11EAC0F2-97CE-4BB4-8E26-5225ED05AC6C_zpsv83mptjb.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/60DE7613-DF8E-476C-AE99-5EC6FECE89C2_zpsx0lqfx9g.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/60DE7613-DF8E-476C-AE99-5EC6FECE89C2_zpsx0lqfx9g.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/428EB56D-32CA-4A15-90C8-274147C8D31C_zps5r64pzph.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/428EB56D-32CA-4A15-90C8-274147C8D31C_zps5r64pzph.jpg.html)

[Fredo]

Those 10mm wires are comical. No 4L in history has needed 10mm wires. :D

Also, you still have the blow-by, I promise. The baffles under that crankcase vent and breather are just slowing it down. The "flutes" as you call them are actually a good design and help evacuate crankcase pressure under high rpm/load. If your motor wasn't worn out, they would be functioning exactly as designed.

I remember a buddy of mine had a cherokee with 300k+ on it, and while it was idling you could loosen the oil cap and it would sound like you were opening a 2 liter coke bottle. Ran fairly decent, just a little low on power and a ****load of crankcase pressure.

How many miles are on your truck?

[zebvance]

Yea I only have about 100 miles since the mod so I still don't know for sure. I know because I have a bad ring in #2 I will still have some, just don't know how much. The way I came across my info about the flutes being to long was from a retired Jeep dealership mechanic. He told me that he worked as a head mechanic at a Jeep/ Chrysler dealership for 30 years and these renix 4.0s would come back to the dealership with 10,000 miles on them showing signs of blow by, when the motor was 100% sound. He said a service bulletin was released by Chrysler addressing the problems stating that the flute stems sat down to far on the head and sucked up oil. The fix was to trim a inch off the flutes and send them back on there way.

This is all wait he tells me. Real, or a load of ****, I don't know. But I don't know what reason he would have to lie about it. Any way I thought it was interesting.

[Fredo]

Well, don't take what I'm saying as gospel. I know the crankcase ventilation flutes work better at venting crankcase pressures than the baffles on most engines, but I could totally buy them being too long originally. I would think trimming them would definitely fix the issue if they are too long. To be completely honest, on a 4.0L, the baffles will work just fine. Where you get into really scrutinizing design on crankcase vents is on high compression, high rpm stuff, forced induction applications, etc. For a "stock" or "stockish" motor, it doesn't matter as much.

[zebvance]

Time to update some more.
I was able in finally install my altimeter/offroad cpu and a few other things like a volt meter. I ordered a blank switch panel change hole plate from dirt bout offroad and installed the Cpu in it with a digital voltmeter. The Camron Offroad CPU is pretty much just a neat factor. It tells you your tilt and roll, along with Temperature and Attitude. It also Tracks your total altitude. I wish I would have got the White LED display though, the red one I got is not the brightest.
The mounting holes in the panel were pretty hard to get looking nice and straight. To cover up the rough edges I just cut some vinyl decal material and stuck it on there. I plan on making a nice face plate soon not sure yet on what the game plan for that though. I will probably make it out of wood and fiberglass over it.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/5746B5BC-899F-4FCC-8F7B-53BFDC760619_zps3euluckb.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/5746B5BC-899F-4FCC-8F7B-53BFDC760619_zps3euluckb.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/B4C52963-FB9D-4C7B-B665-C6439FF70209_zpsx20k57i7.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/B4C52963-FB9D-4C7B-B665-C6439FF70209_zpsx20k57i7.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/2E36A021-3ED9-4999-861A-D63E0C47651E_zpsyzq3y05a.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/2E36A021-3ED9-4999-861A-D63E0C47651E_zpsyzq3y05a.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/75EF4DB7-8529-4FCF-8480-7F685AA783B6_zps1tfb6erw.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/75EF4DB7-8529-4FCF-8480-7F685AA783B6_zps1tfb6erw.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

While I was doing that I also installed two 3.5” speakers in the dash for better sound. I am really happy with the turn out and the sound in the cab now.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/AE914172-8FF3-4627-A018-96A9C09714C5_zpspyvijfgr.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/AE914172-8FF3-4627-A018-96A9C09714C5_zpspyvijfgr.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/8DE5FDFD-7DF5-419B-8BBA-DAFFC95ACB8D_zpsrslvxjpj.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/8DE5FDFD-7DF5-419B-8BBA-DAFFC95ACB8D_zpsrslvxjpj.jpg.html)

I also Installed a gauge/switch panel where the factory clock was, to put an Rpm gauge (which I had already mounted there, just drilled through the factory clock though.) One of the switches I wired up to more Courtesy/ Cab lighting so I could see better when looking for something in the dark. The other two switches will be for rock lights and cargo bed lighting whenever I get around installing them.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/68750C8F-1FAF-41BC-863C-70FB414242E3_zpsgqervpf3.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/68750C8F-1FAF-41BC-863C-70FB414242E3_zpsgqervpf3.jpg.html)

I also installed a new subwoofer because I blew the other one, along with a new radio and wired up sirius XM radio. Oh, and I replaced all dash light, center console lights with LED bulbs (Much better lighting!) Anyway here is the end result!!!!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/C387569D-87B0-482F-89DC-CD8423B9DC10_zpsuioibipj.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/C387569D-87B0-482F-89DC-CD8423B9DC10_zpsuioibipj.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/2B2A27E3-86C3-47D0-9816-00935A75B2C2_zpsqd6gclym.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/2B2A27E3-86C3-47D0-9816-00935A75B2C2_zpsqd6gclym.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/B74CF31C-7E56-455A-9227-CBC5D27AFB16_zpscqnhv0i4.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/B74CF31C-7E56-455A-9227-CBC5D27AFB16_zpscqnhv0i4.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/C69D7F0F-45D7-410A-91BE-FA59EB7E37CA_zpskjwctswl.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/C69D7F0F-45D7-410A-91BE-FA59EB7E37CA_zpskjwctswl.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/A4793EE9-6944-4C39-9621-E907B200C744_zpsrlrbkz2y.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/A4793EE9-6944-4C39-9621-E907B200C744_zpsrlrbkz2y.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/1EFA1B61-C1D7-4578-AA24-FD8ECA661CA0_zpsfbq6qfcp.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/1EFA1B61-C1D7-4578-AA24-FD8ECA661CA0_zpsfbq6qfcp.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/112FD2B7-BCB5-49AE-8DCF-C48BDE3E5CA4_zpsnnxlbkzc.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/112FD2B7-BCB5-49AE-8DCF-C48BDE3E5CA4_zpsnnxlbkzc.jpg.html)

[aggie4life]

Looks nice, good job

[zebvance]

looks nice, good job


thanks!

[zebvance]

Now on to the bad news.

I did all that work in preparation to take the truck camping at Llano State Park in Junction, Texas about 5 hours away. I got done with all the work on Wednesday and planned on driving the truck around for a couple of days to give it a shake down before I took it on the trip. With all the work that had just been done to it I thought I needed to. New rear main seal, distributor, engine ground, ground and power cables to the starter and alternator, and then of course all the upgrades I did inside. Well the thing was finally not leaking a drop of oil.

Sure enough, drove the truck to work Thursday morning, came out to it to go to lunch and noticed a oil leak. I immediately took it back to Car Docs hoping that they just didn’t do a good job installing the rear main seal and it would be covered under warranty. They called me back and said that both the rear main seal and distributer gasket was leaking again. He said the remembered about the low compression in cylinder #2 and decided to do what they called a “pressure” test and run it up the road. They told me that before he hit 30mph the crank case pressure was up to 3 PSI. They said they won’t replace the rear main seal again because the crank case pressure build up from the worn cylinder rings was the cause of blowing out the seals again.

To me it adds up when I think about it. Over the past two years every time I would replace a leaky gasket or seal and new leak would pop up from a place that was not previously leaking.


I ended up not risking taking the truck on the trip. But this past weekend I did attempt to see how bad the issue really was. I drove it to my buddies deer lease 100 miles away in Sheridan, Texas. On the way there the rear main seal and distributor gasket leaks got worse and worse, I also believe I developed another leak at the oil pan. From the trip there and back I lost well over a quart of oil. Not to mention I averaged 11.8 MPG on the highway…
I hate to say it but I have to call it. The engine is done for. No more Band-Aids. I still plain on getting the lift done to finish that project. After that I am going to start looking for a 96+ motor to build a stroker. I will buy the parts as funds allow and then drop the donor motor and parts off to a very reputable machinist that I trust doing the machining and assembly in my home town. I plan on leaving the current engine in the truck until the stroker is built and ready to drop in. Since it still can move under its own power I feel it’s best to do that if I need to move the truck from time to time.

I did consider a V8 swap also, but there are a lot things that offset the benefits of how cheaply I can get a SBC. Here is a list of major concerns with that.

- Keeping it cool.
I have seen plenty of these swaps done on Cherokees and I always hear the frustrating stories of trying to keep it cool in the small engine bay. The only way I have seen it work is with a $1000+ custom cooling set up. Which I don’t want to have to deal with

- Firewall Modifications
A good bit of fabrication will have to be done to the firewall to make the V8 fit.

- Mounting the Motor
It will take custom motor mounts not to mention I would need to plate the unibody around the motor to deal with the additional weight.

- Transmission set up
2 options, buy a high dollar adapter plated to keep my current transmission or buy a TH350 and a adapter plate to mount it to the NP231

- Computer Compatibility
I don’t want to even look into what it’s going to take to make the renix computer and SBC computer talk to each other.

- The want for a fresh engine
At the end of the day I want a fresh rebuild. So that will mean I will get the SBC rebuilt regardless.

All of these reasons add up to me not perusing it. I think It will end up taking longer to get the truck back running again, cost more than a stroker when it’s all said and done, and be more of a headache. All for what? When the stroker will be putting out the same numbers maybe even better than a stock vortec 5.3 or something.

I have started doing research on the renix 4.0 to the 96+ 4.0 HO motor swap and it doesn’t look that bad. The plan is to go with a 96+ because of the better flowing head, intake, exhaust, and bigger throttle body. I will probably get work done on the head or buy one that has already been ported and polished along with a better valve train. They run about $600-750. Or get the new all aluminum head that edelbrock just released for the 4.0, but it runs about $1500.00. In addition I will also have to buy a new header to match up with the 96+ exhaust ports. Also I pain on getting a bored 68mm Throttle body. I want this thing to have plenty of air.

As far as fuel goes, I’m going to need to get a better fuel pump and the hesco adjustable fuel pressure regulator along with ford #24lb+ fuel injectors depending on the size of the stroker. I will also like to get an air to fuel ratio gauge to dial it in, but I know they are pricy, if I have that though I should be able to get the mixture right by adjusting the resistance on the MAP sensor.
As for the build in all I would really like to stay under $3000.00 in just the motor. I know I can probably add another $1000 in injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump, header, and Throttle body. I think these are realistic numbers and might even come out under 4k total.

I would love to do a 4.9 stroker but I feel it will be more costly and problematic, so I will most likely just go the route of a 4.7. I haven’t picked out the recipe of the build yet because I want to get deep into some more research. However, I did talk to the person that will be doing the assembly and he said to stay away from Keith Black Pistons and Eagle cranks. Both of their quality has really fallen off. He said his experience with SCAT over the past few years has gotten better and better. I trust this guy because he has been doing this for over 30 years and has built hundreds of motors. Furthermore, from the research I have done I should at minimum be looking at 270HP and 300Tq with a stock 96+ 4.0HO head. I am hoping for more like 300Hp and 330Tq though. Which I think are possible numbers.

I’m sure I could attempt to throw this thing together myself and probably save a grand but at the end of the day I am willing to pay more to know it was built right by someone that has a good rep and a tremendous amount of experience.

With all that said….

LET THE FUN BEGIN!:cheers::pop::D:D:D

[Sparling]

Need to forget the letters sbc, and learn LS1. If you have any decent fab skills it isn't expensive when you compare it to buying stroker kits, a 1600 dollar cylinder head, bigger injectors, etc. Not to mention all that work to a 6 cylinder and it will maybe make as much power as a stock v8?

It'll probably take more work, but I think in the end you'll be much happier, and have a cooler end product with an aluminum v8 than you would with a 6 cylinder. If you have any doubt go wheel with creighton in his jeep.

[zebvance]

Need to forget the letters sbc, and learn LS1. If you have any decent fab skills it isn't expensive when you compare it to buying stroker kits, a 1600 dollar cylinder head, bigger injectors, etc. Not to mention all that work to a 6 cylinder and it will maybe make as much power as a stock v8?

It'll probably take more work, but I think in the end you'll be much happier, and have a cooler end product with an aluminum v8 than you would with a 6 cylinder. If you have any doubt go wheel with creighton in his jeep.


Been there done that.. The end result was me upside down in a field with a car that was a few inches off the ground and was 1000 pounds heavier than my truck. I tend to act stupid when I have redicuilous amount of power under a heavy foot. I would rather not temp myself with a lot of power in a truck that has a super sloppy roll around corners and sounds really awesome when you hit the skinny pedal.

[KrazyKarl02]

Been there done that.. The end result was me upside down in a field with a car that was a few inches off the ground and was 1000 pounds heavier than my truck. I tend to act stupid when I have redicuilous amount of power under a heavy foot. I would rather not temp myself with a lot of power in a truck that has a super sloppy roll around corners and sounds really awesome when you hit the skinny pedal.

Well then, I guess you should just go buy a Honda Element.

[tommy53002]

Need to forget the letters sbc, and learn LS1. If you have any decent fab skills it isn't expensive when you compare it to buying stroker kits, a 1600 dollar cylinder head, bigger injectors, etc. Not to mention all that work to a 6 cylinder and it will maybe make as much power as a stock v8?

It'll probably take more work, but I think in the end you'll be much happier, and have a cooler end product with an aluminum v8 than you would with a 6 cylinder. If you have any doubt go wheel with creighton in his jeep.

X2. Swap on the cheap.. sure, stick with an I6, but with the money you are talking about spending... LX swap all the way. But... sounds like your mind is made up.

[zebvance]

Well then, I guess you should just go buy a Honda Element.


I heard hippie chicks did Elements.......

[robertf03]

looks like a space ship


how bad is the oil leak that you cancelled a trip?

[zebvance]

about a quart every 100 miles, and getting progressively worst. Rear truss is panted gray and is now looks completely black. Whole undercarriage is covered in oil.

[colman]

you don't need to spend the money on head work etc on the stroker. you also only need to upgrade valve train and or springs if you were building something crazy. if your set on stroking no need to buy a kit. just get a 4.2 crank and rods from a free to cheap 4.2 a set of oversized pistons of whatever bore you want from a stock rebuild kit. a stock 7120 4.0 head and go. if you upgrade the cam to a hesco rv06b you will need some minor head work to seat the new valve springs as the head needs to be machined slighly.
stock stamped rockers are fine way past 300 hp. i just built a 4.7 that is going into my jeep as soon as i measure for push rods.

[robertf03]

city motor supply

se habla espanol

$905 for the premium 87 to 90 4.0

[KrazyKarl02]

Is the PCV valve clogged? Or can you just take it out, put a hose in there, direct to a bottle to catch the oil. Then keep rocking!

[zebvance]

Is the PCV valve clogged? Or can you just take it out, put a hose in there, direct to a bottle to catch the oil. Then keep rocking!


Had a oil catch can. That controlled the most of the blow by. The problem now is blowing out gaskets as soon as I replace them. I have no Pcv valve with the renix set up. It is a CCV (crank case ventilation system) set up. No valves just vent hoses basically... all hoses are clean and new. No clogs anywhere. The low compression is the cause of the build up of excess crank case pressure (more than the CCV system can cope with) that is causing seals to fail.

[zebvance]

you don't need to spend the money on head work etc on the stroker. you also only need to upgrade valve train and or springs if you were building something crazy. if your set on stroking no need to buy a kit. just get a 4.2 crank and rods from a free to cheap 4.2 a set of oversized pistons of whatever bore you want from a stock rebuild kit. a stock 7120 4.0 head and go. if you upgrade the cam to a hesco rv06b you will need some minor head work to seat the new valve springs as the head needs to be machined slighly.
stock stamped rockers are fine way past 300 hp. i just built a 4.7 that is going into my jeep as soon as i measure for push rods.


Yes I am not that knowledgeable with them as of now. Just getting my feet wet and still researching. I just went over to the Jeepstroker forum and plan on spending a lot of time reading up before I start swiping the card.

[AggieTJ2007]

a few points for you to consider

-An LS motoer, even the iron block motors weigh less than a 4.0
-They are shorter and only slightly wider than the 4.0 with the huge intake hanging off one side
-LS motors and 5.3's in general run very cool, 4.7L stroker motors are hard to keep cool
-You will have a hard time building a 4.7L to match the HP of a vortec 5.3, they may rate them lower but they usually dyno closer to 350HP

LS swaps are getting easier and easier, if you don't want to tons of power swap in a 4.8L

[sam_hodnett]

a few points for you to consider

-An LS motoer, even the iron block motors weigh less than a 4.0
-They are shorter and only slightly wider than the 4.0 with the huge intake hanging off one side
-LS motors and 5.3's in general run very cool, 4.7L stroker motors are hard to keep cool
-You will have a hard time building a 4.7L to match the HP of a vortec 5.3, they may rate them lower but they usually dyno closer to 350HP

LS swaps are getting easier and easier, if you don't want to tons of power swap in a 4.8L

This.

[zebvance]

This.


yes but they are wider where it matters most. Where the headers go. There for interfering with the "frame rail" which then translates to block huggers or notching the frame...

[robertf03]

hes been driving around on a dead cylinder, you could tell him a reman 4.0 was 500 hp and hed probably believe it

5.3 seems like such a horrible idea. its already barely a jeep, youd be throwing out all of the drivetrain and probably some sheetmetal.

[zebvance]

This is a perfect example for the people that think a v8 swap will be a piece of cake.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1007477

Not say its not awesome and that once its done it will be worth all the work. Its just simply more time, money, and work than I want to get into. Too many little hiccups here and there that I don't want to deal with. For me my goal is more power and easiest install. Time is worth more than money (to a reasonable extent) to me at this point. Owning a business and having a full time job plus getting married in less than a year, translates to me not having that much free time, and my goal is to get his thing back on the beach asap. Because when I do have free time, thats where I like to spend it. I appreciate everyone giving their opinions, that's what forums are about, helping others and giving them advice. But for me a 4.0 stroker is the best choice right now.

[Sparling]

Sounds like you need a bare bones long block replacement for the stock motor.

You're over thinking this motor swap, but I can see this ending up like your d30, expensive, overbuilt, and still not as good as a pretty much stock one step up to the next level.

D30 < D44
6 cylinder < Chevy v8

[KrazyKarl02]

In all truthfulness, a stock 4.0 Long block would probably be cheap, easy, and do just fine. If you want to go mudDing, get a stroker. Want to crawl, get gears.

[cjwiththexj]

I've been thinking about this same subject for my Cherokee. I want to put a V8 in it, that's my dream, but I will probably just go with a 4.0 stroked.

check this out for idea on the V8 though: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/pdfs/xj_engine_mounts.pdf

[zebvance]

I've been thinking about this same subject for my Cherokee. I want to put a V8 in it, that's my dream, but I will probably just go with a 4.0 stroked.

check this out for idea on the V8 though: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/pdfs/xj_engine_mounts.pdf

Thanks Cj, I have came across that link. Alot of great info.

[Shaggy]

if you know the motor is junk why not wheel the piss out of it till it dies. It is gonna end up as scrap regardless. Have some fun with it

[colman]

I would jump on cl and find someone who rebuilt a motor or had one rebuilt and never used it. i think there are 3 new 4.o ho's on houston cl right now. that would get you going now and you can keep your old block and build your stroker motor and swap it in in 3 years when you have time again. should be more than adequate for what you are doing, quick and reasonably priced

[zebvance]

Still got to put the 1 ton steering back on and retighten everything, then order the custom driveshaft. But it's been a long time coming. Parts and tires sitting for two years. She is finally sitting one 35inch Baja claws and 9.5" of lift. Gunna be the baddest beach rig on Matagorda island.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/8E3AF22F-BBAE-40C3-A071-2F1D1BCF66CE_zpschwksgqe.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/8E3AF22F-BBAE-40C3-A071-2F1D1BCF66CE_zpschwksgqe.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/87F3CFBB-F432-45B7-A5F5-473F2D082E83_zpsqkvijwog.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/87F3CFBB-F432-45B7-A5F5-473F2D082E83_zpsqkvijwog.jpg.html)

[tommy53002]

Nice! Way to stick with it.

Is that really 9.5" of lift? It doesn't look AS tall as it sounds.

[zebvance]

Thanks! Yep Its 7.5 inch rubicon express coils with 2 inch spacers. On Serious Offroad long arms. It really doesn't look as tall in the pictures as it really is. But the bottom of the door is even with my wifes belly button. Its pretty hard to fit 35" on a comanche/cherokee and keep the stock flares.

[KrazyKarl02]

I can't wait to see the steering.

[zebvance]

I can't wait to see the steering.

it was on the old axle. Has a tie rod end spin on me taking it off so I am waiting on the replacement tie rod end to come in.

[zebvance]

couple day time shots..

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F5F6C133-D493-4625-BCC8-E52DE1DDDD47_zpswoth4q41.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F5F6C133-D493-4625-BCC8-E52DE1DDDD47_zpswoth4q41.jpg.html)


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/26D3B05F-96D3-493D-B79C-188E4D39C0D9_zpsshjzrqgb.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/26D3B05F-96D3-493D-B79C-188E4D39C0D9_zpsshjzrqgb.jpg.html)

[sam_hodnett]

Looks good man, glad you finaly got it done!

[zebvance]

Looks good man, glad you finaly got it done!

Thanks Sam.

[colman]

looks good. i personally love as low a cg as you can get. can't you use a set of tj flares on it which are cheap and take the 2" spacers out?

[zebvance]

looks good. i personally love as low a cg as you can get. can't you use a set of tj flares on it which are cheap and take the 2" spacers out?

Not a fan of the TJ flares on the comanche. Im going to be leaving it the height as is since it will mostly be a beach truck. 37s are planned for the future. Might look at some flat flares then. Need to post the old tires and rims for sale so I can order the custom drive shaft. Also waitinf for a Tie rod end to come in to finish up the steering. Then ill take it to get aligned. After that its a trip to work to flex it out with the forklift and see how big of bump stops ill need to keep from destroying fenders.

[zebvance]

Picked up this hitch grill for $30 new in the box. Cant wait to use it on the beach and at the deer lease.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/057853E8-72C6-4E10-B705-922C3BA6DEB9_zps024h7tpq.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/057853E8-72C6-4E10-B705-922C3BA6DEB9_zps024h7tpq.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/25745FFA-02C4-48A4-A8EC-1C41A4D0A9CC_zps29hipqfn.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/25745FFA-02C4-48A4-A8EC-1C41A4D0A9CC_zps29hipqfn.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Got the steering and sway bars on and tightened everything up for a little test drive to let every settle to see where it sits. It definitely drives like a different truck now. I thought I was pretty close on the length of where the long arms needed to be but looks like I was way off, so is the track bar. Needs a lot more dialing in and a alignment, but one step closer to getting it on the beach for the summer to get the last bit of life out of the motor before It gets a rebuild. Also Went to put the front drive shaft on but couldn't find the bolts or straps, so got some more coming from rock auto, but it looks like the length is still going to be fine and it will work.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/6605B47C-C599-4807-93C1-A2974ED3F09D_zpsov5grdic.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/6605B47C-C599-4807-93C1-A2974ED3F09D_zpsov5grdic.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/DD7E046C-6F08-4753-9E83-C2AB874A461E_zpslfsihhsn.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/DD7E046C-6F08-4753-9E83-C2AB874A461E_zpslfsihhsn.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Its pretty dead on level now. I had bought some adjustable shackles thinking that after the lift in the front the rear would be sagging a little and it would need some more lift in the back to get it level but looks like it leveled out perfect without them. You can tell from the picture that the front axle is sitting a little more back than it should. Need to adjust the upper arms to get the pinion angle right and the lowers to push the axle out more.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/E06B2E65-B3F6-4663-A5F5-DBA592591769_zpstdvjwmp9.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/E06B2E65-B3F6-4663-A5F5-DBA592591769_zpstdvjwmp9.jpg.html)

[colman]

looks great

[zebvance]

looks great

Thanks!

[zebvance]

Had a chance to get a little work done on the mj last night that I have been meaning to for a year or two now. Had to get a bigger hi-lift jack cause the other wouldn't get the tires off the ground. I decided to mount it in the bed.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/A58A4F7F-9D78-4BF7-BDC6-9BF225363E9E_zpsdmfjmpgy.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/A58A4F7F-9D78-4BF7-BDC6-9BF225363E9E_zpsdmfjmpgy.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Also had a "JEEP" decal that goes on the raised lettering on the tail gate has been sitting around for a while I finally got a chance to put on.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/BB259657-AA6D-4CBA-B855-59879E88B45C_zpsri9vix08.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/BB259657-AA6D-4CBA-B855-59879E88B45C_zpsri9vix08.jpg.html)

BEFORE:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/A035E5CC-23FB-4FEB-A957-BAF3C5121AA5_zpsecgnkb0z.png (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/A035E5CC-23FB-4FEB-A957-BAF3C5121AA5_zpsecgnkb0z.png.html)




AFTER:


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/599060C1-7491-4BC5-85AD-EFAAF53CCD83_zpsp4gxo9bz.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/599060C1-7491-4BC5-85AD-EFAAF53CCD83_zpsp4gxo9bz.jpg.html)

[Seth]

Nice!

[davido]

Looks good!

I'd recommend some kind of cover over the mechanicals of the jack. You may have to make something. But they're not very easy to use when they've been left out in the weather. I'd suck to need it and have it be rusted up.

[zebvance]

Looks good!

I'd recommend some kind of cover over the mechanicals of the jack. You may have to make something. But they're not very easy to use when they've been left out in the weather. I'd suck to need it and have it be rusted up.

Thanks! I was just thinking this yesterday after looking at it. It is rusting quick, Im going to look for cover, I know I have seen people with them before.

[zebvance]

Got some work done on the Comanche this week and man it was HOT!

Fixed the TRE on the drag link. I had to cut it off and get a new one one and grind down the pit man arm some to get the castle nut down enough to slip a cotter pin in it. So Steering is 100% done and safe to drive.

Also finally got all the hardware to bolt the drive shaft up, so I did that. Its been almost 3 years since I have had front and rear matching gear sets. so I have not had 4wd for that long. I took it down the street and put it in to 4wd and it worked great!!!!!! That front locker made a world of difference too.

In a couple weeks Ill get it over to a Offroad shop here in town and they are going to align it, adjust the long arms for correct pinion angle, dial in the drag link and the sway bar links for me while there at it along with grease everything up. This is next to impossible to do in my drive way with out a jack big enough for the truck, it would be cake if I had access to a lift. The shop is going to charge me $160, which I feel Is a fair price.

After that I still have to do the following which I will try to do some of it before it gets dropped off at the shop...

Electrical:
-Adjust TPS to factory recommendation (I believe its too advanced and I get some back firing from time to time. )
-Left headlight sometimes works some times doesn't. (bad ground?)
-Rear right tail light not working (could just be a bulb)
-Install NSS to get reverse lights working again
-diagnose and fix why half of Light bars are working (bad grounds/Fuse blocks most likely)
-Remove lights in rear bumper and install replacement LED lights


Other:
-Remove headliner ( its falling)
-Install Rear locker


I hope to have most of this done so I can enjoy the truck at the deer lease and down at Matagorda beach this winter. Its hard to get motivation to get out and work on it when It is 100+ degrees though....

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/8CCA9178-B029-49D6-A386-589588D6C34E_zpswf1qcsdd.png (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/8CCA9178-B029-49D6-A386-589588D6C34E_zpswf1qcsdd.png.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/59AFCCC0-0FAE-4DE7-9BC5-EA77F43E059C_zpsknpcn8f5.png (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/59AFCCC0-0FAE-4DE7-9BC5-EA77F43E059C_zpsknpcn8f5.png.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/48825141-BCF2-4EF8-B88A-991278C5BEFD_zpso8qmg5kj.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/48825141-BCF2-4EF8-B88A-991278C5BEFD_zpso8qmg5kj.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

got some more work done on the comanche over the weekend and last night.

-Adjusted TPS
Runs alot better but It does still bog down and back fire a little when in 4x4.

-pulled the headliner that was falling down and found a date (1990) on what looks to be a after market roof panel. I guess this thing had a new roof put on it at some time before it got laid over, now it needs another new roof ***.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/965C65E2-3DFC-4296-BC38-36C81C1C8A6B_zpsv78ok5lm.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/965C65E2-3DFC-4296-BC38-36C81C1C8A6B_zpsv78ok5lm.jpg.html)

Last night I got all the light bars back working. One had a blown fuse, the other a bad switch, and the other a loose connection.


Now for the bad news. When I went to go pull the switch panel out I had to pull the gear shift down to get to the screw that holds the panel to the dash. Well after trouble shooting some switches I decided that I needed a test probe and hopped out of the truck headed to the store to get one..... 10 mins later I get a call from my wife that the truck rolled down the drive way and into my brother-in-laws car. BONE HEAD MOVE! I forgot to put the truck back in park when I got out of it...... SO now I have to fix his car. A big expense that could of be avoided if I was paying attention and not in such of a hurry.

Here is a picture of his car. The back corner of the bumper ran into his hatch, no damage to the Comanche except a scuff on the bumper and a cracked tail light....

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/BD575F8E-96D6-49F9-B2AE-A5E76FC3DAE1_zpsbq1uucox.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/BD575F8E-96D6-49F9-B2AE-A5E76FC3DAE1_zpsbq1uucox.jpg.html)


Never the less im not going to cry over spilled milk. Need to keep the momentum going on the truck so I can use it for the hunting season. Opening weekend for dove is closing in quick.

Tonight I will trouble shoot and install new headlight bulbs.

Still to do:
-install new NSS to get brake lights/revers lights working consistently again.
-remove old rear bumper lights/install new LED ones
-Fix headlights
-install rear locker
-get long arms in correct alignment (dropping it off Thursday)

[Sharpe]

Is your brother in law Hot Pocket? Only Hot Pocket or a teenage girl would drive a white Honda wagon. Tell him to **** off and not park behind you anymore.

[zebvance]

Is your brother in law Hot Pocket? Only Hot Pocket or a teenage girl would drive a white Honda wagon. Tell him to **** off and not park behind you anymore.

Only place he has to park and him,his girlfriend and their 2 year old are living with us for the next month or so.....

[zebvance]

Replaced the head lights last night and a turn signal socket that was intermittent. I now have both low beam and high beams now unlike before. Plus those old bulbs were as bright as candles.... Still need to adjust the head lights down cause with lifting it they are pointing pretty high now. Ran out of time last night though. The list is getting smaller. Not sure what Im going to tackle next, the NSS or the rear bumper lights.



Still to do:
-install new NSS to get brake lights/revers lights working consistently again.
-remove old rear bumper lights/install new LED ones
-install rear locker
-get long arms in correct alignment (dropping it off Thursday)


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F8E493EF-CA92-478B-84CD-557BEA99A9C8_zpsjfdzdl0i.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F8E493EF-CA92-478B-84CD-557BEA99A9C8_zpsjfdzdl0i.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/2900F6E7-7D75-4532-A7CD-6F785D8E0492_zpsklx9j1xd.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/2900F6E7-7D75-4532-A7CD-6F785D8E0492_zpsklx9j1xd.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Got the jeep back from getting an alignment Friday. It is actually a lot more stable and controllable than the old lift and it cruises straight down the hwy with no problems.

On the way back from the shop I lost brakes while sitting at a stop light. Turns out I didn't have a brake line tight enough and it spewed all the fluid out. Limped it back home with just rear brakes and got that sorted out in enough time to head to the brazos valley jeep meet. They had the RTI ramp there and I was able to test out the long arms there along with checking for brake line slack and future bump stop measurements.

I scored a 769 on the ramp. I was expecting it to do a little better. But still a large improvement over the old RC lift. I started to lose traction going up it so im sure if I had the locker in I would have scored better. The suspension was not maxed out either, it still had a good bit of room to tuck but I was limited by the fenders. I didn't feel like ripping them off with the baja claws.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/BE03FC74-0AD8-4780-A12C-9F03919EE70B_zpszsmdz3ao.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/BE03FC74-0AD8-4780-A12C-9F03919EE70B_zpszsmdz3ao.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/EFD65015-3A69-47C5-8559-577DA80F812C_zps4jynucqv.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/EFD65015-3A69-47C5-8559-577DA80F812C_zps4jynucqv.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/28F37A20-738B-479B-ADF3-02043C06D4D9_zpsrlpuk1mc.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/28F37A20-738B-479B-ADF3-02043C06D4D9_zpsrlpuk1mc.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/523018E1-D178-4B4B-AD10-9CE45BD37A67_zpsehr3vtwk.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/523018E1-D178-4B4B-AD10-9CE45BD37A67_zpsehr3vtwk.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/A0197565-469E-4020-A2B8-A7FECC9163A3_zpsqyitpjbr.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/A0197565-469E-4020-A2B8-A7FECC9163A3_zpsqyitpjbr.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/C3407F4A-A8A5-403C-B57E-48DB500E79EE_zpsmjwyfq7t.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/C3407F4A-A8A5-403C-B57E-48DB500E79EE_zpsmjwyfq7t.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/75136DAC-0349-4B9E-AFDE-EE4B36A1728B_zpsaehfilh3.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/75136DAC-0349-4B9E-AFDE-EE4B36A1728B_zpsaehfilh3.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/2C3D7C62-E746-42FA-B133-E37C27C22BD3_zps0x8lcahq.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/2C3D7C62-E746-42FA-B133-E37C27C22BD3_zps0x8lcahq.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/CE9BA93B-77EF-4B08-851F-D42463B8FECA_zpsrq9y0lpn.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/CE9BA93B-77EF-4B08-851F-D42463B8FECA_zpsrq9y0lpn.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/D37AF3E5-3BA7-47B4-B031-74A23517F88E_zpsr2xyuftm.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/D37AF3E5-3BA7-47B4-B031-74A23517F88E_zpsr2xyuftm.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

Sunday I got up and took the truck to lowes for a few things and just drove it around a bit. Got some good pictures of it. Everything always looks better in the rain, bad paint jobs dont look near as bad ***.

I also noticed I have a decent fuel leak at the in line fuel filter. Once it stops raining I button that up.

Things left to do:
Fix fuel leak
Install rear bumper lights
Install rear locker
Install NSS

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/57539CD8-E987-4889-9ADF-BAD0D71FF5CF_zpsaftmazjn.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/57539CD8-E987-4889-9ADF-BAD0D71FF5CF_zpsaftmazjn.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/5C93A56F-3E8B-4837-9616-96890D67B1CC_zps9nufhihx.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/5C93A56F-3E8B-4837-9616-96890D67B1CC_zps9nufhihx.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F874BD88-CA6B-4216-82EF-BED483E2BA97_zpsu2m7x93h.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F874BD88-CA6B-4216-82EF-BED483E2BA97_zpsu2m7x93h.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/00B546C7-99A6-4EEE-A59B-1C9EAFEBCF56_zpsdmciwdou.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/00B546C7-99A6-4EEE-A59B-1C9EAFEBCF56_zpsdmciwdou.jpg.html)

[Sparling]

Pretty sure my suburban went up the RTI ramp that far.

[zebvance]

Man for a second there I thought I couldn't find all the ****s I give. But then I remembered I don't have any.... :)

[KrazyKarl02]

Looks good, curious to see it on the trail. You gonna make Clayton?

[BroncoJo]

So a fender trimming is in order?

[zebvance]

Looks good, curious to see it on the trail. You gonna make Clayton?

Havent heard any plans on Clayton, when is the trip? Just got a car hauler that is readily available to me. Just started a savings account for a trip im planing labor day 2017. Yanking it to Louisiana to do some wheeling with my cousin maybe then to Jasper, Ga for Jeep fest, and then on to Tennessee or Uwharrie in South Carolina possibly.


So a fender trimming is in order?

Looking at some flat flares as we speak. Will probably pull the trigger before Xmas.

[KrazyKarl02]

Havent heard any plans on Clayton, when is the trip?

Just read the forum, there is a thread...

http://www.tamor.org/forums/showthread.php?12963-Clayton-Christmas-Carnage-16&p=303148#post303148

[jerryg79]

Yanking it to Louisiana

I've yanked it to alot of weird stuff, never tried a city, county, or even a state. Might have to get out the old atlas and a box of kleenex next time the old lady goes out of town.

[sam_hodnett]

Pretty sure my suburban went up the RTI ramp that far.

but you had a 15 mph head start, and at least one of your tires was just chilling in the air :flipoff2:

[Sparling]

It was 2wd so I had to play with a handicap

[Sharpe]

but you had a 15 mph head start, and at least one of your tires was just chilling in the air :flipoff2:

Semantics. Points is points.

[zebvance]

Had some fun with the fork lift over the weekend. Double checking brake line and driveshaft length and clearances. The forks on the fork lift were 36" off the ground for the front and I forgot to measure the back, but they were about the same, maybe a little more. Also measured for bump stops, I am thinking about doing some fender flares and and maybe looking at 37s in the future. Does anybody know of good options for adjustable bump stops? Some that I can set to correct length now and still used with some adjustment after 37's are one?

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/B3CE73EE-A73C-4A17-B291-EC4A073CC800_zps30myw0tr.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/B3CE73EE-A73C-4A17-B291-EC4A073CC800_zps30myw0tr.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/3660333B-DC61-4118-A9FF-9312957B39D3_zpsj1doov0b.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/3660333B-DC61-4118-A9FF-9312957B39D3_zpsj1doov0b.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F7B982F0-0D56-4035-ABCE-4B330327BAC6_zpsjoonzylt.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F7B982F0-0D56-4035-ABCE-4B330327BAC6_zpsjoonzylt.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/ADC14420-4851-4609-AB6B-1A2669A1C021_zpsphprnjcr.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/ADC14420-4851-4609-AB6B-1A2669A1C021_zpsphprnjcr.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/07680E8F-D496-4C9E-8113-ADFEC66D0298_zps0zbbujsk.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/07680E8F-D496-4C9E-8113-ADFEC66D0298_zps0zbbujsk.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/7FF186BB-4D91-4789-A3F7-9AC6037F02CF_zpszaypyp5v.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/7FF186BB-4D91-4789-A3F7-9AC6037F02CF_zpszaypyp5v.jpg.html)

[BroncoJo]

I would remove fender before adding bump stop.

[zebvance]

I would remove fender before adding bump stop.

Not a fan of the no fender look.....

[Sharpe]

Fender flares will get ripped off on the trail. Buy some generic poly bump stops and fabricate a bolt-on mount for them so you can change them later.

[zebvance]

Well the Comanche was suppose to get towed down to the coast for the rest of the year this weekend but it didn't work out. So going to try again this weekend and hopefully get some time on the beach with it. Friday though, I was able to install the new rear LEDs to replace the old crappy filament fog lights. They look kinda funny because they are so small but they are the only ones that I could find that would fit in the existing light boxes I made into the bumper. They put out a good bit of light to assist in recovery. Much more than the previous ones.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/52E34FE9-9D6B-4CF6-90D0-49BF3A4BDB18_zpslexuai0g.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/52E34FE9-9D6B-4CF6-90D0-49BF3A4BDB18_zpslexuai0g.jpg.html)
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F3715B53-6F60-45FE-8840-D7BA4E76BE55_zpse75hukiu.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F3715B53-6F60-45FE-8840-D7BA4E76BE55_zpse75hukiu.jpg.html)

[zebvance]

well this happened today! :)


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/F0F6CBD1-3132-4A43-BC5B-72F5835A5FBE_zps9ey8sns7.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/F0F6CBD1-3132-4A43-BC5B-72F5835A5FBE_zps9ey8sns7.jpg.html)

[KrazyKarl02]

Why did you get a license plate with my initials on it?

[zebvance]

Why did you get a license plate with my initials on it?

I have a crush on you......

[Fredo]

Why did you get a license plate with my initials on it?

Karl Manwhore Crouch?

[KrazyKarl02]

I have a crush on you......

Damn, now you say something, I was hoping you would ask me to homecoming....

[zebvance]

The weekend went fairly successful. The Comanche is now at its new home for the winter, 15 miles from the beach and duck hunting spots. Hopefully I get some good use out of her over the winter. Burned about a whole tank of gas on the beach over the weekend. It was great to have the ole girl in 4x4 again. The baja claws seemed to walk through all the soft sand and the front locker made a big difference. The truck defiantly broke a few necks on the beach and got quite a few complements on it at the little town gas station.


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/14BA655C-97E1-429D-922A-BF8FF546591C_zpsjkfdqece.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/14BA655C-97E1-429D-922A-BF8FF546591C_zpsjkfdqece.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/86F0494E-C356-4283-BC57-824B4D227D03_zpsyvyymkjh.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/86F0494E-C356-4283-BC57-824B4D227D03_zpsyvyymkjh.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/486633DF-09F0-454F-9637-A6E11CA33AF3_zps1f6uoepz.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/486633DF-09F0-454F-9637-A6E11CA33AF3_zps1f6uoepz.jpg.html)

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/zebvance/99C555AE-A76E-493B-9448-08831CC9A114_zpsliqzsb3v.jpg (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/zebvance/media/99C555AE-A76E-493B-9448-08831CC9A114_zpsliqzsb3v.jpg.html)

[tommy53002]

Truck looks good.

I'm extremely jealous of that surf. It looks perfect. Yall do any good?

[zebvance]

Truck looks good.

I'm extremely jealous of that surf. It looks perfect. Yall do any good?

Caught a few trout but mainly were out there to add on and brush up the duck blind me and my buddy built in the bay last year.