2004 Renegade "The Green Monster".

[TwoBobsKJ]

So I finally got around to installing my Tom Mudd 3.5" Econo lift from JBA, it's been sitting in my garage for about 10 months :shrug:.So after 3 days, ran into a few issues that set me back as the old parts were all OEM and rusted nuts and bolts. I used a lot of PB Blast. I finally completed the project. Had to take the springs and struts to a local shop for assembly and pickup a tool I misplaced :favorites68:. I can tell a big difference in the ride and handling, much better :gr_grin:. So after a roughly 12 mile ride I took measurements. She's sitting at the following: DF=22", PF=22.25", DR=22.25", PR=22.5". Still need to take it in for an alignment.

Don't know how you sat on the lift for 10 months - a KJ toy shows up from UPS and I can't wait 10 minutes :happy175:

I'm jealous you have the original light bar covers - those babies are hard to find these days :waytogo:

Bob

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Don't know how you sat on the lift for 10 months - a KJ toy shows up from UPS and I can't wait 10 minutes :happy175:

I'm jealous you have the original light bar covers - those babies are hard to find these days :waytogo:

Bob

Well up until June of this year I was working 7 days a week for the past 10.5 years so projects can take some time. Also, my garage has been more of a storage unit than shop so that didn't help much. Really ***** when you've taking the time to install shop air and proper electric and have no room to walk around let alone work :thumbsdown:.

I was lucky I guess with the light covers. I'm chalking it up to the fact that this was a one owner Libby and the original owner had the dealer do all of the maintenance according to the Carfax. I don't even think he ever took it off-road.

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Got around to getting my PML aluminum transmission pan and Autometer transmission temp gauge hooked up today. Also changed the filter while I had it apart. Fluid was a nice pink-purple and smelled normal and no metal in the stock pan, I was actually surprised since the libby has 153912 miles on it. Took it out for a test drive and it's at 180 degrees in 91 degree air temp. I'll get to see next week how it does off-road during the trail ride.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Nice!! :waytogo:

Let us know how the trans temps settle in. Would love to get one of those PML pans - still haven't determined if it will fit between my JBA trans skid...

Bob

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Nice!! :waytogo:

Let us know how the trans temps settle in. Would love to get one of those PML pans - still haven't determined if it will fit between my JBA trans skid...

Bob

I sure will Bob. I have a Mopar trans skid plate that I'm going to see if it will fit. The bottom of the pan sits slightly above the cross-members so I think it will fit. My only concern is will the skid have a side affect of trapping heat from the exhaust cross pipe :flame:. The pipe is within inches of the back of the pan. If it does then I will end up installing an aux cooler.

 

[Kj/toy]

I sure will Bob. I have a Mopar trans skid plate that I'm going to see if it will fit. The bottom of the pan sits slightly above the cross-members so I think it will fit. My only concern is will the skid have a side affect of trapping heat from the exhaust cross pipe :flame:. The pipe is within inches of the back of the pan. If it does then I will end up installing an aux cooler.

I have both(PML and the 4X Guard Trans. skid). It fits.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

I have both(PML and the 4X Guard Trans. skid). It fits.

Great - thanks for the info! arty52:

Bob

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Been very busy with work and home projects so just getting around to some updates. Here are a few picks from the 23rd annual trail ride, have a few more in an album. The Libby did better than I expected on the trip and guys with 38"-44" tires on rigs were shocked how well it did with open diffs and all-season tires. Ran the tires at 22lbs so as to not break a bead seal. No pictures of her in action since I don't have a GoPro but will have one for next year.

 

[Dave]

Been very busy with work and home projects so just getting around to some updates. Here are a few picks from the 23rd annual trail ride, have a few more in an album. The Libby did better than I expected on the trip and guys with 38"-44" tires on rigs were shocked how well it did with open diffs and all-season tires. Ran the tires at 22lbs so as to not break a bead seal. No pictures of her in action since I don't have a GoPro but will have one for next year.

Yeah, the KJ is more capable/fun that you realize until you drive one off-road.


Nice KJ.


Dave

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Yeah, the KJ is more capable/fun that you realize until you drive one off-road.


Nice KJ.


Dave

Thanks Dave. I had to pick my lines carefully in the areas where the entire trail was literally nothing but rocks and small/medium boulders. My old trail rig was a 88 4Runner that was purpose built for rock crawling. Had to sell it during one of my moves as the new place was in a HOA.

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Nice!! :waytogo:

Let us know how the trans temps settle in. Would love to get one of those PML pans - still haven't determined if it will fit between my JBA trans skid...

Bob

TwoBobs,
The PML pan helped but I will be adding an aux cooler also as in some of the harder areas of the trail the trans temp got up to 220 degrees. No air flow at times due to the very slow crawl speed. It would cool down fast though when we stopped to watch each rig go through tough areas.

 

[tommudd]

TwoBobs,
The PML pan helped but I will be adding an aux cooler also as in some of the harder areas of the trail the trans temp got up to 220 degrees. No air flow at times due to the very slow crawl speed. It would cool down fast though when we stopped to watch each rig go through tough areas.

I've never had any issues with over heating simply due to the fact you are crawling for a while, then stopped for others. Always cools down enough that it never hurt the trans any .
Now pulling big loads in the enclosed trailer through the mountains, I just pull over every now and again to check it

 

[VAPoorBoy]

I've never had any issues with over heating simply due to the fact you are crawling for a while, then stopped for others. Always cools down enough that it never hurt the trans any .
Now pulling big loads in the enclosed trailer through the mountains, I just pull over every now and again to check it

Thanks Tom. Guess I'm just being over cautious since some have had issues with heat and the 42RLE while off-road.

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Random picture from this years annual trail ride.

 

[profdlp]

Random picture from this years annual trail ride.

Looking good! :waytogo:

 

[VAPoorBoy]

Looking good! :waytogo:

Thanks Prof, slowly getting there as time and funds permit.

 

[wheeee32]

Great color and your KJ looks tons better with the lift on it now.

 

[JimsRadJeep]

Nice car! Love the rear cargo shelf. I'm going to make something similar using the same mounting points. Thanks for the idea!
Also, how is your winch mounted? Do you think a nudge bar would still fit with that set up?