What did you do to your jeep today?

[tommudd]

I am a mechanic so I do everything on the hoist at work - haven't even tried to work on the Liberty on the ground yet

Everything is easy on the ground, done over 70 KJ lifts, on the ground plus not even sure how many other oil changes, tune ups, brakes etc
Of course with most all lifted its super easy
Worked on vehicles on lifts for years, rather have them lower LOL

 

[Deb'nKJ]

I'm much the same, in fact after running a lifted XJ on 31" MT's for 5 years I've almost forgotten the need to use a jack - unless one or more wheels had to come off.

While I can get under the KJ to look at things it is a bit too cramped - & dark - to do much, so I did jack up one corner to refit the front exhaust at the weekend & probably will next weekend to refit all the O2 sensors. Not bothered about not having a lift (usually work out in the street) but in more recent years I've become something of a fair weather mechanic so having a roof to work under seems increasingly attractive - but no less likely.

 

[CherokeeLiberty]

I miss my old lifted XJ. I also never had to jack it up for basic maintenance. It was lofted 4” on 31’s. Dad’s was 6” on 33’s. That one was too much for easy work. I needed a stool for working under the hood comfortably. My XJ was perfect, though. My stock XJ wasn’t bad, either. It was better than my KJ. I need ramps and jacks for most everything.

What I did today: I went on a small grocery run after work. Nothing crazy to report.

 

[65Corvair]

I am still looking into my small evap leak.

("Looking into" = talking about it...)

I have the may same issue, usually pops up once every three months or so. You have at least admitted it's an issue, I'm still in the denial phase.

 

[lfhoward]

I miss my old lifted XJ. I also never had to jack it up for basic maintenance. It was lofted 4” on 31’s. Dad’s was 6” on 33’s. That one was too much for easy work. I needed a stool for working under the hood comfortably. My XJ was perfect, though. My stock XJ wasn’t bad, either. It was better than my KJ. I need ramps and jacks for most everything.

What I did today: I went on a small grocery run after work. Nothing crazy to report.

You must be registered for see images attach

I have fond memories of my ‘00 XJ too. It was my first Jeep and the first vehicle I learned how to do real maintenance on. It was killed by a hit and run driver in ‘11. At that point we got the KK. Love the KK too, 4” lifted on 31’s.

 

[tommudd]

XJs, some great times, bought 3 new ones over the years they were being built
Hated when they stopped making them
But found I liked the KJs even better overall

 

[runfor5]

Glad you are ok...judging by the photographer's reflexion...Go Hokies!(?) Anyway, reminds me...I need new tires in a big way.

Lol, yes go Hokies!

 

[runfor5]

I spun out on the ice two months ago, but there was only a curb to hit. I know how it feel, spinning helplessly in traffic hoping that you don't run into anyone. I was only going about 30 mph, but it was a much smaller road and I still don't know how I didn't hit anyone in the lanes around me. It is definitely a very scary moment. As a result I am still looking for some parts for mine, what about those wheels? Can you post some pictures?

Glad you were okay! And much lower speed which is helpful but yeah, definitely scary when you're not trying to spin on purpose.

Sure I can post up the photos later this week. Not sure what such a set up would cost to ship if you're not local to me in the mid-Atlantic region (U.S.)?

They are the stock steel wheels that came on the "Sport" trim, but we sandblasted and painted them a PPG silver back around 2019. I have 2 of them in the garage with snow tires mounted on them. The other 4 were on the vehicle (yes we did 6 total) so someone will enjoy that at the Copart auction. I used the snow tires maybe <10k miles (?) and got them in I want to say late 2020. I never put them on this year, wasn't too cold here really - obviously regret that now lol.

 

[Deb'nKJ]

XJs, some great times, bought 3 new ones over the years they were being built
Hated when they stopped making them
But found I liked the KJs even better overall

Definitely prefer the XJ (still have all 3 of mine - although one's just for parts now) but the KJ might be growing on me although, in truth, it's only real advantage is it's newer (as opposed to more modern) & all that implies. Same could've been said of the WJ but, infectious exhaust note aside, never did fall under its spell as many others have & wasn't sorry to weigh it in for scrap after about 6 months. Would I have another? Would I have another? I always said "Never!" but never's a long time. Will I keep the KJ? Probably, despite by threats, if only 'cos I can't be bothered to get rid, will I get another XJ? Always on the lookout - but their value's fast appreciating out of my grasp.

 

[sota]

(not the jeep)

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

either someone before me took REALLY GOOD care of this car, or it's had an engine swap.
I've never seen a 200k mile engine look THAT clean.
chains are completely tight too.

and yet the valve cover gaskets are rock hard and leaking, hence why the cover is off.

 

[tommudd]

(not the jeep)

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

either someone before me took REALLY GOOD care of this car, or it's had an engine swap.
I've never seen a 200k mile engine look THAT clean.
chains are completely tight too.

and yet the valve cover gaskets are rock hard and leaking, hence why the cover is off.

That is what they should look like if well maintained over the years

 

[sota]

That is what they should look like if well maintained over the years

Lots of little signs i've found all over this car, say to me someone really did care for it, at least for the majority of its life.
Yea it's got some cancer that needs dealing with, but it's fixable. The bones of the car are great. And when you buy a car from a crackhead who's blown the clutch in < 500 miles of owning it, and find nearly brand new MOPAR branded belts and a MOPAR oil filter on it, you get the hint that someone wanted this thing to last. Not saying other brands are bad, but it means they paid the markup to take it to the dealer, even with it having 190K+ miles on it. That tells me they gave a crap.

I know i'm replacing a LOT of bits on it, but it's a now 19 year old car with over 200k miles on it. Of course it's going to need things like bushings and boots and gaskets. If it's rubber, it's dead or dying. And even if it's not 100% roached, if it has to come off anyways it's getting changed. We're resetting the clock on everything we can, because we can, and because it's worth it.

 

[tommudd]

Good Job sota

 

[duderz7]

Was actually yesterday, but swapped pinion yoke on front diff as it was leaking. Just recently put a different diff in with new seals, the original wasn't leaking so I figured maybe the original pinion yoke might fix it. Also replaced o2 sensor on that side while front drive shaft was out. As I read from someone on here before the use of hose clamp pliers makes it doable. Will replace others in the next few days.

 

[sleazy rider]

Ordered the 5 new tires for the Wrangler. Upping the game to 35s to replace the junk rubber on it now. Atturo XTs replacing MTs for sound reduction. There were three different brands on this thing when I bought it.

 

[CherokeeLiberty]

I finally returned the core caliper yesterday. I got to my next errand stop, and I was punched in the face by the smell of burning brakes… Again… The opposite rear caliper started sticking. I got it swapped the afternoon, and I’m gravity bleeding it right now.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[sota]

dude, change your fluid.

 

[Deb'nKJ]

Put the best of the old front pads back, as just don't have time to resume search for the new one I'd been fettling so it would fit in guides) by which time it had all but stopped raining.

Still very wet though, but needs must, so got all 4 O2 sensors reinstalled (including the hybrid '96 XJ/original). What a pain (literally at one point), but didn't have to disconnect the front drive shaft again, as I was afraid I'd have to for a while. Securing the connectors, however defeated me.

Fitted the new battery which appeared by the front door while I was out in the XJ. (really don't like those pressed tin clamps but they don't really lend themselves to replacement, but at least I've managed to get them bottomed out on the top of the case now).

Turned the key, fired it up - & CEL went out! So must've done something right.

ABS (&, curiously brake) light still on though, despite having replaced the broken sensor. Might have to get a bit of help with that (by a strange coincidence, have same problem with the XJ after replacing an axle shaft with one with a good reluctor). All that's left then is to finish cleaning the airbox ready to go back when the ABS is sorted (the connector's under it) & I can take it for inspection (certificate expired while the front diff was damaged/being replaced).

Tomorrow will be the moment of truth when I move it to its new, temporary, home & find out if the tick which started this whole chain of events has gone.

 

[CherokeeLiberty]

dude, change your fluid.

Clean fluid made it to the bottle!

 

[Deb'nKJ]

Quick update: good - drives fine, & quiet, so the axleshaft &, subsequently, the diff (both from ukchryslerspares: good availability, prices & delivery times) have fixed the original problem.

not good - spoke too soon, soon as I pulled away from the kerb CEL came on - could it really just be the missing airbox? (incidentally, was going to refit it but gave up the unequal struggle; will try again when in a better frame of mind [fwiw, Lidl's kitchen cleaner brought it up a treat (the Aldi product is probably identical)]
ABS & brake lights still on, despite removing sensor, scrupulously cleaning it & the port in the knuckle, checking the connector at t'other end & putting it all back together.