'02 TJ with i4 -- Mid Life Crisis

[jaysenodell]

That isn't the factory 4. There's less than 20k on. That one. Previous owner really did get his money's worth out of that TJ.

I'm not site what is worse, three mechanics at two shops missing those issues or me not taking to you from the start. Either way Mrs agrees. Do it all. I think we discuss upper and low ball joints on both sides passenger wheel bearing, u joints and a diff check. Seem right?

[Wingman]

I don't think I'd pay more than $2k for those D44s.  While they are great, they will need all LCA brackets and rear UCA brackets. The lowers are just thin and useless and if you are going this far into it, do it right.  That said, bolt on and go.  Should hold up pretty well to abuse with Chromos in the front.

[jaysenodell]

$2k is almost to a "partially built" dedicated wheeler. I found a few option on CL in the Syracuse area that may become MLC2 before too long. Most are full on D60, F9" or tons. I have pretty much unlimited access to a tow vehicle (a decent father-in-law is a great thing to have) and would only need to supply the wheeler.


The more I've been thinking through the MLC build the more I think it needs to be my "entry level" toy. Skids, front locker, bumpers (tow points) and winch. Keep it on 33s to use as a DD. Limit of road to WP and low level RC trails (we did a little red in june). Think of it as the 101 jeep.



Right now I need to get the wife good and hooked. Best way to free up the flow of $$.

[Wingman]

Wheel, build, wheel, build some more, wheel, build....

[mr.mindless]

solid plan!

[M4wdFab]

ball joints changed
track bar moog problem solver and 7/16" bolt fix done
wheel bearing changed
2 u joints changed
4 caliper slider bolts un seized and lubed
toe checked, and good at 1/8" in
driver side mangled wheel stud changed out



Death wobbel gone and drives to 75 but has a wicked darting thing going on side to side.  cant find anything other than just about anything that touches a sway bar has slop.

[jaysenodell]

Side to side darting sounds fun. Not at 75 but then I drive like a grandma.

Drop me a PM with the total and pickup time.

Thanks.

[jaysenodell]

1. Remember I'm new to this level of vehicle mechanics.
2. Remember #1.


Need an explanation on transfer case ratios. My current case is something like 2.27. Obvious a 4.1 would make my poor i4 a bit happier. What I don't understand though is if the 4.1 changes the output in all settings or just 4L.


The reason I'm wondering is because I would like to avoid gearing the axles as that seems to be another way to make a d35 unhappy. So if a 4.1 transfer gets my 2H and 4H into a happier range for the poor i4, then a new TC is a no brainer move.

[M4wdFab]

only changes low range to 4:1

high range is still 1:1

[M4wdFab]

TJ guys what do you set your toe on stock ish tires?

just dawned on me these are 30" tires and not 35"s what im use to checking, so possibly 1/8"-3/16" toe in is too much on the tread of a 30?

[mr.mindless]

a little shy of 1/8" sounds about right to me, I usually go for 3/16 or a bit more on the 40s and 1/8 on 35sish

[M4wdFab]

i am thinking that monkeys that tried to do an alignment with 1/8 slop ball joints and a shot wheel bearing may have ended up setting the toe too far in.  Ill try opening it up a little and see if that helps the wander it has. 

[mr.mindless]

my bet is yes.

pretty sloppy to have done an alignment and missed BJ and WB

[jaysenodell]

Well, in defense of my "regular" guy he has told me several times "I don't do wranglers much and I don't see to many that are ... used like you're using this". I'll give him a pass. The other guys are supposed to be suspension/front end specialist (local shop not a chain) and two of them missed it. Not going back there for anything. Need to find a new alignment shop.

[Wingman]

I set mine close to zero.