Well thought I would chime in here since it has been a while since I've just shot a normal message out to the group and give you all an update on my Jeep Life.
As many of you know I have done quite a bit of work on the Jeep and as luck would have it, more work is continually needed. I think it loves the theme name Just Empty Every Pocket (JEEP), lol. At any rate since the build was completed some things are still being worked out and new things are wanting to be added. So with that said I'll cut to the chase now, the t-case is messed up in some way, 2Hi feels great, no issues as far as I can tell, but I dare try to get her into 4HI and it sounds like bolts and nuts in a garbage disposal. So i'm mulling around two different scenarios that will ultimately, i think, end up with both of them happening. I plan on rebuilding the current 231J t-case with new parts from jbconversions and pray that does the trick in fixing the issue I have. (The issue I think I have is a broken front drive gear or a maladjusted chain perhaps, i'm guessing the first since 2HI works fine) If the issue is not resolved, well it looks like i'll be a poser for a while till i get the funds for a NVG241OR RocTrac T-case, the same one used in Rubicon Wranglers (so if anyone hears of one for sale please let me know, thanks!!!)
So woe is me in the t-case department, lol. So tax day is approaching, still awaiting the W2 to see if I get some cash back or not. If I do, the absolute first thing is to get a radiator flush and clean out and even replace the hoses most likely, then also get the spark plugs replaced and perhaps the wiring as well. Then once that is done it will be t-case time!!! I also need to take a look at the front drive shaft as well since it seems the double cardon joint is sloppy where it meets the t-case and is also causing a bit of a noise (it will actually get pulled again this weekend, argh).
Alright so hopefully my solutions will be complete come the end of March if not much sooner for the above listed issues, because Phase 2 will need to commence on the build of The Beast as she is now affectionately called. I'm looking at either getting an ARB front bumper or having a custom front bumper built. I know I want a winch on the front of the Jeep as well, especially before I hit up Moab in late June this year. So the winch will most likely be a Warn unit of the 9K variety. I also will be having a custom made belly pan (unboltable) to help protect the underside of the rig.
So I mentioned Moab in the previous paragraph which gets me to the other part of Phase 2. I'll be heading to Moab via Co Springs. I plan on hooking up with Rock Lizard and getting one of those sweet rear bumpers with the tire and hi-lift/jerry can swing out carriers installed. Along with that I will most likely, if I don't get them custom made locally, add some Skink Sliders to the rig as well. I plan on visiting friends and family in the area as well so it's not out of the way at all. Then it is off to Moab to test all this new stuff out and pray to God it doesn't fail on me!!!
So yep, lots of work ahead of me both on the Jeep and literally at work too. I just got assigned my new program which should help get me some extra hours to also aid in getting me closer to the end of this build, at least on the exterior, lol.
So now you all have an idea on what's going on in my Jeep life, how is it looking in yours, hopefully not as daunting, lol. Look forward to getting out with you guys again soon whether I am 4WD or not!
OHHHHHHH, I have this in the works too, it's my most cherished mod that I can't wait to get on the rig...and what’s best is it can be shared with others too if you are interested. I was working with Pixel Design Decals and we came up with a little memento to help keep the Spirit of AJ alive and well on our rigs whenever we hit the trail as a group or by yourself. Hope you like it, I do!! (If the image doesn't show up for you let me know, thanks!)