Thought I'd give an update on my mechanicing results after all the topend work:

Just returned from a 1,440 mile round trip to Delmarva and back. Return trip was loaded down, maybe close to 1,000lbs? (3 people + daughter's dorm stuff)

Motor did fine! Averaged about 20mpg and that was through the mountains with 5 & 7% grades and the return trip had suitcases on top. Motor did run on the hot side on the steepest grades. May have to look into the 11 blade fan upgrade and finding a shroud to install. Also noticed a small leak in the intercooler at the inlet area.

On the flip side, my new MOOG control arms devoured my front tires. I had a local shop I trust install them since I was running out of time myself before the trip. They will look at it Tuesday and see what went wrong.

Oh, and my wife said she was NEVER riding in the backseat of the KJ again...

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2005 Liberty CRD. New rockers, exhaust valves; Provent, EGR block & butterfly delete & V6 air box at 100K

1998 XJ 4.0L, 2" lift

First Jeep: 1962 Willys CJ-3B

Pretty bold taking a long roadtrip in a freshly rebuilt vehicle - glad it went well!

Bold I am not, stupid maybe. I've driven it off & on over the past year and a half and put a thousand miles or so on it. But those were short, low speed mostly. This was the first at interstate speeds for long sustained periods. And definitely the first over the eastern continental divide.

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2005 Liberty CRD. New rockers, exhaust valves; Provent, EGR block & butterfly delete & V6 air box at 100K

1998 XJ 4.0L, 2" lift

First Jeep: 1962 Willys CJ-3B