97 TJ Heep to Zombie Killing Jeep Build by north50

8 minute(s) of a 286 minute read

Jeep is at the office and with the tropical storm weather I had some time to make some changes. First I removed the rear bumper and tire swing from the now almost completely stripped v8 Jeep. 

Then I installed it along with the CB antenna on the white Jeep.

Fits the overall look this Jeep will have and has pushed me to completely strip the V8 Jeep down to just the frame and build it back up with new brake lines, axles, suspension etc.... piece by piece. This way I do it once and do it right.

Had to snap some pictures and of course ordered a matching wheel.

Will get the steering box swapped out tomorrow and hope to get the exhaust done. Would also like to get the bulk of the work required in switching the interiors done tomorrow. I have about $12k of "stuff" for sale so as that turns into cash I'll be chipping away at the list above.

8-28-2012

Thank You and good luck on your search for a TJ.


Stayed late today at work to get a jump on switching over the interiors. Knocked out the door panels and have both dashes out, just a matter of reinstalling. Was also able to talk someone into installing the the exhaustmanifold and down pipe/cat when they do the steering box. I want to do it but just don't have the time. Besides I'm busy selling things and stacking cash to finish this Jeep and get the other one going. Which brings me to my next bit of good news. A friend/client has found me a front axle to use more or less as a roller while I get the the thing built up and it is free. So plan is to strip it down to the frame and possible stretch the frame to build it more into a pickup Brute type vehicle. Just thinking out loud as I try and figure out what I really want to build. With one pretty much "normal" Jeep I want the other to be a bit more than normal

I ordered a Miller welding helmet last night so once it arrives I plan on firing up the Hobart MVP210 and melting some metal together. The first thing I want to build are some door hangers like these below to get my spare doors off the floor and start organizing my garage.

Also ordered another Fuel Hostage 17x9 wheel to put as the spare and almost ordered 35" tires. I just can't decide what I want as I keep going back to KM2's but then like the MTZ's and then I start looking at MT/R's. I can see this Jeep being used for 2-3 hour trips on the interstate to get to wheeling spots north of this swamp I live in. So I want something that will do well on the road and off and last a good while.

8-30-2012

The MTR's are looking better and better the more I read reviews on them, jury still out on what I'll buy but leaning in that direction.


Drove the Jeep home last night and finished up most of the install of the slate interior. Bolt had stripped out on the back of the grab handle that mounts above the glove box. It was hot and humid out and irritating me so I got pissed and ripped it out. Then found one on Ebay today and bought it. Also drove the Jeep back to work today and the shop was kind enough to check my no A/C issue. Sucked down the system and detected no leaks so filled it with freon and AWWWWWW ice cold air. Hope not to use it much but it is so nice to know it's there for I'm tired of sweating.


The check engine light is still on but it is running great and I still need to install the exhaust and O2 sensors. BUT..... although it's running great it sounds horrible between the exhaust leaks and a ping/tick noise at the flex plate. So I will be removing the inspection plate to take a look. Occurs only at idle and from what I've read I plan on checking the TQ converter bolts and visual inspection of what is visible of the flex plate. Nothing turns up from that and out comes the transmission for a better look. Will be a good time to do a SYE so plan on ordering that in the next few days as well as a drive shaft.

8-31-2012

No time to work on the Jeep today but drove it home with the A/C on which was nice, so it's at the house for the long weekend. Plan is to get the trans and exhaust done.

Also received this today

9-2-2012

THE GOOD:

Wheel came in for spare tire

THE BAD:

Had a chance to remove the inspection plate from the trans and seems like all four screws to the TC are rubbing something. They don't feel very loose and this one took some effort to break loose. I don't see any cracks in the flex plate but imagine that is the issue. Looks as though what ever it is rubbing is collecting on the bolts. So out with the trans I guess, damn this Jeep

9-9-2012

It sort of hesitates to fire right up (as you can hear in this video of the noise) but not real sure if it is starter related. You can also hear how it takes a second or two after the engine fires to start making noise. I'm wondering if this is due to it needing to build up momentum in order for the flex plate to start coming out of whack due to cracks. Sort of how a ceiling fan out of balance may do fine at lower speeds but on high it gets out of control.

As you can hear at the end of the video i was in no mood to F with the Jeep tonight so instead went in and had another celebratory refreshment for the Bucs.

Tomorrow I'm dropping this transmission and moving on.