Nate's 2002 TJ, Not so simple anymore by gst95dsm

9 minute(s) of a 391 minute read

Got a new toy today.... let's see what kind of trouble I can get into now. I'm thinking about making rock sliders for the Tater Wagon.....

This thing is OLD, and from a high school metal shop. I know it turns on, not sure if it works or what it needs but we shall see tomorrow.

6-10-2014

Plasma cutter seems to work pretty good. Talking to the guy at the welding shop I learned it's a pretty weak plasma cutter, 30amp, and the technology has come a long way since then. The new consumables were pretty expensive also and I guess this thing will eat tips like crazy. So we'll see how useful it is to me. A buddy just had it laying around for the last few years so I told him I'd see what it took to get it cutting decent. It seems be working just as it should. It's giving me a clean cut on 1/8" plate. The photo is a cut I did running the torch along a guide. It's not bad at all and that dross you see chips right off. Free hand it's very hard to cut more than a few inches any kind of straight.  




Well I guess it's time to work on the olds mans rig. I've got a savvy GTS and a full set of MC control to install on it.

6-22-2014

Threads pretty dead with all the work on the Tater Wagon..... well I've got some maintenance items / upgrades to address. My track bar was popping again. My special little bolt that I thought could hang must not be able to. It came loose on me. I'm tired of dealing with that so I guess it's time to order up an aftermarket track bar, probably MC. That's not a huge issue since after tightening it up it's ok and now I know I need to monitor it. If money's tight I'm just going to reinforce the axle side mount since there has to be some wallowing now. One thing that is somewhat urgent is that I need a new front driveshaft. The play in the splines is getting out of hand and is causing a good vibe around 30mph. This is my top priority right now since it effects my ability to drive it on the street. If anyone has a stock 5 speed driveshaft in good shape let me know, I may just try to find a stock replacement.  

Other than that ol' white lightening is working good. I actually did a night run yesterday and made some lines that trip some people out for how little my rig is. I only took ONE photo though.... thats rare!

6-23-2014

Right on, well I just went and stared at it for a little while. I see some obstacles and challenges I'm not sure I feel like dealing with any time soon. Having the Tater Wagon to build has put my rig in maintenance mode. In the interim I think I might spend the time inspecting / beefing up / repairing the axle side mount to alleviate the issue with that connection loosening up on me..... which is actually my only problem, lol. Good discussion though.... You guys make such good points to either way that it's hard to make a decision!

7-2-2014

Did some camping and some wheeling over the last couple days.... good times. Ol' White Lightening got to stretch out a bit.....

7-10-2014

Well it looks like I've finally worn out the frame end of that factory front track bar. There is a distinct new CLUNK when turning that is body of the TRE moving up and down on the ball of the TRE when turning.... there's probably about a 1/2 inch or more of play in it, haha. I guess I better do SOMETHING about it before it completely comes apart and I'm stuck! Another stock bar is not out of the question, maybe even one with a lifetime warranty..... haha.

7-23-2014

Poor neglected White Lightening finally got some love today. Cleaned her up good. Did a nut bolt check, wrote down a couple maintenance items to address. Lubed up a few things..... getting her ready for Jeep Beach West this Saturday. I haven't been to the dunes in over a year so it sounds like a nice little get away for the family.

8-5-2014

Did some more wheeling....

I knocked out a little to do list today on my rig, and then headed to a local shop for a get together. Matson from Metalcloak came by with his CTI trailer. Pretty cool to flex out both axles at the same time and check things out. Mine scored a 760.... I don't know if that's good, bad, or terrible but I know I'm getting all you can get out of 10" shocks so it's all good!  

Over all a darn good day of Jeep related shenanigans.