Louie4's YJ by Louie4

8 minute(s) of a 411 minute read

I put my new filler and vent hoses on that I got from MTS after some searches on the forum. My old ones were leaking and I need to get a safety inspection for my jeep soon since I moved to North Carolina. Anyway, I crawled under the jeep for a much needed inspection as I usually do. I had some rear driveline vibrations while I was towing the u-haul and I think I found the problem.

8-26-2014

Well I have a few updates. I went down to Savannah this past weekend in the jeep and the engine ran hot both coming and going...more so on the way down. I think it's mainly air flow to the radiator but I went ahead and posted a thread on it in YJ Tech for input.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/bigger-radiator-2667930/

While I was in Savannah, I was staying with my best friend and we got some welding done on my roll cage. So now the OR Fab part on the front is welded in...finally. We also put a bump stop extension on the pass. side axle in between the u-bolts to keep the drag link from hitting the frame. We put about a 1.5" high bump and figured it would work well after measuring and flexing the suspension beforehand.

I also noticed my gas tank was under some major pressure. I replaced the filler and vent fuel hoses before I left but on the way back the pressure was gone. I noticed the side of the tank where the hoses are is wet with gas so I may have blown the top gasket (my best guess) since the other hoses are good.

And finally, as soon as I pulled out of my buddies driveway I noticed my clutch was fading. I had to pump it several times to push it into gear and that was the theme for the trip but it was mainly highway so I only used 5th gear. It concerns me because the clutch is new and I did the external slave swap. I did put some washers in between the slave and the bellhousing because the throwout bearing was squealing due to touching the pressure plate.

Fun things to work on.

9-20-2014

I took my jeep to Discount Tire to have them balanced and rotated. I live 5 minutes from the store so that's pretty nice. I bought the KM2's from Discount in GA in 2009 and have a lifetime warranty on all until the tread is less than 1/16".

Anyway, my clutch seems to not shift too well but I have resistance on the pedal. I also happens after driving a little. I replaced the entire hydraulic assembly back in February so I don't know. This external swap has been problematic I must say.

10-24-2014

Well, I actually drove the jeep to work today and I had trouble shifting. Everything is brand new and the master cylinder has pressure at the pedal but I cannot get it to shift into first or second easily at all so I started in third and could smell the clutch. I am going to buy a new slave that I can bleed and put my old master on and see what happens. I got a prebled unit initially. On another note, I had to drive to Emory Hospital because my dad had fluid on his brain. He's getting better but we're not out of the woods and won't be for a while. Initially the local hospital thought he had a stroke. I think my buddy and the wives are going wheeling sometime in November as well. So things are churning right along.

10-26-2014

Thanks guys. Dad has good days and bad but it's going to be a long road to recovery.

I got a new metal slave and put my old metal master in my jeep. Shifts great.

The prebled system I had, had grease in it after I dumped it out. Don't know if that affects anything but some came out of the master cylinder.

12-7-2014

Well I guess I'll throw up some updates. Back in November I went on an overnight camping trip to Gulches ORV with buddies. We all had YJ's and it was a good time. We had one roll and broken u-joints but that's about it...oh and my tailpipe was bent down...yet again.

I think my jeep performed well but I'm getting to a point where I want my suspension to flex a little better. I'm currently sprung under with 3.5" Black Diamond springs and some boomerang shackles. They seem to flex OK but I want to improve if I can.

My first thought was going SOA and finding the proper springs and all the associated parts but a buddy suggested I consider better quality SUA springs which I am thinking about.

So now the question is the same one that's been asked so many times here. Should I stay SUA or go SOA? I think if I get quality springs such as 3.5" BDS (or 4.5") or RE 4.5" springs and redo my front and rear shock mounts I may have a suspension that performs better. I don't believe my front shocks are limiting my travel but that may just be the limitation of the springs. Any input is welcome.

I will post pics from the trip later.

12-8-2014

Some pics from Gulches.

Here is trailrider787 after he rolled his jeep. Just before he busted his rear driveshaft u-joints and had to get tugged back. Then rolled over.

12-9-2014

It was long overdue. I hope to get out more now that I'm getting settled in Raleigh. There is a place near me I want to hit, Uwharrie.

The Softopper is great especially in this crappy weather (cold and rainy). You should get one.

Here is how the jeep is sitting today at home. I am scratching my head trying to figure out what to do next.

12-14-2014

New upper radiator hose.

Old.

New.

12-21-2014

I got a new ground clamp for my welder and terminated the ground wire. I also bought a new reel of wire. It welds 10x better. Old clamp vs new.

12-29-2014

My best friend gave me a set of stock YJ springs. I think I'm going to swap the second leafs on the stock set with my wrapped leaf from the 3.5" black diamonds. Maybe it will save the spring...maybe. I'm going to try some waggy springs for the front if I can find some.