Register a SA Forums Account here!
JOINING THE SA FORUMS WILL REMOVE THIS BIG AD, THE ANNOYING UNDERLINED ADS, AND STUPID INTERSTITIAL ADS!!!

You can: log in, read the tech support FAQ, or request your lost password. This dumb message (and those ads) will appear on every screen until you register! Get rid of this crap by registering your own SA Forums Account and joining roughly 150,000 Goons, for the one-time price of $9.95! We charge money because it costs us money per month for bills, and since we don't believe in showing ads to our users, we try to make the money back through forum registrations.
 
  • Post
  • Reply
BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Eotnak posted:

converted to 4.3L Chevy v6. Used the Chevy TBI and ECM and worked out PERFECTLY. sm465 4 spd manual transmission with granny 1st gear.........

How hard is it to drop in that 4.3? I always thought behind the 4.0, the 4.3 would be the next runner up, due to good amount torque on the low end, but have the horse power when hauling tail down the interstate.

Adbot
ADBOT LOVES YOU

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Godholio posted:

Nobody buys a Wrangler for winter driving (if they do, they're not very bright).

I thought my wrangler handled pretty well in the snow. Though mine wasn’t great with the wide mud tires, so I swapped my pizza cutters back on from when I first bought the Wrangler, and it did really well. The only time it got “hairy” would be when it was super super windy out and the roads were slick. But I guess any vehicle would be about the same only the jeep is such a small wheel base and not that heavy it doesn’t take much. I wish I didn’t sell that Jeep :(

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
Drat double post

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Cheap Bourbon posted:

1) I want a I6, unless a 4-banger + tranny is worth a swap.

To be bluntly honest, in my shoes, if you can hold off and save a little more cash, just buy one with a I6 to begin with. When you start adding the cost of buying a *good* engine, swaping out ECU's, trannys blah blah blah, you could easily buy a nice one with a I6.

The 4 bang with any head wind will make you crazy :psyboom:

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Fatty Patty posted:

I can't say anything about whether the motor is interference or not, but at 92k miles the timing chain will break soon. Very soon. Even if she doesn't want to get it done right now, she should be saving for it.

Umm... If the mechanic quoted 600 bucks for a timing chain replacement, did that include parts. Because a timing chain set is roughly 500 bucks give or take.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Sponge! posted:

Probably yes because he has to take it off to remove the head anyway...
:doh: I just looked a little deeper, looks like the chains have to come off on both sides any ways. Did a little Google-fu and it looks like the chain tensioner seem to be a bigger problem than usual.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
Plentiful here in Iowa, severely lacking E30's

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Kibblesnbits posted:

Is an XJ a good platform to learn more about doing your own work? Only mechanical stuff I have done in the past is a brake job (drums and bleed) and regular fluids on my old S10. I'm really partial to the size and style of the early 90's XJ's - which seem to be a little overpriced.

Theres a thread floating around about the higher price of used vehicles and different theories.

Anyways, the XJ is a great starting place to wrench, kinda like the E30 of the car world. Also stock up on some good penetrating oil. I help a buddy down the street do some work on his, its pretty easy to fix, every thing is *pretty* well thought out. But if you live in a state with lots of salt being used, invest in a torch of some kind and a good impact gun, that makes life sweet.

A big plus is the ability to use a creeper underneath the car to change your oil with out jacking it up :)

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Slow is Fast posted:

Parts list:
oil
coolant
gasket set
head bolts
pb blaster
beer

Needs more beer, less parts. Drink beer, crush used beer cans, make gasket. Seriously, the neighbor mans jeep looked like they used a beer can for the exhaust gasket. I need to find that picture. Yes this Jeep was really screwed up when he got it. Luckily its coming together nicely, and we can take it out soon.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
God all this jeep talk makes me want one again.

Anyways, has any one ever bought an XJ with the crappy 2.8 GM motor in it? The reason I ask is how hard is it to convert to a L6? Costs besides engine purchase involved? I assume you will need a new computer and wiring harness as well... Or would I just be better off finding a 4.0 Jeep to begin with?

I have seen people do it on other websites, but to be honest, I *trust* AI more than the other websites out there. At least 90% of the people here have a clue....

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Doccers posted:

Do not loving do this EVER if you value your sanity or cash.

Oh there is plenty of 4.0s around... Just the guy down the street had one super cheap ($300) and the engine sounds weak. Just kinda figured it would be easier said than done.... Also was kind of banking on if the 2.8 did not fit, that the 4.3 would slip in. At least the 4.3 would be a great alternative to the 4.0.

At least I know now, and knowing is half the battle. I think I really need a g/f or wife to suck up money and time. I really have no self control when it comes to vehicles haha.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

FreelanceSocialist posted:

$300 for the engine or for the whole thing? If it's $300 for a 4.0L XJ, buy it and do a quick rebuild. The i6 is really easy to work on and you'll learn a lot. Hell, throw a stroker kit and a flowmaster on it if you have money burning a hole in your pocket and want a ballsy, loud, fun little 4x4.

Sorry, its a $300 2.8 XJ. That is why I was asking about the 2.8 -> 4.0 conversion, but sounds like its just easier to find a 4.0 to start with.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

commissargribb posted:

I wont say that I've never jumped a curb to get past a line of cars into a parking lot.

So your the clown that I get jealous of :arghfist:

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Oxford Comma posted:

Is a ZJ with an I6 a decent Jeep? Or is XJ the only Cherokee to own?

I loved my WJ, and I had a few friends with ZJ's that enjoyed them. There is definately more poo poo to go wrong, but they are definately more luxurious for every day driving and still take to mods decently.

But for cheap-ness and durability, the XJ is the Jeep to own.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Oxford Comma posted:

But I should probably avoid the V8, correct?

Its just a 318, so the engine will last... though you lose about 2 mpgs with the 8. Some one correct me, but the V8 does come with stronger axles. Have you found a couple of expamples you want to purchase? See if you can live with the I6 vs the V8. I liked the V8 in my WJ, plus it gained some towing capacity, but I also had the 4.7, so YMMV.

Depends on how much your spending, but see if you can find a WJ. It feels tighter and more nimble, but again thats one persons opinion.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
I have seen a couple of Grand Cherokee's on Craigslist with people saying that they have noisy rear ends. A couple said they removed the drive shaft and things quieted down. So what are the chances the rear end is shot or could it be a carrier bearing? Obviously with out the vehicle in my possession I don't know, but just putting out a feeler to see how much a rear end or any problems like that could cost.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
I keep seeing the old CJ's around here lately with the 304 V8. I don't know much about the AMC 304, how well do these motors hold up?

There is one near me for 1500... and surprisingly, there is not to many holes you can put a fist through.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

mod sassinator posted:

My sister's looking for a cheap car (under $3k) and likes my '99 XJ. She doesn't really care about offroading but likes the utility and cheap price of XJs. How are the 4 cylinder + manual transmission drivetrains (from '96 or so), are they as bullet proof as the 4 liter and AW4 like my XJ?

If she likes beating her head against a wall then go for it.

Just get the 6. The 4 banger gets 17/19 mpg and 6 gets 16/18 and that is comparing 1999's with 4WD. And I spec'ed it as you said above. The 6 will deliver way more power and the costs of taking care of it is pretty much nil.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
Isn't the new grand cherokee based off the ML platform?

Hell the new Pentastar engine is a really nice engine. Its no 4.0, but its definitely acceptable.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
Well, for having the full independent suspension, and the new off road settings in the overland model... it has really encroached on the Range Rover at a fraction of the price.

I just spec'ed out a Grand Cherokee with all the bells and whistles, Overland Summit. Price is around 51,000

A similar Range Rover is 80,000

Both have the adjustable suspensions and the locking center dif's .... Not a bad deal really. I am curious how capable the Jeep is compared to the RR.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

jonathan posted:

The capability of a vehicle is often determined by its tires. Put a 32" offroad tire on both vehicles, lower the pressure down to 15psi, and have a good driver, and I am sure both vehicles would do very well on any obstacle save for deep snow, deep sand, deep mud or cross ditches requiring high breakover clearance.

I think for "out of the box" these are both almost equals in terms of capability, luxury and build quality.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Oxford Comma posted:

For just driving around fire trails and having a camping rig, is there much difference between an XJ and ZJ? I'm leaning towards the ZJ because I like to be comfortable on longer drives.

The ZJ is not bad at all. Granted there is a few more fiddley bits to go wrong, but really they are pretty solid. Just make sure all the electrics work and the tranny is strong. The V8 is pretty nice for the added power, at the expense of a few MPG's but again it may vary on driving styles. If you plan on towing anything, spring for the V8. Not that the 6 isn't bad, but it will definitely give you the added confidence. Its just a 318, and will most likely outlast the vehicle. Though a 4.0 Strait 6 will out last the 318 as well. Heck both engines are great choices.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
I like weathertech mats. They are a little spendy but they are the only ones that I have found that fit my vehicles perfectly. I use them in my BMW, the pick up and now the rover.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Professor Awesome posted:

Totaled blue Jeep dilemma solved :woop:




I love the rims. It really makes the rig. I agree though, lift that thing about 2-3 inches and it would look fantastic.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
Just get the 4.0 and avoid the 4. Seriously, you don't gain any gas mileage and personally, the extra torque of the 6 is much better. Plus it runs very smooth!

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Vrigg Chan posted:

It was awesome except that it broke down all the time and got 14/17 mpg.

Welcome to owning a high end SUV. If it has 4wd and a V8 you can never expect anything better than 20. A Wrangler will never get any better than 18, due to the aerodynamic properties of a brick and the weight of one as well.

If you want some decent fuel economy, ability to go places, and some reliability, buy a Subaru Outback.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
I had a 99 Grand Cherokee 4.7 Limited. It wasn't a bad SUV by any means. But god drat if random annoying poo poo didn't break. Don't get me wrong, when every thing was perfect, that was a dream machine. But stupid annoying poo poo would randomly break, windows wouldn't roll up, or the transmission randomly throwing codes.

Trust me I own a Range Rover now. If you want to talk about complicated poo poo, just give me a call. I can explain to you how there is 5 different circuits needed to roll down a window.

Buy a Subaru Outback for your DD. For the weekends and adventures, buy an XJ or an old Grand Cherokee that you can beat around in the bush. I love my Range Rover for a weekend driver, but gently caress driving that thing on a daily basis.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

kastein posted:

That's not random :smug:

It did some strange poo poo. Some days it would go into limp mode, then it would be fine 50 miles later. Then it would just freak it self out and not go into gear. I made friends with the mechanic at the dealer, I gave him the car one night he tried every thing to replicate it, couldn't do it. The only thing we could remotely attribute it to was either bad grounds or a wire that was just barely making contact.

Chrysler Engineering :fsmug:

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

commissargribb posted:

Cutting defroster slots.



I was more worried that he is not going to have legs or a ding-a-ling when hes done cutting slots.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
I found a CJ7. 304 with a 4 speed... rust is pretty decent, its there but pretty minimal.

Please tell me I am a total moron.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

SNiPER_Magnum posted:

Yep. You said "found" instead of "bought"

Yeah... Its between that and a Disco. If I do end up with a CJ7, where is the best source for body parts? I plan to just cut, replace and fill. I don't want to deal with fiberglass.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

MAJOR STRYkER posted:

Been working on my xj.
I replaced the headliner - took around 3 hours.
Also I replaced all the interior lights with LEDs took about 5 minutes if that.

before

after



How did you do this? Brand new... or just some adhesive?

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

MAJOR STRYkER posted:

http://www.wlsheadliners.com/tutorials/cherokee/
Really straight forward. Unscrew a bunch of screws around the trim, pull the headliner out through the back hatch, scrub and vacuum it. Then use spray glue and press on the new liner. Slide it back in, replace screws, and you're done. I ordered from them too. It was about $60.

Awesome, I need to do this on my Range Rover, and I wanted to see how successful people are at doing it.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

ColonelJohnMatrix posted:

Alright fellas....is there anything wrong with a Liberty? A local dealership has an awesome looking liberty sport 4wd with only 75k miles. The fleet manager of this big dealership network owes me a favor for helping them out with something, and he's willing to cut me a nice deal on something. It has the 3.7L, and looks to get around the same fuel mileage of my 08 escape (around 22ish mpg).

I'm going to stop by the dealership at 5 to take a gander at it, and he's probably going to let me take it home for an evening.

FWIW, we used one as our utility vehicle in the rail yard. For having 200,000 miles on it, and running around in a rail yard, having guys beat the poo poo out of it, doing burn outs, throwing about 3 u joints, and so forth, it was a tough little son of a bitch. It ran like poo poo near the end, the interior was tore to shreds, and there was all sorts of mystery clunks, but that fucker ran a long time.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

I hope your not pissed if I steal this idea and use it when I plan to get my own Jeep. God drat, that is just freaking cool as hell. Though I was thinking about building a small cup holder deal with a gently caress off strong magnet to hold it down.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
$300 Jeep alert!!!

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/3146419758.html

I am going to call him tomorrow morning right away. This just looks perfect to mess with.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
After roaming around the junk yard today looking for parts, I saw about 3 Cherokees that were in good shape minus motors... one was only 200 bucks.... How dumb of an idea would it be to buy it and plop in an engine, obviously after the seville is finished.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

Tadhg posted:

Beep beep, I just bought a motherfucking Jeep! And it survived the 130 mile drive home!

The front driveshaft looks like the CV joint failed, so I *should* be able to salvage the shaft itself and just rebuild the joint. Tires are getting old, so I should buy new ones before too long. And I make it a policy to never trust my brakes to the previous owner, so I'll be doing a brake job this week. Other than that it's all minor poo poo to tinker with. It wouldn't be a used Jeep if it didn't come with a list of weekend projects for the next few months, though.

I was really hesitant to buy a ZJ, but the 5.9L V8 runs strong and has some serious power; I couldn't stop giggling every time I had to accelerate to pass somebody on the freeway. It drinks gas, but that was expected. And there is so much goddamn room inside. We routinely do 3 or 4 person camping trips in addition to my fieldwork, so I hope to put the cargo room to good use. At the moment, the back is full of spare parts and accessories the previous owner threw in since he didn't need them anymore (including my driveshaft...)

How the gently caress did he break a driveshaft? That takes some pretty serious effort.

Anyways, your VC might be hosed anyways, so budget for a new transfer case if that is the problem. If it is, and you can get by, seeing how its hosed, you can get around with 2WD.

Be loving aware it can and will roll in park. The t-case acts just like an axle, and can roll, so make sure you set the parking break

Enjoy your new ride! The 360 is a good motor for the most part, I don't recall any big issues with them.

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

chem42 posted:

I replaced the u-joints and the transmission mount and the vibration hasn't changed. Any ideas? It picks up around 55mph or so, but it seems to stick around when decelerating lower than that. It's worst coasting with my foot barely on the gas. I can feel it through the shifter.

Try balancing the tires? Maybe it needs an alignment as well.. That is the only 2 things that pop to mind.

Adbot
ADBOT LOVES YOU

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot
OK because Cursedshitbox is a terrible influence.....

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/3496259768.html

I hear the actual repair for the door is easy. They mention that it doesn't run well... but a good tune up/fluids/etc should take care of it.

The country is a pretty gussied up one right?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Post
  • Reply