What did you do to your Jeep today?

[yeti]

taught the boy to drive it...probably scar him for life..

[TJ]

Have you found the original paint flaking off the wing mirror mounts, with oxidising alloy underneath?

Wing mirror mounts are okay. I think they changed the design or material at some stage around 2000 and then a bit later. Newer wing mirrors are smaller and rounders! Mine are the same as yours, but paint seems to be holding for now.

Checked the wing mirrors today again and they seem to be made of ABS/plastic of sorts. They are black and definitely do not look like they are painted.

Had taken the door trims off to do the tinting. Decided to track down a squeal from door lock mechanism and in the process ended up properly lubing all moving parts of the locking system and glass wind up/down inside both the doors. Feel like new doors now. The only thing of note was that the weather strip on the inside door trim (driver side door) has no soft fibre material left on it. I guess thats what had caused the rip in my other tints over the last 3 years. Passenger side is fine.

Adjusted rear drum brakes on the TJ, handbrake now applies at three clicks and can hold the TJ by itself (it probably will only last a couple of days, but it feels good for now).

Checked everything underneath for new leaks or markings (since it was dry this weekend), nothing seemed out of place (great news). I can now do the Woodhill trip with Auckland 4wd club next weekend (pending nothing goes wrong during the week).

[Fen]

First up the TJ is gone. I didn't want it to be, but in this sodding financial nonsense going on just now I'm not making the money I want to be and it was sitting in the garage doing nothing while I was driving 1,100 kms a week in a POS 1990 Mirage NA diesel and still didn't have enough left over to do anything useful with it. It was worth something and the XJ isn't, plus an XJ is more useful as a tow vehicle/stuff mover, so the TJ was the one to go. There will be another TJ in the future.

Anyway I now have a sensible and comfortable commuter and the XJ is getting a mild build. It's not going to be extreme for a number of reasons including cost, not wanting to spoil it as a useful tool around the section and not wanting to have so much time/mmoney in it that I am reluctant to get back into a TJ in the future.

So far the PRS/fire extinguisher etc. from the TJ are transferred across. On Wednesday it got some 30x9.5 Kumho KL71s on 15x7 steelies and tomorrow I'll be checking where it rubs disconnected (it seems fine with what travel it has connected) and thinking about trimming or just popping it up some straight away.

[yeti]

sad about ya tj fen, just lift ya xj fen we have had this conversation, just do it you know you want to..

[downunderxj]

after new brake pads on the rear drums last week to get through the wof I felt a low speed shudder through the brake pedal and some grinding noises this week so it was off with the drivers front wheel this morning and found that the disc pads were almost non-existent, and the inside of the disc is quite worn.

So off to repco to get some new pads, home to replace them and goes well for the first 10 km

However on my way back from a short drive it suddenly starts veering to the right under braking, so not sure what I have done there

will have to take the front wheels off again tomorrow and see if I can spot anything.

Why is nothing straightforward and simple when you want it to be

[TJ]

Fen, sorry to see your TJ go. But understand feeding the yourself and the family is more important than a Jeep - anyday.

I am in the market for brakes for WG as well in the near future. They are a bit low and starting to make noise. Have been looking a few options. Repco only has Lucas/TRW ones for WGs. Which ones did you go with downunderxj?

[downunderxj]

I went to Supercheap first, nothing - would have to order it in

Went to Repco next, 3 prices ranging from $50 to $83 - $83 was the TRW ones which were on special down from $110 or something like that.

I went with the TRW ones - the guy recommended them too tho' he said they made a bit more dust.

Cheers
Ian

[Fen]

Thanks Yeti & TJ. Don't feel bad for me though; I just decided to reprioritise the discretionary spending a bit more than I've done for a while because my disposable income took a big hit when my last contract ended and I had to accept terms that fit the current climate. I still count myself as very, very lucky that I picked something else up quickly and that I could afford to take a big drop without it causing us any real problems.

I miss the TJ a little (it was about a month ago it went), but I wasn't using it much in the winter and while there was literally nothing wrong with it I will probably spend the money slightly differently when I buy my next one. For example I won't rule out an auto next time and something a bit more used and scruffy will fit the bill nicely.

I need to look at the XJ's hand brake for the WoF also, Ian. It ran out today and 6 months ago I had a note that the balance was out - of course I haven't looked at it in those 6 months.

When I changed the pads in mine a few months back I went with the most expensive Repco ones and they have been fine.

[Fen]

Slight change of plan in that rather than see where it rubbed disconnected I just took all the suspension off

Actually the rear springs are still on as I need a deep 21mm socket to get the bolts out, but the front is in bits and the tow bar is off so I have clearance to get the leafs off when I have the right tool. Oh, and I ordered a 3" Rugged Ridge lift on Yeti's recommendation - better be good mate I think I'll get some new standard springs and add the leaf to them as the rear had sagged between 1 and 1.5 inches based on what I believe it's meant to be.

I also adjusted up the handbrake ready for the WoF when it's all back together.

[yeti]

hi fen, talk to rick at 4wdaccessories, 033651909, hes a good guy and will tell ya about the lift, and loves his jeeps......cheers wayne

[Fen]

I'll catch up with Rick tomorrow then.

I've also just ordered some JKS disconnects, some front recovery points and a D-shackle insert for the 2" receiver on the back.

[yeti]

I'll catch up with Rick tomorrow then.

I've also just ordered some JKS disconnects, some front recovery points and a D-shackle insert for the 2" receiver on the back.

ordered some disconnects on friday as well,

[TJ]

Went to Woodhill forest for patrolling duties (part of the club rotation system). On the way after coming off the motorway, I get a check engine light. Plugged in my code reader and its P0420, which means "Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)". Now I had the catalyst converter replaced about two years ago. Front O2 sensor was replaced at the same time as well. Could this now be the rear O2 sensor going bad? I had this code come up a few months ago, but nothing happened after that. It was cleared and stayed cleared.

Any thoughts?

[Fen]

The only cat failure I have ever had was a rattling one (which still worked). Other than that I have had a few O2 sensor failures and it's usually the front (hotter) one that goes though it could be the rear one. Just as likely the replaced front one has gone again though I expect.

The only thing that should break the cat would be dirty fuel, so if you're confident about the quality of all the petrol you've puth through it then it should be OK.

I'd leave it and see if it happens again and if it does then look at the O2 sensors.

edited to add: None of my failures have been on a Jeep, but no reason it should be different for Jeeps. I guess dumping a red-hot cat in water won't do it any good, but I'd expect that to make it rattle as it would cause physical damage rather than loss of efficiency.

[TJ]

The only cat failure I have ever had was a rattling one (which still worked). Other than that I have had a few O2 sensor failures and it's usually the front (hotter) one that goes though it could be the rear one. Just as likely the replaced front one has gone again though I expect.

Thats the part where I am like should I change both O2 sensors. I know one was changed about 15/18 months ago, but who knows. Or be logical and change the rear one first and see if the code returns.

The only thing that should break the cat would be dirty fuel, so if you're confident about the quality of all the petrol you've puth through it then it should be OK.

Well I normally get fuel from BP or Shell, unless they have received a bad batch (it does come from the same refinery at Marsden point) it is unlikely. Haven't done any out of city fill-ups so chances are low of bad/old fuel.

I'd leave it and see if it happens again and if it does then look at the O2 sensors.

edited to add: None of my failures have been on a Jeep, but no reason it should be different for Jeeps. I guess dumping a red-hot cat in water won't do it any good, but I'd expect that to make it rattle as it would cause physical damage rather than loss of efficiency.

My last failure was exactly that, hot cat dipped in cold mud = physical implosion of internal mesh. Having said that, on a TJ cat converter sits next to the transfer above the skid plate - it is well protected from physical bashing from elements. Well my quest will continue.

[TJ]

I have now driven it for two days and the code has not come back. I am taking it in on Saturday to have both O2 sensors tested (and whichever replaced, if required). Then drive around a bit for a few days/weeks and see if the code comes back. In that case it would definitely be the cat. No other way - it has to be trial and error.

[Fen]

What about just ditching the cat?

[TJ]

What about just ditching the cat?

Can't do on 2000+ TJs with two O2 sensors (one in front of the cat and the other after - thats how ECM monitors cat efficiency). On older ones with older ECMs, you could. 2000/01 is when they went to distributor and spark plug less ignition system (mine has three coils on a rail controlling spark plugs) and moved the alternator higher up and a/c compressor down below.

On a side note, my WG has two mini cats and one main cat!!!!! It has four O2 sensors!!! Thats what California TJs have as well. Try diagnosing that one.

[Fen]

If you work out the resistance of a working pair of O2 sensors and got suitable fixed resistors it would be adequately fooled though wouldn't it? You can leave the sensors in or get plugs for the holes in the exhaust.

[yeti]

fitted these

[Fen]

What do you think so far?

You need to update your sig by the way

[yeti]

What do you think so far?

You need to update your sig by the way

um dont know yet , still waiting for some more parts

[TJ]

If you work out the resistance of a working pair of O2 sensors and got suitable fixed resistors it would be adequately fooled though wouldn't it? You can leave the sensors in or get plugs for the holes in the exhaust.

Yeah I know you can even buy pieces which fool the ECM, but I am not completely opposed to running a cat for "emission" reasons. After all, if it allows me to pollute less - not a major problem. BTW, code has not come back yet.

[aroma]

started the jeep up last night after giving the fuel tank a blow job to get fuel to carb now the garage smell funny and book exhaust guy for next week

[yeti]

put new ac pump in, sounds like a jeep again...um yeah gave it some gas on the grass by home and forgot i had mates tyres in the back...new tyres grip good

[TJ]

put new ac pump in, sounds like a jeep again...um yeah gave it some gas on the grass by home and forgot i had mates tyres in the back...new tyres grip good

Do I see some broken glass!!!! Have you priced it? Rear ones tend to be expensive (more than the front windshield actually).

[TJ]

Its been a productive day.

On TJ found the source for check engine light. Though the code was cat not working properly, it actually was the rear O2 sensor being extremely erratic and then lazy. Changed the sensor with a new one. Seems to be idling a better too. Lets see if that works. Cleaned the mud out from everywhere I couldn't get to at the car wash on Monday.

On WG did the service. Changed the engine oil and filter. Greased front ball joints. Rotated tyres. Checked brakes (rears are reasonable, fronts are thining and do need replacing). Flushed the radiator and replaced coolant with fresh batch of Zerex G-05 (HOAT), it should be good for another 5 years.

[yeti]

Do I see some broken glass!!!! Have you priced it? Rear ones tend to be expensive (more than the front windshield actually ................................ yep that's glass, should be right ,have full cover...that's what the wife does for a job ,insurance

[RJ]

Ok,
have fitted the hard top, couple of minor issues to resolve, the first being how and where to store the soft top the second fitting a CB. Fitted an adjustable rear trac bar. Removed washers offsetting drivers side rear wheel. Body lift in and sorted. Reco'd radiator fitted and no leaks. Got some steel off xj and made an overhead console, not the prettiest but seems to work. Have to sort the wiring and finalise the mic holder. Cleaned and cleaned the thing to make it shiny, so I can get it dirty again soon, as you do.




Now just have to locate a winch, already have a winch plate ready to go. Fit the Hi Lift purchased on TM yesterday. And then start trying to track down some 15x8's and some 33's.

Getting there!

[TJ]

Fitted an adjustable rear trac bar.

And then start trying to track down some 15x8's and some 33's.

Getting there!

Definitely getting there, but do we ever reach "there"

Which adjustable rear trac bar did you get? I told Mark about TyreKing asking $1100 for a set of four 15x8 Cragar Soft 8s - highway robbery I say (unless they are gold plated rather than painted black).

I just noticed today some clearcoat starting to rub off in a couple of places on my factory TJ alloys. Might be time for new rims or just having these treated in black. Decision time.