Runner's Build - A Shale Green LJ Adoption

Runner · Aug 1, 2022

Had a battle with death wobble. JKS front and rear track bars went in, along with a Currie CorrectLync. However, the Currie tie rod was replaced with a Black Magic Brakes (BMB) 4340 tie rod.

https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/4340-TIE-ROD-HEAT-TREATED-4340-TIE-ROD-HDTRC.htm

https://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com/Heavy-Duty-Flag-Nut-with-ARP-high-strength-SS-Bolt-HD-FLAG-NUT-SS-BOLT.htm

Death wobble problem solved!

Out with the old and in with the new!

Definitely overkill for me now, but I'll never need to upgrade the steering in the future. Currie drag link and BMB tie rod!

Runner · Aug 1, 2022

Latest project is to restore a Warn XD 9000 winch.

Started pulling the XD apart yesterday. After a partial disassembly, it's clear this thing saw little to no use and is in surprisingly good condition. Any parts to replace will be minimal and only involve small stuff. Step #1 is cleaning everything up in preparation for painting. I just need to nail down the paint color!

Cleaned up the XD drum and painted it. Also did a little experimenting with a couple shades of dark gray on the drum supports. I'm going to run with the Rust-Oleum "Metallic". It's not the original color, which I can't seem to identify, but will suffice for this project!

Also cleaned up the drum support tie rods, which are aluminum. They're not perfect, but I didn't see a need to replace them.

Runner · Aug 22, 2022

Finished up the Warn XD restoration. Process was the following:

- Cleaned up the internals and re-greased everything
- Painted the drum, supports, and motor
- Instaled numerous small parts
- Converted the old 3 pin solenoid contactor to a new 5 pin solid state version

The finishing touch was a new TRE line, thimble, and fairlead.

Before

After

SamuraiChris · Aug 23, 2022

Runner said:
Finished up the Warn XD restoration.

Nice work on the winch!! Inspiring.

What is gained by switching the solenoid pack? Less vulnerable to the elements?

Does old remote control cable still fit the new box?

Runner · Aug 23, 2022

SteadfastRanger said:
Nice work on the winch!! Inspiring.

What is gained by switching the solenoid pack? Less vulnerable to the elements?

Does old remote control cable still fit the new box?

The new contactor box:

- improves reliability
- provides better protection from water and the elements
- includes a better mounting bracket, and
- allows for use of a wireless remote

Unfortunately, the old remote isn't usable with the new contactor pack. You have to go to a new 5 pin, D style, remote. Interestingly, the new remote works on the old 3 pin winches, but not the other way around.

Runner · Aug 23, 2022

While installing the refreshed winch and Barnes Aluminum bumper, I also cleaned up the front frame section.

Runner · Dec 14, 2022

Painted the front driveshaft, then cut a factory brake line and re-flared it to stop a slight leak. While there, I installed new soft brake lines on both front lines.

Runner · Dec 14, 2022

Also, had the tires re-balanced and spent some time checking run-out on the hub bearings and rotors. This was done to ensure no
shimmy or wobble at highway speeds.

Runner · Dec 14, 2022

The last thing recently was an oil change, with a new experiment. I mixed two quarts of Classic Castrol 20W-50 high zinc with four quarts of Castrol 10W-30 and AT 205. I've got a small RMS leak I'd like to see if I can slow. I plan to replace the RMS in the Spring, so figured I'd see what happens with the mix.

RFH_98TJ · Dec 15, 2022

Make sure the leak is not the rear (hidden) area of the valve cover. A little baby powder sprinkle will help find it. Many people have replaced the RMS only to find out it is coming from the rear of the valve cover. That's where mine has been leaking from. Maybe I'll finally do it this spring (or next).....

R3 · Dec 15, 2022

For your DW, try cranking in more caster that should help a bunch. ran 7 degrees on the Red Jeep 44s and now have almost 8 in the D60

Runner · Dec 15, 2022

RFH_98TJ said:
Make sure the leak is not the rear (hidden) area of the valve cover. A little baby powder sprinkle will help find it. Many people have replaced the RMS only to find out it is coming from the rear of the valve cover. That's where mine has been leaking from. Maybe I'll finally do it this spring (or next).....

Valve cover gasket was one of the first things I replaced. The oil pan gasket is leaking and needs replacing. If I am doing that, I'd just do the RMS also.

Runner · Mar 15, 2023

RMS was dripping oil all over the floor, so it got addressed. Cut the down pipe to make getting the pan out easy.

Runner · Mar 15, 2023

Installed a new RMS, Melling oil pump,, the oil pan, then put the exhaust back on.

Runner · Mar 15, 2023

I'm down with surgery # 5, so my buddy was over today and he helped remove the temporary cheap "Made in China" 2.5" OD butt clamp that was installed on the cut down-pipe. In it's place went a Walker 36530 exhaust 2.5" OD butt clamp.

If anyone else ends ups cutting their pipe, to make doing the RMS and oil pan gasket replacement easier, this is the clamp to use. I ordered several other clamps, including a Walker 33240. However, the 36530 clamp is far superior. The primary reason being, it has two clamps, an inner and outer, resulting in a stronger and tighter seal.

Runner · Aug 20, 2023

Parts are piling up in the garage and basement. At some point, I'm going to have to dig in and get a 35" tire build done. Thus far, here's what's waiting to go in:

- Golen stroker
- Dana 44 front and rear (5.13 Gears)
- 241 Case
- Rubicrawler
- PSC steering
- Big Brake Kit
- Savvy Rockers
- Savvy Under Armor
- Warn Hubs
- Revolution axles
- Savvy Front Bumper with Warn XP 9.5 and synthetic line
- Next Venture rear bumper
- Swayloc
- Power steering and transmission coolers
- and more

This is about 1/2 of what I've collected over the last two years. All I'm waiting on now is to make a decision on which aluminum corners, and then the fun will start!

Runner · Aug 20, 2023

In the interim, I'm tired of the pathetic lighting in the back of a TJ/LJ, so I added this:

Runner · Aug 26, 2023

Had a slight shimmy when hitting a bump at speed. Did a steering check and found a blown steering damper. Thanks to @GOTOMAN I had a
spare (in the background). Thanks Bill!

Runner · Sep 4, 2023

A little thing, but at least it's a part that is no longer sitting in a box. The SwayLoc fits nicely with the stock bumper. The stock bumper will stay in place until the build gets more serious.

Runner · Sep 4, 2023

Another small thing, a Hooke Road tailgate table. I picked this up on an Amazon lightning deal and it's not bad quality.

My only complaint is the placement of the mounting holes. If they had spread them one more inch it would have missed the tailgate vent slots completely. Of course I could have drilled two more holes, but it wasn't worth the effort.