What I've been wasting my time with lately (Ramcharger rebuild) Pt.1

[The_War_Wagon]

Long, long, ago, in a Ford far, far, away... :p

Before the Jeep Commander was even a glimmer on the horizon, I inherited this beast, with the intention of making IT, our trail rig/BoV/Cub Scout War Wagon. Over the last couple of months, it is slowly, but surely, coming BACK to life. After sitting in a shed for the better part of 7 years, I've finally gotten the help and resources needed to at least try and get it to pass state inspection!

Here's what I inherited back in the fall of '06 - and it had mostly been sitting for a year & a half at THAT point, after being a daily driver for most of its life.
A nice, but tired, 1992 Dodge Ramcharger LE150 - 318 V-8, MPFI, 727 Torqueflite, NP241 Transfer case, 9 1/4 rear end - indeterminate front axle at this point (I'll post the vin code and data plates on here for Dodge experts to chime in on), and 135,000 miles - not a few of which were Pittsburgh-to-west-Texas road trips, where the original owner was from.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/92_Ramcharger-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/318-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/CAB-1.jpg

It was ALWAYS going to be a trail rig, as the factory 11mpg city/13mpg highway was a bit much for a daily driver... so last year, I promptly bought my Jeep Commander for a daily driver, that gets 10.5 mpg city...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/11/DOHHH-1.jpg


THAT said, my local mechanic offered to work on it as a side project at his house, as he knew my children were Autistic, and he wanted to help. I bought the parts, and he did the labor for free. That worked well... for a while... until he took a job in the Marcellus shale fields a few years ago. So my truck just sat in his shed for a few more years. :(

I'd already bought a complete 4 1/2 Rough Country lift kit for it from Top Gun Customz down in TN, as well as five (5) Courser M/T 36" tires for it, and five (5) 15x10 Pacer custom wheels (wanted the matching full-size spare, obviously), and those were still sitting in the garage of my local Goodyear dealer. I'd also bought from Kennesaw Mountain Products in GA (now Tactical Armor Group) a custom rear bumper, with an INTEGRAL swing-out tire gate, built to spec to haul a 36x15x10 spare around on (also has a Jerry can holder, hi-lift jackstorage, cb antenna mount, license plate frame, and D shackles. That was a cool $750, and it was still shrink-wrapped to the pallet it was shipped on - sitting in an empty classroom of my church for the past 5 years! :eek:

Nonetheless, I didn't see a lotta future for the old gal, and was thinking of either scrapping or selling it as recently as this May, but a new member at my church offered to help, after we got to talking about cars one day. He owns a custom shop in Carnegie (near Pittsburgh), and does all manner of metal fabrication there. I told him I had all the parts - mostly just need the lift kit installed, and I'd take care of the rest, but he decided he wanted to do more - including bodywork, sanding, primering, painting, and even building a custom front bumper and new exhaust system for it! :eek::eek::eek:

[The_War_Wagon]

Pt. II


In early August, he took his rollback over to my former mechanic's house, and picked up all the pieces. Here's a small photo retrospective of his work to date!

Passenger side UP!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/EARLY2-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/EARLY1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/EARLY-1.jpg

Interior needs work now (some of the "handiwork" by moi - with a stereo HALF(ass)-installed... :o )

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/EARLY4-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/EARLY3-1.jpg

Of course, a LOT of its own parts and pieces are being stored inside itself at this point, too.

Lift is done!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/LIFT4-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/LIFT3-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/LIFT1-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

Pt.III


Some closeups of this custom front bumper (spot welds and temporarily clamped to evaluate fitment)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/BUMPR1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/BUMPR-1.jpg

Made of box steel, it drops low enough to pass state inspection - the center part will be cut out, and a shelf installed, suitable for mounting a winch recessed into the bumper!

Bumper is now finished, save for setting up the recessed winch mount and painting.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/BUMPR2-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/SANDED4-1.jpg

Here's some pics from last week - it's now bondo'd (meh... it's a trail rig :o ) - and almost ready to be painted!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/SANDED-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/SANDED1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/SANDED3-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/SANDED2-1.jpg

You get a good look at the custom rear bumper this way!

[The_War_Wagon]

Pt. IV


It's getting down to the nitty-gritty now - it gets painted this week (to sand, primer, and paint this monster would be $4k+ at any reputable shop. I'm getting it for free, but STILL don't know what color it's going to be! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/shocked-1.gif I know "silver" will be a large part of it, but beyond that... :confused: Beggars of course, don't get to be choosers!), and then it's off to Monro Muffler for new brake and fuel lines (the originals rotted away), and whatever other work we need to get it to pass inspection at THIS point.

Assuming Obama doesn't confiscate ALL our tax refunds this year, my INTENTION is to do a ring & pinion swap (to 4.10's - currently 3.50 geared) and add a Transpak/Shift kit to the 727 this spring. I might splurge for the winch at that time, too. Long range plans include tearing down the engine (which still runs strong, holds compression, etc.), adding machined 360 heads, new pistons, torque-ier crank, etc. I've got some Warn lock-out hubs ready for it too. ANY extra mpg's in THIS beast will be appreciated, and I figure the lock-out hubs will make GETTING to the outdoors a little less costly!

I'd like to do re-do the interior completely (droopy headliner has GOT to go - welcome to the late 80's/early '90's droopy headliner flashback! :rolleyes:) - doing the seats in some sort of faux leather, that cleans up easily. I'd LOVE to tear out ALL the carpet and just rhinoline the entire floor - make it so you could run a hose and WASH the truck out... but that may not be ENTIRELY feasible, given how many wires run along the floor in even a 20 year old truck. I think I WILL rhinoline the cargo area though, as this will still be our Boy Scout War Wagon - suitable for throwing backpacks, gear, chuckboxes, and the like into. Getting that factory spare OUT of the cargo area REALLY opens 'er up back there! ;)

It'll be a zombiecrusher for certain - a good BoV, if it comes to that - & hopefully more than up to the task of cruising the Alleghenies. But she's DEFINITELY a zombie herself, having come close to the scrapyard THREE times now (it got hit in the passenger side when the original owner had it, but he refused to have it totaled, and got it repaired instead - when he passed away, his wife was about to scrap it, when she offered it to me instead. I ALMOST scapped it this spring, but found some much-needed help in the nick of time). It might FINALLY see the out-of-doors yet!

Here's those vin code/data plates/sheet, if anyone is an expert in reading these things - if someone could give me an idea of what all I have here to start with.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/DOORJAM1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/DATA11-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/DATA21-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/DATA31-1.jpg

That sheet under the hood is REALLY faded, but I figure the same info is coded on the data plate.

Any & all feedback is welcome and appreciated. And if you're handy with a wrench, engines & drivetrains, and live in the Pittsburgh area, gimme a shout!!!

[07JeepXK]

Nice!! I like it. How are you only getting 10mpg in your Commander? I'm lifted running 33 inch mud tires and am getting 14.1 mpg!

[The_War_Wagon]

Nice!! I like it. How are you only getting 10mpg in your Commander? I'm lifted running 33 inch mud tires and am getting 14.1 mpg!

Driven the urban hills of Pittsburgh much? :eek:

I was only getting 9 mpg, until I put 40lbs of air in my tires! It's probably the stop signs and stoplights strategically located every 5 feet, that are killing my gas mileage. And I'm mostly just making short hops around the South Hills - usually less than 10 miles a day!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

I love PITTSBURGH!! Die Hard STEELERS fan here and those hills will kill any cars MPGs, especially the south side, but its an awesome area and where I want to be! I was just down for the Ravens game and Jets game, might be going to the Bengals game.. Next time I come down we will have to grab a beer! Love my IC Lights
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
Had to get the throwback this year!!

[07JeepXK]

Driven the urban hills of Pittsburgh much? :eek:

I was only getting 9 mpg, until I put 40lbs of air in my tires! It's probably the stop signs and stoplights strategically located every 5 feet, that are killing my gas mileage. And I'm mostly just making short hops around the South Hills - usually less than 10 miles a day!

Damn that sucks! Well even though you are only getting 10 mpg at least your driving an awsome vehicle. I love my Commander!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Im getting 13.2 with my heavy foot all city

[07JeepXK]

I want to meet up and go wheeling with that ram charger!!! that thing is a beast...

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Hell yea! there are a bunch of trails around there, I googled and found a few..

[The_War_Wagon]

I want to meet up and go wheeling with that ram charger!!! that thing is a beast...

Can't guarantee I'll ever bring it to NY, but some good trails in Alleghenies are only an hour away. Hope to hit a few this summer in it! :cool:

[07JeepXK]

I'll come to you!!

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Ill definitely make my way over some wheeling as well!

[criket]

That front axle should be a Spicer (Dana 44). Also, for 1992, they gave the 318 more horsepower than the previous years so you should have a decent motor (assuming it still runs.)

Looks like a great project. Take all the pics you can, I love seeing a project come together.

[criket]

Also, as you know, your Ramcharger was assembled in Mexico at the Lago Alberto plant.

[pjmjr508]

I love the old Ram Chargers. That looks great

I'm getting 10.3 MPG in my XK as well so I know what you mean. ( I have been told I have a heavy foot)

[Gulf550]

Cool write up. Pittsburgh is a fun city. Lived there for about 3 yrs while attending Pittsburgh instatute of aeronautics. I'm from Lake Erie area, but now live in georgia. i still have a lot of family that live in Pittsburgh. I try to get back home for the holidays. Next time I'm in the area, I'll let you know

[The_War_Wagon]

That front axle should be a Spicer (Dana 44). Also, for 1992, they gave the 318 more horsepower than the previous years so you should have a decent motor (assuming it still runs.)


I've always heard, that unless you have the 8 bolt wheel (mine's a 5), it's a Dana 44, which makes sense. My '79 Bronco had one, too. They were so stout, they used 'em as REAR axles on CJ's! :cool:

Engine runs strong still & holds compression. I do wanna break it down and rebuild it on general principle as well. Tax refund this year will take care of the drive train, and maybe the winch. Thankfully, the previous owner did GOOD maintenance - I just hate it's sat so long. My mechanic DID turn it over and let it run every couple of months, so that's been a plus, too.

[The_War_Wagon]

Cool write up. Pittsburgh is a fun city. Lived there for about 3 yrs while attending Pittsburgh instatute of aeronautics. I'm from Lake Erie area, but now live in georgia. i still have a lot of family that live in Pittsburgh. I try to get back home for the holidays. Next time I'm in the area, I'll let you know

I'm ten generations from NC - bring BBQ & Cheerwine!!! :D

[criket]

I've always heard, that unless you have the 8 bolt wheel (mine's a 5), it's a Dana 44, which makes sense. My '79 Bronco had one, too. They were so stout, they used 'em as REAR axles on CJ's! :cool:

Engine runs strong still & holds compression. I do wanna break it down and rebuild it on general principle as well. Tax refund this year will take care of the drive train, and maybe the winch. Thankfully, the previous owner did GOOD maintenance - I just hate it's sat so long. My mechanic DID turn it over and let it run every couple of months, so that's been a plus, too.

Yea you are correct about the lug count. But some people change out the outer knuckles to get a desired lug pattern. (example, rear axle may be 8 lug and full float while the front could be a Dana 44. So they change the knuckles and lugs up front to match the rear. That way they only buy 1 set of wheels and not 2.)

That's good to hear about the motor. I'd just do the basic rings, bearings, gaskets, and probably a porting on the heads to get more air flow and it should be good to go. A rebuild like that won't hurt your wallet as bad.

Also, if I was building an off road only rig, I'd go either fuel injected or propane. If you have a carburater, you will hate it when you hit a steep hill.

Cool build. keep us updated man and maybe I'll FedEx overnight to you some NC BBQ and Cheerwine, LOL.

[The_War_Wagon]

:cool: :cool: :cool:

Went by today to talk to Jimmy about keeping it at his place a few more weeks. My other mechanic is down with a bad knee that he blew out pushing a Honda across the lot (I asked him, "If you can't push a Honda, how're you gonna push my RAMCHARGER?!?! :P )

Sure enough, it's BEEN painted!!! :D

In fact, he added the red factory pin stripe BACK to it, which set it off better than I thought it would. And it's two-tone again, although not QUITE like the factory had it. Here we go!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/PAINT-1.jpg



The top color, is a flat metalflake dark grey (the bright sunshine today played havoc with my auto-exposure - I only have one pic that really does it justice) - the bottom, a flat black. For flat colors (easy to touch up again after a good BRUSH run...), they really pop a LOT more than I expected them too (I was expecting more like the flat military colors of HUMVEES and Ma Dueces, than this!). Here's some more!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/PAINT4-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/PAINT3-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/FRONT-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/PAINT1-1.jpg

[pjmjr508]

That's a clean looking Rig!!!!!!!

[The_War_Wagon]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/REAR-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/PAINT5-1.jpg

I'm wearing my red BSA windbreaker, hence the reddish reflection on the fender here.



Check out this front bumper now!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/PAINT2-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/BUMPRB1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/BUMPRB2-1.jpg

Looking down here between the bodywork and the bumper, you can see the shelf for the winch to mount to. The fairleads come out the front, and you're good to go! :cool:



That's Jimmy, on the far left, FYI.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/JIMMY-1.jpg



A decent shot of the rear hatch and bumper here - they popped the red plastic off the bottom of the "Dodge" plate, as it had collected a fair amount of crud over the years, and we don't need any MORE rust promotion on this hotrod! Wayne, Jimmy's right hand man, suggested red reflector tape... and that ain't a half-bad idea!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/PAINTR-1.jpg



Been looking for SOMETHING to demonstrate scale, as to the height on this monster. I saw this 5 gallon plastic gas can nearby, and it's DIRECTLY UNDER the corner of the bumper here. It's about 2' high, for reference.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/REAR1-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

Jimmy's doin' it up right! Here's the inside of the doors - sanded and ready to likewise be painted!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/DOOR2-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/DOOR1-1.jpg



This was probably the best picture of the bunch, to really see the paint and how well it works together.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HATCH-1.jpg


I have dreamed - for 6 years - of this truck LOOKING this good... and now it actually does! They still have some frame/lift work to do - needs the second set of rear shocks installed as well. Once the brake & gas lines are done, then we can knock off some of the scale and start undercoating it. But another B-I-G hurdle is now cleared - the bodywork and paint is just about DONE!!! :D :D :D

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Thats one sick looking rig man, definitely have to schedule a wheeling trip when its done!

[Matt]

Looking great man!

[criket]

That thing is looking awesome!!!!!

[The_War_Wagon]

It got rolled outside last night. The second set of rear shocks has been installed, a few more holes under the unibody puttied, and some other painting done. It has no fuel lines, and no brake lines - so it can't start OR stop right now... but it makes a HELLUVA paperweight!!! :p:p:p

That said, it's REALLY quite photogenic at this point, so here's some more to look at! :cool:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF7-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF2-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF3-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF4-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF6-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF5-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF8-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF9-1.jpg



Well, PART of the insides of the doors got painted. :rolleyes:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF11-1.jpg This'll inhibit rust and seal the edges most exposed to the elements!



The interior is greatly cleaned up now.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/HALF12-1.jpg


It's a work in progress still - in fact, Jimmy's going on vacation, and can't leave it in the shop, so it's going to sit at my place for a couple of weeks, until my man at Monro is healed up, and can install the brake and fuel lines, and then get started on everything else, to get it to pass inspection & start rolling again.

Check this out! http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts/replacement_vinyl_flooring_by_acc/24256/autocustomcarpets3049-92v-.aspx I'm thinking of replacing the carpet in it with this!

What say you - grey, or black?

[pjmjr508]

everything is looking great.

I say black

[The_War_Wagon]

Advance Auto has an on-line promotion that ends today, if you want to take advantage of it. Buy < $100 of stuff on-line (which you can still pick up IN-store, if you like), and save 15% - AND - get a $50 off coupon for your NEXT purchase, which will arrive by e-mail after Jan.1.

I bought a new battery for the R/C yesterday and saved $16 with this promotion. They also carry replacement pistons for the rear liftgate, @ $28 and change each. So a pair would be around $57 and change, but after my coupon arrives, they'll be $7 and change after the first of the year! :cool:

[The_War_Wagon]

... when it comes home again, it should be under it's OWN power! ;)

Rollback came up to get it tonight. It rained much of today - most of the snow now has washed away.

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png


Tossed the glasspacks on the passenger side! 8)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/01/MFFLRS-1.jpg


I took #1 son with me, to follow it to the shop.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/01/NITE-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/01/NITE4-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/01/NITE7-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png


Following it there!

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[The_War_Wagon]

Thankfully, the shop is only 1 mile from home! My buddy is the Asst. Mgr. there, and is going to do much of the work himself.

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png


Awww yeahhhhhhhhhh... it's the BIG ONE alright! :p

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png


We got it there a little after 7pm - the Mgr. was still in, so we pushed it over there after we got it off the truck. #3 son has his Pinewood Derby tomorrow @ 11:30am - I'm gonna swing by around 10:30am and shoot the breeze with my buddy about how to proceed.

I suspect it'll be there for a couple of months even; brake & fuel lines hafta be done first, then the exhaust system needs to be rebuilt. Once that's done, we've gotta drain everything, tune it up, add new brakes and wheel studs, flush and fill the radiator, change the water pump, all the hoses and serpentine belt. At that point, it MIGHT pass inspection. After the tax refund arrives, it's new alternator, starter, ignition, fuel pump, & other miscellany replacement time (replace everything on the engine that ISN'T internal!). New ring & pinion sets, B&M Transpack, and winch go on as well. Then it goes back over to Jimmy's for undercoating, and maybe a few other undercarriage details.

With any LUCK... everything BUT the engine teardown/rebuild will be done by July... and I can catch the engine next spring... HOPEFULLY...

[The_War_Wagon]

Since some shiitebag TRIED to steal a wheel off of it in the lot (they found 2 lug nuts missing off the left front this morning - the thief either got spooked, or gave up. Since the temperature last night was 5, and the windchill -15, I hope he got frostbite, his fingers fell off, & THAT'S why he quit! ), they rolled it into the garage this morning. I've got locking lug nuts for the wheels, so we still have plenty o' nuts to go around. It's going to REMAIN locked in the garage from now on, until it's finished. :D

Nonetheless, it's my mechanic's day off, but he rolled in early this morning, to give it the cursory once-over, once they got it on the lift. He immediately called me at 8:15am. In a word it's, "not good." :(

FRAME is fine, but ALL the lines underneath it are shot - including the transmission lines. Not a problem, since I was wanting to install a transmission cooler anyways - it was going to NEED new lines. Driveline angles are good, but we probably need to re-do the rear shocks and how they're mounted. Since the radiator HAS to be pulled for some of the work we're wanting to do, looks like we'll go the new radiator route, too.

True duals are going to be a hootenanny to install, as there's an EGR box on the driver's side that needs to be relocated, so that has to be fabricated - hope there's room enough to make a crossover/H-pipe! :rolleyes:

I'm meeting up with him again tomorrow morning and bringing a notebook, as we try and figure out what all needs to be done/replaced. If anyone has a recommendation for BEEFIER rotors for a Dana 44 axle, I'm all ears. Recommendations on a good master cylinder are ALSO appreciated.

Anyone know how difficult putting disc brakes on the rear of this thing would be? Does it help appreciably, especially running 35's/36's? Is it worth the cost?

He's THINKING it can be made road-worthy, and pass inspection, for around $4k, including parts & labor. I remain skeptical - even though he's going to do me some favors on the labor price especially. If I get it done for under $6k, I'll be amazed. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/shocked-1.gif

This is going to be a l-o-n-g-t-e-r-m project - if it's rolling before June, that TOO, will be amazing. More pictures and updates to follow in the meantime...

[Sal-XK]

I'd rather have disks on a vehicle especially an off road truck just from a maintenance point. It will help some especially going down steep grades or stopping it while in 4LO or massive wheel spin :eek: I've done both types of brake jobs and disks are by far easier. I've never wheeled drum brakes so can't tell ya if mud can pack in there or not.

[Matt]

If you have the cash, i'd definitely do a disk brake conversion. However depending on how often, and what type of wheeling you plan on doing, you may not see a huge difference. You can always add them on later if your number one goal now is to get it roadworthy...

[The_War_Wagon]

MORE shop pics!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/SHOP13_zps5511573e-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/SHOP14_zpsa7048a92-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/SHOP12_zps9c577bf8-1.jpg


Lockout hubs are on! :cool:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/AXLE2_zps5af4c455-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

New master cylinder, booster, drums, and brakes lines - incluidng the e-brake - are done!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/mastercylinder_zps229ba999-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/AXLE1_zps18690e9a-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/BLINES1_zpsd13936c5-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/DRUM_zpsa5ca5224-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/DRUM1_zps1f70dfa5-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/BLINES_zps977ff541-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/ELINES_zps39641768-1.jpg


Box o' fuel line tubing, from In-Line tube (stainless! :cool: ) - it's now installed.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/TUBING_zps07801b62-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

Tank - with new pump/sender installed - old one laying beside it.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/TANK1_zpse55da1f7-1.jpg


Tank skid. I took it home, scrubbed on it with a steel brush outside in the warm sun and 36 degree temperatures... for about a half-hour. It WASN'T going to be pretty or neat, but I figured scrubbing SOME rust off (about a pound's worth!) and covering it with some Krylon rustoleum, was better than just sticking it back up there rusty and flaking. :eek:

Here's the inside of it - freshly/sorta scrubbed (next to my Jerry can, which I'm going to have painted to match the truck paint scheme! :D )

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/TANKSKID_zpse9518afc-1.jpg


And here's the INSIDE, covered in one can's worth of FDE tan! :p

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/TANKSKD1_zpseb90633c-1.jpg


And yes, I DID paint it inside the craft room of the Sunday School building at my church - thanks for asking! :p The room has more heat than my garage! :p:p
I covered the other half in some sort of Krylon burnt orange Primer late this afternoon. Pics to follow when the fumes subside... :rolleyes:

[The_War_Wagon]

New transmission lines - CRAPPY pic...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/TLINES_zpsc375188c-1.jpg


I ran the new transmissioner cooler, power steering cooler, and Accel coil over with the fuel line tubing on Thursday morning. New CAD system, radiator, distributer cap & rotor, and performance pulleys from Summitt were ordered last night :rolleyes: ... she's GETTIN' there...

[pjmjr508]

looking great

[The_War_Wagon]

Just to make you wait a bit longer :p , here's my rust-COLORED tank skid, back in place! Rust-colored PRIMER, ON a Ramcharger... why does it seem so fitting? :rolleyes:


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8645_zpsbb3c0092-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8646_zpsa2b59c92-1.jpg


The brakes are done, the fuel lines are done, and like any good artist, my mechanic took some 'creative liberties' - adding chrome tips to the exhaust (and going with 2 1/4" pipe was the WAY to go!!! They're snaked all through there, with dual cats and dual glasspacks!!!). I was happy with plain pipe, but it adds a nice touch.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8655_zps6aeac6fb-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8654_zps9173be94-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8652_zpsbf244f0b-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8653_zps99a0a292-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8656_zps09e5d8e5-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/02/100_8651_zpse44086e9-1.jpg


It's NOT my best camera, but it IS the one I can do video with! THAT will be important, in just a minute!

[The_War_Wagon]

Now keep in mind, the oil was LAST changed right after I got it - in late '06. Lord only knows when the last time it got tuned up. Now we've done NOTHING under the hood so far. Other than change the fuel filter, the pump and the sender unit back in the tank, the engine is UN-touched, for 6+ years...

I THINK... I might've gotten LUCKY... or BLESSED... :D

Take a watch, and a listen. Chris, my mechanic on the underside so far, is in the video, as well as my oldest co-pilot.



http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/The_War_Wagon/Ramcharger/?action=view&current=100_8648_zpsfe1e2fa3.mp4


Can't WAIT to hear what she sounds like after a thorough flushing, with new plugs, wires, coil, distributor, tune-up, coolers, K&N air filter, and assorted other goodies! https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[06JeepXKHEMI]

Its ALIVE! Nice man now lets wheel it!!

[The_War_Wagon]

Its ALIVE! Nice man now lets wheel it!!

Well, as soon as under the hood is cared for. And new driveshafts/yokes are made, axled re-geared, undercoat applied, steps added, and maybe a couple of other things... 1827 Ya' know how OLD trucks are! :p

[The_War_Wagon]

IT PASSED INSPECTION!

OFF with the 2006 stickers - ON with the 2014 stickers!!! Emission exempt, since it's only traveled 1 mile since 2006! :p

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/STCKRS_zps8b9c30c2-1.jpg

It DOES run - there's a little more front end work to do yet (we're getting rid of the lift block on the left knuckle, and going with a drop Pitman arm & adjustable draglink, which should correct a LOT of steering geometry issues.

Here was my mechanic - taking it to go put some gas in it last week. :o

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DRIVE_zps0046eddd-1.jpg


I also traded 500 rds. of Silver Bear .223, for a 9,000lb winch! :D

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/WINCH_zps99ddfd44-1.jpg

It's sitting in the church basement now, where the multi-carrier/rear bumper sat for 5 years! Hopefully, it'll'll be installed in less time than the bumper was!

I do get to go VISIT my truck... until it's paid off (D'OHHH! Waitin' on the tax refund!). I dropped off another $500 earlier this week, and baby girl got to play hood ornament with it. :D

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/Katie4_zps47218c4f-1.jpg

[criket]

Sweet man!!!! I know that's an awesome feeling getting it to pass inspection and finally legal!

[The_War_Wagon]

I FINALLY got to drive The War Wagon for the FIRST time today, EVER (when I inherited it, it wasn't running - it's been ROLLBACKED everywhere ever since!) - even though it was just around the parking lot at Monro, but - HOLY GUACAMOLE... WHAT have I gotten myself into?!?!? https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/tongue-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/tongue-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/tongue-1.gif

For starters, even though the ENTIRE brake system is NEW, with those drum rears, it feels like MANUAL brakes, getting those BIG MEATS to stop! I can see WHY the Suburban Hydroboost and rear disc conversion is SO popular!!! I think I know where NEXT year's tax refund is going!!! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/12/shocked-1.gif

As for THIS year's refund, the transmission selector feels a bit stiff - no doubt due to the fact we haven't touched the transmission yet. And with 3.55 gears, it needs a fair amount of go-juice, to get 'er into motion. The B&M Transpak and ring & pinion swap will be GOOD investments, once I get it out of hock at Monro!

On the PLUS side though, Monor Muffler's latest wheel alignment rig, has updates for 4 wheel alignments that INCLUDE Dodge Ramchargers now! With the steering geometry figured out (that stupid shim in my front right leaf pack REMOVED!), it's perfectly aligned, and steering wheel is straight, too! It steers like a dream - it seems as if it steers TOO well, given it's size, but I'll take it! That, and the a/c is charged, and blows COLD!

Paid another $750 on the account today - I'm down to around $3200 & change left. Ordered a few more parts today as well, not the least of which was the Dana 44 front carrier. Oh - and Parts Geek has aftermarket grills for $73 shipped right now! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/grin-1.gif I'll look into making it a "FARGO," while I Plastex the old one and fix it up for a spare!

[Holaday07 4.7]

Looks awesome man!

I had an 87 K5 on 35s in High School. Thing was a beast. What kind of trails are you going to use it for?

Only thing you might want to consider is the lower part of that front bumper. It will kill the approach angle.

Keep up the good work man

[The_War_Wagon]

Looks awesome man!

I had an 87 K5 on 35s in High School. Thing was a beast. What kind of trails are you going to use it for?

Only thing you might want to consider is the lower part of that front bumper. It will kill the approach angle.

Keep up the good work man

You're not the first, to point that out... :o

That's actually where the winch mounts behind the bumper. The other thing is, I think PA is one of those states, where your front bumper can only be "X" number of inches off the ground to be street legal, and this is the 'cheat' to achieve that.

I definitely don't want to aim it at a boulder (or even a BIG log!), and I'm pretty sure the MOAB is out, but for the lower Alleghenies, I think I'll be OK. I'll let you know the first time I get it good & stuck/high-centered though.

I think for starters, will try it in some swampy fields, and see where all the interior leaks might be! :p

[Holaday07 4.7]

You're not the first, to point that out... :o

That's actually where the winch mounts behind the bumper. The other thing is, I think PA is one of those states, where your front bumper can only be "X" number of inches off the ground to be street legal, and this is the 'cheat' to achieve that.

I definitely don't want to aim it at a boulder (or even a BIG log!), and I'm pretty sure the MOAB is out, but for the lower Alleghenies, I think I'll be OK. I'll let you know the first time I get it good & stuck/high-centered though.

I think for starters, will try it in some swampy fields, and see where all the interior leaks might be! :p


Gotcha. Ours is headlights in MO and it depends on where you get it inspected.

Best invesment I ever put into that thing was a lunchbox locker. I look forward to seeing the wheeling pics!

[The_War_Wagon]

I can't BELIEVE I never posted a video of the engine running!!! This was AFTER the fuel lines and exhaust had been done, but we hadn't TOUCHED the engine yet! :cool: This is with 6 year old motor oil in it, no less!

http://s212.photobucket.com/user/The_War_Wagon/media/Ramcharger/100_8648_zpsfe1e2fa3.mp4.html

Here's some under-the-hood pics, since that's done now.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/ENGINE6_zps57ba3a78-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/ENGINE7_zpsb4f7c6ae-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/ENGINE8_zps710e2463-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/ENGINE9_zpsbf96763e-1.jpg


With the new adjustable draglink installed, we were able to do away with the lift block AND the drop Pitman arm, and now the truck turns RIGHT, too! :p

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/dlink_zps5bce3320-1.jpg

We're still going with the dual stabilizer though, which should be here from 4wd parts any day now!

Here's a pile of "other" in my office at the moment, including the new front & rear diff carriers. I should have enough in ye olde tax refund to get the axles and transmission work done, and even get the winch installed next month! :D


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/grill1_zps045dff4f-1.jpg

[pjmjr508]

looking good

[The_War_Wagon]

WHAT... have I gotten myself into?!?! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/icon_eyes-1.gif

Well, the truck came home around noon. My oldest & my youngest wanted to ride in it, so we stopped and picked up some JB Weld, and put $40 of gas in it... so it has a quarter tankful now https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/crybaby-1.gif). Put the locking gas cap on it, after I got it home, too.

Here's a little of the experience, leaving Monro Muffler with it!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/th_100_8877_zps565568ea-1.jpg (http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/The_War_Wagon/Ramcharger/100_8877_zps565568ea.mp4)


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/th_100_8878_zpse8aaa56b-1.jpg (http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/The_War_Wagon/Ramcharger/100_8878_zpse8aaa56b.mp4)

Ya' gotta click on those, for them to play in a new browser. I dropped the camera the second time, NOT because we were crashing, but Good LORD it DOES wander all over the road!!!

DUAL stabilizer and Borgeson steering shaft, here we come - El - PRONTO!!!!

It wanders BADLY, lumbers like a wounded Buffalo, and is slightly quieter than an artillery barrage... and that's how you discover what's REALLY going on with it!

I spent more time IN it today, than I have in the past 6 years. Replaced the rear liftgate pistons (actually, only one was bad, but I replaced them as a pair. Set the one still holding a charge aside for a spare), and mostly just looked over the interior, cleaned out the center console, etc.

GREAT thing about that liftgate - it held the hatch up while I unbolted the old pistons!!!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/hatch1_zps7d207e94-1.jpg


The red shock boot makes a GREAT covering for that bolt (holds the high lift jack in place!), so when the gate swings around, it doesn't punch a hole in the lower rear quarter! Once the spare is on there, it won't be a problem. The full-size spare will be too big, to allow the gate to come around that far. I just stick it on there for times like NOW, when the gate's open, and I'm working out of the back.

That, and I'm PRETTY sure I discovered why the steering is so wobbly! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/jawdrop-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/jawdrop-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/jawdrop-1.gif

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/steering_zpscfd03921-1.jpg


Looks like a new Borgeson steering gearbox, AND Borgeson steering shaft!

[pjmjr508]

Looking great

[criket]

Awesome build!!! I need to find a project like this.

[lekmedm]

Looking great

Yes, looking great, except for that steering box and shaft!!! Dear Lord, don't drive that buffalo until you've replaced that!!!

[The_War_Wagon]

Yes, looking great, except for that steering box and shaft!!! Dear Lord, don't drive that buffalo until you've replaced that!!!

Yep... it sucks out LOUD! :eek:

Was talking about it with the previous owner's wife at church on Sunday - she said, "Oh yeah - it's been like that for a while!" :eek::eek::eek: I told her, lifting it 4 1/2" and adding 36's did NOT improve it! :rolleyes:

[The_War_Wagon]

Well, my "uncle" finally came through yesterday, so the steering/tranny/axle upgrade phase will begin shortly!!! :cool:

[The_War_Wagon]

200lbs o' parts! I'm gonna NEED a Ramcharger, to haul it all over to the shop! :p


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/Parts1_zpsa280d026-1.jpg

[criket]

I see an East Coast Gear Supply box. Those guys are good at thier stuff. They are the best in NC.

[The_War_Wagon]

Got my master rebuild kits from them, a couple of axle seals, and four, travel-limit straps. They called me first thing the next morning, to let me know they were changing suppliers on those straps, and if it would be OK if two came from one supplier, and two from another - even though both were the same length and used the same mounting hardware. Very courteous, and they helped calm me down when the Dana 44 box read, "REAR axle, reverse rotation!" :eek::eek::eek: Turns out the shims are all the same - they threw in the correct seals though, for my front axle! They seem like good folks! :D

[The_War_Wagon]

If you THINK waxing the XK is a pain, or takes forever... have I got a project for YOU!!! :rolleyes:

First wash & wax since the new paint job last September - first wash I know, since at LEAST early '05. First wax since... :confused: Lord only knows!!! :eek:


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/RC_wax_zps204cf6bc-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/RC_wax1_zps4dcb967d-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/RC_wax2_zpsd7706944-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/RC_wax5_zpsd2bdd243-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/RC_wax6_zpsea6d79bf-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/RC_wax7_zps45ef41ef-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/RC_wax8_zps88184564-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

Your supposed to be getting it dirty, not cleaning it.

[Matt]

lol yeah whens the first mud run!

[The_War_Wagon]

lol yeah whens the first mud run!

When this...


200lbs o' parts! I'm gonna NEED a Ramcharger, to haul it all over to the shop! :p


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/04/Parts1_zpsa280d026-1.jpg

And THIS...

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/0409132131_zps5783f575-1.jpghttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/0409132110_zpsc6ab0b6f-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/0409132127_zpsdd273c9c-1.jpghttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/0409131855_zpsad3b3d36-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/0409132135_zpsec8437f6-1.jpg All finally get installed! :eek:

[Matt]

Roger roger

[The_War_Wagon]

WOOT-WOOT! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/sign0200-1.gif


JUST heard from my 4x4 shop today - the RC goes in next Monday, for the final mechanical phase! Ring & pinion swap, steering gearbox and shaft upgrade, transmission band adjustment and B&M Transpak installed, a little touch-up welding, and the winch installed!!!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/sign0200-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/sign0200-1.gif

[pjmjr508]

Nice

[1USMC]

Congrats !!!

And we will need more photos ......

[The_War_Wagon]

Congrats !!!

And we will need more photos ......


If work would stop intruding, I could spend more time taking pictures!!! :p

I have a couple, from outside the shop - the day I dropped it off. I've been so busy since, I haven't been able to drop by and look at it. HOPE to get by maybe Monday or Tuesday...

[The_War_Wagon]

So here's the LATEST batch of pics, from the latest foray to the shop!

It's at Gibbs Automotive here in Pittsburgh now - these guys are probably the closest 4WD shop to the city proper - about 4 miles from downtown - and they're GOOD! They don't even advertise, or have a listing in the phone book, but it took me 6 weeks to get a spot in their garage, from the time I told 'em I was ready to go! They're ALWAYS busy.

Here was the passenger seat, LOADED with goodies for the trip over!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5131341_zps82c90791-1.jpg


Leavin' 'er out back!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5131343_zps43e3bee0-1.jpg


Took me over a week to get back there - DMG was working on the front axle when I came in today.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211352_zps420be85d-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211356_zpscc181ad9-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211345_zpse738895c-1.jpg

That's DMG!

The new carrier & ring & pinion are now in up front, as well as my SOLID diff cover.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211353_zpsd12939ca-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211355_zpsba31a51f-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211354_zpse2fed264-1.jpg

#3 son is in the background - he had the day off, since his school is a polling place.

Turns out, DMG has a better plan for shocks - looks like Bilstein 5125's at all four corners, since shock technology has come quite a ways, since I bought this lift kit 6 years ago! We can ditch the dual shock setup, and make sure they're not bottomed out - as they are with the current setup!!! :eek:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211357_zpsc028c1f3-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

Don't know if I EVER showed THESE off or not - JEGS Hi-Po cats!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/P5211347_zpsfdd8c9ee-1.jpg


And here's ANOTHER real PITA - the spare tire mount. :mad:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/sparemount_zpsf028d225-1.jpg

Dodge 15" 5 lug 5.5 x 5 wheel - should be a simple enough pattern to make a mount for, right? Wrong. :(

Kennesaw Mountain Products (yeah, I know about their spotty track record - discovered that fact about 6 years AFTER I had the multicarrier made... D'OH!) mounted the studs at a 6 x 5 inch pattern in reality, so EZaccessories is gonna custom build me a billett aluminum adaptor. I thought about heating it up with a torch and re-positioning it... or just hammering the shiite out of it... but both will leave an extraordinarily HEAVY wheel and tire, dangling precariously back there - most likely working loose eventually, and creating havoc on the road, sooooo... custom adaptor it is.

More pictures to come - DMG is doing it RIGHT, so I'll try to limit myself to picture snapping, and staying OUT of the way of the working people!

[The_War_Wagon]

Not MUCH going on with the RC of late - it's still at Gibbs!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/P6121370_zpse74ea9d5-1.jpg


Outside of the shop.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/P6121371_zpsb4b50781-1.jpg


Just accumulating a few odds and ends on the side - got the stereo/cd unit from oldblue27 (it's en route - should arrive today!), so I have a stereo for it now!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/rugu6uza-1.jpg

Already have an amp and speakers for it, so that's good to go.


The cb rig will be the main thing in this build though. :cool:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/1_zps513a7b73-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/sign0200-1.gif Woot - woot! Things are finally moving again!!! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/05/sign0200-1.gif Crappy cell phone pics to follow! :rolleyes:


Stopped by the shop today, to check on progress. Dave was outside with a customer, so I parked in my usual spot. My RC's been outside for 6 mos. now, but THIS was parked in its spot today!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/1120131251_zpsa25e3543-1.jpg


I said, "HEY! You SHRANK my Ramcharger!!!" :p (Neat little project, this '71 Cornbinder - has an automatic transmission and FACTORY A/C!)


Sure enough, there in the garage, is THE War Wagon!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/1120131248_zpsb8d662b5-1.jpg


The axles are now done, and Dave says it DEFINITELY has more giddy-yap, with 4.56 gears!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/1120131244_zpsed8b3e9d-1.jpg


Transmission hangs in low sometimes, which we already knew. The B&M Transpak goes in next, with the new armored transmission pan, filter, and all new fluid. We think, with the forthcoming flush & new filter, the transmission will be good as new when done. Borgeson steering still to go in, too, but it's STARTING to get there! :cool:

[The_War_Wagon]

Nothing REALLY new to report - truck is STILL at Gibbs.

Here's a great article, on the guy who did the paint & bodywork on my Ramcharger, though. Big rigs is his SPECIALTY.

Old School Is “Cool” (http://movinout.com/March%202014/article24.html)

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png



Everyone at Reinsfelder, Inc. of Pittsburgh is into trucks. In fact, they practically eat, sleep and breathe trucks. They also love the old school look of trucks from days gone by, especially since the company has been hauling freight for 95 years. Luckily for them, Reinsfelder owner Ed Haser is a friend of Jimmy Davis, owner of Ol Skool Stainless Customs of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. For Jimmy it is a passion and a labor of love. What is most impressive is that Jimmy does all of his fabrication by hand, cutting and bending each piece without the help of automation or computers.


That's how he fabbed up that crusher bumper for my Ramcharger! :cool:

[Matt]

This things coming along great man!

[The_War_Wagon]

Ramcharger comes HOME tomorrow, bayyyyyyyyyyyy-beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :cool:

It's got a few issues to be resolved, but Dave needs the space in the shop, and it's roadworthy, so here goes!

A couple items of interest:

- The B&M Transpak is NOT installed yet. Even though Dave adjusted the bands, flushed out the transmission, & installed the new armored pan & filter, the tranny still doesn't seem to be responding 'quite right' yet. COULD be, because it sat for 6 years. COULD be, a torque converter going bad. Dave say the Transpak will "kill it" at this point, so he wants me to tool around in it a bit - see if that loosens it up, and we can revisit the Transpak in the fall.

- My SPANKIN' NEW fuel lines (custom ordered from MI!!!) had a couple minor leaks. I asked Dave if that was the lines, or my fuel pump, which I can't REMEMBER off the top of my head, whether I replaced or not (I'm PRETTY sure I did, but I don't have my records/receipts in front of me here at the office!). He caught it, so whatever it was, I know it's fixed.

- He hasn't done the plenum fix, but as that's an issue with COLD engines, and the sun has actually made an appearance this month, hopefully it will hold together through spring, summer, and fall, and we can revisit THAT this fall, along with;

- Rock rails/sliders. Dave is still bending tube, but again, he needs the space, so we shall eschew those for the time being. Moreover, I have a NEW idea on what those should look like anyways, so we'll tackle THAT subject later this year as well. As I told him, I'll TRY and resist the urge, to wedge it between a couple of boulders... :tongue3:

Nonetheless, it's re-geared and the Borgeson steering is in place, so no more death wobble from hell, and it SHOULD be able to get out of its own way. There are a couple of other items I want to check on as well, and will report back accordingly. Lots of pictures will follow as well - maybe even a stack of the mad money I'm taking over there for this tomorrow as well.

I'm about to poop myself delirious! 2269https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/dancingpoop-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/dancingbananawithpooppicketsmileyemotico-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/poop2-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/poop_2-1.gif

[The_War_Wagon]

I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head.
I think it's the excitement only a Ramcharger man can feel;
a Ramcharger man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain.
I hope I can make it to the shop today.
I hope to see my truck, and drive it away.
I hope the Borgeson steers as straight as it has in my dreams.

I hope.




https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/freemanCU_zpsa93e981c-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

Well, if Obama has taught us ANYTHING, it's that, "HOPE"... is NOT a plan... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/rolleyes-1.gif

Guess what happens when you RE-gear, and your driveline angle is bad? Torque and driveshaft yokes are NOT your friends. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/shocked-1.gif


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/4_zps702a7a46-1.jpg I LITERALLY got it home, when it dropped the driveshaft in the parking lot. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/tard-1.gif

It drove GREAT getting home - had a blast tooling around in it - looks GREAT with the spare tire finally mounted.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/04/3_zps05bb527a-1.jpg I'm just too disappointed to say any more.

I called Dave & told him what happened - we knew it was binding, but didn't realize it was THAT bad. I'm sending it back to him on Monday - we're gonna drop the rear springs, rotate and shim the axle, and get that straightened out. Stay tuned for more details...

[The_War_Wagon]

Ok... Dave came by Saturday night and put some heavier duty straps on the yoke. It'll hold... for now... I have a custom built slip yoke eliminator coming from AZ this week, and my local driveshaft man is gonna build me a double cardon driveshaft, utilizing a Ford 1350 yoke to connect the double cardon to the new flange. It'll buy us MORE time, until we can plasma off the rear shock towers, & rotate & shim the rear axle like it needs to be.

Played with the RC yesterday, as Monday's are my day off. ATTEMPTED to mate an old WJ 318 dual K&N filter intake to it... and Advance Auto ain't GOT enough Spectre elbows to make it fit JUST yet! Trust me... I bought several... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/05/icon_confused-1.gif

After giving up on that for the day, I grabbed a fistful of $20's, and decided to fill up! Added 12oz. of Lucas Oil fuel treatment, since it was in the shop for 11mos.! My barely functioning tank float refuses to read anything above a half-a-tank; to be safe, I figured it was getting 5mpg. The needle had drifted down to 1/4 tank, and it had 116 miles on the trip odometer since the previous fillup, so I thought it a good time to fill up, treat what gas was left, clean the injectors, and see if another fillup would bust the float loose.

$72.50 later @ $3.79/gal., I calculate that it's actually getting a smidgeon over 6mpg - almost all city driving - so my guesswork on that was just about spot on!

After THAT, I went over to see a friend of mine from church. John had a stroke when he was 47 (my age now) and is paralyzed on his left side. He fights the good fight, and gets about pretty well now some 20+ years later. Back in the day though, he was the crew chief for his best friend, who drove the NASCAR dirt circuit in western PA in the 1960's (Heidelberg, Pittsburgh Speedway, Lernerville, et.al.). John went on to become a mechanical engineer; Dave (the driver) went on to become a bigwig in Chrysler/MOPAR's parts division in the northeast. The three of us have gotten together a couple of times over the years, to go catch some Friday night races at Lernerville (late model modifieds - dirt track racing), whenever Dave is passing through between his summer home in ME, and winter home in FL. They're both OLD-SCHOOL MOPAR guys.

At any rate, I stopped in to see John today, and with some modicum of effort, we got him INTO the RC, went out for a spin, and terrorized his neighbors! :p As the truck has no stereo currently, we put the windows down, and just listened to the roar and crack of the glasspacks! After that bit of fun, we managed to get him BACK out of the RC, without killing he, I, or the truck! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/05/tu-1.gif

Nothing special today really. Would like to have washed the truck, but they called for rain, so I fought that urge. Just had a good time playing with it, like I've been WANTING to do for almost 8 years now; even got to take a good friend out to enjoy it too (he's really the only gearhead at our church, and the RC belonged to our church secretary's late husband, so he's been following with keen interest how the progress is coming). After waiting almost 8 years just to GET it to this point, being able to enjoy the little things, is finally some great fun for ME! :cool:

[The_War_Wagon]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/05/sign0200-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/05/sign0200-1.gif


My flange yoke eliminator arrived Saturday; now to get it installed, and measure everything for the new driveshaft!




https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/05/FYE1_zpsd9fd1413-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/05/FYE_zps31ced16f-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

So the driveshaft is an issue at this point, and we KNOW the rear axle needs rotating and shimmed. To TRY and buy a little time this summer, until DMG can tackle it after November, we're re-doing the factory 1310 driveline, in favor of a slip-yoke eliminating t-case flange, and 1350 Ford style double cardon driveshaft, plugged into a 7290 rear pinion yoke!

The flange above, was actually a for a Chebby 241. Probably a nice piece, too, but NOT for an old Dodge! Dave got on the blower with AZ Driveshaft, to get that straightened out. Here's what we got in return.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/0601141146b_zps8296d487-1.jpg My buddy Eric, from STO got the t-case yoke off, and as he knows his way around the Timken oil seal PDF... all 204 pages of it... he found the right size replacement seal with little effort, and assembly was a snap.

Pittsburgh Driveshaft then worked up my driveshaft - the 12mm flange bolts came from Denny's (I ordered 8 - so as to have spares as needed, which turned out to be a VERY good move!), and the 7290 rear yoke came from Shaftmasters. Took a while to get it all together, but here is the finished product.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/PIC_0023_zpscaf4faba-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/PIC_0022_zps88684d78-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/PIC_0021_zps02cb806a-1.jpg


Popping out the old oil seal, and installing everything.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/PIC_0024_zps3c079cc2-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/PIC_0027_zpsb672f30b-1.jpg

And these are the only pics I got, because I spent the other three hours under the truck, holding the driveshaft steady while Eric installed it!

Darndest thing though - the t-case flange had four smooth holes, and four tapped holes. And so we're TRYING to install the the bolts THROUGH the tapped holes. FIRST off, the collar wasn't seating QUITE flush, so out came the Dremel tool, to shave what must of been just thousandth's off the cardon, before it finally seated flush. But then, we could NEVER get the 4th hole to line up true!!!

Eric was VERY careful & thorough at this - & those EIGHT bolts from Denny's DID come in handy. Once he hit resistance, he'd back the bolt out, inspect everything, and try and see where we were going wrong. No matter what we tried, three bolts going in true, would always pull the cardon off-center of the flange by maybe just the tiniest fraction, to keep a fourth bolt from going in true. And brudda, we played with this, from before 5pm, until 8pm!!! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/confused2-1.gif

FINALLY... we tried what is often done with these flanges - put the bolts through the BACK of the flange through the smoothbore holes, and bolt into the tapped cardon holes that way.


And we were done in 30 seconds.


Wotta day. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/faintingsmiley-1.gif


I'd also spent the first part of the day - since 9am - working on the stereo and CB installation, so it had been a long day already. It all got done though, so I'm mobile, but barely so. I've driven it twice now... for 2 1/2 miles total... and it's making a whole NEW & DIFFERENT set of noises. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/017-1.gif

There's a definite new & high RPM vibration that is the new driveshaft - it's mild, but noticeable. I've inspected the bolts & straps after each drive - everything is still tight and in place. I'm not sure if it bothers me because it's new & different, or new, and portends trouble. REGARDLESS what The Beach Boys say, I'm still convinced, there are NO "good" vibrations in a Ramcharger...

I'm becoming more convinced, this thing is basically un-streetable (to say nothing of trailworthy!), UNTIL we get that rear axle rotated and shimmed into place. I'm glad the CAD, and to a lesser extent, the grease seals, in the front axle, are an 'easy' fix (BRAND new grease seals are blown, and the CAD gummed up - time to PULL the CAD, lock the axle, re-install the CAD and PLUG the vacuum lines!), but there ain't a helluva lot you can do with a truck that needs new U-joints every 200 miles, though...

[The_War_Wagon]

Since it SAT for about a month with no driveshaft, that gave me some time to work on the interior mods - notably, adding powerports, stereo install, and CB install.

At any rate, I had a fusebox full of 22 year old fuses, and I HAD popped the 20amp fuse for the running lights, while fiddling with a parking lamp. :rolleyes: I basically went through and replaced ALL the fuses, save for that 3 & 5 amp fuse (gotta go back and buy those separately, it appears). Got my cabin lights working again (had to replace the rear bulb).


Bigger problem though - I had water getting into my doors when it's standing still! Had a lotta rain in early June, and I found water coming into the bottom of my doors and draining out onto the sill plate! I'm guessing the dry-rotted window molding is allowing that in, so I reckon that'll hafta addressed long-term eventually... or find a garage/tent for it!


I did pull the door panels off, and start the process to install some speakers. As we're all familiar with dinky little '80's & '90's panel hangers, most of mine have lost the black rubber spacer on the panel side, and the spacers that are there have dried out. So I took some Liquid Nails, to affix the hangers back onto the panel, and hopefully help them stick a little better.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/0621141419_zpse103d6f3-1.jpghttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/0621141536_zps1aa42f2e-1.jpg


And speaking of electric brake controllers, I pulled the one the previous owner had installed to pull his boat with many moons ago. It HAD been affixed to the ashtray.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/0621141549_zps215344c9-1.jpg Unless somebody needs one, I'll probably toss it. I think he pulled a little johnboat with the RC back in the day.


This let's me reclaim the ashtray, so there's not a big ugly, empty spot in the lower dash. I think I'll attach my scanner where the brake controller was.

Got the inside bottom of the driver's side door bondo'd. Used the metallic grid/adhesive patch on both sides, and slathered it down (I sanded it down first) on both sides. Painted the bottom once everything dried, and THEN used some spray-on undercoat on the inside of the door. I also put some 3M soundproofing in the door while I was at it.


Dremeled out the thick edge of this panel, so the speaker grill will sit flush. Oh the fun we have (and smoke we make! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/tongue3-1.gif ) with power tools!




https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_9233_zps6a1eb62e-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

If you saw my CB install thread in my Commander, you know I like my CB's, and take them seriously. Since the XK is still a, DD, I have the better scanner in it. The Pittsburgh PD run an 850mhz trunking radio system, which the Bearcat Trunktracker III can read. Since the REST of Allegheny Co. - and for that matter, the rest of western PA - is still analog, a Uniden B355C will do nicely in the RC.

UPS been veddy, veddy, good to me lately!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_0437_zps5d868a3e-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_0438_zps4c968c34-1.jpg


18' of RG8X, 102" whip, and various & assundry other pieces have finally found their way here, along with the Galaxy 949, at last. What follows, is an OLD school truck install.

Of course, 25 years ago, this would've been an ENTIRELY UN-necessary thread. CB's went in one of two places; the BIG rig, or the pickup truck. Yeah, there WAS the occasional Smokey & the Bandit Trans-Am that had one, or the occasional Jeeper... but otherwise, they went in your TRUCK. 25 years ago, I was running this combo, in my old '79 Ford Bronco.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/General_Electric_WX_zps33a5760f-1.jpghttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/ss150_zps65f462fc-1.jpg I also ran a 102" whip back in the day... until a low hanging power line in the midst of Hurricane Hugo ATE it! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/ohmy-1.png A quick stop at a trucker's plaza around Morganton, NC shortly thereafter, meant switching to a 3' Firestick for the rest of my CB'ing days in that truck... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/blush-1.png

Of course, since my RC is now an offroad toy, there was also this nice litte gutter mount hook for my whip included with the radio this morning! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/10/biggrin-1.png Since the whip will be mounted atop the multicarrier, it'll brush EVERY powerline between here and the woods if I DON'T tie it down!!!

For those of you with late-model trucks, packed full of modern avionics (like our Commanders!), try not be a hatah when you see all the space in which I have to run wire, and copious room to mount both scanner & CB. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/cool-1.png It's just how ALL trucks were built back in the day.

So in that sense, if you've NEVER cool breezed it in a truck built before the mid-'90's, enjoy this historical undertaking, and see how we did it when old school, was still just, "school." Oh - and we still have this little gizmo, to help me reach out and PUT "the touch" on someone... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/wink-1.png

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/1_zps513a7b73-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

Here's the marine-grade fusing at the battery!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_9251_zps9a1ff817-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_9247_zpsd7c41b39-1.jpg

30 amp on the outside is for the stereo amp - 60 amp on the inside is for the mobile. Here it is mounted up.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_9244_zps030fe951-1.jpg


Antenna mount, on top of the multicarrier.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_9241_zps5aa6fd67-1.jpg


Gotta Firestik QD mount on top of the barrel - the 102" whip would be the FIRST thing to disappear, if I left it on all the time. Nice thing about this mounting - the 35" M/T completely hides the mount, when the antenna is down. I've also got a gutter mount whip tiedown mounted, for driving on the streets OR in the woods with this setup.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/100_9255_zps8db4824f-1.jpg

CRAPPY cellphone pic alert! :rolleyes:

As for the Uniden, a neat story on that; I got it off fleaby for $75, but with no power cord or mount. No biggie - It saved me some bucks, & I had those things laying around anyways. In fact, I had a couple of hangers for some crappy outdoor speakers laying around - just bent 'em into the right shape, and then screwed it to the dash where the electric trailer brake used to be.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/0709141942_zps243d8847-1.jpg Cool thing about that is, it's easily removeable for storage.

I just pull the whole ashtray out, and stick it in the center console! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/10/biggrin-1.png

Got a nice little magnetic antenna for it, and ended up running the wire for that through the firewall as well.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/0709141942a_zps9bbacaa8-1.jpg Yeah, my truck was dead w/o a driveshaft at that time, sitting under a blackberry vine encrusted Oak tree. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/wacko-1.png Good thing that paint is IMPERVIOUS - it needed a wash like you wouldn't BELIEVE when I got it rolling again.

[The_War_Wagon]

At any rate, the little antenna stores easily enough under the hood, when not in use. Thank goodness for classic DEE-triot Iron!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/0709141959_zps65169962-1.jpg

Passes under the hinge, and away from anything essential, since there's sooooooooooooo much space under the hood!

I suddenly realized this evening, that my rear bench folds forward! Actually, I already knew that - but I suddenly remembered, I wanted to mount the Fatboy on the backside of the console... and wasn't sure there'd be enough clearance, when you flip the bench forward! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/ohmy-1.png I'm old enough now when camping, that I've EARNED my airmattress in the cabin, so I NEED the bench to fold down, and for everything to fit. Thankfully, it DOES!

With that GTG, I drilled holes for the mounting bracket, ran the ground wire, and then ran my coax! I'd forgotten how wonderfully crappy these OLD school 4x4's were built - loose carpet, loose interior panels - just PERFECT for running Mini-8 through the back of the truck! All tucked neatly away and out of sight - I even had a few feet to spare, even after running it all the way to multicarrier where I'm mounting the whip!


Thanks to Rolling Radios, my install got completed yesterday - my 4' jumper arrived, although the mailman decided to deliver it to the house instead - adding another 5 hrs of anxious waiting to the project. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/dry-1.png

The bracket was already mounted, the power run, the antenna and mobile set up - running the jumper was the last piece of the puzzle. The antenna mount needed minor adjusting, but thankfully, the steel wheel (spare tire) proved no obstacle to receiving OR transmitting... although my ancient electronic ignition DOES cause some interference. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/confused-1.gif

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/cb5_zpsd176267b-1.jpg Tuned to 38 USB... waiting for a reply... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/unsure-1.png

636, mounted to the side of the radio and bracket. https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/cb_zps507e00db-1.jpg

SWR is AWESOME!!! The needle BARELY moves when broadcasting - with NO mobile, with pre-amp, on AM or SSB! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/dance2-1.gif

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/cb4_zps41e29b5f-1.jpg

[The_War_Wagon]

MY power rating, when broadcastin'in! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/nana-1.gif https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/cb2_zpsde60f74a-1.jpg

Listening to "Double Trouble" out of VA. Made a contact in southern IN on 6 while I was testing everything.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/cb6_zps3f168c33-1.jpg

Crappy cellphone pics make it look a lot more cluttered than it is, but the rolling radio shack is coming together nicely.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/cb1_zps09f60d0a-1.jpg

The Galaxy is by far, the nicest piece of kit I've ever owned OR operated - figuring out all the buttons and what they do was rather interesting. Discovering that the "mic gain" on a quality radio can actually affect the SWR was rather eye-opening. And I'm still trying to figure out what the "talkback" feature does! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/07/scratch_ones_head-1.gif

Nonetheless, the setup is good, my SWR is GREAT, and while I wasn't reaching out much this afternoon (judging by the couple of responses I could only get on 6 at 4:30 EST), I think I have a GTG rig at this point! I'll try and post some video, and BETTER pics, shortly.

[Sal-XK]

Man this thing has come a long way! It's looking good can't wait to see some wheeling vids and pics of it.

[The_War_Wagon]

Man this thing has come a long way! It's looking good can't wait to see some wheeling vids and pics of it.


If I ever get that rear end geometry worked out, I'd love to bring it to Uhwarrie someday - watch the Jeeper's eyes bug out, when that thing crests the hill! :p

[The_War_Wagon]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/mnl-1.gif Peanut butter shimmin' time!!!

With MUCH thanks to Pozman (buddy of mine from Steeltown Offroaders), the Ramcharger is FINALLY daily driveable (should it ever come to that), as we got the leaf pack shimmed last night!

Thanks to school traffic, I got to his place about 3:30 yesterday afternoon. We decided to work on it there, since he has all the cool tools.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9282_zpse72b6647-1.jpg


Safety first, of course. After chocking, and before the jackstands, we had to 'anchor' it. :p

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9298_zps23777636-1.jpg


Strapped it to his hitch and my pintle.


Time to UN-bolt everything!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9288_zpsc071a93d-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9289_zps7cb94219-1.jpg



Peekaboo!


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9295_zps974170fd-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9292_zpsfd0e6031-1.jpg

After extensive eyeballing, and some actual measuring of the driveshaft and pinion angles, I THOUGHT about erring on the side of caution, and going with 6 degrees shims... but a nagging instinct, led me to get 8 degree instead... We'll see how this plays out...

[The_War_Wagon]

Of course the hole's not big enough, so it's off to the drill press. NEXT thought is, weld a little bar stock into the BOTTOM side, so it'll drop into the spring back, and the pin in the axle tube will drop in the top half, thereby solidly anchoring it into the pack. And yes, they are STEEL shims. :cool:


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9309_zps82a42c38-1.jpg


Did I mention Ted has COOL tools? :cool:



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9293_zps8e0f9374-1.jpg

A little drilling, welding, and grinding later, we have a GOOD shim!



Of course, night arrives at 7pm now - earlier, when it's cloudy... and now it's time for re-assembly.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9306_zpsfb37d6d7-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9310_zps54d1139b-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9312_zpsd56c5559-1.jpg

If you remember these sorts of scenes from your Saturday morning cartoon youth...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B12eVCBbGsw
Then this is the Poz, cursing the birth of the Dodge Brothers... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/11/smileyashamed005-1.gif

By 8:30 though, we had 'er buttoned up. Sure enough, the 8 degree shims proved to be the right call!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/10/9314_zps942f7661-1.jpg

Other than running over a chock on the way up the driveway, which scared the CRAP out of me, the drive home was FLAWLESS!!! No more grinding of U-joints into a fine powder - and the new double-cardon driveshaft can finally perform as it ought!!!
Doesn't solve ALL the problems yet, but it solved the BIGGEST one to even making it DRIVEABLE in RWD!!! Thanks Pozman!!! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/07/worthy-1.gif

[The_War_Wagon]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/AwwYeah-1.png


Woot-woot! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/woot-1.gif

My RC is BACK from it's LATEST stop @ the shop this week - front axle grease seals are replaced, shock setup is slightly re-worked (and straightened out), and my CAD has been replaced with a new mechanical locking/engagement gizmo, which I'm REALLY looking forward to trying out on the trails

But mainly - after inheriting it 8 years ago THIS month - it will... FINALLY... be off-road READY!!! https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/banana-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/icon_ylsuper-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/rock-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/11/woot2-1.gifhttps://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/drive-1.gif

I'm ACTUALLY looking forward to freezing my @$$ off on SOME sorta trail run either this month or next - just to splash a little mud on it - before the end of the year. And I will be looking forward to this coming spring, like no other in almost a DECADE!!! :D

MORE pics to come... :cool:

[The_War_Wagon]

Closeup of the Posi-Lok gizmo that Dave installed on my D-44 - no more vacuum CAD to fail or gum up with axle grease!!!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/100_0542_zps49eba2f0-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/100_0545_zps2da53f9e-1.jpg


Had some time this morning, so I went out, fired it up, and let it run for about 20 minutes, given all the cold weather we've had of late. That's when I finally noticed he'd added the sticker to my collection! :p

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2014/11/100_0540_zpse672a78a-1.jpg


And as we ALL know, a sticker's always worth another 5 hp! ;)

[The_War_Wagon]

No pics on this one, but a decent story.


A MOPAR guy, and Gen.1 builder no less, chimed in on POR a few weeks ago. After looking over my build, & a some of the pics more closely, he said - 'I think I found your death wobble issue - your front spring packs are in backward!' https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/11/slaphead-1.gif

Sure enough, Dave agreed. We'd been working on so many OTHER things, we never noticed (Dave did NOT put those in - my first mechanic and I did that some 8 years ago - because it only traveled 1 mile for the first 7 of those years, we never really noticed, until we started DRIVING it!)!

So Dave agreed to straighten them out (swap them) for me; we also installed new poly bushings throughout the front end (it NEEDED them!!), and install my Hughes plenum fix (a needed fix for early Dodge Magnum engines. The original was this steel/aluminum combo, that heated un-evenly and eventually warped. This would suck in the gasket, & then you'd start sucking in air, which made for a leaner burn, and - eventually - burned pistons!). And driving it home yesterday, I'd swear it feels just a BIT peppier even!

And of course, it FINALLY steers better! Thing with a death wobble at 35mph is, it's gonna be just as imprecise at 3.5mph, crawling along a tricky switchback. And when your spotter says, 'turn right,' and you TURN the steering wheels, but the FRONT wheels DON'T turn, THAT'S when you're into a boulder... or a tree stump... or a creek... or off a ledge... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2015/07/smileyscared009-1.gif

Problem has been, that in addition to being imprecise, it was also occasionally 'grabby/darty' in turns. You'd be in the middle of a turn, and all of a sudden it would wanna dart sharper through the turn. Not a problem at a couple of miles an hour from a stoplight, but a BIG potential problem at highway speeds, en route to dirt! So the precision is BACK in the steering, and feels pretty good now.

Now to find some mud.... https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/11/chin-1.gif

[lekmedm]

Glad to hear it was an easy fix!

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.