The Story: I bought this thing in February or March of '97 because I'd allways thought I'd like to have a jeep to go camping with. When I bought her, she was in need of some mechanical help. The previous owner had thrashed about in her and bent some valves, busted some valve spring retainers, hammered the leaf springs, etc. In addition, they royally goofed the wiring up when they cut the dash apart to install the el-cheapo Kraco stereo. Following is what I did to fix the problems.
Off came the heads for new valves, retainers, seats and a mild porting job. Also, I replace the cam with a Crane Max Velocity, low RPM torque type camshaft. The Edlebrock Torker intake that some Goofus had installed (He must've never heard about using matching parts for intended RPM range) was replaced with an Edlebrock Performer dual plane intake. The Holley 600 cfm vac sec carb was bolted back on with the stock ignition system and Accel 8MM wires. New headers were needed as the primary pipes had rusted through where they go into the collectors on the set that came with the jeep. The rest of the exhaust system had been professionally done by a local exhaust shop with turbo mufflers and 2" pipe and was in excellent shape, so it was left alone.
Okay, the engine is done. And a mighty fine engine it is if I do say so myself. For the intended use, I couldn't ask for anything more. She has gobs of low-end torque. Need to get the thing rolling from a stop sign? No need to give it any gas. Just pop the clutch out. It will grunt its' way up to about 4-5 miles an hour and then I give'er some gas to keep up with the traffic.
Now, to tackle the suspension. When I bought her, her ass was dragging in back and she was tipped to the driver's side. I bought a complete Rough Country 2 1/2" lift kit and installed the new springs and shocks along with all new urethane bushings. Presto! She sits correctly now (about 2"-3" taller) and does not ride as rough as when I bought it. (However, it's still a long way from Cadillac Seville ride quality - You damned near need a fully padded crash suit to ride in the thing over the normal, average asphalt city street) I also replaced the front shackles with heavy duty units from Leon Rosser Jeep as the ones that came with the Jeep were damned near cut through from wear.
Miscellanious; Hmmm, what else have I done? I installed a Ramsey REP8000 electric winch to get me out of trouble that I should've known better enough not to get into, A Midland 40 channel CB with weather channels and PA speaker so I can holler for help if I need to, Your standard, basic off-roaders' 48" Hi-Lift jack and shovel, Also, I gutted all the interior carpet and insulation and replaced it with rubber floor mats (less is more, right?) Installed an all new heater system as the previous Goofus that owned this thing whacked the heater system apart so he could get his damned stereo to fit. Oh yeah, I also installed a pair of WARN 6" floodlights that came off of my '89 Bronco and a pair of bartered for 3" nerf bars.
My future plans for the mud beast? My first priority right now is to apply "Durabak" rubberized coating to all of the interior sheetmetal (probably in gray). Then, I'll fabricate an "electronics" box to hold the CB, scanner, stereo, GPS unit and cellular phone. That way I'll be "communicable". Also, I need to fabricate a jamboree rack for the spare tire and a couple of gas cans. I also intend to install a couple of lock right locking differentials next winter along with a 4 speed tranny to replace the existing three speed. (I need a slow, slow crawl ratio) My existing three speed likes to "POP!" out of reverse and second gears. Also, a Premier Power Onboard welder will be a nice addition along with the tube bumpers that I am fabricating right now to double as compressed air tanks. Oh yeah, I just about forgot, I need to fix up a lockable steel compartment for the bed to carry my travel essentials (camping gear, tools, unstuck equipment, etc.)
TO BE CONTINUED......
