GETTING IT RIGHT
August Jeep Fest plans went up in smoke as after getting rear axle re-aligned, new heavy duty U Bolts and Prop Shaft rebuilt, still managed to break another universal joint at axle yoke end of prop. Now it's time to get it right. This is where all those Petersons and J.P Magazines earn their subscription fees, both magazines ran an article on a Torque Arm made by Sams Off Road Equipment. At the same time I had this fitted, a pair of heavy duty Shackle Plates replaced the original items. It has been some 2 months since fitting and touch wood it seems to be the cure. Just a shame that I did not read magazines before first replacement of UJ's.
This heavy duty Torque Arm virtually eliminates axle wrap on spring-over suspensions or Jeeps with high-horsepower engines. The 33 inch long ladder bar style assembly features 0.156-inch-thick tubing, rebuildable, greasable Johnny Joints at both ends, heavy duty shackle end, weld-on rear-axle mounting brackets. There is also an optional crossmember for the fit.
My advise to anyone like myself with little mechanical skills would be to seek advise from someone that knows the type of vehicle or problems encountered, or as I go check those magazines. Someone has had the problem before you, be assured.
Before Jeep could be taken for MOT Test (vehicle inspection) new front head lights had to be fitted due to there being no side lights incorporated within the American specification head lights. Front orange marker lights had to be changed to directional indicators, rear reverse lamps changed to directional indicators also. New brake rotors purchased whilst we were in the USA also fitted, as well as a replacement oil filter housing. Originally Jeep had twin 3" exhaust pipes, one of these had to go for the torque arm to be fitted and at the same time the catalysts were removed as not a requirement for the age of the vehicle. Front propshaft had to be replaced as had been running for some time in the closed position and was not repairable. Speedometer did not work, I thought I would have problems replacing the drive gear in gear box but when removed I found no visible problem so just cleaned and replaced and now I find speedometer works. Obviously with some error due to the 35" tyres.
I have fitted a Pioneer Hi-Fi and placed 5 1/2" speakers in the door panels and replaced the defective speakers in the sound bar with 4" speakers (sounds rather good). I was thinking about an amp but sounds good enough to me!. I now have to replace fuel gauge and temperature gauge (never ends does it) and I will go for auto meter gauges as Jeep already has oil pressure and voltage gauges of this make. Also I need to look at the spare wheel carrier as it looks to be sagging with the weight of the 35" hanging on it.
Other than what I have just mentioned the garage roof still needs to be raised, must do it soon before the winter sets in.
By the way Eugene has been sold. Would of liked to have kept it and maybe just used it for off-road but the money for repairs, or should I say some of the money had to come from somewhere other than the hard earned.
