The $4000 Jeep TJ project

[Pokulski-Blatz]

Time for an update. The last few weeks I've been coasting on getting the DW issue under control, because I was selling a hard top so I could purchase a new set of tires. Well...low and behold I got the top sold... and I purchased a new set of BFG KM2 35/12.50/15's. I'm going to pick them up Saturday... so I decided I would take a look at the Jeep one last time and try to figure out the DW issue. I got under it again and absolutely could not find anything even remotely loose under my Jeep. So, I took out the tape measure, marked each tire exactly, and took a toe measurement to see where I was. The front measured 62 7/8" the rear measured 63 7/8" (LOL). 1" of toe is a little... extreme. I took the measurement 3 times to make sure I wasn't making a mistake because I couldn't believe it. I sat in the jeep wife my and neighbor measured, and I adjusted the tie rod and finally got it to 62 7/8" in the front, and 63" in the rear, for 1/8" toe in. I took it out for a drive, and I couldn't get DW anywhere from 0-75mph. I even took the crappiest road in the city at 55mph without my hand on the wheel (safety first!) and couldn't get it to do anything. I suspected toe may be the problem because I had noticed before It didnt seem to pull one way or the other when driving, which was quite weird for a vehicle with an extensive suspension change. I don't want to speak too early since I don't have the 35's on it yet, but it would seem I may have fixed the DW issue.

Told you dude! Like I was saying, I has some seriously shit tires on the front of my old Jeep and I had no DW after checking the alignment and adjusting it.

[03trubluGT]

Fixed, got the death wobble fixed, new BFG KM2's - was on the highway at 70mph worked great. Did a transfer case drop and everything is perfect.

When are we going 'wheeling?

[bottlerocket]

Fixed, got the death wobble fixed, new BFG KM2's - was on the highway at 70mph worked great. Did a transfer case drop and everything is perfect.

If you don't wanna lift it high, at least do a CV/SYE so you can get rid of the t-case drop. Kills ground clearance, especially with that factory shovel skid

[motoman]

If you don't wanna lift it high, at least do a CV/SYE so you can get rid of the t-case drop. Kills ground clearance, especially with that factory shovel skid

That's an expensive little mod.

[bottlerocket]

That's an expensive little mod.

Yep, if you're going for Low CG, its a must most times. Otherwise just do a BL/MML and get it up another inch or so and it will fix the vibes as well. LOSING ground clearance is best avoided.

[CJ]

Fixed the death wobble. I ended up having 1" of toe on my front, which is ridiculous. I pulled the toe back out and set 1/8" and some new BFG KM2 35/12.50/15's and it drives like a dream.







We've come a long way baby!



It's really nice to be able to drive wherever I want in it, rides GREAT with these tires, the 31's were absolutely ridiculously rough. I ended up having to do a TC drop, but I think with my 1" MML it's a little too much, so I'm going to bring it back up 1/2" or so when I get the time.

[motoman]

Did you get the extra space cut out for the shifter?

[CJ]

Did you get the extra space cut out for the shifter?

I ended up moving the center console back 1.5", but even still 2nd gear needs a push, I think I'm going to heat up the shifter handle with a torch and bend it.

[CJ]

When are we going 'wheeling?

July 4th weekend? River?

[CJ]

If you don't wanna lift it high, at least do a CV/SYE so you can get rid of the t-case drop. Kills ground clearance, especially with that factory shovel skid

Yeah you're definitely right there. The TC Drop I did is ridiculous given the MML I already did, I probably only needed 1/4" but got 1.5" with this TC Drop. I'm going to just use washers when I get around to adjusting it again. The reason I chose a 3" SA lift w/ 1.25" BL was to avoid the SYE.

[bottlerocket]

Yeah you're definitely right there. The TC Drop I did is ridiculous given the MML I already did, I probably only needed 1/4" but got 1.5" with this TC Drop. I'm going to just use washers when I get around to adjusting it again. The reason I chose a 3" SA lift w/ 1.25" BL was to avoid the SYE.

You still needed a T-case drop even after the 1.25" BL? Strange, most times its not necessary. Were you getting bad drivetrain vibes without the drop?

[CJ]

You still needed a T-case drop even after the 1.25" BL? Strange, most times its not necessary. Were you getting bad drivetrain vibes without the drop?

No not bad at all, just very slightly, I couldn't really feel them, but I did feel a sap in powder do to some slight binding. I really think I only needed another 1/4"

[bottlerocket]

No not bad at all, just very slightly, I couldn't really feel them, but I did feel a sap in powder do to some slight binding. I really think I only needed another 1/4"

Yea good call not pushing it. Did the drop not have removable washers so you can shorten the drop? Did it come with a new t-case linkage too?

[CJ]

Yea good call not pushing it. Did the drop not have removable washers so you can shorten the drop? Did it come with a new t-case linkage too?

I did do the t-case linkage drop, but even think I think I need more (having a 1" BL AND a TC drop is almost absurd, my motor is at such an angle it's almost ridiculous, I had to move the console back just to get it into 2nd, 4th, and reverse, because the shifter was hitting the bezel. It had no adjustment, 1.5" or nothing. I was in a rush to get it done. But, I have a box full of a thousand 1/2" washers, so I'll do it this next weekend and bring it to like 1/2" or so and see how it does. I'm concerned about lubrication issues with my motor tilted so far back.

[bottlerocket]

I did do the t-case linkage drop, but even think I think I need more (having a 1" BL AND a TC drop is almost absurd, my motor is at such an angle it's almost ridiculous, I had to move the console back just to get it into 2nd, 4th, and reverse, because the shifter was hitting the bezel. It had no adjustment, 1.5" or nothing. I was in a rush to get it done. But, I have a box full of a thousand 1/2" washers, so I'll do it this next weekend and bring it to like 1/2" or so and see how it does. I'm concerned about lubrication issues with my motor tilted so far back.

I haven't torn into mine to where I would know, but isnt the pickup at the back of the motor anyway? Damn thing takes 6qt of oil, I'd hope lubrication isn't a problem

I've seen some pretty crazy setups. Unfortunately the SYE/CV is the most straight forward way to go, but also the priciest. On a budget, its tough to get more than 3" of lift out of the TJ w/o doing it unfortunately.