Finally got the rear end replaced, along with the head gasket. I decided to pick up a new distributor as well, since mine had lots of shaft play. It made a little bit of a difference, but not as much as a tank of E85 seems to be...
I found an easy way to change it all out myself without additional help (engine lift required
). Though, if I had just taken off the dang hood, I'd have saved another two hours and made life even easier...
I folded up some paper towels, and punched a hole through them, while keeping their shape. When the head was unbolted, I pushed down on the intake manifold just enough to lift the head up. I slid an old head bolt in the #11 and #14 holes, then slid the paper towels over the bolts, then the L-brackets on the load leveler on the engine lift. No bolting of any kind needed, the weight of the head on the L-brackets keeps the head bolts in place. This saved me an enormous amount of time, as I did not need to change any manifold gaskets.
The replacement axle, with a Grand Cherokee diff cover, I'll have to post more about that in Axle and Differential, the grand cherokee cover is MUCH thicker, and does not have dimples on the inside lip. It was a perfect fit, and perfect seal
Got to the exhaust too. It dumps just before the driver side bump stop above the rear axle. I'm debating whether I want to leave it like that or finish it out.
Also, I said a while back that I got a new wheel, but wanted to wait to show it. Since I'm getting the old girl tested tomorrow, I might as well
It's a good inch and a half smaller than the stock wheel, which put a TON of feeling and response back in the steering wheel.
Complete engine bay, as it should stay for years to come (hopefully).
I finished washing and waxing a few hours ago. I also used vinyl floor polish on all the side and fender mouldings, it made them look brand new
I think I've mostly fixed my misfire issue. I removed the aftermarket pressure regulator a few days ago, and with the addition of E85, she's running great
So, here's the "somewhat not so distant future" list of to-dos:
replace instrument cluster
Replace half shafts
replace/convert steering system (autozone has a rack and pinion system that apparently fits our cars, for 260 dollars)
replace shocks
replace carpet
replace/repair driver's seat
swap rear cargo area panels out (I have some spares I picked up a while back with speaker cutouts in them, in great shape)
install 4, maybe 6 speaker system
Perhaps next year, some 17" wheels and performance tires for summer. The rear swaybar I added last year made a HUGE difference with handling. Now I just need to get rid of the sidewall roll.
Topic: The 1300 dollar fixer upper surprise project (Read 106034 times)