need something ready to wheel

[Frankpapa]

The Wj is going to be laid up for axle swaps, new gears, etc. Who knows how long that could take. So I gotta have something ready to wheel while wj gets its cando back. (Yes, I am that sick :eek: )

I may go check out a reasonably priced 99 TJ, 90000 miles, but there are several drawbacks: 4 banger, 5 speed, Detroit truetracs in both axles. It's been regeared to 488s.

So... everybody likes to cr@p on the 2.5L engine, though I drove one years ago on the Rubicon trail and it did fine. Any opinions on how it'll do on the highway with 488s and 33" super swampers? I'm not looking for a pocket rocket and may not to run this any faster than the trucks anyway.

What about the truetracs front and rear? The ad calls them lockers, but aren't they really a glorified limited slip? What kind of experience has anybody had with them on the trail?

I'm a little concerned he doesn't say anything about axles. But if it's a D30/35 setup, could he really get by with 488s, 33" tires and truetrac in the rear? Or did I read somewhere that you can't even get 488s for stock D30/35 axles?

As for the 5 speed, while I like wheeling an automatic, I think I'll do better than most on the trail with a manual. Been wanting to try it anyway.

So, who can tell me more about any of these issues, especially the 4 banger, truetrac and axle questions?

[Pacifier]

How about my red XJ.... No rust or any issues other than the AC not working.

All seals have been replaced, to include the rear main. It's currently leak free.
New slave and master cylinders, tranny fully rebuilt (5 speed), 3" lift, New MT tires X 5 - 30"(Spare is brand new) (10K miles on them), new steering box and pump. Mp3 player with new speakers, tinted windows, leather seats, cruise control, power windows, 167000 miles.

Retail BB is 3100, asking for $2600.

Let me know..... :)

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f108/irkermit/DSC03332.jpg

[blthomas]

Hey Frank,

Me and T were just looking at that TJ last night too. :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

I think the 4.88's and 33's would be a decent combo for driveability on the 4 banger. It has no stabilizer and swaybars are disconnected, but with those hooked up I bet it drives decent.

If we picked it up, I'd find some cheap 33's to run on the road. The swamper LTB's, (what we have on the CJ) run fine down the road in my opinion, but they are big and bias ply, they flatspot pretty easy, and take a while to warm up when cold.

I drove someone on NOVA's with 4 banger, 4.88's, and a 5 speed, forget who is was, I thought it was just fine. But I'm a beginner and don't care how fast it goes if I can hit 55 or so, I'm happy.

I thought the true-tracs were marketed as a fully auto LS. Not sure what that means, I guess you don't have to ride the brake to get it to grab?

Says it transfers to wheel with less spin....

Here is a bunch of reviews...

http://www.jeepreviews.com/jeep-parts-reviews/385/detroit-truetrac-limited-slip/
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[URL]http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearratio.htm (http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartable.htm)

Figurin for highway at 65, 4.88 gears in diff, 1:1 transfer case, 0.85 5th gear ratio, 33" tires, 2745 rpms @ 65mph.




Theresa saw it and wants me to buy it for her...... :tinysmile_kiss_t4: :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

I think it's a steal for the price, even if it has that rear D35.

[Frankpapa]

Hey Frank,

Me and T were just looking at that TJ last night too. :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

I think the 4.88's and 33's would be a decent combo for driveability on the 4 banger. It has no stabilizer and swaybars are disconnected, but with those hooked up I bet it drives decent.

If we picked it up, I'd find some cheap 33's to run on the road. The swamper LTB's, (what we have on the CJ) run fine down the road in my opinion, but they are big and bias ply, they flatspot pretty easy, and take a while to warm up when cold.

I drove someone on NOVA's with 4 banger, 4.88's, and a 5 speed, forget who is was, I thought it was just fine. But I'm a beginner and don't care how fast it goes if I can hit 55 or so, I'm happy.

I thought the true-tracs were marketed as a fully auto LS. Not sure what that means, I guess you don't have to ride the brake to get it to grab?

Says it transfers to wheel with less spin....

Here is a bunch of reviews...

http://www.jeepreviews.com/jeep-parts-reviews/385/detroit-truetrac-limited-slip/


http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearratio.htm

Figurin for highway at 65, 4.88 gears in diff, 1:1 transfer case, 0.85 5th gear ratio, 33" tires, 2745 rpms @ 65mph.




Theresa saw it and wants me to buy it for her...... :tinysmile_kiss_t4: :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

I think it's a steal for the price, even if it has that rear D35.

So it's definitely 30 front, 35 rear?

Let's agree not to bid against each other, LOL. Or, I could buy it now, wheel it lovingly until the wj is ready, then sell to you!

[blthomas]

Truthfully I don't know about the 30/35.... I thought the 35 was OK for mild wheelin? I know the c clip shafts can break and walk out or something to that affect, but maybe with the detroit back there, stability can be had?

Never bid against ya Frank. If we were sure on it, couldn't get it for a week or three anyhow.

Still discussing it, if we bought that, something has to go. :tinysmile_cry_t:

[crazy4ink]

I may be selling the wife's XJ here very soon.

I can post info and pics if you are interested...

[TheYeti1775]

Frank what's your budget for this?
Preference for Cherokee style or Wrangler style?

[Frankpapa]

Well, as of this morning the reality is setting in... I'm not going to have time to wheel and care for another vehicle this fall while also swapping axles on the wj and other commitments I've made. So I guess I'll stay focused on getting the dub trailworthy again.

[H2_RECOVERY]

Well, as of this morning the reality is setting in... I'm not going to have time to wheel and care for another vehicle this fall while also swapping axles on the wj and other commitments I've made. So I guess I'll stay focused on getting the dub trailworthy again.

What did you do?:

[Frankpapa]

What did you do?:

It's the front pinion bearing you saw at BWF.

If that has to be repaired, why not regear. If I'm going to regear, why not get rid of cv axle shafts and low pinions and D35. If I'm going to swap axles, a lot of searching (online and off) has to be done first.

Meanwhile, I pulled the front driveshaft but it still sounds nasty enough that I'm not going very far with the wj. Good thing I'm retired and don't drive much, except when I do, LOL.