My WJ steering thread.
#17
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 316
From: Idaho
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Peddles
Yes it's the Ironman clone one sold on ebay. Last I checked it is 90 bucks.
so before ordering shafts I learned that national gear, USA standard and motive were all in bed with this funky monkey grip name also kicking around. Ten factory also appeard to be tied but maybe not as tight. My research also hinted towards none making chromoly shafts themselves.
so I ordered the cheapest I could find. Monkey grip shafts from ebay.
This is the box that showed up at my door
No markings on the shafts to indicate where they were imported from was kinda surprised to see them in a ten box. What are the spacer washer things. They do appear to be spicer ujoints.
so before ordering shafts I learned that national gear, USA standard and motive were all in bed with this funky monkey grip name also kicking around. Ten factory also appeard to be tied but maybe not as tight. My research also hinted towards none making chromoly shafts themselves.
so I ordered the cheapest I could find. Monkey grip shafts from ebay.
This is the box that showed up at my door
No markings on the shafts to indicate where they were imported from was kinda surprised to see them in a ten box. What are the spacer washer things. They do appear to be spicer ujoints.
#19
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 316
From: Idaho
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Peddles
I think they do fit the stub shafts but not sure they're needed.
tonight locked down track bar length 35" .
it can raise at axle end about 1.5" and has to lower at frame about the same.
I burned it in.
That 2.5" square tube will be turned into brackets.
Bolted Wheels on to lock toe in. Set it a fuz toed in..
Calipers arent on so no idea if these aluminum wheels fit over wj Calipers
Drivers wheel does rub the tie rod end but would self clearance
Jks 1/4" spacers, not sure welding them is needed so ill think on that and save that for last.
these are 2000 hub bearings.
Ohh I drilled rotors to 5/8 not 9/16. The original holes I think are 5/8 drill but slid right through only taking off rust.
I love unibits
I sharpie marked the 11/16 step and just touched it then had to finish with a 5/8 bit since steps arent as thicj as rotor.
Can't forget to make 1/4" caliper spacers
Found limit straps in the mailbox, who could resist. Lol
tonight locked down track bar length 35" .
it can raise at axle end about 1.5" and has to lower at frame about the same.
I burned it in.
That 2.5" square tube will be turned into brackets.
Bolted Wheels on to lock toe in. Set it a fuz toed in..
Calipers arent on so no idea if these aluminum wheels fit over wj Calipers
Drivers wheel does rub the tie rod end but would self clearance
Jks 1/4" spacers, not sure welding them is needed so ill think on that and save that for last.
these are 2000 hub bearings.
Ohh I drilled rotors to 5/8 not 9/16. The original holes I think are 5/8 drill but slid right through only taking off rust.
I love unibits
I sharpie marked the 11/16 step and just touched it then had to finish with a 5/8 bit since steps arent as thicj as rotor.
Can't forget to make 1/4" caliper spacers
Found limit straps in the mailbox, who could resist. Lol
Last edited by EvanM; 08-20-2021 at 10:34 PM.
#20
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 494
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
My experience with aluminum wheels on the WJ calipers is that they just barely fit the Akebono calipers and not the others. My steel wheels made it just fine
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EvanM (08-21-2021)
#21
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 316
From: Idaho
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Peddles
Looks like I'm working today. Trying to think if there's anything I need to buy other than a damn tire to finish this project
New Calipers and rotors would be nice instead of old rusty stuff
New Calipers and rotors would be nice instead of old rusty stuff
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EvanM (08-21-2021)
#23
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 316
From: Idaho
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Peddles
Not a ton of progress today but have a axle side bracket and started cutting up pizza box to fab frame side..
Pictured the track bar is 1.5degree steeper than drag link also contacts oil pan 1/2" before shock bottoms.
Thought I might get away with not redoing frame side hitting oil pan isn't huge but the 1.5deg out is to me but probly would drive fine.
Frame side bracket is on the bench no holes drilled and is about 3" wild so I can punch a hole exactly matched to drag link angle.
Starting to look correct. I can't tell they don't match with out the tool thing. What's it called lol.
Also scrunched up a tire and balance beads. Have some grinder work to do on the wheel since I ran it for a few miles with tire half off the rim.
Morning photo's
only got about 1/2" longer on frame end.
This end was where i finger is
Ended up having to change a hydraulic line at work.
Just getting back to this and a final loose assembly checking clearances. Track bar now just clears oil pan and might slightly contact diff cover.
Lowered track bar more than I thought at frame side.
Sharpie mark is where frame bracket will get cut off. This clears axle by about 1/2\" at full stuff. Hoping to get 3 holes one lower and my higher than track bar pictured position. Ive found i screw my self for changes down the rd if i dont have options. May also burn everything to the frame and do a crossmember from bracket to other frame rail. This is lowered quute abit im thinking something to keep leverage on this bracket under control.
coilovers definitely made this easier to set up with room to grow the track bar length to match drag link.
Pictured the track bar is 1.5degree steeper than drag link also contacts oil pan 1/2" before shock bottoms.
Thought I might get away with not redoing frame side hitting oil pan isn't huge but the 1.5deg out is to me but probly would drive fine.
Frame side bracket is on the bench no holes drilled and is about 3" wild so I can punch a hole exactly matched to drag link angle.
Starting to look correct. I can't tell they don't match with out the tool thing. What's it called lol.
Also scrunched up a tire and balance beads. Have some grinder work to do on the wheel since I ran it for a few miles with tire half off the rim.
Morning photo's
only got about 1/2" longer on frame end.
This end was where i finger is
Ended up having to change a hydraulic line at work.
Just getting back to this and a final loose assembly checking clearances. Track bar now just clears oil pan and might slightly contact diff cover.
Lowered track bar more than I thought at frame side.
Sharpie mark is where frame bracket will get cut off. This clears axle by about 1/2\" at full stuff. Hoping to get 3 holes one lower and my higher than track bar pictured position. Ive found i screw my self for changes down the rd if i dont have options. May also burn everything to the frame and do a crossmember from bracket to other frame rail. This is lowered quute abit im thinking something to keep leverage on this bracket under control.
coilovers definitely made this easier to set up with room to grow the track bar length to match drag link.
Last edited by EvanM; 08-22-2021 at 01:58 PM.
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4.3L XJ (08-22-2021)
#25
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 494
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
Got your tire eh? Several places like that along the Columbia in WA. Sand is always lots of fun. The wind erases the evidence
#27
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 494
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
I used to live in Walla Walla area. . Ust to go to Moses Lake now and then. Some nice little dunes there. Big party spot too. More dunes outside of Kennewick, but not as large an area. YOu know those little painted turtles you can buy in the store? Almost ran over one about 12" across at Moses lake. Wasn't hiding in his shell either. Pretty fast for a turtle
#28
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 316
From: Idaho
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Peddles
Lol that's crazy. There's not many turtles here in Southern idaho. Do you sturgeon fish?
I worked till 8 so wasn't able to get much done. Did get caliper spacers whittled out and found I want longer caliper mounting bolts.
Tired of my virtually no progress updates yet. I might go for a test ride tomorrow if i get brakes bled. Curious how much different its going to ride and drive. Axle should stay more centered through travel now. If i get off in time maybe bolt limit straps in.
I worked till 8 so wasn't able to get much done. Did get caliper spacers whittled out and found I want longer caliper mounting bolts.
Tired of my virtually no progress updates yet. I might go for a test ride tomorrow if i get brakes bled. Curious how much different its going to ride and drive. Axle should stay more centered through travel now. If i get off in time maybe bolt limit straps in.
#29
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 494
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
It should steer better. Those turtles are a pond turtle and are also found in Idaho. Tried to find another, Chemys marmorata. Real shy. Had them behind my place in OR. Believe it or not they can actually jump a little.
#30
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 316
From: Idaho
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Peddles
I've spent some time working in both Carolinas and Florida's swamp saw turtles there but lots more gators being from Idaho I was compelled to rope one.
I did get it roped, a short tuggle war and the thing won the battle.
I remember the viscous ants most. We were building on dry islands seems this is where the ants wanted to be to.
I did get it roped, a short tuggle war and the thing won the battle.
I remember the viscous ants most. We were building on dry islands seems this is where the ants wanted to be to.