Mike Romain

How's the Jeeps stance? Does the frame sit level with the ground or is
the nose lower? If the nose is lower from say a winch or really soft
springs, I would try parking the front tires on a 2x4 or 2x6 to tilt it
up flat to see what happens.

Just a thought?

Mike

"lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
>
> Hi Mike -
>
> Thanks for the feedback.
>
> The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
>
> And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
>
> You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> people behnd me in the group.
>
> If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
>
> I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> out yet.
>
> Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> additional comment from others in the group
>
> Lynn
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> >
> > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> >
> > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > strap over towards the door.
> >
> > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > >
> > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > >
> > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > >
> > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > >
> > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > >
> > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > >
> > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > >
> > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Lynn in Vancouver

Mike Romain

How's the Jeeps stance? Does the frame sit level with the ground or is
the nose lower? If the nose is lower from say a winch or really soft
springs, I would try parking the front tires on a 2x4 or 2x6 to tilt it
up flat to see what happens.

Just a thought?

Mike

"lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
>
> Hi Mike -
>
> Thanks for the feedback.
>
> The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
>
> And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
>
> You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> people behnd me in the group.
>
> If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
>
> I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> out yet.
>
> Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> additional comment from others in the group
>
> Lynn
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> >
> > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> >
> > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > strap over towards the door.
> >
> > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > >
> > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > >
> > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > >
> > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > >
> > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > >
> > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > >
> > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > >
> > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Lynn in Vancouver

Mike Romain

How's the Jeeps stance? Does the frame sit level with the ground or is
the nose lower? If the nose is lower from say a winch or really soft
springs, I would try parking the front tires on a 2x4 or 2x6 to tilt it
up flat to see what happens.

Just a thought?

Mike

"lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
>
> Hi Mike -
>
> Thanks for the feedback.
>
> The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
>
> And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
>
> You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> people behnd me in the group.
>
> If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
>
> I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> out yet.
>
> Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> additional comment from others in the group
>
> Lynn
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
> > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> >
> > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> >
> > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> >
> > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > strap over towards the door.
> >
> > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > >
> > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > >
> > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > >
> > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > >
> > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > >
> > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > >
> > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > >
> > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Lynn in Vancouver

Outatime

I had the same problem in the 'big truck'. Turned out to be dirty
retractor mechanisms. The fix for me was to use compressed air,
directly into the retractor without having to disassemble. Worked
pretty well. Give this a try before resorting to explosives.

Outatime

I had the same problem in the 'big truck'. Turned out to be dirty
retractor mechanisms. The fix for me was to use compressed air,
directly into the retractor without having to disassemble. Worked
pretty well. Give this a try before resorting to explosives.

Outatime

I had the same problem in the 'big truck'. Turned out to be dirty
retractor mechanisms. The fix for me was to use compressed air,
directly into the retractor without having to disassemble. Worked
pretty well. Give this a try before resorting to explosives.

lynnhowlyn@aol.com

Hi Mike -

Jeep frame actually sits pretty level. But will try the 2x4 or 2x6
"trick" and see if it helps - but I'm frankly not very optimistic.

I spoke with 4WDH today to get an RMA # for somethng else -and their
"tech guy" (?) said he has the same problem with the belts on his CJ.

I'm getting pretty close to adding the belt assemblies to the RMA -
they were about $70 each side - and staying with the "original" new
belts since they seemed to work as well as the "new" new set.


Mike Romain wrote:
> How's the Jeeps stance? Does the frame sit level with the ground or is
> the nose lower? If the nose is lower from say a winch or really soft
> springs, I would try parking the front tires on a 2x4 or 2x6 to tilt it
> up flat to see what happens.
>
> Just a thought?
>
> Mike
>
> "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> >
> > Hi Mike -
> >
> > Thanks for the feedback.
> >
> > The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> > flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> > I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
> >
> > And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> > I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> > mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
> >
> > You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> > it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> > without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> > short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> > people behnd me in the group.
> >
> > If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> > I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> > out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
> >
> > I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> > mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> > out yet.
> >
> > Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> > additional comment from others in the group
> >
> > Lynn
> >
> > Mike Romain wrote:
> > > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> > >
> > > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> > >
> > > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > > strap over towards the door.
> > >
> > > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> > >
> > > Mike
> > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > >
> > > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > > >
> > > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > > >
> > > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > > >
> > > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > > >
> > > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > > >
> > > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > > >
> > > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> > > >
> > > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > >
> > > > Lynn in Vancouver

lynnhowlyn@aol.com

Hi Mike -

Jeep frame actually sits pretty level. But will try the 2x4 or 2x6
"trick" and see if it helps - but I'm frankly not very optimistic.

I spoke with 4WDH today to get an RMA # for somethng else -and their
"tech guy" (?) said he has the same problem with the belts on his CJ.

I'm getting pretty close to adding the belt assemblies to the RMA -
they were about $70 each side - and staying with the "original" new
belts since they seemed to work as well as the "new" new set.


Mike Romain wrote:
> How's the Jeeps stance? Does the frame sit level with the ground or is
> the nose lower? If the nose is lower from say a winch or really soft
> springs, I would try parking the front tires on a 2x4 or 2x6 to tilt it
> up flat to see what happens.
>
> Just a thought?
>
> Mike
>
> "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> >
> > Hi Mike -
> >
> > Thanks for the feedback.
> >
> > The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> > flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> > I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
> >
> > And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> > I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> > mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
> >
> > You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> > it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> > without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> > short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> > people behnd me in the group.
> >
> > If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> > I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> > out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
> >
> > I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> > mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> > out yet.
> >
> > Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> > additional comment from others in the group
> >
> > Lynn
> >
> > Mike Romain wrote:
> > > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> > >
> > > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> > >
> > > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > > strap over towards the door.
> > >
> > > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> > >
> > > Mike
> > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > >
> > > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > > >
> > > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > > >
> > > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > > >
> > > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > > >
> > > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > > >
> > > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > > >
> > > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> > > >
> > > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > >
> > > > Lynn in Vancouver

lynnhowlyn@aol.com

Hi Mike -

Jeep frame actually sits pretty level. But will try the 2x4 or 2x6
"trick" and see if it helps - but I'm frankly not very optimistic.

I spoke with 4WDH today to get an RMA # for somethng else -and their
"tech guy" (?) said he has the same problem with the belts on his CJ.

I'm getting pretty close to adding the belt assemblies to the RMA -
they were about $70 each side - and staying with the "original" new
belts since they seemed to work as well as the "new" new set.


Mike Romain wrote:
> How's the Jeeps stance? Does the frame sit level with the ground or is
> the nose lower? If the nose is lower from say a winch or really soft
> springs, I would try parking the front tires on a 2x4 or 2x6 to tilt it
> up flat to see what happens.
>
> Just a thought?
>
> Mike
>
> "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> >
> > Hi Mike -
> >
> > Thanks for the feedback.
> >
> > The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> > flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> > I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
> >
> > And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> > I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> > mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
> >
> > You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> > it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> > without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> > short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> > people behnd me in the group.
> >
> > If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> > I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> > out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
> >
> > I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> > mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> > out yet.
> >
> > Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> > additional comment from others in the group
> >
> > Lynn
> >
> > Mike Romain wrote:
> > > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> > >
> > > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> > >
> > > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > > strap over towards the door.
> > >
> > > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> > >
> > > Mike
> > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > >
> > > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > > >
> > > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > > >
> > > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > > >
> > > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually releases.
> > > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from a
> > > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > > >
> > > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > > >
> > > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received and
> > > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > > >
> > > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly, consistently.
> > > >
> > > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > >
> > > > Lynn in Vancouver

lynnhowlyn@aol.com

Agree that it's likely an installation issue - but frankly it's hard to
imagine a different way to mount the belt assembly.
Only option I see relates to the "angle" of the inertia mechanism
relative to the body. Using the "axle" that the belts retracxts onto -
I've tried with the "ax;e" parallel to the ground, and "angled back"
slightly so there's a more straight shot toward the upper belt mount on
the roll bar (sport bar) - all to no avail so far.

Manual belts is an option - I guess .....

Earle Horton wrote:
> Lynn,
>
> I bought a set of 3 point aftermarket replacement belts for my YJ, from Cool
> Cruisers of Texas. I am pretty sure they are the same as 4wd.com sells, and
> I don't have the problem you describe. I would guess that there is
> something actually wrong with your vehicle or the way you have mounted the
> belts, but I can't imagine what. You might consider, especially if you do a
> lot of wheeling, a set of manually adjustable belts. It has been hard to
> find the good ones recently though.
>
> Earle
>
> <lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:1164692539.805696.105460@j44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> > Hi Mike -
> >
> > Thanks for the feedback.
> >
> > The Jeep "sleeps" at night in the shop/garage and the floor is pretty
> > flat so turning it around probably isn't going to be of much help - but
> > I'm willing to give it a try (LOL)
> >
> > And sometimes a slow steady pull works - and sometimes it doesn't.
> > I've not been able to figure out any sort of correlation to what the
> > mechanism seems to "like" and what "annoys" it.
> >
> > You're right however that when it decides to lock up on the trail -
> > it's really annoying. Driving even for a short time on the trail
> > without belts fastened is not my favorite thing - even for a realtively
> > short distance to a wide spot where I can pull off and not hold up the
> > people behnd me in the group.
> >
> > If it's a generic problem to all CJ's (which I sorta doubt) then maybe
> > I just need to figure out how to live with it - try different "pull
> > out" angles e.g. toward the door, toward the seat and so on or whatever
> >
> > I was hoping there was something unique (or magic perhaps) about
> > mountingf them or some special technique that I just haven't figured
> > out yet.
> >
> > Again - really appreciate your counsel, and will hope for some
> > additional comment from others in the group
> >
> > Lynn
> >
> > Mike Romain wrote:
> > > I would suggest you need to relax and pull really gently and evenly on
> > > the suckers or turn around and park the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > Mine are grabby and I have a couple friends who just 'can't' get them to
> > > come out. I always have to reach over and pull them out for them.
> > > There are only two like that and both are very impatient people. LOL.
> > >
> > > One thing that is really bad about the CJ belts is they lock up on the
> > > slightest downslope. There is no way to move them. This is a serious
> > > pain off road, especially if you have to stop and get out. If you
> > > aren't level when stopped, you are 'not' getting that belt back on.
> > > Hence my suggestion of parking the other way in the driveway.
> > >
> > > This has been discussed here and various fixes such as putting a bolt
> > > through or grabbing them with vise grips to prevent them from retracting
> > > while wheeling, but this damages the strength.
> > >
> > > I went and bought a set of plastic 'shoulder strap adjusters' for short
> > > people. These are clamps that go on the lap belt and hook the shoulder
> > > strap to adjust it off short people's necks or to move the shoulder
> > > strap over towards the door.
> > >
> > > Anyway, I clamped this onto the shoulder belt instead so I can slide it
> > > up to the top holder at the sport bar to prevent the belt from
> > > retracting on me. It will vibrate after a bit and slide down, but it
> > > stays pretty good. This clamp also is nice to hold the passenger straps
> > > together along the sport bar when running doors off and no passenger.
> > >
> > > Mike
> > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> > >
> > > "lynnhowlyn@aol.com" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > OK - I've been here before on this:
> > > >
> > > > 1983 CJ7 - stock factory "roll bar" (aka 'sport bar') with stock-style
> > > > front seat belts (retractor /inertia reel mounted to side of tub at
> > > > rear of door opening, etc)
> > > >
> > > > Problem is that the belt mechanism "grabs" when I pull it out - so
> > > > quickly that I cannot get enough to connect the buckle, and sometimes
> > > > it won't release at all - making the belt completely un-usable.
> > > >
> > > > To "fix it" while on the trail, etc - I "tap" the inertia reel with my
> > > > fist or with a rubber mallet I keep handy - and it eventually
> releases.
> > > > Belts and mechanism is only a couple years old - bought on-line from
> a
> > > > custom car / parts house (I forget now just who).
> > > >
> > > > Earlier on this forum, it was suggested I blow into the inerita reel
> > > > with high pressure air periodically - and that helps some. I'm
> > > > reticelnt to use any sprays, (WD - 40 or whatever) on the inertia reel
> > > > for fear it will just collect dust and grime more quickly.
> > > >
> > > > So to hopefully resolve the problem completely, I ordered, received
> and
> > > > installed some NEW 3-point harness belts and etc from 4 Wheel Drive
> > > > Hardware - and the new belts (inertial reel) DOES THE SAME THING
> > > > (don';t mean to shout - but it's really frustrating!)!! No - I've not
> > > > called 4WDH yet (they're closed on the weekend)
> > > >
> > > > I've messed with the inertia reel mounting angle to keep the belt
> > > > "straighter" when it comes off the reel (is that a word) - and just
> > > > can't get the inertial reel to release the belt smoothly,
> consistently.
> > > >
> > > > Any suggestions or thoughts?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > >
> > > > Lynn in Vancouver
> >
>
>
>
> --
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