Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
Guest
Posts: n/a
Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
the Jeep!
Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
on top, or airing down.
Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
big honkin' fender flares!
The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
"beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was that.
So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
going to finish the install this weekend.
My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
the Jeep!
Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
on top, or airing down.
Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
big honkin' fender flares!
The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
"beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was that.
So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
going to finish the install this weekend.
My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
"Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
> Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
> 94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
> and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
> the Jeep!
>
> Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
> probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
> buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>
> While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
> other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
> with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>
> I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
> to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
> I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
> diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
> on top, or airing down.
>
> Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>
> New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>
> Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
> big honkin' fender flares!
>
> The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
> shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
> hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>
> Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
> transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
> thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
> the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>
> Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
> found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
> bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
> He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
> his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
> had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
> "beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
> I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
that.
>
> So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
> diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
> violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
> Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>
> Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
> bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
> exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
> the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>
> HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
> incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
> the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
> going to finish the install this weekend.
>
> My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
> proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
> compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>
>
>
"Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
> Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
> 94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
> and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
> the Jeep!
>
> Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
> probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
> buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>
> While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
> other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
> with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>
> I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
> to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
> I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
> diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
> on top, or airing down.
>
> Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>
> New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>
> Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
> big honkin' fender flares!
>
> The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
> shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
> hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>
> Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
> transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
> thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
> the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>
> Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
> found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
> bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
> He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
> his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
> had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
> "beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
> I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
that.
>
> So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
> diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
> violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
> Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>
> Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
> bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
> exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
> the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>
> HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
> incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
> the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
> going to finish the install this weekend.
>
> My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
> proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
> compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
"Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
> Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
> 94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
> and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
> the Jeep!
>
> Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
> probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
> buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>
> While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
> other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
> with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>
> I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
> to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
> I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
> diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
> on top, or airing down.
>
> Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>
> New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>
> Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
> big honkin' fender flares!
>
> The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
> shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
> hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>
> Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
> transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
> thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
> the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>
> Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
> found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
> bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
> He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
> his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
> had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
> "beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
> I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
that.
>
> So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
> diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
> violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
> Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>
> Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
> bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
> exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
> the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>
> HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
> incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
> the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
> going to finish the install this weekend.
>
> My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
> proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
> compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>
>
>
"Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
> Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
> 94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
> and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
> the Jeep!
>
> Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
> probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
> buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>
> While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
> other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
> with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>
> I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
> to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
> I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
> diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
> on top, or airing down.
>
> Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>
> New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>
> Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
> big honkin' fender flares!
>
> The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
> shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
> hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>
> Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
> transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
> thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
> the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>
> Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
> found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
> bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
> He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
> his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
> had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
> "beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
> I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
that.
>
> So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
> diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
> violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
> Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>
> Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
> bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
> exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
> the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>
> HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
> incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
> the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
> going to finish the install this weekend.
>
> My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
> proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
> compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
Jeepaholic wrote:
> So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
I'll try to more acurately note the days and times worked in my diary
next time ;-).
But hey: Doesn't it SUCK to have your Jeep up on jack stands, unable to
drive? I want it DONE and I want to DRIVE!
>
>
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
>>94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
>>and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
>>the Jeep!
>>
>>Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
>>probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
>>buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>>
>>While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
>>other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
>>with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>>
>>I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
>>to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
>>I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
>>diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
>>on top, or airing down.
>>
>>Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>>
>>New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>>
>>Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
>>big honkin' fender flares!
>>
>>The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
>>shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
>>hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>>
>>Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
>>transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
>>thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
>>the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>>
>>Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
>>found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
>>bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
>>He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
>>his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
>>had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
>>"beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
>>I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
>
> that.
>
>>So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
>>diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
>>violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
>>Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>>
>>Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
>>bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
>>exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
>>the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>>
>>HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
>>incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
>>the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
>>going to finish the install this weekend.
>>
>>My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
>>proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
>>compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
I'll try to more acurately note the days and times worked in my diary
next time ;-).
But hey: Doesn't it SUCK to have your Jeep up on jack stands, unable to
drive? I want it DONE and I want to DRIVE!
>
>
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
>>94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
>>and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
>>the Jeep!
>>
>>Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
>>probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
>>buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>>
>>While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
>>other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
>>with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>>
>>I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
>>to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
>>I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
>>diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
>>on top, or airing down.
>>
>>Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>>
>>New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>>
>>Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
>>big honkin' fender flares!
>>
>>The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
>>shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
>>hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>>
>>Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
>>transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
>>thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
>>the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>>
>>Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
>>found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
>>bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
>>He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
>>his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
>>had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
>>"beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
>>I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
>
> that.
>
>>So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
>>diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
>>violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
>>Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>>
>>Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
>>bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
>>exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
>>the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>>
>>HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
>>incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
>>the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
>>going to finish the install this weekend.
>>
>>My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
>>proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
>>compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
Jeepaholic wrote:
> So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
I'll try to more acurately note the days and times worked in my diary
next time ;-).
But hey: Doesn't it SUCK to have your Jeep up on jack stands, unable to
drive? I want it DONE and I want to DRIVE!
>
>
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
>>94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
>>and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
>>the Jeep!
>>
>>Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
>>probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
>>buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>>
>>While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
>>other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
>>with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>>
>>I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
>>to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
>>I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
>>diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
>>on top, or airing down.
>>
>>Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>>
>>New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>>
>>Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
>>big honkin' fender flares!
>>
>>The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
>>shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
>>hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>>
>>Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
>>transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
>>thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
>>the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>>
>>Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
>>found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
>>bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
>>He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
>>his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
>>had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
>>"beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
>>I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
>
> that.
>
>>So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
>>diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
>>violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
>>Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>>
>>Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
>>bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
>>exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
>>the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>>
>>HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
>>incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
>>the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
>>going to finish the install this weekend.
>>
>>My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
>>proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
>>compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
I'll try to more acurately note the days and times worked in my diary
next time ;-).
But hey: Doesn't it SUCK to have your Jeep up on jack stands, unable to
drive? I want it DONE and I want to DRIVE!
>
>
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj1g2r$9q3$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Earlier this summer I ordered up new Dynatrac Axles for my bought-used
>>94 YJ. Pro-Rock 60 in the rear, Dana 44 up front, both w/ ARB lockers,
>>and designed for a SOA application. The axles cost more than I paid for
>>the Jeep!
>>
>>Do not believe the Dynatrac salespeople if they tell you they "can
>>probably get it to you quicker" than 6 weeks. You're probably going to
>>buy anyway, but they really shouldn't try to sugar-coat the sale that way.
>>
>>While waiting for Dynatrac to build the axles, I placed orders for the
>>other items I would need, and did some wheeling around. This weekend,
>>with all items (supposedly) at hand I started the install in earnest.
>>
>>I measured 9' of clearance to the old rear diff, 9.5" on the front, just
>>to keep track. Just for giggles, without installing them under the rig,
>>I mounted up my new 37" SuperSwampers on the Pro Rock 60 axle and the
>>diff now sees almost 13 inches of daylight! That's before loading a Jeep
>>on top, or airing down.
>>
>>Previous wheel width, front wheels, outside edges of tires: 67".
>>
>>New rear axle w/ 13" wide Super Swampers, outside edges of tires: 80"!!!
>>
>>Wow! I'm gonna need to get either a different wheel offset, or some mega
>>big honkin' fender flares!
>>
>>The rear axle came off easy: e-brake cables, diff vent, brake line,
>>shocks, and leaf springs. Here's the bitch, though: It took almost 3
>>hours for the next step: removing the transfer case bash plate. WHY?
>>
>>Because the previous owner, for some reason, when he installed his
>>transfer case drop kit, welded not four, but SIX pieces of 1" leg x 1/8"
>>thick steel angle iron from the frame to the bash plate! I had to grind
>>the thick welds off, being careful not to grind into the frame members.
>>
>>Then I got my allen wrench to undo the bash plate bolts. AAAAAH! Now I
>>found out why he'd welded on the angle iron. _Every_ damn one of the
>>bash plate bolts was stripped inside the frame and would not come out!
>>He must have used a hammer drill or an impact wrench when he installed
>>his drop kit, found that he'd torqued away the threaded part, and now
>>had a sloppy banging bash plate. I even used a miniature hydraulic
>>"beak" (I call it the "Duck Bill of Life") to force the plate down while
>>I ratcheted the bolts out...no go. They were all stripped and that was
>
> that.
>
>>So I had to Sawzall every damn bolt off, but each one had a nice 1"
>>diameter spacer/standoff that kept revolving and making my Sawzall kick
>>violently, so I had to grip 'em and hold 'em down with an odd combo of
>>Vise grip assemblies. NOT fun.
>>
>>Next: Separate the T-case, to install my JB Converisons SYE kit. Only 6
>>bolts, but boy, those top two ain't easy to get to, especially on the
>>exhaust pipe side. As per some fantastic JB SYE install pages found on
>>the web, getting the T-case open was a breeze.
>>
>>HOWEVER: The JB SYE Kit, as sent to me by Tellico4x4.com, was
>>incomplete. No new caged needle bearings, to make the new JB shaft fit
>>the synchro and drive gears were included. Major roadblock. I wasn't
>>going to finish the install this weekend.
>>
>>My call and email are in to them; the T-Case's on hold until I get the
>>proper bearings. Oh, well. I suppose I can install the ARB
>>compressor/tank/switches n' stuff while I wait!
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
"Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
news:bj2gn6$fj9$0@pita.alt.net...
> Jeepaholic wrote:
>
> > So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
>
> HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
> the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
> and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
> busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
> to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
Yes, it is one heavy-duty axle. I'm running with a Pro Rock 60 (w/ 5.13s,
Detroit locker) in the back and just ordered a matching one for the front of
my 92YJ.
With your Dynatrac frontend, was curious what kind of steering setup you are
using? Did you go with either Dynatrac's HD cross-over or their
high-clearance steering arm packages? I'm still spring-under, and with
5.25" of front suspension lift I'm at the minimum for the hi-steer arm
setup. I've been hesitant to go SOA or make any more modifications to the
suspension - I used to run reverse shackles and removed them because I could
not get used to the new driving characteristics (nose dive while braking).
Sounds like you got a cool project going there (except for the skip plate).
Terry
92YJ
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
"Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
news:bj2gn6$fj9$0@pita.alt.net...
> Jeepaholic wrote:
>
> > So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
>
> HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
> the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
> and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
> busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
> to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
Yes, it is one heavy-duty axle. I'm running with a Pro Rock 60 (w/ 5.13s,
Detroit locker) in the back and just ordered a matching one for the front of
my 92YJ.
With your Dynatrac frontend, was curious what kind of steering setup you are
using? Did you go with either Dynatrac's HD cross-over or their
high-clearance steering arm packages? I'm still spring-under, and with
5.25" of front suspension lift I'm at the minimum for the hi-steer arm
setup. I've been hesitant to go SOA or make any more modifications to the
suspension - I used to run reverse shackles and removed them because I could
not get used to the new driving characteristics (nose dive while braking).
Sounds like you got a cool project going there (except for the skip plate).
Terry
92YJ
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
Terry Jeffrey wrote:
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj2gn6$fj9$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Jeepaholic wrote:
>>
>>
>>>So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
>>
>>HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
>>the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
>>and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
>>busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
>>to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
>
>
> Yes, it is one heavy-duty axle. I'm running with a Pro Rock 60 (w/ 5.13s,
> Detroit locker)
I've got 5.13s, too. What size wheels/tires are you running?
> in the back and just ordered a matching one for the front of
> my 92YJ.
HOLY! Pro Rock 60 back AND front! Awesome!
>
> With your Dynatrac frontend, was curious what kind of steering setup you are
> using? Did you go with either Dynatrac's HD cross-over or their
> high-clearance steering arm packages?
High clearance. I haven't installed the front yet.
> I'm still spring-under, and with
> 5.25" of front suspension lift I'm at the minimum for the hi-steer arm
> setup. I've been hesitant to go SOA or make any more modifications to the
> suspension - I used to run reverse shackles and removed them because I could
> not get used to the new driving characteristics (nose dive while braking).
I hear ya. I think the SOA would replace a lot of what you have going,
as opposed to being additive. I've got the previous owners' 2.5" spring
lift, and I added Teraflex/Revolver shackles.
I'm anxious to see how this all sits and handles once it's all put back
together. Do you use your rig for normal driving, too? I disconnected
front and rear track bars and front sway bars and have never gone back.
Have you done ths same?
>
> Sounds like you got a cool project going there (except for the skip plate).
Thanks! Now that everything's apart, I'm thinking I should really add a
lot more armor underneath, too.
>
> Terry
> 92YJ
>
>
>
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj2gn6$fj9$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Jeepaholic wrote:
>>
>>
>>>So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
>>
>>HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
>>the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
>>and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
>>busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
>>to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
>
>
> Yes, it is one heavy-duty axle. I'm running with a Pro Rock 60 (w/ 5.13s,
> Detroit locker)
I've got 5.13s, too. What size wheels/tires are you running?
> in the back and just ordered a matching one for the front of
> my 92YJ.
HOLY! Pro Rock 60 back AND front! Awesome!
>
> With your Dynatrac frontend, was curious what kind of steering setup you are
> using? Did you go with either Dynatrac's HD cross-over or their
> high-clearance steering arm packages?
High clearance. I haven't installed the front yet.
> I'm still spring-under, and with
> 5.25" of front suspension lift I'm at the minimum for the hi-steer arm
> setup. I've been hesitant to go SOA or make any more modifications to the
> suspension - I used to run reverse shackles and removed them because I could
> not get used to the new driving characteristics (nose dive while braking).
I hear ya. I think the SOA would replace a lot of what you have going,
as opposed to being additive. I've got the previous owners' 2.5" spring
lift, and I added Teraflex/Revolver shackles.
I'm anxious to see how this all sits and handles once it's all put back
together. Do you use your rig for normal driving, too? I disconnected
front and rear track bars and front sway bars and have never gone back.
Have you done ths same?
>
> Sounds like you got a cool project going there (except for the skip plate).
Thanks! Now that everything's apart, I'm thinking I should really add a
lot more armor underneath, too.
>
> Terry
> 92YJ
>
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Turning my 94 YJ into a Rock Crawler: Progress Report
Terry Jeffrey wrote:
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj2gn6$fj9$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Jeepaholic wrote:
>>
>>
>>>So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
>>
>>HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
>>the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
>>and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
>>busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
>>to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
>
>
> Yes, it is one heavy-duty axle. I'm running with a Pro Rock 60 (w/ 5.13s,
> Detroit locker)
I've got 5.13s, too. What size wheels/tires are you running?
> in the back and just ordered a matching one for the front of
> my 92YJ.
HOLY! Pro Rock 60 back AND front! Awesome!
>
> With your Dynatrac frontend, was curious what kind of steering setup you are
> using? Did you go with either Dynatrac's HD cross-over or their
> high-clearance steering arm packages?
High clearance. I haven't installed the front yet.
> I'm still spring-under, and with
> 5.25" of front suspension lift I'm at the minimum for the hi-steer arm
> setup. I've been hesitant to go SOA or make any more modifications to the
> suspension - I used to run reverse shackles and removed them because I could
> not get used to the new driving characteristics (nose dive while braking).
I hear ya. I think the SOA would replace a lot of what you have going,
as opposed to being additive. I've got the previous owners' 2.5" spring
lift, and I added Teraflex/Revolver shackles.
I'm anxious to see how this all sits and handles once it's all put back
together. Do you use your rig for normal driving, too? I disconnected
front and rear track bars and front sway bars and have never gone back.
Have you done ths same?
>
> Sounds like you got a cool project going there (except for the skip plate).
Thanks! Now that everything's apart, I'm thinking I should really add a
lot more armor underneath, too.
>
> Terry
> 92YJ
>
>
>
> "Cal Wheeler" <cal@whee.ler> wrote in message
> news:bj2gn6$fj9$0@pita.alt.net...
>
>>Jeepaholic wrote:
>>
>>
>>>So what else did you do with the rest of your evening??
>>
>>HA! Well, Mid-Day Friday was when I removed the rear axle. Saturday was
>>the frickin' bash plate/JB SYE day. Sunday was spruce up the backyard
>>and swim day; no grease, no PB Blaster, no 1/2" ratchet helper bars or
>>busted knuckles! It wasn't until about 8:00 pm last night that I decided
>>to mount up the Swampers onto the axle (DAMN that axle's heavy!).
>
>
> Yes, it is one heavy-duty axle. I'm running with a Pro Rock 60 (w/ 5.13s,
> Detroit locker)
I've got 5.13s, too. What size wheels/tires are you running?
> in the back and just ordered a matching one for the front of
> my 92YJ.
HOLY! Pro Rock 60 back AND front! Awesome!
>
> With your Dynatrac frontend, was curious what kind of steering setup you are
> using? Did you go with either Dynatrac's HD cross-over or their
> high-clearance steering arm packages?
High clearance. I haven't installed the front yet.
> I'm still spring-under, and with
> 5.25" of front suspension lift I'm at the minimum for the hi-steer arm
> setup. I've been hesitant to go SOA or make any more modifications to the
> suspension - I used to run reverse shackles and removed them because I could
> not get used to the new driving characteristics (nose dive while braking).
I hear ya. I think the SOA would replace a lot of what you have going,
as opposed to being additive. I've got the previous owners' 2.5" spring
lift, and I added Teraflex/Revolver shackles.
I'm anxious to see how this all sits and handles once it's all put back
together. Do you use your rig for normal driving, too? I disconnected
front and rear track bars and front sway bars and have never gone back.
Have you done ths same?
>
> Sounds like you got a cool project going there (except for the skip plate).
Thanks! Now that everything's apart, I'm thinking I should really add a
lot more armor underneath, too.
>
> Terry
> 92YJ
>
>
>
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