unexplained power loss? (seat-of-the-pants feeling)
 

Here's the deal:

I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
Night.
While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
cause this?

Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:

Body Lift 1st:
Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
Removed all body bolts.
Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.

Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
Compressor) mounting bracket.
Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
Lifted the engine a bit.
Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
and bolted them to the engine.
Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
skid plate.
Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).

Re-attached the fan shroud screws.

That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
I don't understand it.

As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
deg.

Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
dangit! ;)

So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
anyway.)

Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
provide.

/Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? (seat-of-the-pants feeling)
 

Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
range.
Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Bob wrote:
>
> Here's the deal:
>
> I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> Night.
> While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> cause this?
>
> Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
>
> Body Lift 1st:
> Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> Removed all body bolts.
> Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
>
> Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> Compressor) mounting bracket.
> Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> Lifted the engine a bit.
> Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> and bolted them to the engine.
> Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> skid plate.
> Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
>
> Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
>
> That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> I don't understand it.
>
> As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> deg.
>
> Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> dangit! ;)
>
> So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> anyway.)
>
> Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> provide.
>
> /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? (seat-of-the-pants feeling)
 

Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
range.
Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Bob wrote:
>
> Here's the deal:
>
> I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> Night.
> While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> cause this?
>
> Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
>
> Body Lift 1st:
> Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> Removed all body bolts.
> Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
>
> Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> Compressor) mounting bracket.
> Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> Lifted the engine a bit.
> Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> and bolted them to the engine.
> Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> skid plate.
> Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
>
> Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
>
> That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> I don't understand it.
>
> As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> deg.
>
> Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> dangit! ;)
>
> So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> anyway.)
>
> Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> provide.
>
> /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? (seat-of-the-pants feeling)
 

Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
range.
Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Bob wrote:
>
> Here's the deal:
>
> I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> Night.
> While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> cause this?
>
> Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
>
> Body Lift 1st:
> Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> Removed all body bolts.
> Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
>
> Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> Compressor) mounting bracket.
> Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> Lifted the engine a bit.
> Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> and bolted them to the engine.
> Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> skid plate.
> Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
>
> Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
>
> That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> I don't understand it.
>
> As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> deg.
>
> Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> dangit! ;)
>
> So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> anyway.)
>
> Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> provide.
>
> /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? (seat-of-the-pants feeling)
 

Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
range.
Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Bob wrote:
>
> Here's the deal:
>
> I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> Night.
> While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> cause this?
>
> Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
>
> Body Lift 1st:
> Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> Removed all body bolts.
> Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
>
> Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> Compressor) mounting bracket.
> Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> Lifted the engine a bit.
> Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> and bolted them to the engine.
> Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> skid plate.
> Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
>
> Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
>
> That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> I don't understand it.
>
> As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> deg.
>
> Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> dangit! ;)
>
> So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> anyway.)
>
> Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> provide.
>
> /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? Nope. Running normally after all.
 

Well, I'm glad I didn't generate too many responses. I feel silly. I
guess it was a combination of not being used to the low-rpm vibrations
the MML caused, and the fact that it reached almost a hundred
yesterday and heat does make the engine run a little slower.

Either way, after some more test driving last night (and refilling my
coolant reservoir), I've decided it's driving normally again,
power-wise.

I did check the computer even the check engine light wasn't on, and
there were no fault codes.

Thanks, Bill!

/Bob


L.W.(ßill) ------ III <----------@cox.net> wrote in message news:<40F326A7.4E395E76@cox.net>...
> Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
> and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
> transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
> range.
> Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
> running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
> month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Bob wrote:
> >
> > Here's the deal:
> >
> > I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> > Night.
> > While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> > 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> > my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> > doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> > cause this?
> >
> > Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> > of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
> >
> > Body Lift 1st:
> > Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> > Removed all body bolts.
> > Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> > Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> > isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> > Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
> >
> > Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> > Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> > two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> > above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> > manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> > Compressor) mounting bracket.
> > Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> > Lifted the engine a bit.
> > Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> > Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> > and bolted them to the engine.
> > Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> > Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> > Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> > skid plate.
> > Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> > the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> > Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> > Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> > toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
> >
> > Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
> >
> > That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> > can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> > I don't understand it.
> >
> > As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> > when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> > OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> > puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> > gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> > deg.
> >
> > Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> > if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> > bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> > they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> > dangit! ;)
> >
> > So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> > first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> > going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> > power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> > are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> > anyway.)
> >
> > Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> > provide.
> >
> > /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? Nope. Running normally after all.
 

Well, I'm glad I didn't generate too many responses. I feel silly. I
guess it was a combination of not being used to the low-rpm vibrations
the MML caused, and the fact that it reached almost a hundred
yesterday and heat does make the engine run a little slower.

Either way, after some more test driving last night (and refilling my
coolant reservoir), I've decided it's driving normally again,
power-wise.

I did check the computer even the check engine light wasn't on, and
there were no fault codes.

Thanks, Bill!

/Bob


L.W.(ßill) ------ III <----------@cox.net> wrote in message news:<40F326A7.4E395E76@cox.net>...
> Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
> and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
> transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
> range.
> Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
> running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
> month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Bob wrote:
> >
> > Here's the deal:
> >
> > I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> > Night.
> > While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> > 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> > my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> > doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> > cause this?
> >
> > Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> > of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
> >
> > Body Lift 1st:
> > Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> > Removed all body bolts.
> > Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> > Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> > isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> > Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
> >
> > Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> > Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> > two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> > above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> > manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> > Compressor) mounting bracket.
> > Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> > Lifted the engine a bit.
> > Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> > Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> > and bolted them to the engine.
> > Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> > Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> > Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> > skid plate.
> > Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> > the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> > Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> > Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> > toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
> >
> > Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
> >
> > That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> > can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> > I don't understand it.
> >
> > As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> > when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> > OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> > puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> > gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> > deg.
> >
> > Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> > if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> > bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> > they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> > dangit! ;)
> >
> > So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> > first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> > going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> > power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> > are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> > anyway.)
> >
> > Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> > provide.
> >
> > /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? Nope. Running normally after all.
 

Well, I'm glad I didn't generate too many responses. I feel silly. I
guess it was a combination of not being used to the low-rpm vibrations
the MML caused, and the fact that it reached almost a hundred
yesterday and heat does make the engine run a little slower.

Either way, after some more test driving last night (and refilling my
coolant reservoir), I've decided it's driving normally again,
power-wise.

I did check the computer even the check engine light wasn't on, and
there were no fault codes.

Thanks, Bill!

/Bob


L.W.(ßill) ------ III <----------@cox.net> wrote in message news:<40F326A7.4E395E76@cox.net>...
> Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
> and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
> transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
> range.
> Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
> running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
> month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Bob wrote:
> >
> > Here's the deal:
> >
> > I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> > Night.
> > While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> > 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> > my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> > doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> > cause this?
> >
> > Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> > of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
> >
> > Body Lift 1st:
> > Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> > Removed all body bolts.
> > Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> > Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> > isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> > Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
> >
> > Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> > Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> > two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> > above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> > manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> > Compressor) mounting bracket.
> > Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> > Lifted the engine a bit.
> > Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> > Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> > and bolted them to the engine.
> > Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> > Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> > Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> > skid plate.
> > Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> > the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> > Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> > Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> > toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
> >
> > Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
> >
> > That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> > can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> > I don't understand it.
> >
> > As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> > when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> > OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> > puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> > gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> > deg.
> >
> > Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> > if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> > bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> > they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> > dangit! ;)
> >
> > So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> > first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> > going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> > power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> > are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> > anyway.)
> >
> > Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> > provide.
> >
> > /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? Nope. Running normally after all.
 

Well, I'm glad I didn't generate too many responses. I feel silly. I
guess it was a combination of not being used to the low-rpm vibrations
the MML caused, and the fact that it reached almost a hundred
yesterday and heat does make the engine run a little slower.

Either way, after some more test driving last night (and refilling my
coolant reservoir), I've decided it's driving normally again,
power-wise.

I did check the computer even the check engine light wasn't on, and
there were no fault codes.

Thanks, Bill!

/Bob


L.W.(ßill) ------ III <----------@cox.net> wrote in message news:<40F326A7.4E395E76@cox.net>...
> Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
> and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
> transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
> range.
> Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
> running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
> month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Bob wrote:
> >
> > Here's the deal:
> >
> > I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> > Night.
> > While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> > 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> > my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> > doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> > cause this?
> >
> > Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> > of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
> >
> > Body Lift 1st:
> > Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> > Removed all body bolts.
> > Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> > Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> > isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> > Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
> >
> > Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> > Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> > two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> > above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> > manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> > Compressor) mounting bracket.
> > Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> > Lifted the engine a bit.
> > Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> > Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> > and bolted them to the engine.
> > Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> > Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> > Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> > skid plate.
> > Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> > the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> > Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> > Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> > toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
> >
> > Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
> >
> > That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> > can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> > I don't understand it.
> >
> > As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> > when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> > OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> > puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> > gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> > deg.
> >
> > Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> > if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> > bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> > they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> > dangit! ;)
> >
> > So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> > first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> > going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> > power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> > are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> > anyway.)
> >
> > Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> > provide.
> >
> > /Bob

Re: unexplained power loss? (seat-of-the-pants feeling)
 

So regearing, say, from 4.10's to 4.88's would actually make me move slower
on the highway?!?

Eric
99 TJ SE
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:40F326A7.4E395E76@cox.net...
> Realize that once you get to moving lower gears are no help at all.
> and may even slow some down because the lose some of their
> transmission's close ratio and can't keep the horse power in a good
> range.
> Might check your fault codes in case what you feel is the engine
> running in safe mode: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/ About six
> month of the last built '97s need the scanner.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Bob wrote:
> >
> > Here's the deal:
> >
> > I installed a 1.25" Body Lift and 1" Motor Mount Lift on Saturday
> > Night.
> > While driving it home, it didn't feel as "peppy" as usual. (I have
> > 4.56 gears and 33" tires.) It almost felt like I was back driving with
> > my old 3.55 gears again. The engine is running perfectly fine, just
> > doesn't feel as powerful from the get-go, or at speed. What could
> > cause this?
> >
> > Background of what I did to install the motor mount lift, in case any
> > of these procedures could have jostled (sp?) something loose:
> >
> > Body Lift 1st:
> > Unbolted Radiator Fan Shroud.
> > Removed all body bolts.
> > Used a lift at a friend's shop to lift the body about 1.25".
> > Shoved all the 1.25" durathane spacer pucks on top of the rubber body
> > isolator bushings. Started the bolts.
> > Dropped the body back on the frame. Tightened all the bolts down.
> >
> > Motor Mount Lift 2nd:
> > Mechanic friend rigged up about 6 or 7 random serpentine belts with
> > two of the arms from his vehicle lift, to "pick up" the engine from
> > above. The belts were supporting the engine primarily from the intake
> > manifold on the driver side and from the AC (or in my case, York Air
> > Compressor) mounting bracket.
> > Removed the bolts/nuts holding the motor mounts down.
> > Lifted the engine a bit.
> > Removed the bolts holding the motor mounts to the engine.
> > Lifted the engine even more in order to fit the new motor mounts in
> > and bolted them to the engine.
> > Dropped the engine enough so the passenger side settled into place.
> > Driver's side was too far back to settle into its holes.
> > Now loosened the tranny mounting bolts on the bottom of the t-case
> > skid plate.
> > Managed to leverage the driver's side of the engine forward to line
> > the motor mount bolts up and drop it in place.
> > Tightened all motor mount bolts and nuts up.
> > Re-tightened the tranny mount bolts (they were now about 1/4" more
> > toward the front of the vehicle; no surprise there).
> >
> > Re-attached the fan shroud screws.
> >
> > That's the extent of what we did. Before doing this, it was peppy as
> > can be. Now, it just feels more sluggish than I feel like I remember.
> > I don't understand it.
> >
> > As a side note, I did notice my coolant reservoir is completely empty
> > when I removed it to get at the fan shroud screws. I think my (still
> > OEM from 1997) radiator must be leaking, though I've never seen a
> > puddle; it must be a slow leak. But I have been watching the temp
> > gauge today, and it never moved above the normal operating temp of 210
> > deg.
> >
> > Final note, I very recently replaced both my MAP and TPS sensors. So
> > if anyone were thinking of mentioning one of these might have gone
> > bad, I doubt it, because (a) the engine ran like complete ---- when
> > they went bad and is running fine right now and (b) they're brand new,
> > dangit! ;)
> >
> > So, that's all the information I can provide. Where should I look
> > first to find out (a) whether there really is a power loss or if I'm
> > going senile and just imagining things and (b) what is causing the
> > power loss if it indeed exists? (I'm betting that question "a" and "b"
> > are inexorably intertwined here, but thought I'd seperate them out
> > anyway.)
> >
> > Thanks in advance for all the helpful advice I know you guys will
> > provide.
> >
> > /Bob