Builds Work In Progress aka: Badass (16 Viewers)

[NeverGiveUpYota]

@mwebfj60, what is the F-ing trick to the four bolts that hold the upper boot w/ it’s metal ring down thru the lower rubber gasket that is against the transmission cover? Holy-good-friggen-god. I trimmed the carpet at each corner and after futzing for at least an hour and only got one for each stick I decided to give up for the night. Wow. I’d rather put my manifold back on blind folded w/ one arm tied behind my back.

 

[Comet]

I think longer bolts are required. Mine has been sitting open for two weekends now. You have added the bubble wrap and the jute to the transmission hump.

 

[Comet]

I think longer bolts are required. Mine has been sitting open for two weekends now. You have added the bubble wrap and the jute to the transmission hump.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

I don’t have the bubble wrap nor the jute up close to the edges at all. I’m a tad offended that you’d think I was that clueless @Comet. Jeez man.
I could come up w/ all sorts of way of explaining how arduous a task it is but all I can think of are comparisons that are inappropriate for this group.

 

[Comet]

We are all adults, some of us act like one. I am not one that acts mature. Nah nah da boo boo!

 

[mwebfj60]

@mwebfj60, what is the F-ing trick to the four bolts that hold the upper boot w/ it’s metal ring down thru the lower rubber gasket that is against the transmission cover? Holy-good-friggen-god. I trimmed the carpet at each corner and after futzing for at least an hour and only got one for each stick I decided to give up for the night. Wow. I’d rather put my manifold back on blind folded w/ one arm tied behind my back.

Get the side ones (passenger side) started first. I normally start with the front one on that side and put the bolt through and get the rubber boot over that bolt then start it. That’s the only tip I have on that.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Ok I’ll try again tmrw.

Hey who’s modified the transmission bracket to go straight over to 2lo? Anyone have any advice about this? Pondering it since getting in is still easy.

2 Lo Write Up With Pics

 

[mwebfj60]

I did mine, I use 2 low quite a bit. I just used a cutoff wheel. Piece of cake job you can use your new tool on.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

In the thread some say to take the entire bracket/gate thing off? Seems like that might make the most sense. His pixs don’t help me much w/ how much he trimmed off. Do you have a photo or would taking it off make more sense?

Trim and bend backward like this if I keep it @mwebfj60?

 

[mwebfj60]

This isn’t the best pic but the one on the right.

 

[roadstr6]

I personally don't see the point in the 2lo mod. 4lo with the hubs unlocked is essentially 2lo. Driving short distances with the front axle engaged and the hubs unlocked is not going to hurt anything. A friend of mine has his FJ73 modded for 2lo and he was having trouble getting up a steep hill in the rocks at Uwharrie. Front wheels would not engage. It turns out that he had his in "modified" 2lo by mistake. It's an easy mistake to make too because the shift knob is not marked and if you look down, you see the lever leaning to the right like it should be. He wishes he had never done the mod. Sometimes, "because I can" is not the best reason to do something.

 

[Ian Crawford]

Hey, looks like an effective functional repair to me! These poor East Coast trucks!

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

@roadstr6 thanks, that’s a good explanation.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Seats are back in. Swapped right for left since the driver had a hole in the outer corner and the foam was all worn so it leaned. Flip flopped the runners or gliders as well. Might pull the worn seat (now that I know how to do it) at some point later and I’ll pull the fabric, add some foam and patch the fabric. Clean console is in as well.
Trying to get the truck ready for a First trail run this Sat up in MA. I asked my gf (she’s a female friend guys, nothing more) if she wants to come and I swear she practically squealed she’s so excited.

Next up is opening up the differentials and adding fluid. I’d prefer to pull the covers and replace but I’m not sure I’ll have the time. More snow expected potentially Tues, Wed, Thurs. Reports vary from 2” to 20.
Stupid winter, be gone!

Also had 8 bolts total to start for the shift boots (5 for the 4H shifter and 4 for 4lo so one was missing) and I’ve quit w/ two remaining at this point. I’ll try another day when I have more energy for annoyance.
The dirty jokes that kept coming to mind as I had a flathead stuffed into the holes trying to push the rubber gasket away to reveal the hole down below in cover! And yes @Comet, maybe you were a tad right about my carpet being too thick now... but that’s the look nowadays isn’t
it?
I decided to leave the transmission gate alone. I know how now and we all know I might be in there again sooner than later to deal w/ my very leaky rear main seal.

 

[Ian Crawford]

Don't worry about pulling the covers if you're aiming for this Saturday. Loosen the fill plug (to make sure you can) before draining.

Drain and refill, you'll be good to go! Dropping the covers and new gaskets is a much better summer job!

I hope to have mine out in some mud this weekend, too! Have fun!

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Yeah my rear is rounded but I’ll see if a pair of vice grips can get a grab. I’ve got replacement plugs. Course it’s only freaking 24 degrees right now!

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

My sweet little boy had to remind me as I whacked the vice grips on the rear diff fill plug w/ a sand mallet... “lefty loosen Mama, you going the wrong way!” And man did he have a fit seeing me check the level and I tried to tell him he couldn’t. Talk about unfair! So there he is checking the level w/ his own little kid finger.
Plug came off easily. Cover is a wicked mess under there. Got the drain plug out too. Fluid was quite low and nasty dark in color.

 

[2mountainfish]

Glad to hear you a going to wheel the beast. Remember to take pics, or it didn't happen.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Rear diff drained and filled. I bought a cheap funnel at advance auto yesterday. Knew it wasn’t gonna be a smooth fill but I made it work w/ a price of wire hooked over the rear cross member.
Front still to go.
Seats in swapped w/ carpet cleaned. Plastic sill (I’m just guessing in terminology) covers for each door left to install.

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Front diff is gross. Gear oil has water in it. Gonna let it be for now. Knuckles sooner than later. Glad I have the kit already from @orangefj45.

Welp she drives. Took the kid to the store for “storm” essentials. Expecting 4-10” last I checked. Stupid winter.