Project: Verde 1998 ZJ

[PacificEd]

On June 30th I went to a local junkyard that had a bunch of Grands. I found a few good parts.

The main item I was looking for was a bumper but I was also hunting for a seat. The lower steel framework on the drivers seat broke and was acting like a rocking chair. The stock seats were power and were always in the wrong position due to the kids messing with them.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I found a pair of decent manual seats and bases. They are the wrong color being charcoal instead of tan but oh well. You get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

I also scored an couple of extra transmission dipsticks and a factory transmission cooler.

More goodies to install.


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[trippled]

Make sure those hoses on the cooler are in good shape and tight! Ugh, my lower one leaks and I can't tighten the clamps up since it's right behind the bumper support. Gotta remove the whole thing.

Made me laugh about the seats tho. I always find weird stuff when my kids been playing around in the car ..

 

[PacificEd]

Make sure those hoses on the cooler are in good shape and tight! Ugh, my lower one leaks and I can't tighten the clamps up since it's right behind the bumper support. Gotta remove the whole thing.

Made me laugh about the seats tho. I always find weird stuff when my kids been playing around in the car ..

I know what you mean. The core support makes it a pain to get to anything behind it. I forgot to install one of the horseshoe braces when I installed a new core support and it was a booger to feed it in there but I did manage to get it back together.

 

[PacificEd]

While looking for parts on February 3rd, 2018, I came across this at my local yard. A Ford Explorer 8.8 with 4.10 gears and an open carrier. Now the question is to use it on the Grand or not.

I was thinking about using the Artec TR8802 truss. They seem to have a good price on it here:

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-23897142-zj-ford-8-8-artec-swap-kit-with-truss.html

My front axle is a bit "bowed" according to the alignment shop and I was thinking of looking for another D30, either from a ZJ or an XJ and regear to 4.10's.


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[PacificEd]

I did some cosmetic work to Verde a few weeks ago to try to cover the unsightly rear end. I went to Express one day for lunch a scored a bumper cover and steel bumper along with a replacement door panel.

Getting ready.

The old steel shell before replacement. I guess I did take a picture of the new one.

And the finished bumper cover. I went to O’Reilly’s and bought some of the plastic push pins to get everything locked back together. Lots of push pins on Grands.

I also replaced the passenger rear door panel and several of the pins that keep it in place. It is a charcoal gray and the interior is tan. Form over function is the key here.

I also changed out a front signal bulb. It should be a 3157A amber bulb but I didn’t have one handy so it got a 3157. It will do.



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[PacificEd]

It looks like I will have another new project that will need to be worked on. The front tires are wearing on the inside edges. When I had new tires and an alignment done 2 years ago, he told me he did all he could but that the axle had a bow to it and this would happen.

I have been wanting to upgrade the axle and suspension but unfortunately I don't have the funds to do it all right the first time. I found an XJ low pinion D30 and have a set of BDS adjustable lower control arms so far. I have also found a 1999 XJ high pinion but it's much further away.

Best plan:

OME coils: 2934 fronts and 2943 rear
Upper control arms
ZJ front coil spring isolators
ZJ rear coil spring isolators
ZJ front sway bar end links
ZJ rear sway bar links
ZJ front bump stop rubbers

New set of tires. I will probably go back with the P235/75R15 size tire even though I'd like to upgrade to 30/950R15 or 31/1050R15. I really need to upgrade to 4.10 gears to run taller tires since I have the 4.0L engine.

I wish I had been collecting more parts over the last few years.

I do have the 4.10 8.8 Ford Explorer rear but the Artec truss is $479 plus the labor to have it welded up properly. And of course there will be other incidentals such as brake line fittings, hoses, etc. to go along with this swap.

It looks like I have some decisions to make to decide where I need to go with this project. Right now it is a daily driver so comfort and reliability is most important.

 

[PacificEd]

I was looking at some BDS lower adjustable control arms I have. I planning to use these on the front axle.

If I do away with the ZJ D30 I have now with the cam bolt adjustment for caster and install an XJ D30, can I use these lowers with the fixed stock uppers? Do I need adjustable uppers too?


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[PacificEd]

Back in July I had to get a new set of tires. Since nothing was in place for upgrades, I just stuck with the stock P235/75R15 tires. I went with a Travelstar AT since they were reasonably priced. So far they ride great.

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[PacificEd]

My wife tore off the drivers door mirror a few weeks ago. I took off some time this week so I went to my favorite salvage yard where they have a lot of ZJ’s. I found a new mirror but couldn’t find a better drivers side door panel.

Sometimes you just don’t bring all the right tools. But I improvised.

I watched a video on how to replace it all.

I then replaced a bunch of those plastic pins that help clip the door panel in place. I also glued the metal plate back on the windshield to hold the rear view mirror.




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[PacificEd]

The Jeep started roaring one day. Luckily it was this. Apparently it needed more grease. Lol.

A new u-joint and we were back in business.


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