So I bought another one..

[moparmansfield]

And here is my new toy I picked up a couple weeks ago, 2014 klr650. This thing is way to much fun. 300 miles to a tank and I can hit the twisties hard and play in the dirt too.

 

[moparmansfield]

these plus the ruffstuff stiffeners going on soon. The short arms are working well, but the ride kinda sucks and the 4 link kit i want is just to much to spend right now. I think I might have busted something in the front locker, so gotta check that out too.

 

[GordoSmasho]

Nice work tom

 

[moparmansfield]

Well, I recently quit my job. I will be starting school in the spring(Electrical/SW engineering) and getting a part time local job. I threw up a feeler add for my jeep to trade for a better(cheaper) driver. If I end up keeping the XJ , it will be taken off insurance and parked, unfortunately. I still have my dads XJ to play around with and will probably get to use it. SO yeah, you might be seeing my add up on clist.

 

[831_xj]

:/ how much mang?
Sad to hear

 

[moparmansfield]

:/ how much mang?
Sad to hear

No idea. There are some XJ's on craigslist for ridiculous amounts, so that should only help the value of mine. I put it up for offers/trades. Yeah work was getting ridiculous and management was non-existent, so time to move on.

 

[moparmansfield]

Anyone have heim-to-heim lower control arms on their long arm set-up? Is it rough? I'm thinking about throwing a rubber/lower dur.poly bushing at the frame end to soften it up, at the expense of changing them out more often.

I have decided to keep the XJ as well.. Made some changes and can justify keeping it now.

 

[GordoSmasho]

Thats the spirit tom. Im sure a heim to heim setup is going to have quite a bit more road noise than a bushing to heim setup. Check out metal cloak joints. They have alot of the qualities of a joint but with the vibration transmission of a bushing. They are in sac area too.

 

[moparmansfield]

Those metalcloak joints look awesome. Ill probably pick a couple of those up when I get these arms on.

 

[Goose_XJ88]

Glad you're keeping it Tom

 

[Bryan C.]

Anyone have heim-to-heim lower control arms on their long arm set-up? Is it rough? I'm thinking about throwing a rubber/lower dur.poly bushing at the frame end to soften it up, at the expense of changing them out more often.

I have decided to keep the XJ as well.. Made some changes and can justify keeping it now.

With a radius arm set-up like that you will need some rubber bushings in there somewhere to deal with the binding action of the axle when the suspension is flexed. Something has to give or you will rip the control arm brackets off the axle. At least leave the stock upper joints in the axle.

 

[moparmansfield]

Jcwhitney 20% off coupon code: TWENTYNOW

 

[moparmansfield]

Well, things have turned out pretty good since I quit my job a couple months ago. Had a neighbor who knew a guy that was moving shop and might need a hand. Went over there and talked them up and got a phone call the following week. I now work at "Truck and SUV Parts Warehouse". The name doesn't really give justice to the place. They do all the lift kits for the local dealers, and is the go-to place in town for automotive upgrades for the non-wrench-wielding folk, mainly suspension, tires/wheels, accessories.. We also flip muscle cars/trucks and will basically do any upgrade/repair needed. I am working in the shop doing customer upgrades, and also restoring/flipping a 1964 Galaxie 500xl. I will also be working on the owners 2 online business's and will be learning all about eCommerce. Its a great fit and I actually enjoy going to work now. I also get to use the lift, tire machines, shop, on weekends when the boss is around. Nothing changed on the jeep really, just a few more scratches. I'll see you guys at HH for the toy run(for those going to it).

 

[moparmansfield]

http://www.kyb.com/knowledge-center/shock-tech-for-pros/how-to-measure-shocks/

Good info for measuring different style shocks.

 

[moparmansfield]

Well, The XJ should be getting back in the garage soon for its next round of upgrades. Plan is to find a 3 piece cross-member with link mounts. The mounts that came with the ruffstuff kit are going to be hanging too low for my liking. Anyone have any suggestions besides claytons? Claytons is nice, but at $300...a little expensive. Here's the plan, hopefully done by summer-

*3 piece crossmember with link mounts-radius arms
*2.5 Resi Shocks/adapters
*install stiffies
*Softer/progressive coil springs
*4.56's with a select-able locker up front. Yukon zip locker?
*install long arms with metal-cloak joints at frame end.
*SYE on the 231.
*Rear diff cover and throw the zj discs on.
*Quarter panel armor

I got hit with a $xx,xxx hospital bill a few months ago, but recently had it wiped out by a very generous hospital program, so I am glad to say there are no plans to sell the XJ anymore, and I plan on using the hell out of it this year.

 

[blondejoncherokee]

glad to hear you are keeping it! build sounds good.

 

[GordoSmasho]

Great news tom. Glad to hear things turning around.

 

[moparmansfield]

Go Go gas mileage mode.

 

[blondejoncherokee]

Throw a massive cone air filter intake too!

 

[moparmansfield]

Throw a massive cone air filter intake too!

Oh its got one already. Wish I had bigger tB though.