The Black Pearl

[Nates2000XJ]

Jeep did well over the weekend. Drove 70mph up the freeway to prairie city, went up everything I pointed the Jeep at, met some friends and made it back home in one piece…sorta. After getting off the freeway in San Jose, I noticed a whine coming from the rear passenger tire. The closer I got to home the louder it got. l’ve been battling a diff housing leak and I suspect it may have leaked where the axle shaft bearing may no longer be bathed in oil. I’ll tear it apart when I get a free day. Hoping the center section doesn’t need to come out.

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[Nates2000XJ]

Been making slow progress on the pearl for an upcoming slick rock trip. Got a 1.5” .120 wall piece of DOM welded to connect the rear shock towers and the Jeep rides a bit quieter, less little squeaks here and there. Also took the Jeep on about a 350 mile round trip speedometer quit working and the rear passenger leaf spring looks to have developed a sag. Not sure what that’s about but I’ll try and take some measurements and compare both sides. The front passenger looks to have been sagged by about an inch or so from as soon as I swapped axles. The rear sagging may be causation.

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[Nates2000XJ]

Made a 4 day weekend out of taking the pearl up hw4 to slick rock last Thursday. Went from the lake alpine side to spicer reservoir road, down the reroute. I was impressed with how well it was able to climb over stuff.

Springs seem to be sagging a bit more, not sure what the make of it besides improper bumpstops or maybe too long a shackle? I’m gonna play with the front this weekend. Also needs more fender trim and/or bumpstop in the front. Tire started to crinkle front passenger fender.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention I drove it 70mph there and back

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[GordoSmasho]

When yall comin to reno

 

[Nates2000XJ]

Actually, Mike and I were kicking around the idea of heading up your way before his kiddo is born at the end of November.

 

[GordoSmasho]

Actually, Mike and I were kicking around the idea of heading up your way before his kiddo is born at the end of November.

Heck ya man.

 

[Nates2000XJ]

Just saw the toys for tots invite. if we can't make a weekend trip work we'll shoot for T4T.

 

[Nates2000XJ]

Photos from February right before putting the Jeep away for the last few months. Took my dad to Hollister for the first time which I think he enjoyed and was surprised at what the pearl can do.

I really wanted to make Reno this year but In late April I became a homeowner. The pearl will finally get a garage spot so there are plans for a Pearl 3.0 which will involve a fair amount of DOM, just not right away.

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[Nates2000XJ]

I’d like to gauge interest on here before I go to Facebook…

Having run a stock steering box drilled and tapped for hydro assist with good results, I will now be offering hydro assist steering boxes for sale. I plan to source boxes from the junkyard and will be drilling/taping 1/4” npt, installing new seals/o rings, and plugging the ports so that you can run the box up until you’re ready to mount a ram and plumb lines. One day I’ll offer to drill out pitman arms but I’m not tooled up for that yet. First photo is the box I did for the pearl, second and third photo is the box I set up this weekend. A drilled and tapped box with new seals and brass plugs will be $260 cash price and local pick up in Santa Rosa. Every now and then I pass through Sac on my way up to Foresthill and would be happy to coordinate a meeting for a bit more $ when I do so.

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[DocTremp]

I would definitely be interested in one.


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[GordoSmasho]

Sign me up for one. I have a few boxes around my yard too. So if i need to drop one by i can on my way down to the bay.

 

[Nates2000XJ]

Totally your call Gordo. I’m game to use a box you already have. When do you plan on coming down to the Bay Area next?

 

[GordoSmasho]

Totally your call Gordo. I’m game to use a box you already have. When do you plan on coming down to the Bay Area next?

Already here ha. Im heading home for the weekend. I might grab one and bring it back down.

 

[need-a-bow]

One thing to keep in mind if you choose to ship, use a broker like Pirate Ship. A LOT cheaper than normal UPS or USPS rates usually.

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[Nates2000XJ]

Already here ha. Im heading home for the weekend. I might grab one and bring it back down.

Sweet, lets plan on doing that. Hit me on Facebook with details. Thanks for the info need-a-bow.

 

[DocTremp]

Santa Rosa is about an hour from me, I have a box I could drop off too.


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[Nates2000XJ]

Doc I'll DM you. If you're free come by this weekend and lets have a beer. Bring a box. Currently waiting on a order for seals otherwise I'd trade you a fresh box and & for your old box.