rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Let me know what you plan to do to fix the cooling problems. Coolant, cap, and airflow good?
The Frog Blog
- Thread starter rocknxj
- Start date
Let me know what you plan to do to fix the cooling problems. Coolant, cap, and airflow good?
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
That's a sweet list of upgrades and congrats on the win. Post the new pics here when you get a chance. I'd like to follow your progress.
Oh, and I edited my initial comment. Are you using a ZJ tie rod?
- Location
- Columbus, In
I will. Its coming together nicely. I bought a 4.10 front axle for it with a lockright and I need to regear the rear axle to match. I have an LS 29 spline out of my old Jeep that I'll be using. Its getting ZJ discs as well. I should have all that installed by this fall.
tribal_4x4
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Roseville
Your not gonna regain HP by improving your cooling. Towing with a lifted XJ is obviously never as good as stock. You have more added weight and the tires are number one killers. If your motor was gettin that hot and you were leakin tranny fluid god only knows how hot your tranny was. you need a tranny temp gauge and a torque converter lock switch will also help. Another big cooling helper is hood vents. Allows all that trapped hot air to go somewhere. Oh and look into a throttle body spacer as another power/gas mileage helper
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Good tips, thanks. I have multiple problems and the loss of HP and cooling are two of the many issues I have, and can both be improved with a few upgrades. For one, I will be looking at a larger tranny cooler which will reduce transmission oil temps better than the dinky cooler that I have now. The header and electric fan should give back some lost power and are not related to reducing transmission oil temps.
I also understand the problems with towing with a lifted XJ and added weight from tires, skids, hardware, and a plethora of high quality beer. For this reason, I'm looking at a different tow rig with a larger engine and better brakes. This should extend the life of my XJ while simultaneously preventing me from plunging off a cliff in an out of control mass of burning steel....
:flame:
Last edited:
SeansXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Antelope, Ca or on the Rubicon
i would say a tranny flush is in order...once that dexmerc gets above 195-210ish it loses its effectiveness...i have been searching a few tranny cooler ideas...im goin to grab one this weekend flush the tranny and new filter. hope this helps out my issues, im headed back up to the 'con next weekend.
tribal_4x4
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Roseville
agree on that tranny flush. And how much more power are you trying to recover? ditching the clutch fan and goin with an electric is maybe +5-7HP but definately helps with the cooling and the header is about +5HP and an exhaust is maybe +3HP. For the electric fan were you gonna do a ford tarus 2 speed e-fan?
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I'm hoping to keep this Jeep alive for 10 more years, at least, so every little bit I do is designed to extend it's life. The tranny flush you and Sean mentioned is a good idea and I'll get to that before Sierra Fest in a couple weeks. Hopefully I'll get to the other fluids as well, but time is limited since I'll be out on business all next week.
Your HP numbers sound about right from what I have read. My stock exhaust manifold is cracked so I need to replace it regardless and the APN header was cheap and comes with good feedback from other users. The electric fan idea is lower on the list, but I have heard it is one of the better investments for this engine. I'll research that more as I get to it later in the year.
My Moab trip is the target date for these mods, and others. I'm still working to steal 100K XJ's rear bumper and tire gate...shhhh, don't tell him. :shhh:
tribal_4x4
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Roseville
Lol make a card board replica of his and paint it black after you take his. He will never know 
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Lol make a card board replica of his and paint it black after you take his. He will never know
LOL. His Jeep will be unattended for a week while he's in Washington this summer....
He's got some sweet parts on the Green Machine for sure. I'd never take his bumper, but I do enjoy it when he thinks I'm going to take it. It's the constant threat of thievery and mutual competition between us that makes me truly happy
. You'll know what I mean when you have a kid and he starts early and puts a lift kit on his Big Wheel and starts smack talking your Jeep.
SeansXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Antelope, Ca or on the Rubicon
better competition for the father son thing....
see who can build the better parts not buy them.. see how that works out, you might have a cage builder on your hands and never knew it.
my son is already a nut about my Jeep i know this kid will be wheelin for life!
see who can build the better parts not buy them.. see how that works out, you might have a cage builder on your hands and never knew it.
my son is already a nut about my Jeep i know this kid will be wheelin for life!
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
This is a Frog Blog (FB) update for Friday, 9 July 2010. There is no point to the FB other than to share the details of my Jeeping adventure through build-up, wheeling, and the occasional meaningless story. I appreciate all input to the FB and encourage the fine Jeeple of the 
forum to contribute to this blog with their own experiences on the trail, vehicle upgrades, or even blatent lies (if they sound good).
That being said...
In my newest pursuit of a worthy tow vehicle, I tested a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with the 5.7L Hemi last night. I'm not a huge fan of the newer GC style, but I was taken aback by the preponderance of options and plush interior styling of that Jeep. With nav, rear DVD, moon roof, and power everything, I was mystified at the knobs, controls, and lights at my disposal, and it took more than a few minutes to finish playing with the electric seat, mirror, and navigation controls before I roared down the road on my first road test.
Although the plush interior styling with its combination of leather/sued seat cladding, knurled wood and chrome finish was beautiful, the 5.7L Hemi-powered squirrel cage was the most impressive feature. I was greeted with a welcome grown upon startup, and as I found a open spot in the road, I stomped on the skinny pedal and was immediately thrust back into the leather-clad seat. Fearing I would poop a little from the sudden acceleration, I let off of the gas and resumed the drive at a safer speed, smiling from ear to ear.
The test drive was nice. Quiet, smooth ride, comfortable feel, and good visibility save for the beefy pillars on either side of the windscreen. Small details were equally impressive, such as the owner's manual and its hand crafted pouch with leather Jeep emblem, multi-purpose reversible cargo tray, and chrome recovery hooks for times when you are hung up on a curb at the mall. I did not like the tires and fake rims, but those can be swapped out during a modest 2" suspension lift upgrade. Ca-chiiiing...
The price appeared to be decent and the vehicle has low miles. I am planning a second test drive tonight and will get the opinion of the wife/boss/supreme being. This will be my daily driver and will replace my 2008 Civic EX-L, so I have to accept the huge loss of fuel efficiency on my 70-mile daily commute. More to come on this adventure...
This has been a pointless FB update.
forum to contribute to this blog with their own experiences on the trail, vehicle upgrades, or even blatent lies (if they sound good).That being said...
In my newest pursuit of a worthy tow vehicle, I tested a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with the 5.7L Hemi last night. I'm not a huge fan of the newer GC style, but I was taken aback by the preponderance of options and plush interior styling of that Jeep. With nav, rear DVD, moon roof, and power everything, I was mystified at the knobs, controls, and lights at my disposal, and it took more than a few minutes to finish playing with the electric seat, mirror, and navigation controls before I roared down the road on my first road test.
Although the plush interior styling with its combination of leather/sued seat cladding, knurled wood and chrome finish was beautiful, the 5.7L Hemi-powered squirrel cage was the most impressive feature. I was greeted with a welcome grown upon startup, and as I found a open spot in the road, I stomped on the skinny pedal and was immediately thrust back into the leather-clad seat. Fearing I would poop a little from the sudden acceleration, I let off of the gas and resumed the drive at a safer speed, smiling from ear to ear.
The test drive was nice. Quiet, smooth ride, comfortable feel, and good visibility save for the beefy pillars on either side of the windscreen. Small details were equally impressive, such as the owner's manual and its hand crafted pouch with leather Jeep emblem, multi-purpose reversible cargo tray, and chrome recovery hooks for times when you are hung up on a curb at the mall. I did not like the tires and fake rims, but those can be swapped out during a modest 2" suspension lift upgrade. Ca-chiiiing...
The price appeared to be decent and the vehicle has low miles. I am planning a second test drive tonight and will get the opinion of the wife/boss/supreme being. This will be my daily driver and will replace my 2008 Civic EX-L, so I have to accept the huge loss of fuel efficiency on my 70-mile daily commute. More to come on this adventure...
This has been a pointless FB update.
srmitchell
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Mckinleyville (Humboldt) CA
Hmm. Nice.
Im not a fan of those, but each to his own. I actually like the 2011 better, range rover suspension and all.
Im not a fan of those, but each to his own. I actually like the 2011 better, range rover suspension and all.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I wasn't much of a fan either, but I like the 5.7L Hemi and the trim was very sweet. The funky wheels and tires are a deal killer, but I've seen them lifted with larger meats and they look really good.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Today was another good day for the Frog. After swapping my Bosch spark plugs for the recommended Champion Coppers, I replaced the tranny filter and flushed the transmission fluid with about 11 quarts of fresh ATF.
After re-installing the pan, I simply disconnected the return line from the tranny cooler, had the wife start the engine, then allowed two quarts of nasty fluid to drain into a bucket. That crap looked like my wife's horrible beef gravy. Anyway, I refilled two quarts of ATF into the fill tube, started the engine, and drained two quarts. I did that a few times until fresh, red oil drained into the bucket. I refilled one last time, drained one more quart, wrapped everything up, and filled to the proper line. I'll drive a bit and check the level again later tonight.
This was a simple, but very necessary job. The old fluid was abused from overheating during last weekend's camping trip. On a side note, Autozone had a decent sale on Castrol Dex/Merc. Buy two and get one quart free.
After re-installing the pan, I simply disconnected the return line from the tranny cooler, had the wife start the engine, then allowed two quarts of nasty fluid to drain into a bucket. That crap looked like my wife's horrible beef gravy. Anyway, I refilled two quarts of ATF into the fill tube, started the engine, and drained two quarts. I did that a few times until fresh, red oil drained into the bucket. I refilled one last time, drained one more quart, wrapped everything up, and filled to the proper line. I'll drive a bit and check the level again later tonight.
This was a simple, but very necessary job. The old fluid was abused from overheating during last weekend's camping trip. On a side note, Autozone had a decent sale on Castrol Dex/Merc. Buy two and get one quart free.
SeansXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Antelope, Ca or on the Rubicon
glad to hear you got it done..now its time to take my own advice! its all about money!!
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Yeah, got it done in no time. Tomorrow I will install the JCR 1/4 panels and fix the off-centered coil spring.
Oh, and rumor has it I will be buying the GC with the Hemi tomorrow as well. Three Jeeps in the front of the house again. Oh my...
100K XJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Rocklin, CA
hey hey no cardboard bumpers haha, if I recall you're jeep with be available next week. I'll take you're....um...hmmmm. Nevermind I don't think theres anything...haha jk.
1/4 panels look great, header install should be fun too
1/4 panels look great, header install should be fun too
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I installed my JCR Offroad rear 1/4 panel guards today. These are fairly inexpensive and they look a whole lot better than the stock bumper trim.
Photo 1:
Here is what you get after removing the rear bumper end caps. I drilled the cap brackets and painted the bare metal with a rattle can. By the way, the tire looks new because I added my spare into rotation.
Photo 2:
While preparing the Jeep for the new parts, I used my favorite parts tree to prime and paint the hunks of steel. I used Krylon gray primer, followed by a few coats of satin black to match my other protection (skids, rails, bumper...). Don't mind the overspray on the Crepe Myrtle. That was due to 100K XJ's careless painting techniques when he painted his new diff cover a month or two ago.
Photo 3:
If you install these guards, you'll have to remove a support brackets on the driver's side of the vehicle before you cram your hand down the hole to add nuts to the countersunk bolts. Once you are ready for the installation, you'll need to find somebody to help turn the bolts while you hold the nuts with a wrench. This is not difficult, but certainly not a lot of fun. I lost some blood during this install. The passenger side is a breeze.
Photo 4:
Here's the passenger side fully installed. I plan to trim the leading edge of the fender, using the side plate as a guide. I expect the quarter panel to blend in well when I finally install my JCR rear bumper.
Photo 5:
Installation from start to finish should take about an hour. The longest part of the job is cleaning up the assortment of tools you need for the job, or you could just leave then on the lawn like my kid does.
I look forward to testing these on the trail during Sierra Fest.
<end>
Photo 1:
Here is what you get after removing the rear bumper end caps. I drilled the cap brackets and painted the bare metal with a rattle can. By the way, the tire looks new because I added my spare into rotation.
Photo 2:
While preparing the Jeep for the new parts, I used my favorite parts tree to prime and paint the hunks of steel. I used Krylon gray primer, followed by a few coats of satin black to match my other protection (skids, rails, bumper...). Don't mind the overspray on the Crepe Myrtle. That was due to 100K XJ's careless painting techniques when he painted his new diff cover a month or two ago.
Photo 3:
If you install these guards, you'll have to remove a support brackets on the driver's side of the vehicle before you cram your hand down the hole to add nuts to the countersunk bolts. Once you are ready for the installation, you'll need to find somebody to help turn the bolts while you hold the nuts with a wrench. This is not difficult, but certainly not a lot of fun. I lost some blood during this install. The passenger side is a breeze.
Photo 4:
Here's the passenger side fully installed. I plan to trim the leading edge of the fender, using the side plate as a guide. I expect the quarter panel to blend in well when I finally install my JCR rear bumper.
Photo 5:
Installation from start to finish should take about an hour. The longest part of the job is cleaning up the assortment of tools you need for the job, or you could just leave then on the lawn like my kid does.
I look forward to testing these on the trail during Sierra Fest.
<end>
- Location
- Columbus, In
We have them same bumpers and all but that thing is soooooo much cleaner than mine. I love it! Might order some of the lower quarter guards soon. What rear bumper did you end up going with?
