Tool "Rental" or "Loaner"

So, I didnt' really get any work done on the jeep yesterday, but I was able to run by Advanced Auto Parts and use their "loaner" program. As it turns out, the actually sell you the tool, then you have 45 days to return it and get your money back. I'm not sure that really counts as loaning the tool out,but whatever.....

So anyway, I now have a spindle puller, which I hope to put to use tonight by removing the drivers side spindle on my jeep. Although I think I need to replace it anyway, I still want to get it off, check the bearings and check the axle shaft. Hopefully, the axle shaft is okay and I can just put it back in and then sit down and order the new spindle, hub/rotor and associated bearings/nuts/washers etc.

More to come, maybe if I get a chance.

Later

Monday update

Jeep first..

didn't do crap Friday night, or all day Saturday. Sunday was pretty productive though. Got the front axle installed and hanging off the springs on the jeep. That took several hours, but having installed the rear axle already really helped as I knew what some of the problems and pitfalls were. After that, I decided to go ahead and start tearing down the front axle to check bearings and possibly (probably!?) replace the rotors and bearings. After tearing down the drivers side, I realized that the outer bearing in the hub was not in too good of a shape, and the spindle surface looks a little suspect as well. For this week, I need to do the following:

• rent spindle puller and get drivers side spindle off.
• check spindle bearings and seals and replace if necessary. Since I think I will need to replace the spindle, it will likely be necessary.
• drill hub and spindle as outlined in post by JeepHammer off of the jeepforums website.
• Pack bearings and begin reinstallation
• Clean and paint caliper
• Call inline tube and return rear hard line. Get new one sent.
• Finish trying to make deals online for shocks. There are 2 sets out there, hopefully can snag at least one for a minimal amount of money. New shocks are $140 or so plus shipping, picking up a used set for $50 - 100 would be a decent savings.

I think this is enough for the week. If 90% of this gets done, it will have been a good week working an hour or so a day after work.

Got more stuff to update, but will try to post again.

Later

"expletive deleted"

I believe the title of my post expresses my feelings exactly without using any words to shock and/or offend.

I went out into the garage to try and test fit/install the hard brake line that runs from the prop valve to the rear of the jeep. As I began the process, I came to the almost instant realization that the line is completely wrong. First, it's about 18" too long. Second, the fittings on either end, which are the correct size, are pointing in the wrong directions, so it would be nearly impossible to hook them up without rebending the tube. Since I puchased pre-bent tube with the intent of NOT BENDING THE FUCKING TUBES, I find that really irritating.

So I am calling inline tube today to see what my options are. I'll report back with updates as to the extent of their customer service....

For tonight, I believe I'll switch targets to the front axle and try to get the shackles and springs installed.

Later

Jeep update

Man, I swear, the titles are the worst part of this blog.....it's a real pain trying to come up with something semi-original.

Got a couple of quick things done last night. Removed the hard line that runs from the prop. valve to the rear crossmember. Also, got the front axle down off the jack stands and onto a dolly and rolled it under the front of the jeep. The rest of the time was spent cleaning up dirt and newspaper and so forth and sweeping. One of the key things to keeping my honey happy with the non-functional jeep taking up her garage is to try and keep things relatively clean.

The plan is to try and get one or 2 things, preferably relatively small things, done each night, and save the weekends for the larger or more time consuming things. That may not work tonight, as I have a eye dr. appt. I assume they are going to dilate my eyes, which means I won't be doing crap tonight most likely.


LSU football in less than 2 weeks. I know a lot of the rantards are convinced we are going to have a crap season, but I am feeling pretty positive for some reason. I think we go 9 - 2 or 10 - 1 this year.

Saints preseason continues. If the Saints lose any more running backs, I'm going to start to believe that we are cursed.

Getting a little less lazy

Ok, you got me....I'm still pretty lazy. But it's getting better.

Spent several hours today working on the jeep, and got a few things accomplished. Got the rear hard line for the brakes disconnected, got the old soft line disconnected. Got the new soft line put together and connected to the axle, and connected the hard lines also, so the rear end is complete. I still need to remove the old hard line, as the PO had it hooked up with several zip ties, and I didn't go in and disconnect them all as one is also holding up the muffler. Once that is out, I can run the new one and the rear brakes will be complete from the proportioning valve down. The front hard lines are run. Since there is no front axle yet, I didn't worry about purchasing the soft lines. A pic is below, showing the new front lines. In the background you can see the front axle waiting patiently to be installed, plus some of our crap.

I think for this week/next weekend is getting the front axle put in. That requires getting it off the jack stands, bolting up the new shackles, the springs and the new bushings in the main eye end. I think once that is finished, I'm going to work on the front bearings and brakes and get that rebuilt.

A few interesting developments on the job front over the last few weeks. Been contacted by a GC who needs a new CFO. I'm very interested, waiting to see if I'll be able to land an interview. I should be able to, but you just can't tell these days. In the meantime, an old interview I had has resurfaced. I drove over to Ft. Lauderdale Saturday for a conversation with the owner. The company is based in Cincy, which is a pretty major fucking stretch of my preferred area, but I'm not sure I can turn down an almost billion dollar company when the come calling. I do know that if one of them offers a job, and I like the people during the interview process, I'm out of here. I may have to change the name of the blog, but so be it.

Later

Man I'm friggin' lazy

Its been over a month since my last post, and I'd say that I feel bad, but I don't want to lie to you.



Been pretty busy, had a week off of work, and adopted a new lab from Lab Rescue of Florida.



On the jeep front, I've still not installed the "new" front axle, although I'm just about there. I've painted the front part of the frame of the jeep, and test fit the new shackles. I've purchased new hard brake lines, and test fit them. Then removed the old proportioning valve, got the new one ready for installation, and set it in place. One of the front hard lines is installed, but just sitting in place, and once I get the other line in, I'll bolt them up.



I was going to set the axle in place, but decided to finish the brake lines prior to setting it in place so I would have more room to operate. I hope to get the axle off the jack stands this weekend and start bolting it up. Once that is done, I'll decide what's next. I've made a pretty comprehensive list of what still needs to be done.

**note, this was written on 08/19 and posted on 08/22