Jeepster - First 2021 Update - But mostly distractions - January 13, 2021
First update of 2021! It's been a long time since an update, and I have done very little. I did get the new flexplate installed, and then the transmission mated to the engine. So it's ready for more test fitting in the Jeepster:
Distractions:
I've been distracted by the poor weather, various trips to Dallas and Little Rock, various football games, etc. And also by the YJ...the YJ got full Bedrug carpet.
The rear Bedrug was easy to install, and fit well. It uses velcro for installation, but the velcro adhesive needs the temperature to be above 68 degrees, so the winter temperatures slowed me down.
The front Bedrug is a universal CJ/YJ kit, and didn't fit nearly as well. There was a lot more cutting and trimming. The install was time-consuming, but still came out pretty good. No specific picture, but I also took the opportunity to cut, bend, and re-weld the transfer case shifter rod (circled in red). It had been hitting my calf for 5 years, so it was great to get it moved over and off my leg!
Luckily, I had an assistant for the front Bedrug installation. You can tell from this picture how happy he is to be helping me!
The Bedrug led to some more interior upgrades:
0) new front seat belts - the existing ones just don't work very well.
Installed picture coming soon!
1) paint the console a better matching beige/tan color, and replace the cracked leather console top:
2) change out the CB radio to a GMRS radio. I already bought the Midland 275 GMRS radio, antenna and cable. The base unit is going to go inside the console. I need to make a mount for the antenna.
3a) Replace the damaged Driver's seat cover. An original Mastercraft seat cover was ordered, but it has about a month leadtime. I had a pen in my back pocket that snagged when I got out of the Jeep.
3b) Install seat heaters while the cover is being replaced.
I've wanted to do this for a while, and it will be easy while
the seat cover is off. If the driver's side goes smoothly, I'll
install the passenger side seat heater right away.
4) To get the console out, I had to remove the skid plate, so while it is off I'm going to:
4a) replace the AX15 fluid with Redline MT90. My AX15 hasn't been shifting very smoothly, so I'm hoping this will allow me to get some more miles out of it.
4b) replace the transfer case fluid - just regular maintenance
4c) add a little more clearance around the transfer case - there's one tab on the case that hits the skid plate.
4d) lube the driveshafts - including the centering ball - just regular maintenance
4e) add some weld washers to protect the 6 bolt heads that hold the skid plate to the frame. The bolts have been getting deformed a little in the rocks. I bought 6 of them from Barnes4wd, and they will get welded onto the skid plate.
I'm hoping for more progress in 2021 than I made in 2020!
4) To get the console out, I had to remove the skid plate, so while it is off I'm going to:
4a) replace the AX15 fluid with Redline MT90. My AX15 hasn't been shifting very smoothly, so I'm hoping this will allow me to get some more miles out of it.
4b) replace the transfer case fluid - just regular maintenance
4c) add a little more clearance around the transfer case - there's one tab on the case that hits the skid plate.
4d) lube the driveshafts - including the centering ball - just regular maintenance
4e) add some weld washers to protect the 6 bolt heads that hold the skid plate to the frame. The bolts have been getting deformed a little in the rocks. I bought 6 of them from Barnes4wd, and they will get welded onto the skid plate.
I'm hoping for more progress in 2021 than I made in 2020!