My modified ZJ thread.

unabashedpraise

Adventurer
I finally got around to installing a cb antenna a year+ later. I kept squabbling with myself as to where I was going to put it. At first I wanted it opposite of the radio antenna on the front fender. Then I was going to install on the roof. Eventually the easiest and cleanest way was to use the door jamb unit and fire flex from Firestik since I was having issues finding the right parts and attachment pieces. I also opted for the 3' Firefly tunable antenna on top of a Firestik spring. I was able to get the swr around 2 on channels 1 and 40. I haven't had a chance to get out in the open with the meter to try and adjust it more. I'm getting a lot of static on most channels, but I'm not sure if that is based on the distance I am receiving other users or if it has something to do with the swr/ground/wiring/etc. Right now it is hard wired to the main power box. While it is not directly wired to the battery, it is wired to the wire that is. The static is the same whether the jeep is running or not.

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unabashedpraise

Adventurer
I wanted to get rid of the way my jump pack was being held with a bungee. Safe I know.
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I had just received my quick fist clamps and was able to fit the large one around the body of the jump pack. First I had to remove the molding that helps support the mount for the spare tire. Usually I take the panels off to remove stuff, but that would have taken waaay to long given the amount of stuff back there. Instead I pried it out and managed to keep most of the moldings teeth. I was originally going to make a small platform to strap the pack to, but this is so much easier. I mounted the middle of the clamp using a long hd bolt and large washer, bolted directly into the body of the jeep using the oem threaded spare tire mount. i then used large thread screws for the top and bottom. Since it is mounted directly to the body, i was not too worried about mounting the top and bottom part of the clamp with nuts and washers inside the paneling. Next time the panel is off I will, but for now I think it will be ok.
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I think I will build a metal bracket int he future for it to sit on for a more secure mount.

I also mounted the aged maglight on the driver;'s door. Not sure I like it. I used a small bolt/lockwasher/nut to mount the clamp, then used a zip tie on the bottom of the clamp to keep it from turning. I may move this to the a pillar and use two clamps. Or I may just put it on the left side of the seat on the floor. Not sure yet.
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unabashedpraise

Adventurer
I removed that flashlight that weekend.

I had a lingering tcase leak after I swapped to the 242. While I was struggling with that I picked up a front skid. Took the front and tcase skids and sanded, primed, and painted. I used a couple of different paints. The rusty metal primer I thought was a better product than the rust converter. The 3m undercoating was much more superior, and expensive. I left the upward facing sides glossy to hopefully help debris not sick to it.
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Also planning a trailer build. Finally.
 

unabashedpraise

Adventurer
Made my first purchase towards the trailer build.
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I have some such matching ZJ wheels for the trailer, but then I would have to purchase spacers to get them to fit the trailer axle. I also have some older chrome wheels that are 15x8 that I could use, but they are heavy. I may just get three 15" trailer wheel/tire combos.

Not sure which one to use.

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unabashedpraise

Adventurer
Progress.
 

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hove102

Adventurer
Subscribed! I've been looking at ZJs for a while now and your build is similar to what I'd want to do if I ended up with one. I'm actually in talks with the owner of a ZJ that's almost identical to yours! :) What kind of mileage were you getting with the NP249 installed, and how much of an improvement did you net from putting the 242 in? I tried the link in your signature but I couldn't get it to load.
 

unabashedpraise

Adventurer
With the 249 I was getting 11/12, 95% city driving. Highway, even loaded down, was closer to 15/16. I would add 1/2 with the 242 to those numbers. Over 195k on the clock.

However, it's hard to say because my driving patterns are different now. I wish I could have kept the 249, it's quieter, smoother, and performed better in everyday driving. The price of repair was too much though.

The 242 spins the wheels a bit too easily in 2wd. No issues, just louder and takes more thought.
 

hove102

Adventurer
With the 249 I was getting 11/12, 95% city driving. Highway, even loaded down, was closer to 15/16. I would add 1/2 with the 242 to those numbers. Over 195k on the clock.

However, it's hard to say because my driving patterns are different now. I wish I could have kept the 249, it's quieter, smoother, and performed better in everyday driving. The price of repair was too much though.

The 242 spins the wheels a bit too easily in 2wd. No issues, just louder and takes more thought.

Wow...I didn't expect the numbers to be quite that low. Do you like the V8 or do you wish you'd gone with the I-6? Sorry to hijack your thread, I've just never gotten answers that specific before.
 

unabashedpraise

Adventurer
The v8 is not the most economical. However, I have a lift, larger tires, tire carrier, roof rack, and a heavy drawer setup in the back, not to mention all the extras that are installed like power windows, seats, etc. Even out of the factory the mpg ratings were 14 city and 18 highway. We used to average 14.4mpg with highway tread tires city driving before making it more fun to drive.

Used to have a stock Cherokee with the i6, lots of power, was pretty quick. Good motor. However, I would prefer the v8 over the i6 if you are hauling this kind of weight and if you pull any trailer. I6 can do it, but I feel like it would be working much harder.
 

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