Jeep noob is entering the forum

[BIGdaddy]

VERY nice example, Initium. I like that color green.

As for the bolt-on fender flares, you've identified the two that I would have recommended for XJ cherokee's.

Bushwacker pocket flares do allow for bigger tires with no lift, but are somewhat fragile and easy to break. they put out a "flat" style flare that does the same type of thing allowing for larger tires.

Steve F. runs them, as can be seen in his thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...hlight=steve+f

He runs about 5-6" of lift and runs 35's, but for you with no lift, it might get you 31-32's if you extend your bumpstops.

All 3 choices are pretty pricey ($400-500.00 US)

[reece146]

Iceland Off-road makes a cut out flare as well.

[BIGdaddy]

Iceland Off-road makes a cut out flare as well.

Yeah, i've heard of those ones too, Reece, but last i heard their quality control was very spotty and the install isn't as straightforward as the bushwackers by a longshot.

That was a while ago, though, so maybe they've gotten better? Have you had any dealings with them, reece? I honestly think the "product" itself is a great idea.

[Initium]

Iceland Off-road ones are "sleak " style. Bolted style looks a lot more " mean " when mounted on car.

Will start my build in september / october, after summer is over. Summer is short here in the north, but today we had around 28degC, that is as warm as it normally can get in the summer. Feels like a boiled shrimp....

[Initium]

Having problem with the steering feeling on my XJ
I understand that this is not uncommon on Jeeps, but i do not feel my steering is OK.
Do anyone have a write-up how to search for problems / failures ? Is the steering gearbox ( ? ) normally a part that will need replacement after 190 000 km ? Can it be adjusted ?
How can i by any chance check wear & tear on this part ?

I assume all tie-rod ends etc just can be changed, they are not so expensive anyway..

[BIGdaddy]

Can you describe the issue?

[Initium]

Hmm - Jeep is " wandering " to much when picking up speed. From around 60km/h this is very noticable
I have dead-point in middle of steering of around 1/6 turn. Feeels like car tries to " getaway ", i also suspect toe in to be incorrect. Are camber / caster adjustable on theese cars ?

[BIGdaddy]

One possibility is the upper steering rod that connects the steering wheel to the steering box. It has a rubber vibration isolating joint that commonly fails and separates. This is NOT a safety issue as far as the shaft is concerned as the two shafts are unable to separate but the steering wander can prevent emergency manuevers.

Easy to check for: pop the hood, turn the key to the on position to unock the steering wheel and have someone turn the steering wheel the 1/6 turn it will turn without moving the wheels, while you look at the shaft joint to see if the upper half is moving independent of the lower half.

[Initium]

rubber damper on steering column seems OK.

I suspect the servo gearbox, can hear a noise from it when moving. Will invstigate later on.

Question: how is the XJ 4,0HO as a tow car ?
Have a caravan that i tow now and then. Around 14-1500kg, singel axle. Braked of course. Should be easy match for such a powerful car, but anything special to remember ?

[BIGdaddy]

rubber damper on steering column seems OK.

I suspect the servo gearbox, can hear a noise from it when moving. Will invstigate later on.

Yeah, unfortunately that's the next culprit I'd suspect.

If you look on naxja, there might be an article/write-up on rebuilding or replacing it. It's very easy to remove and replace, but as a unit it can be pricey if new/rebuilt.