From owner-fsj-digest-at-digest.net Tue Feb 18 23:56:05 2003 From: fsj-digest fsj-digest Monday, February 17 2003 Volume 01 : Number 1863 Forum for Discussion of Full Sized SJ Series Jeeps Brian Colucci Digest Coordinator Contents: fsj: Re: steering box (wondering) Re: fsj: snow! Re: fsj: Optima Spiral Cell Batteries fsj: Coolant Trouble Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble Re: fsj: steering box (wondering) fsj: scrood by MSN, Qwest and Dellnet fsj: 1999 GC limited up for sale... fsj: '99 WJ Re: fsj: [Fwd: AMC's for sale in Spokane, WA. -----NOT Re: fsj: steering box (wondering) fsj: 31x10.5 x15 Michelin LTX's (on XJ rims) FSJ Digest Home Page: http://www.digest.net/jeeps/fsj/ Send submissions to fsj-digest-at-digest.net Send administrative requests to fsj-digest-request-at-digest.net To unsubscribe, include the word unsubscribe by itself in the body of the message, unless you are sending the request from a different address than the one that appears on the list. Include the word help in a message to fsj-digest-request to get a list of other majordomo commands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 12:02:00 EST From: Brazzadog-at-aol.com Subject: fsj: Re: steering box (wondering) There's a good chance it's the steering box and there's a good chance it's not. Here's a quick and dirty list of some of the things that could play a part in the problem. On a high mileage rig, it's likely that they are all worn enough to contribute to the problem. steering box u-joints between steering box and steering column drag link ends tie rod ends ball joints front and rear wheel bearings spring bushings If you applied that $375 to the cheaper items on the list, you could rule out alot more possibilities than if you just spent it all on a steering box. A good steering box can be had for less than $100 at a junkyard ($50 last I checked). Ben Williams >Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 00:07:10 EST >From: HouTexFrk-at-aol.com > >I was wondering if Grand Wagoneers have a problem with the streering. Mine >wonders all over the road I read a tech tip on fsja about tightening the >adjusting screw on the top of the steering box that helped a little but it >still doesn't feel like a regular streering truck. I was just wondering if >there are parts that wear out regularly. seems like the ball joints and >wheels bearings are all in good shape. any inpu would help. I just what to >get some info before i buy a 375 dollar steering box . thanks again 85 >wagoneer ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 09:17:08 -0800 From: john Subject: Re: fsj: snow! what's snow? we had to mow the lawn yesterday... and clean up the garden... it's mizzling out now... :) winter in seattle is often green/gray... but if it's snow we want, we only have to drive this way or that a few miles and hey, what's all this white stuff? ;) john - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 09:14:50 -0800 From: john Subject: Re: fsj: Optima Spiral Cell Batteries I've been using these Optima's for a long time... can't remember when I got the first one, late 80's, early '90's??? SuperDawg has one. :) john At 06:51 AM 2/15/2003 -0600, Vince Orr wrote: >FYI to all my list buddies: it's battery time! > >I was in Costco here in Chicago the other day and noticed that they carry >Optima red and blue top batteries now......about $147. I want a couple of >these bad.....does the price seem a little high? I get by fine with regular >heavy duty batteries but all the fellows in the 4x4 magazines have Optimas >right? Aren't they supposed to be more resistant to "trail trauma" too? Just >looking for reasons to justify the expenditure..... >--Vince >'81 Wagoneer >'99 TJ - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 11:42:30 -0600 From: "Vince Orr" Subject: fsj: Coolant Trouble Darn it....... Coolant leak in the Rez. I must have screwed up the installation of the timing cover gasket last summer 'cause it's leaking on the driver side, against the block, and I can see a piece of gasket blown out near where the long bolt threads into the block for the alternator bracket and timing cover. I tried tightening the bolts but no dice. Coolant comes out really frothy but I assume it is just mixing with air at the gap. Does anyone have an idea how I can fix this without complete teardown? I'm bummed out about all the work necessary. IE: Drain coolant, pull radiator, pull fan, pull belts, pull alternator, unbolt PS pump brackets, pull crank pully, pull dampener, undo countless bolts, pull distributor, (fuel pump arm cut off inside as I'm using an electric fuel pump) old one bolted on to plug the hole, pry off timing cover, clean, gasket - then reverse order........ Groan..... And always in the middle of winter...... I need a tip on applying the gasket, I must have done something wrong. I think I used high temp red silicone with a thin paper gasket.....that might be the problem. Appreciate any wisdom out there.... - --Vince '81 Leaking Rez - no fun in snow today! '99 TJ - never leaks - perhaps some fun later.... ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 10:21:43 -0800 From: john Subject: Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble you could try using some leak stop, or in a pinch pepper corns... the best stuff I've used is Alumaseal. My mechanic swears by the stuff and it fixed a head gasket leak on my daughter's late buick. Alumaseal is even found in chain stores! ;) I'd try that first, doesn't sound like a big leak... john At 11:42 AM 2/15/2003 -0600, Vince Orr wrote: >Darn it....... > >Coolant leak in the Rez. I must have screwed up the installation of the >timing cover gasket last summer 'cause it's leaking on the driver side, >against the block, and I can see a piece of gasket blown out near where the >long bolt threads into the block for the alternator bracket and timing cover. >I tried tightening the bolts but no dice. Coolant comes out really frothy but >I assume it is just mixing with air at the gap. > >Does anyone have an idea how I can fix this without complete teardown? I'm >bummed out about all the work necessary. IE: Drain coolant, pull radiator, >pull fan, pull belts, pull alternator, unbolt PS pump brackets, pull crank >pully, pull dampener, undo countless bolts, pull distributor, (fuel pump arm >cut off inside as I'm using an electric fuel pump) old one bolted on to plug >the hole, pry off timing cover, clean, gasket - then reverse order........ >Groan..... And always in the middle of winter...... > >I need a tip on applying the gasket, I must have done something wrong. I >think I used high temp red silicone with a thin paper gasket.....that might be >the problem. Appreciate any wisdom out there.... > >--Vince >'81 Leaking Rez - no fun in snow today! >'99 TJ - never leaks - perhaps some fun later.... - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 12:59:39 -0600 From: "Vince Orr" Subject: Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble Wellllll....it is leaking pretty fast. I have a high volume water pump. Kinda like a faucet turned at about 1/4....a steady dribble....probably would leak out a gallon of coolant over 15 miles at temperature, plus I'm sure the system will not develop any pressure with this leak. You think this would still work? I hesitate to put any of this sort of thing in my new radiator as the Rez has a tendency to get pretty hot as it is. However, I think this might work. - --Vince - ----- Original Message ----- From: "john" To: "Vince Orr" ; "FSJ List" Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 12:21 PM Subject: Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble you could try using some leak stop, or in a pinch pepper corns... the best stuff I've used is Alumaseal. My mechanic swears by the stuff and it fixed a head gasket leak on my daughter's late buick. Alumaseal is even found in chain stores! ;) I'd try that first, doesn't sound like a big leak... john At 11:42 AM 2/15/2003 -0600, Vince Orr wrote: >Darn it....... > >Coolant leak in the Rez. I must have screwed up the installation of the >timing cover gasket last summer 'cause it's leaking on the driver side, >against the block, and I can see a piece of gasket blown out near where the >long bolt threads into the block for the alternator bracket and timing cover. >I tried tightening the bolts but no dice. Coolant comes out really frothy but >I assume it is just mixing with air at the gap. > >Does anyone have an idea how I can fix this without complete teardown? I'm >bummed out about all the work necessary. IE: Drain coolant, pull radiator, >pull fan, pull belts, pull alternator, unbolt PS pump brackets, pull crank >pully, pull dampener, undo countless bolts, pull distributor, (fuel pump arm >cut off inside as I'm using an electric fuel pump) old one bolted on to plug >the hole, pry off timing cover, clean, gasket - then reverse order........ >Groan..... And always in the middle of winter...... > >I need a tip on applying the gasket, I must have done something wrong. I >think I used high temp red silicone with a thin paper gasket.....that might be >the problem. Appreciate any wisdom out there.... > >--Vince >'81 Leaking Rez - no fun in snow today! >'99 TJ - never leaks - perhaps some fun later.... - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 11:05:11 -0800 From: john Subject: Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble no, fix the problem, I thought it was just a weeping... not a flowing. ;) john At 12:59 PM 2/15/2003 -0600, Vince Orr wrote: >Wellllll....it is leaking pretty fast. I have a high volume water pump. >Kinda like a faucet turned at about 1/4....a steady dribble....probably >would leak out a gallon of coolant over 15 miles at temperature, plus I'm >sure the system will not develop any pressure with this leak. >You think this would still work? I hesitate to put any of this sort of >thing in my new radiator as the Rez has a tendency to get pretty hot as it >is. However, I think this might work. >--Vince > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "john" >To: "Vince Orr" ; "FSJ List" >Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 12:21 PM >Subject: Re: fsj: Coolant Trouble > > >you could try using some leak stop, or in a pinch pepper corns... > >the best stuff I've used is Alumaseal. My mechanic swears by the >stuff and it fixed a head gasket leak on my daughter's late buick. > >Alumaseal is even found in chain stores! ;) I'd try that first, >doesn't sound like a big leak... > >john > >At 11:42 AM 2/15/2003 -0600, Vince Orr wrote: > >Darn it....... > > > >Coolant leak in the Rez. I must have screwed up the installation of the > >timing cover gasket last summer 'cause it's leaking on the driver side, > >against the block, and I can see a piece of gasket blown out near where the > >long bolt threads into the block for the alternator bracket and timing >cover. > >I tried tightening the bolts but no dice. Coolant comes out really frothy >but > >I assume it is just mixing with air at the gap. > > > >Does anyone have an idea how I can fix this without complete teardown? I'm > >bummed out about all the work necessary. IE: Drain coolant, pull >radiator, > >pull fan, pull belts, pull alternator, unbolt PS pump brackets, pull crank > >pully, pull dampener, undo countless bolts, pull distributor, (fuel pump >arm > >cut off inside as I'm using an electric fuel pump) old one bolted on to >plug > >the hole, pry off timing cover, clean, gasket - then reverse order........ > >Groan..... And always in the middle of winter...... > > > >I need a tip on applying the gasket, I must have done something wrong. I > >think I used high temp red silicone with a thin paper gasket.....that might >be > >the problem. Appreciate any wisdom out there.... > > > >--Vince > >'81 Leaking Rez - no fun in snow today! > >'99 TJ - never leaks - perhaps some fun later.... > >------------------------------------------------------------------ > http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ > Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... > jesus, don't leave life without him, please! >------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 15:54:37 -0800 (PST) From: Greg Loxtercamp Subject: Re: fsj: steering box (wondering) Oh wait...I just remembered that I surmised that my wandering was due to my 4 inch lift. Any height on the front springs will introduce the possibility of the side to side motion of the front axle. A tall lift (where the axle is 4-8 inches below the spring mounts) will have a a good chance of side to side motion. A stock suspension (with zero arch of the springs) will have almost no side to side motion. There's another benefit of a SOA. Greg - --- HouTexFrk-at-aol.com wrote: > oh man i didn't want to hear that Yahoo! Shopping - Send Flowers for Valentine's Day http://shopping.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 17:48:16 -0800 From: "Jim B" Subject: fsj: scrood by MSN, Qwest and Dellnet I was lied to and told I would have DSL service a month ago (they did a test and determined I was too far from the center for DSL to work and it won't be available until they get around to fixing equipment in my "economically depressed" area which can be read as "mostly black"). I'm going to be deleting ALL MSN software in my computer and it may be awhile before I get back online. Hopefully with a satellite connection like the many MS employees in my neighborhood have. I probably won't be able to access the list much, so I am putting ALL my lists on hold mail. Jim Blair, Seattle, WA '84 J10 Black Jack, '86 Comanche 4x4 _________________________________________________________________ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 19:28:13 -0800 From: john Subject: fsj: 1999 GC limited up for sale... It looks like I'm going to have to sell our '99 WJ (Grand Cherokee Limited, 4.7L V8, Quadradrive) I just found out the big contract I thought I was getting fell through... still no regular job... economy stinks, gas prices going up... have more cars then drivers... the WJ has a payment... so it's out of here... :( http://wagoneers.com/WJ/images/mt-rushmore-WJ-nov29-2002.jpg going to put it on autotrader.com... guess I'll ask $18,500 for it based on earlier discussions about pricing... It's got everything but the CD changer. 67,000 miles, but it's been to California twice in the last year, Ouray, CO in August and South Dakota for Thanksgiving, mostly interstate miles... It's got the performance slotted rotors and all new brakes, the rear end was rebuilt by Randy's Ring & Pinion, new radiator, new Michelin LTX tires, heated leather seats... power sunroof, converted to 100% Amsoil synthetics throughout... 20 to 21 mpg on the interstate... not quite as good in town though. ;) The "highest" values from the "guides" are: Edmunds says $18,928 NADA says $20,175 Kelley says $19,890 I don't want to think about their "lows". ;) It's a beautiful rig and soon as we can we'll get another just like it. :) Guess the '87 XJ will stick around, and as soon as the '76 280Z is gone (waiting for the guy's insurance check to come in) I'll get the '85 190D and use it for commuting, they get 30 to 44mpg! SuperDawg won't be done for a while so the XJ will stick around until then. One good thing is the driveway is getting cleaned up, plenty of room to turn around now. :) john-at-wagoneers.com - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 23:19:45 -0800 From: john Subject: fsj: '99 WJ Need to sell our '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited... hate to see it go... when things turn around we'll be getting another one. :) They are great rigs. In the meantime the '87 XJ and '85 190D will be just fine, and when SuperDawg is finished we might sell the XJ, we'll see... anyway, here's the page I put together on the Jeep: http://www.wagoneers.com/1999-WJ/ The link for the autotrader ad is below. Still wondering if I should try and sell it on ebay too? thoughts? Used the picture of the WJ up on Black Bear Pass Road in Colorado... no, it didn't go on the actual trail, my wife wouldn't let me wheel "her" Jeep in Moab, Ouray or on Black Bear... but we got close enough to take a picture. :) Checked other WJ's in the area on autotrader, seems to be priced properly, right in the middle or a little below. It's a nice rig, no problems, should sell easily... we will drive it any where in the country for expenses and return tickets. ;) Might even consider a nice XJ as part trade... but need to get out from underneath the payment... :( http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=123282426&dealer_id=&make=JEEP&distance=50&max_price=25000&model=JEEPGRAND&advcd_on=n&end_year=1999&min_price=10000&first_record=26&address=98203&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1999&=&color=&car_year=1999 later, john meister john-at-wagoneers.com snohomish, wa - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 00:43:08 -0800 From: "Jim B" Subject: Re: fsj: [Fwd: AMC's for sale in Spokane, WA. -----NOT A: I'd go for the Eagle, but I need someone to come up with $2500 for my MJ first! (it'll be for sale as soon as I get the $300 '83 Ford Futura running good enough for daily runs. 200 6 cyl with leaky C4 auto) From: Kevin Pekarek Subject: fsj: [Fwd: AMC's for sale in Spokane, WA. -----NOT MINE] Anyone in washington lookin for an old monster? Posted from the amc list. Yup, had to leave the eagle in there. I've got a soft spot for eagles, plus at $325, that's a steal if all it needs is a valve cover. I'm sure SOMEONE here is interested in a 68 gladiator with a four speed tho :) K Jim Blair, Seattle, WA '84 J10 Black Jack, '86 Comanche 4x4 _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 08:19:53 -0800 From: "Jim B" Subject: Re: fsj: steering box (wondering) A: I'd adjust it so you have a slight toe-in to account for steering parts slack. From: HouTexFrk-at-aol.com Subject: fsj: steering box (wondering) I was wondering if Grand Wagoneers have a problem with the streering. Mine wonders all over the road I read a tech tip on fsja about tightening the adjusting screw on the top of the steering box that helped a little but it still doesn't feel like a regular streering truck. I was just wondering if there are parts that wear out regularly. seems like the ball joints and wheels bearings are all in good shape. any inpu would help. I just what to get some info before i buy a 375 dollar steering box . thanks again 85 wagoneer Jim Blair, Seattle, WA '84 J10 Black Jack, '86 Comanche 4x4 _________________________________________________________________ The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 15:21:19 -0800 From: john Subject: fsj: 31x10.5 x15 Michelin LTX's (on XJ rims) I'm looking at "downsizing" my tires on my '87 XJ. The 31's I have are awesome, but since they're four sizes bigger then the stock it's working this thing harder then I prefer... I'm still running 3.55 gears and this motor has 242,000 miles on it... I'd like to either sell these tires or trade for Michelin 235's or BFG 30x9's. Even when we sell the '99 WJ I won't have money to change the R&P to 4.10s... so smaller tires are the answer. These tires were originally purchased for SuperDawg and I ran them for a while but found the 258 working too hard, then my son used them for about a month on his J3000 and then I put them on this XJ. (I think that's the history... ;) I have a set of FSJ rims that they can be mounted on. IF these things have even 2,000 miles on them I'd be surprised. :) I paid close to $500 for them... make me an offer... only interested in trading for BFG's or Michelins, sorry, I'm quite fussy about my treads. Trying to get things "economized" a bit... trying to sell the '99 WJ and get that 190D home. My son's Ranger Diesel drove off with the new owner today, next we'll try to find a home for the Golden Eagle... :) Or he may keep it here (oh happy joy joy) when he goes off into the air force. john - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ End of fsj-digest V1 #1863 **************************