ReikoX's 1998 Jeep XJ Rebuild

I did that job a dozen times or more. I found using semi-permanent gasket adhesive and bolting the gasket (Felpro 1 piece) to clean block overnight keeps the rear in place over the rear most bearing cap. Unbolt and itll stay in place to attach oilpan.

Use a Felpro dual lip seal also.

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Could be the o-rings in the filter adapterā€¦ common issue.

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The oil filer adapter was dry, the filter was only hand tight, gave it another 1/4 turn or so with a wrench.

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No new leaks today after tightening the filter up. You know what they say about Jeeps, if it isnā€™t leaking oil, it is empty.

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Good stuff. Jeepā€™s have come a long way.

Thank god they havenā€™t screwed up the wrangler lineā€¦ yetā€¦ (its gonna happen). Was sad when the original cherokee was discountinued.

Jeeps like the patriot and liberty and compass are embarrassing to the Jeep name. My GF had a patriot, so many stupid issues (who puts the transaxle WITH the read dif? ) She now has a 2020 4 door wrangler, and knows the difference.

I love innovation and new stuff, but man, old wranglers / cherokees (especially with the 4.0) are pretty bulletproof, and at least super easy to work on.

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I have to agree. One of the cheapest vehicles to operate and own. The Tootsie Roll saved American troops during WW2. The American Jeep.

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https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-tootsie-rolls-accidentally-saved-marines-during-war/

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Those old ones, military and the CJā€™s, even the mail jeeps, super fun! bouncy bouncy, go everywhere and you can disassemble them in like 15 mins. Simplicity is the key. The more complex, the more shit that can go wrongā€¦

Although, I wasnā€™t a fan of the 4.2 carb. Finnickey carbs. Sadly they were usually paired with the puegot BA 5-10 (if I am remembering correctly the name) transmission, which was known to blow out the reverse gear. Yup, I had one, with no reverse gear (made it fun parking, always on an incline or where I could pull thru).

The 4.0 with an AW4 transmission is the shiznitā€¦ Toss a rail shifter on the AW4, and its a great transmission for crawlingā€¦

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I agree. Had a friend that had a few back in the day. Years ago. I wish I had a few. Run forever. Thanks for the conversation.

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Just love how fast this goes:

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I agree with everything you said . I am also not a fan of where Jeep has gone . They got too popular as just another SUV . The price increase since I bought my 2015 is insane to me. Last I checked was on the 2020 Willys 2 door and the cost for me to buy the same had risen 13-14k . Sooooo many fully decked out for off road and have never even gotten dirty lol I seriously canā€™t imagine paying upwards of 80k on a vehicle to have crazy off road capabilities , and NEVER using it for that haha

The be able to work on them is the biggest benefit to the old 4.0 jeeps imho . Other then that the Pentastar has it beat in pretty much everyway.

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Great pictures. I havenā€™t been off road in a minute. The last time was a walk. I havenā€™t been in a Jeep in years.

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Cool stuff. I was trying to see how old you are. I see your brave. Lol. The shorts and shoes. Man I have burned myself so many times. Fall in my ear is the worst. I enjoy this stuff. I do this kinda stuff.

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Good page. WiFi problem.

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Hahahaha, yea, donā€™t need that license plate up there for the world :laughing:

Here are a few of the top end rebuild, cams were good, new plugs, rocker arms (to fix the infamous 3.6l pentastar tick) and lifters. New cam position sensor, gaskets, filters and oil change.

Also installed a new Smittybilt atlas bumper tire carrier with adding for 2 jerry cans, jack all and pod lights

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I was going to tag you real fast I wasnā€™t going to say anything. I was dm. You right when you changed it. It sad we have to do stuff like that. When it gets stinky. Iā€™m ready to delete my account. Lol @Jinglepot good stuff. Iā€™m down for stories.

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@ReikoX got any pics of the lift kit I missed? Iā€™m thinking after I finish my mustang, my jeep will be next and im trying to decide which way ill go. Leaning towards long arms in the front and an explorer rear diffā€¦ somewhere in the 6 inch range. How does yours handle on the street?

Not really, but I could get you pictures if you like. The front end was already done. Long arm and 8.5" springs to get it over that Ford 9" up front.

It has a Terraflex high steer on it and I just upgraded my steering box with a box that is taped for hydronic assist in the future.

I replaced the rear leaf springs with Rubicon Express 4.5" and I have 2" shackles.

It rides great on the street aside from the tire noise. I have no front sway bar, so it gets a bit of roll in the turns though.

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Oh cā€™mon, that hum is mesmerizing LOL

No sway bar just means it feels like a boat from the 1970s. She floats all over!

Damn I miss my YJā€¦ Really need another toy (like I need a hole in the head).