Voyage of The Black Gypsy

Installing the half doors was straightforward as I’d hope. Now I can drive to Moab with them on and easily pull them off before hitting the trails. Waiting for the upper doors to be shipped.
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I know it doesn’t make sense to remove the hardtop and doors to be stored away for the upcoming winter but hey, I drive a Jeep!IMG_1131.jpeg
 
After siphoning the gas from the tank, I was able to lower the rusted out skid and support the tank with a strap. There was enough dried mud and sand trapped by the skid and tank to almost fill a 5 gallon bucket
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Now that the new skid is in
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I can start installing the rear axle
 
Rear axle is assembled and, with the exception of torquing the control arms & track bar, installation is complete. Need to get new diff cover bolts to install the diff cover and service the diff with gear oil
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Got the hydraulic hoses for the ram assist installed on the steering gearbox
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Now I’ve got to get the front axle paid for so I can install it and get my Jeep back on the trail. It’s been too long!
 
We were given s half day off from work today, so I was able to get some more work done.

Brake discs, calipers and driveshaftIMG_1351.jpeg

Did a rough adjustment of the assist ramIMG_1360.jpeg
Might have to add a washer to the steering stops. I’ll check again after getting the track bar and drag link install and align the front end.
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Man, I can’t wait to finish and get to drive her!
 
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The plan for today was to finish the work on my Jeep. What did I get done? Zip. Nada. Nothing. The kitchen sink had other ideas. It wouldn’t drain, even after two bottles of Drano and a 6 foot snake. Instead, it started leaking. I’m not a plumber. I hate plumbing. What I know about plumbing could be engraved on the head of a pin in 24 point font and leave room for a complete transcript of a Karen Walmart rant. What was supposed to be a quick fix turned into an all day grind.

Turns out the sink wasn’t draining because the air vent valve was stuck shut. I didn’t find this out until 8pm.
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Now it’s time to get an alignment and after the break in procedure, she’ll be ready for the New Year’s Run
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Pro Tip: I found that after topping off the radiator, the cooling system can be burped by squeezing the hose on the left side of the engine. Pour in the coolant, then gently squeeze the hose until air bubbles come up and the coolant level goes down. It’ll take several tries as only a little bit of coolant can be poured in at a time, but the hose will eventually fill. You’ll be able to feel it when it does
 
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