Slow and steady Niner

SinisterZJ

Member
Dec 30, 2017
69
8
Let’s just start by saying she’s going to move at a snails pace.

About s month ago, I picked up a 98 5.9 limited ZJ in desperate need of a new Jeep aficionado home. It’s hard to tell how many of the original 14k 5.9 limited Jeeps are still on the road, but I’ve never seen one with under 80k on it! Her rockers have seen some brutal Midwest salt as have the fenders, but otherwise, she’s structurally sound! Needed new seals on the block, new trans lines and a water pump upgrade but not much wrong mechanically.

Plans are to open up the potential of this original performance SUV. Simple modifications will go a long way for her. A tune, exhaust that doesn’t leak, intake, and a refreshed suspension are going to be the first things done come spring. Once that’s rocking and rolling, I’ll start tackling the body issues with new rockers, deleting the ugly running boards, and new fenders. All of that will be followed by a respray to freshen up this 20 year old ride.

Eventually, I’m planing on figuring out how I can add a little extra power under the incredibly cramped hood.

Anyway, here’s my ZJ!

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BeerOrGasoline

Me & Dead Owls Don't Give a Hoot.
Mar 15, 2009
3,985
1,082
New Lenox, IL
I did an NP242HD swap. Shortened the rear DS a bit & had a sealed rear output shaft so you could technically limp it around with no rear DS in at all.
2H - 4WD Auto - 4H - 4L. The T-Case linkage is shit though, that all got pitched in favor of a Novak builder's kit.
I think they have a cable kit specifically for 231/242 swaps in these things.
 

SinisterZJ

Member
Dec 30, 2017
69
8
I did an NP242HD swap. Shortened the rear DS a bit & had a sealed rear output shaft so you could technically limp it around with no rear DS in at all.
2H - 4WD Auto - 4H - 4L. The T-Case linkage is shit though, that all got pitched in favor of a Novak builder's kit.
I think they have a cable kit specifically for 231/242 swaps in these things.



Couldn’t remember what you did on yours. I thought it was something like that. That’s definitely an option
 

SinisterZJ

Member
Dec 30, 2017
69
8
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Finally got around to installing the new H&R springs, Shocks and bushings this weekend. Just used a set of Monroe replacements I had around for now. The old suspension was toast and didn’t have time to wait around for the better shocks to come in. Overall lowered about 2 inches. Rides great and handles much more responsively now. Also a quick pic of the headliner installed. Next step will be revamping the brake and steering systems. Here’s a couple before and after shots
 

SinisterZJ

Member
Dec 30, 2017
69
8
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She was in serious need of a correction today. Just did a quick polish on her just to reduce the haze and some of the swirls. Got all the haze and probably 50% of the swirls knocked down for now. I’ll go more in depth after I get the couple rust spots repaired. Went full on with the bike yesterday though, so she’s all set for summer!
 

SinisterZJ

Member
Dec 30, 2017
69
8
Pretty certain the last 3k miles settled things in a bit more on the suspension. Updated all the worn bushings with poly and did some routine maintenance like end links and such. Also fixed my haggard exhaust with a Kolak tail pipe, Magnaflow cat and Flowmaster 40series. Next steps are to get some damaged paint corrected and rust repaired on fenders and rockers. I’d like to say I’ll have a transfer case swap and wheels on by summer, but I’ve got bigger fish to fry [emoji12]. Hoping to get everything in line for this little boost come fall.

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