M38A1 Build-6.0L, 4-speed, and Patina

[craigellis77]

Sooo, power steering fluid isn't supposed to look like chocolate milk, right?

I'm not sure what happened here, but I have flushed the system and am going to try it out again.

After the engine got warm, the jeep quit steering. I have a new pump, but this one is brand new. I'm kind of scratching my head.


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[b4wscrambler]

Any chance of water contamination? Is the PS plumed into the transmission cooler in the radiator? Was the box new or used? Just old fluid left over from a used box?

[craigellis77]

No cooler in the system currently.

New pump, old XJ box. I did cycle the box to get old fluid out, and that fluid looked normal. Maybe I didn't get everything out, and there was water left in the box.

[craigellis77]

This is my local crew of Willys 'wheeling buddies.


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[craigellis77]

Went 'wheeling this weekend at Gray Rock, and these were taken on Bents and Dents.

I was lined up to bump a ledge, backed up to get a better start, and the tire just started lifting. SWB sometimes sucks.


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[superdooty]

Did you make it up bents-n-dents? That's a nasty climb!

[b4wscrambler]

What ever happened with the power steering?

[craigellis77]

Originally Posted by superdooty

Did you make it up bents-n-dents? That's a nasty climb!

Nope, that was at the last ledge at the top. My buddy pulled around front and hooked the winch line on. After the front was pulled down a bit, I was able to drive up it.

I'm gathering parts to back half the tub and frame, rebuild the cage, and 4-link the rear. That will allow me to get another 10" or so of wheelbase. Around here, having something this short really sucks on a lot of obstacles.

That'll be next year's project.

Originally Posted by b4wscrambler

What ever happened with the power steering?

I flushed the system really well, swapped on another reman pump, and installed a huge cooler. It's doing much better now.

In the meantime, I pulled another XJ box from the junkyard and drilled and tapped it for hydro assist. Once I gather the parts and make some tabs, I'm going to swap over.

[dan99tj1]

Any updates?

[craigellis77]

I'm planning on my own mini-adventure this weekend and started prepping yesterday to get ready.

The idea is to leave from Tupelo, MS and drive mostly backroads to Hot Springs, AR, wheel all weekend, and drive the A1 back.

That'll be a 600 mile round trip on pavement.

Here's my punch list to get ready:
Rebuild clutch slave
Add 12V outlet for phone charging
Mount fire extinguisher
Mount ammo can for recovery storage
Replace rear brake hose
Add Airsoft pellets to tires for balancing (fingers crossed)
Take apart vacuum wiper and get it unstuck.
Add wiper blade. Windshield has already been Rain-Xed.
Buy cheap rainsuit since I don't have doors or a top

Peel out.

[Mieser]

Originally Posted by craigellis77

Buy cheap rainsuit since I don't have doors or a top

Peel out.

I don't know what the weather is like there right now, but I suggest a good rain suit if there is any chance of getting wet. WaterPROOF PVC bibs on the bottom with a jacket that has a hood on the top. Don't forget some goggles too. I would also pick up a cheap window squeegee for the INSIDE of the windows.

My best advise is just pull over if its going to rain.

[craigellis77]

Originally Posted by Mieser

I don't know what the weather is like there right now, but I suggest a good rain suit if there is any chance of getting wet. WaterPROOF PVC bibs on the bottom with a jacket that has a hood on the top. Don't forget some goggles too. I would also pick up a cheap window squeegee for the INSIDE of the windows.

My best advise is just pull over if its going to rain.

Thanks for the good advice. Looks like I will need the waterPROOF equipment:

[craigellis77]

Ended up riding at Choccolocco Mountain in Jacksonville, Alabama that weekend.

Drove the rig there. Took about 4 hours, and I averaged 55 mph. With ear plugs in, it's really comfortable.

I rode Friday afternoon and night and nearly all day Saturday.

Then, I blew the engine backing up a hill deep in the throttle for about 20 seconds. The pick up just sucked air for too long, and it spit out a couple of rod bearings.

Called home, asked my dad to go by my house and pick up my trailer to come get me Sunday morning. Got it home and tore it down.

It ended up needing a new crank because mine was cracked, along with one new rod. The other rod could be reconditioned.

I put all new bearings in it, a new oil pump, new timing set, and cleaned sooner carbon buildup out. Turned out pretty good so far.

Before, it had about 5 psi oil pressure at idle. Now it has 25 psi after it's warm and idling.

Something else I have to fix is my front driveshaft. When I measured for it, I was a little short, and it separates fairly easily. Did it three times on Boat Ramp in the rain and then in the rain and in the dark. That got old.

I'm going to add about 1.25 inches to it, and that should fix it.

The shaft came from Tatton's on eBay and has been a good one so far. It was only $150 with all Spicer parts.

I have pics of the tear down and damage on another phone that I'll upload later.

This pic shows that the shaft has plenty of room left to compress. I still don't have bumpstops, so it's compressing as far as it is going to.




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[87FoRunner]

Bump, any updates/pics?