Since my last post in this thread, not much has been done with the new rear axle. I have it all welded and ready to assemble, but while starting assembly, I realized that I have a factory "locker-ish" type differential. This wont work for me. SO, I grabbed my spare 14 bolt carrier (that I had assumed was 4.10 carrier) and after welding the spiders and starting to assemble it, I realized it was a 4.56 carrier and wont work with the "thick" gears that I bought for the other carrier. (I should look into things a little more before I get this deep!) So the rear axle sits on jack stands still.....
But, since then, I went wheeling and had a blast. This thing drives over stuff better than any of my other Jeeps. Probably because its the only one I've owned with 42s, 2 lockers, and full width axles!
While wheeling , I did some fairly significant rocker panel damage, and removerd 90% of my exhaust system while stuck in a rock pile.
Then I saw the post from Maverick, wanting a YJ 2.5 for his kids Jeep. We worked a deal and now I have a Jeep that doesn't drive and his kid does.
I ended up with a GM 350, with Holley Pro-jection out of the deal too.
The engine is partially disassembled in order to repaint it and install new gasket set while it's out. I will probably do timing chain, and oil pump while I'm at it, just because it's cheap insurance and way easier to do while its on the stand than in the rig.
I have the block painted and I'm painting the tins now. Should have it all painted and sealed up by this weekend.
I bought a Dana 300 locally, and I'm still searching for a TH350 automatic trans, and some SBC short headers.
I've run out of $ until I can sell some of my misc garage parts, and my NP231 with the 4:1 kit. Until I come up with the money and parts needed, I will work on removing the old motor mounts, and the old transmission and transfer case. I might paint the fire wall too.
Here is how it sits now.
