We have been working on Mike's TJ, getting it ready for this run. Seems like every time we fix one thing, we find something else. He had the transmission and transfer cases rebuilt as they both had major issues. The work was done on a tight budget at his Father-In-Law's shop. I think the mechanic was pissed at him or something because he impacted the Rubicon Express skid plate bolts on so tight that my 235 pound impact would not loosen most of them. Ended up using a six foot breaker bar to break them loose. Had to pull the skid plate because, even though the mechanic pulled the transfer case, he must not have noticed the U-joints in the front drive shaft were loose, real loose, I'm talking move side-to-side with your hand loose. We were tracking down a rapid thumping noise that only seemed to be in 4WD. Think we found it. If its not the U-joints, then its something with the front locker. Don't think that is the issue because we pulled the diff cover and everything looks to be in great shape. No chunks, flakes or slivers of metal in the lube.
We pressed out the U-joints and the double cardan CV fell apart. More parts on order.... Also noticed the T-case is leaking fluid at the newly sealed seam between the SYE and the case. Now, Mike has to take it back up so the pissed off mechanic can reseal the case, after we repair the drive shaft.
Last week we replaced both front hubs, brake pads, and rotors. While doing that, noticed that a few of the steering tie rod nuts were loose, causing slop in the steering. The TRE's were still OK, so it must have been driven very little since they were loosened. I am guessing, same mechanic. Still need to flush / bleed the brakes and change out the rear diff fluid.
On the Explorer, I noticed I have gotten quite a bit of play in the steering. Have two bad rod ends in the drag link. Think they wore out prematurely due to the binding I was getting at full passenger-side droop. Ordered two from Ruff Stuff.
I still need to fix the steering, and change out both diff's fluid. Purchased Lube Locker gaskets for both diffs so its not such a pain next time, and the time after that, and the time after that... Not going to mess with the engine main seal leak until we get back. It hasn't dropped the oil level, it just leaks enough to make a mess. Also am waiting for the Sam's Club down here to get two of the Duracell AGM 34/78 series batteries in stock because both of my Optimas go flat in about ten days, while hooked up to trickle chargers. I don't have a SC membership, but found out one can get a 24 hour trial membership. The only draw is the stereo pre-sets on the rear battery, and the ECM on the front. Should not be enough to drain them down.