dzJeepChic 2,435 Posted August 13, 2014 Clifford's like: "Mom, you're not going to leave me here, are you?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,435 Posted August 30, 2014 George has been busy working on the new front axle ever since we got back from the Rubicon. We're swapping in the front axle from a 2005 TJ Rubicon with 4.88 gears. We had Clifford's currie built rear d44 to 4wheelers and had it regeared and a new ARB locker swapped for the detroit. I started a new separate thread about the front axle swap we're doing on Clifford: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=36462#post36462 After that George will start working on the 4:1 transfer case swap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,435 Posted September 2, 2014 I've been reticent to post anything about this latest mod because it's so, um, 'Mad-Max' for lack of a better adjective. This is the ECCM: Extra Cooling Capacity Mod. On the way home from the Rubicon we didn't run the A/C in Clifford at all. Most of the way the weather was cool enough that we didn't need it, so we didn't strain the poor overweight guy. But from about Palm Springs east on I-10, it started getting pretty toasty. Problem was, so did Clifford - he was running well above halfway on grades without the A/C, so we didn't dare use it. Somewhere between Blythe and Quartzsite, I said something about needing a Jeep we can run the A/C in, suggesting maybe trading Clifford in. Personally, I think my one little cranky remark at an Indio gas station, and stealing scottL's son's Dr. Pepper in Quartzsite were completely in-line and understandable under the extremely hot conditions. Deep in my heart I knew we could never part with Clifford because we both just love driving this Jeep so much, and luckily George dug deep and came up with a great idea that so far is working really well! George by-passed the heater core under the dash, and is running it through 2 heater cores mounted on the hood. Thus the 'Mad-Max' look I mentioned. These are heater cores for a VW Fox, chosen for their cube shape, helping to dissipate heat. We've been running them on errands here in Fountain Hills and on extended trips into Phoenix and Mesa, and so far the engine temps have been below or normal even with the A/C on. Now we're doing a lot of upgrades to the Jeep. Essentially it's going to be a Rubicon XJ when we're done. And so far, even though it gets some crazy looks and stares in traffic, the Extra Cooling Capacity Mod is keeping me nice and cool. And it's like I always say: When mama's happy, everybody's happy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,435 Posted October 4, 2014 The axle-swap is done and everything is put back together. I drove Clifford to get my fruit & vegetable basket. He handles well and ran great. So far so good! Oh, I'm not getting shorter, he's getting taller. Almost doesn't fit in the garage anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,435 Posted October 15, 2014 Maiden voyage revealed a 'thunk' in the front-end, 'lurchy' steering and slight bump-steer on the highway, so there's a little bit of fine-tuning to do. The gearing is perfect with the 35" tires, no more annoying down-shift at the slightest incline. Overall Clifford performed very well, especially on the trail. Ran the A/C the whole way down and back, even on the trail - no heating issues even though the ECCM had been removed for the winter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4x4NDAD 0 Posted October 16, 2014 Here's what I was driving when I moved out here from Washington in 2004. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 3,832 Posted October 16, 2014 Maiden voyage revealed a 'thunk' in the front-end, 'lurchy' steering and slight bump-steer on the highway, so there's a little bit of fine-tuning to do. The gearing is perfect with the 35" tires, no more annoying down-shift at the slightest incline. Overall Clifford performed very well, especially on the trail. Ran the A/C the whole way down and back, even on the trail - no heating issues even though the ECCM had been removed for the winter. any idea on the thunk yet? was that washout area really off-camber? i know pics are never as bad as real life but even the pic looks pretty tippy feeling. Here's what I was driving when I moved out here from Washington in 2004. it's a baby Clifford! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,435 Posted October 16, 2014 Here's what I was driving when I moved out here from Washington in 2004. Clifford's cousin! any idea on the thunk yet? was that washout area really off-camber? i know pics are never as bad as real life but even the pic looks pretty tippy feeling. No, G hasn't had time to get under it yet. YES it was off-camber! I was driving until we got there and then I said, "your turn". G went through but he said it was scary and wanted to fix it before everybody else went through. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mekcanix 0 Posted October 17, 2014 I always look forward to the updates on Clifford makes me want to get my XJ back out into the woods of the frozen north up here in Canada. You guys have, as always, done a amazing job Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzJeepChic 2,435 Posted October 17, 2014 I always look forward to the updates on Clifford makes me want to get my XJ back out into the woods of the frozen north up here in Canada. You guys have, as always, done a amazing job Wow, thank you! That was really nice of you to say. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
