I worked on the engine for a while yesterday but stopped early to get cleaned up for a date last night.

I got the valves adjusted and think I got them setup correctly but won't know until I start up the engine. I had to go back and double check my procedure but got it done. Once the valves were adjusted I locked them down.



Valves were set to zero lash and then 1/2 turn to set preload.




Next I started to install the valve covers but found out that valve cover gasket wouldn't clear the head stud on one end so had to clearance the gasket a little.




The other end of the gasket cleared with no problem.



Then I was able to get the valve covers installed. I decided to try out these spark plug wire looms to see how they worked. If I decide I don't like them I can always swap to my other fasteners.




I really like the Jeep logo covers. From what I can gather now these have become VERY hard to find anymore.




And then I put the engine to bed for now. I've have some grinding and cutting I'm going to have to do to the frame so I need to protect the engine.

 

Where did you get those work plug wire looms?

 

Summit Racing

Taylor Cable 42563 Taylor V8 Vertical Wire Loom Kits | Summit Racing

 

I'm back working on the Jeep now so won't have much to post until I get the engine installed. Didn't think you'd all be interested in that part of this adventure.

 

I am and tomorrow for sure I'm shipping your post out man I'll PM you a tracking number

 

Of course we are interested. At least, I know I am. I love watching a project come together.

 

Me to! Plus Jeeps have so much aftermarket support I love seeing the builds! Used to watch BleepinJeep on YT before he sold out

 

We can glean ideas and try to implement them on our projects... it doesn’t matter that it’s a different vehicle.
Techniques used can be applied.

 

Well I'm not going to try and go back to update you on all the stuff I have done up until now.

So the past two days I've been working on a stretch for my front end. using a kit from TNT Customs that rotates the steering box and allows you move the front axle up to 3" forward. Now during the summer I stretched the rear of my 4.5" by cutting the frame in half and then welding in a section of boxed steel. So between the the rear stretch of 4.5" and about 2.5" in the front I should be around a 100" WB. Stock a Jeep TJ is 93" WB.


















I drilled holes in the frame so that I could plug weld the extension into place.

 

Instead of using the mounts that came with the air bags from Off Road Only I built some custom mounts instead and now I can get the rear axle stuffed into the wheel well.





Having a plasma cutter makes doing stuff like this a lot easier.




The joint all back together and welded. Hard to tell I actually had cut the frame in half.