As I suspected it would, the Jeep started right up once it had had a chance to cool off. Man, I really need a trip to the shop.
So now it’s safe on the top of Ian’s ridge – I won’t take it to the Lair or too far from a graded road until I can have that strut mount welded back to the axle – and the strut is more securely wired up and out of mischief.
That means I should be able to do the afternoon run anyway, though I may choose to walk up the mesa rather than risk the bumpy ride down their driveway. Weather’s improving and I keep telling myself I could use more exercise. If I can limp on through tomorrow, other possibilities for a ride might arise. There’s no choice about finishing the gig, even if I have to beg rides from a neighbor – it’s not like I can just say, “Gee, sorry all your animals are dead, T, but you see the Jeep broke down.” And if I can get paid for this gig without having to split it with a neighbor, I might have enough to get the strut mount welded and even at least whatever ails the engine diagnosed. Continuing to put off service is no longer an option if it’s going to start stranding me.
Sent a little hit to the paypal tip jar to put toward Jeep repairs.
Thanks!
WALK? Up there onto the mesa? Joel. Not even if you had two legs. That’s miles — and miles! — of brutal uphill.
I understand you have to fulfill your mission. But almost any solution would be better than that. Good luck. I hope neighbors come to your rescue. I, too, will drop a few bucks into the tip jar, though it won’t be much.
The strut is broken off the axle? I assumed that is was off the frame somewhere. Is there any chance of cobbling up a temporary U-bolt repair? That would make the strut actually functional, at least for a while.
Sent a little bit to the PayPal tip jar for repairs. What Claire said. Because winter.
Sent you some beer money.
Sent you some Jeep money.
I disagree with your assumption that the Jeep needs to go to a shop to fix the engine issue. Visit a CJ forum, describe your CJ and your problem , and you may be able to order a probable cure on Amazon.
What Ben said. Owner forums are a lifesaver. My older go everywhere vehicle isn’t a Jeep but it is older than the Jeep and car dealership mechanics don’t want to work on it and don’t know how. I depend on owner forums for help and advice and parts sources.
There are 4 trailing arms on that axle, 2 top and 2 bottom. With one missing the axle can’t move very far, but it does put a lot of extra stress on the other 3. you should be able to unbolt the fram side of that arm so you don’t need to worry about wiring it out of the way.