My 1988 325 track build

[phenryiv1]

Update-

When I went begin stripping the "free" subframe, I figured out why it was so cheap...I was removing components to prep it and I realized that they (the junk yard) had simply used a reciprocating saw to cut the subframe at the subframe bushings, as opposed to removing the bolts. So much for having the spare one stripped and refurbished for a swap-in install...

I do still have a spare diff (4.10 open), and I did get a good spare set of rear trailing arms. I can use them and have the bushings replaced, which should save some downtime.

I still got it all for $5, which is less than the scrap value.

[Dave-ger]

nice build, is the commanche in the back ground of some of the early pics yours? I like those.

[phenryiv1]

nice build.

Thank you.

is the commanche in the back ground of some of the early pics yours? I like those.

It is indeed. I am in the process of semi-restoring, semi-modifying it. It still has only 93K on the original 4.0L I6 with 4x4 and an automatic trans.

It was bought brand new in 1987 by my grandfather, who passed away last year. He sold it to my parents, who let my brother drive it in highschool. I drove it for a short while when I was in the process of moving to NC and could not fit all of my ish in my Cherokee.

When my brother went off to college, my parents kept it around and drove it 300-500 miles a year, but did not do much to maintain it other than oil changes and a few other minor repairs. The body is nearly devoid of paint, and there are a few spots of rust that could get ugly in a hurry. There was a slight leak at the door that led to some major floor cancer, but I pulled the interior and POR15'd it last year.

When my grandfather passed away, I convinced my father to buy his last truck and I bought the Comanche.

So far, I have cleaned up the interior, replaced the HU and speakers, replaced some interior trim and weatherstripping, and updated it with newer XJ interior parts. I also installed a newer grille and headlight surrounds, and have removed the hockey stick strips in anticipation of painting it this spring. I installed new shocks, 30x9.50 Goodyears on TJ Gambler wheels, and have sourced parts for a budget lift. I installed a new rear bumper as well.

[Dave-ger]

sweet, that's a pretty good looking MJ. when you do the budget lift, I may be able to answer some questions that may come your way, I've helped lift 3 jeeps, two of them were XJ's, one was a TJ, so I'm pretty familiar with those. a friend of mine has a beat longbed MJ with the 4 banger and an auto trans, it's a pile, but it's still cool, it's good that yours has the bullet proof 4 litre.

[phenryiv1]

sweet, that's a pretty good looking MJ. when you do the budget lift, I may be able to answer some questions that may come your way, I've helped lift 3 jeeps, two of them were XJ's, one was a TJ, so I'm pretty familiar with those. a friend of mine has a beat longbed MJ with the 4 banger and an auto trans, it's a pile, but it's still cool, it's good that yours has the bullet proof 4 litre.

This is my 7th jeep, with my first having the old chevy 2.8, one having the "AMC" (GM-copy) 2.5, and my last one having the 4.7. The other 3 had the 4.0 (all before this one the H.O variant).

I hate the Renix setup for its relative complexity, and even with only 92K, this could use a refresh due to age. But time is on my side, as it is not a daily driver or anything. I have personally put over 300K on the 4.0L motors in XJs and MJs, and can say that they and the VQ30 that I had in 3 different Maximas/I30s are both unbelievably tough motors.

My plan for a budget boost is to build a bastard leaf pack with an eyeless S-10 or MYJ main leaf fron a junkyard, and to run ZJ V8 UpCountry progressive coils in the front (Moog makes an inexpensive OEM replacement for about $80/pr). Shocks from a ZJ V8 UP up front and a Toyota T100 in the rear will be the right lengths and the valving is good.

[phenryiv1]

On an E30-related note, my UUC S/S lines arrived, as did a set of white mirrors. I just did not like the look of the black mirrors, even on a track car.

I also sent my spare calipers off for a powdercoat and rebuild. RTAB and subframe bushings are scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

[phenryiv1]

Parts arriving with regularity...bushings, lines are in...awaiting the return of my calipers and then the fun of the install will commence.

I'd like to find a set of H&R Race in place of the H&R Sports that I have, just to get me one step closer to being able to run Spec E30 in the future.

[phenryiv1]

After delays due to massive snow, my rebuilt/powdercoated calipers are now on the way back to me.

I have done NOTHING on the car recently, due to the snow. Pics to follow.

[BMWXGOLF]

nice work on your car its look awesome

[phenryiv1]

As promised:



There is an E30 in there, somewhere.

[phenryiv1]

Rebuilt/powdercoated calipers arrived:

[phenryiv1]

Minor (but noteworthy) progress:

After sitting out all winter and being victimized by the weather, I managed to get her pushed into the garage last night to begin all of the needed work. At least now I have the proper conditions to make some real progress.

High on the list are the subframe and RTA bushings, install the new-to-me 3.73S differential, install the suspension (already assembled, but not on the car), install the brakes and new brake lines, and get the TB service done while I do the 327i head swap.

[phenryiv1]

More parts:

Yellow Bosch headlights from an MB old wagon. Glass in awesome shape. H3 bulbs.

Will replace my cracked high beams in my US ellipsoid setup.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/phenryiv1/88%20325/E30Parts001-2.jpg

Grabbed a full stock exhaust locally off of CL. $75 with a good muffler, usable cat, and an O2 sensor still in place. Minor surface rust. My current muffler is completely toast.

[phenryiv1]

Finally picked up some white bumpers:

[phenryiv1]

So I scrapped the idea of the yellow MB lights in the stock ellip buckets, but I did grab a couple more toys this weekend. I had bought a generic (I think) FTSB from another member, and it arrived this week. Then I went to grab some other parts from the JY and the guy who pulled my parts threw in (no charge...nice!) this BavAuto FSTB that he saw on the car that donated my spare wheels.





Since tax day is this Thursday, I should finally have some time to actually work on the car. I pulled the battery to assess the condition of the battery box:





Not great, but could be much worse. Some time with a wire wheel plus a little sheet metal, a riveter, seam sealer, fiberglass cloth, and POR-15 and this will be a complete non-issue.

I also grabbed a set of spare wheels and tires for around town use. Tires are not too bad, btu I only got 3 weaves and a bottlecap. I need to grab another 2 caps and sell them as a set, and to buy one more weave to complete this set. Not bad for what I paid. I will probably keep the centers black and paint the main part of the wheels white to match the car.