OK, so after a 16 hour drive from Panama to Costa Rica, and some wheeling (which included some water fording), it's time for maintenance, and I need some advice. First off, I am changing diff oils (this will also take care of that pesty rear diff leak that I currently have; it seems I did not put the RTV on properly, but at least it was only a slow drip), TC (was also leaking, this time through the speedo gear casing, so there is a good chance water got in there; better safe than sorry!), motor oil and filter (my Oil Pressure Sending Unit is toast, so I rather change the oil and make sure the oil is flowing properly). I am also greasing all the Zirk fittings under the Jeep for good measure. I am not replacing the tranny oil because all they have here are the standard oils; any recommendation on what to use if I cannot find MT90?
Also, I am hearing a soft whining coming from the engine (I hear it mostly when downshifting, and more when I am turning). Any ideas on what to check for here and how to actually check it?
I will also change the current patched together brake booster for the '95.5 dual diaphragm design. This means I need to relocate some stuff so that it will fit. I am thinking moving the airbox forward about 4 inches, and relocating the power steering reservoir. Here I need advice on the best way to extend the TB elboe (or however that hose is called), and the Fresh Air Vent hose. Also, do you think the Ford Taurus fan shroud will be strong enough to carry the PS bottle? I think it is, but since this is for a Jeep (read, bouncing all over the place), I thought I'd checked... The other option I am considering (have yet to measure) is what Sharp recommended (using a 90* angle to rotate the bottle to the side and gain some space). If the angle works, i will go with this option as a first choice, as it seems to me to put less stress on the shroud... But what do you guys think? By the way, how hard do you think it would be to move the stock airbox? I guess I'll have to fab up some brackets/support for the stock tray and rivet them into place (the originals seemed to be riveted), right?
Also, I still get hot air from the vent when I turn the ventt to open; anyonme know where to check this? It seems the heater core is still receiving coolant, but I have NO idea where to look for issues (the controlling lever at the dash is working properly and has all the cables attached; it must be somewhere else in the system). Any advice on where and what to check would be gret, as it would be awesome not to have to run with AC when wheeling!
Once I return from my vacation in May, I will be bringing back from the US the exhaust and intake manifold gaskets, which I will need to remove the broken exhaust manifold stud (I'll also take advantage of the fact that I have to take the intake manifold out anyway to enlarge the TB opening, which I still have on my pending list, and thus avoid getting any crap in the combustion chanber). I will also change the Oil Pressure Sending Unit, and, most likely, the seatbelts as well as the rear tail light (I need to raise the last one so that it peeks over the spare).
Also, once it arrives (the postal office in Costa Rica gives a whole new meaning to SNAIL mail!), I will replace the fuel pressure regulator with one of Sharp's, which should give me a few more ponies and will allow me to take better advantage of the cam and other mods I have on my rig. Time permiting, I will also have the Cruise Control either fixed or replaced (VERY useful for when doing a 600 mile road trip! My right foot was aching REALLY bad when I got to Costa Rica last time!). Once all this is done, I should be ready to drive back to Panama without issues...
