Towing the SJ

Yesterday myself and Greg towed my SJ the 40 or so miles from my garage to Greg’s house.

Quite an event really, considering we couldn’t go much above 50mph due to the non-existent brakes. Being constantly worried I’d plough right into the back of Greg’s car made it quite a stressful journey. We (actually, I) managed to snap 1 tow rope by driving over it several times… I’ve got no excuses for that, really.

Once back at Gregs place, he set about giving it a once over whilst I went to procure a pressure washer for the much needed pressure wash - both inside and out - before any real work can begin. I have a nasty feeling that mud and generic dirt hide a multitude of sins. We’ve already discovered the cause of the bad brakes - the brake lines had been replaced with garden hose!

It also looks like the head needs to come off (we suspect rings or valve stem seals - or both) need replacing). The electrics need complete rewiring, some noise from a universal joint on one wheel needs investigating, and the bushes on the suspension seem iffy. It also needs a new exhaust system. Other than that, I think that mechanically, we’re sound.

I’m sure Greg will be posting a list of his findings shortly. In the meantime I’ll prepare my wallet for being regularly raided in order to procure parts. At least now we can start making some proper progress on the jeep.