Repairs continue

I managed to get a few more repairs done on Spero this past Sunday. My friend Joe I replaced the front brake rotors and pads, and rewired the fog lights. We started to replace the steering stabilizer but the bolt that goes through the tie rod simply would not come out. We worked on it for a good 2 hours solid with no results. I took it to my mechanic on Monday to see if they could get it out. Sure enough 20 minutes after I dropped it off I got a call saying it was done. All it took was a 4 foot breaker bar lol. While we were working on the steering stabilizer Joe pointed out that my lower radiator hose was starting to bulge so that is next on the list before it gets to cold. If it bursts it will be a bigger pain to fix. Other than that it has just been basic maintenance. I am really ready for winter time so I can taker out and go play in the snow. :D

July Off road Trips

I had the chance to Take Spero off road a couple of times this month. The first trip was on some trails above Central City with my friend Bill and his son Clark. Spero did fairly well until we took a turn down a trail that was bit bit too rough for her to run without bottoming out. It was fun none the less but we did have to turn around and go back after it got too rough. This shot was taken at the point where we had to turn back. The rocks may seem small but you can not see the really big ones in this shot. VVVVVVV



VVVV It also had a few good muddy water crossings to play in VVVV



The second run was with my brother Danny and his friend Tyler. We hit a couple trails called Beaver Creek Road and Hall Valley. Beaver Creek road was fun and had a decent water crossing and a nice little set of whoops. It also had a little hill that was a fun climb.

VVVV Danny's truck is on the left and Tyler's is on the right VVVV


VVVVV water crossing VVVVV


VVVV Whoops VVVV



VVVV Fun hill VVVV


Hall Valley got a bit rough and rocky at a few points but the view from the top was well worth it. Spero can climb better than I had originally thought.

VVVV mildly rocky section VVVV


VVVV Funny gate at the top VVVV


VVVV A few of the views from the top VVVV





I also recently replaced the steering box (old one worked but leaked) and got new tires which did very well off road. I also added a steering box skid plate to protect the new box so I don't get stranded on the trail without steering.

The next round of upgrades

Above you can see the condition Spero was in when I got her. The top was toast and both front and rear bumpers were all bent up. A new front bumper came with when I got her and I found a new rear bumper on craigslist for about $40.

Below you can see the progress that has been made so far. I installed the new front bumper and remounted the tow hooks with grade 8 bolts. After that I installed a set of bright fog lights so i could see better at night. The new rear bumper followed soon after along with a set of tail light protectors to stop branches and smaller rocks from breaking my tail lights. The most recent addition is an entire new top complete with tinted windows. (Top was a Bday gift from my parents, Thank you guys again!!!)

First on the list

The first thing that needed to be replaced was the carrier assembly in the rear diff. You can see the spots where the old ring gear did damage when it broke apart on the old owner. You can also see where there is damage on the bearings due to age and poor lubrication.

Now there is a nice shiney new carrier with full limited slip. It drives and turns much smoother with the new assembly.

The obsession begins

OK so I decided to keep an online blog/record of the upgrades and adventures I have with my jeep Spero. I will pretty much start from the beginning and go from there. the picture above is the way she looked when I first got her. Smashed up front fenders, front bumper, rear bumper, large dent in the hood, and a soft top the has been through hell from the looks of it. I have already done a fair amount of work on her and I will get pics posted soon with a full list of work done. This is going to pretty much be a never ending project since I am constantly finding new things I would like to add :D