[paulywood]

I brought the car home from getting the top installed and took it in to get the front end aligned. The guy at Belle Tire told me the steering box was missing a bolt, it only had 2, but he got it as close as he could. When I looked at the steering box I noticed that the rag joint was literally falling apart. So I got a new one and tried to install that along with the missing bolt.

It turns out the steering box isn't stock. The 4 bolt holes kind of gave it away. Also the shaft that is much bigger than the stock one was apparently. I couldn't get the new rag joint on. Since I had no idea what it's from the guys at the parts store weren't very helpful. So I decided to upgrade the steering box to the Grand Cherokee one I've seen other people do. I also got a new rag joint.

When I tried to remove the old Pitman arm I ran into an issue. I couldn't get it off. I finally resorted to using a pickle fork (there goes my core return on the steering box) and got it off in intact. I had stuff planned with the kids the rest of the weekend so I didn't get it installed.

I did get the driver's side front window aligned and installed the door panel. The inner door frame has been bent at one time so it wasn't easy but it's pretty good for now. I also installed the sill plates and wind lace. Couldn't get my reproduction arm rest base to line up correctly and I was getting mad so I called it a day before I broke something.

Heading up north for a week's vacation on Friday so no more progress until I get back. But I plan to start putting some miles on it next month, even if it's just driving it to work.