11:00am – I back "Hammerhead" into Gary's garage to begin what the folks at Rubicon Express indicate is about a 3 hour project.  We look at the instructions, which are exceptionally well written and detailed.  One side is verbiage, the other contains crisp, clear photographs keyed to the individual steps.  We jack up the rear, place the jack stands, crawl under and determine that there's plenty of room underneath.  We elect to do the modification without removing the t-case from the XJ.  Gary starts removing both drive shafts while I prepare to replace the existing 2.5 degree rear axle shims with 4 degree ones.

11:30 – Both shafts are removed, Gary is ready to start the first of the many bolt removals required to install the adapter.  Off comes the first bolt, out come the first drops of t-case fluid.  Gary hollers for a rag...

12:00 – Although things go well, we are making slow progress.  After an hour we’re on step 4 of 25.  We ponder whether 3 hours is reasonable.

12:30 – I have the shims installed on both sides.  The left required drilling out the hole of both the shim and the block to fit the centering pin of my National Springs spring pack.  The right, on the other hand, fit fine.  I wonder whose quality control to blame and decide to start installing extended front brake hoses.  After nearly stripping the bolt on the passenger hose, I decide to let the expert do it when he’s done mucking around with the t-case.

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