[harjeev]

Update on the MM550 restoration
I am enclosing the pics of the engine work inprogress. As I updated earlier that the work was not completed on Sunday, but the engine is complete and will be started next time I am at the workshop. It couldn't be done earlier as they would be using my cars battery for the purpose. Also it suit me too as I want to be there to document everything.
Here are the pics

[harjeev]

mORE UPDATE WITH THE PICS

[badboyscad]

@harjeev: Very nicely documented. Waiting eagerly for the "engine start" video .

[randeep04]

Harjeev,

Nice to see the engine being overhauled by an expert with great precision.
It shall be awesome to hear the engine come back to life.

All the best.

Cheers !!!!!!!!

[Ricky_3007]

Hi Harjeev,

Well done buddy!! When are you expecting the engine start and also full completion of the vehicle?

It seems the ustadji is taking utmost care to make the engine up and running .

Congrats.

Tarkesh

[bigman]

Excellent pictures. You are doing a better job than they do for those Haynes manuals.

Please do a video of the first engine startup (and put on youtube if you can). Nothing beats a first start after a engine rebuild.

[Kandisa]

Great to see you being at the workshop while all the crucial stuffs are getting done. Nice and detailed sets of pictures.
-regards,

[GoSlow]

Bro - this thread can be used as an excellent guide to a 550 rebuild. good job Harjeev! The work is being done with great precesion. Full points to your Cousin and Ustad Ji!

[harjeev]

Thanks everybody for the kind words
I expect the engine to be started tomorrow and will be documenting it and try to post a video. I am very excited about it.

Now guys I need help in deciding the following

I had decided to have the following modifications done in my 550, but after talking to fellow jeepers, discussing and reading on TBhp I am again double minded.

I had decided the following

1. To add Limited Slip Diff LSD's in the front (my vehicle came with free wheeling hubs in the front)
2. To make the rear axle Full Floating (by default it comes as semi floating)
3. To add a power steering

As I have not done the above modifications as yet and they are scheduled for next week I am not able to decide whether to go ahead with it or not and my mind is constantly in debate with myself. Sounds Frustrati
Is there anyone TBHP who has a first hand experience with the above.
The first and foremost thing that comes to my mind is that the above cost almost nothing, I mean 10-20k is nothing for the Indian Army and they definitely must have tested it but it has not been commissioned in the Armed Forces.
The use of the vehicles by the Army is definitely much more harsh, gruesome and testing on the vehicles than what we guys put our vehicles to at OTR's and occasional trips to forests and off-roading. So if they can do without it, do I need it???

Then the big question is that whether I should ahead with it as I have already spent the money and bought the parts or no.
Power steering is a small issue, but I am more concerned about the LSD and Full Floating Rear axles.

If I do it would it cause more harm than good to the vehicle.

Advise

[jeepster]

I had decided the following

1. To add Limited Slip Diff LSD's in the front (my vehicle came with free wheeling hubs in the front)
2. To make the rear axle Full Floating (by default it comes as semi floating)
3. To add a power steering

from my previous experiences (some with mahindra & many with other things),

* complete the mahindra (with your original plan)

* use it for some time (.i.e 1 or 2 otr's)

* after knowing (hard way) decide what you need what you dont.

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by harjeev

Now guys I need help in deciding the following

I had decided to have the following modifications done in my 550, but after talking to fellow jeepers, discussing and reading on TBhp I am again double minded.

I had decided the following

1. To add Limited Slip Diff LSD's in the front (my vehicle came with free wheeling hubs in the front)
2. To make the rear axle Full Floating (by default it comes as semi floating)
3. To add a power steering

Harjeev,

My recommendation is to get the jeep up and running without the front LSD and rear full floating axles. Go for a couple of OTRs and I think your jeep will handle pretty much everything thrown at it with the current set up. After a couple of OTRs if you feel that you need to to invest in a front LSD and full floating go ahead and add it later.

[SirAlec]

i am feeling jealous, so much my kinda work. I wish I was there for the built.

BTW the mechanic seems an expert in assembling engines.

[harjeev]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Harjeev,
if you feel that you need to to invest in a front LSD and full floating go ahead and add it later.

the issue is that I have already bought the LSD's and new axles for the rear. The question is whether to put it or not. I was just thinking that if somebody has put them and if they had a bad experience with it then I would not go for it otherwise as I have already spend the cash, which I will not get back anycase, I might add them now.
If i just have to add them later then driving a couple of OTR will not make a difference as I have already driven and seen many of them in action without these amendments in OTR's?

[kittigadu]

harjeev,

To make the rear axle Full Floating (by default it comes as semi floating)

I guess your army 550 comes with LSD in the rear and sreerajunnithan once told me that converting a rear axle with LSD to a full floating is difficult and not worthy.

To add Limited Slip Diff LSD's in the front (my vehicle came with free wheeling hubs in the front)

Remember Arka suggesting not to put a LSD on the front axle. Just have to check the lost thread.
Why dont you try a locker instead ?

BTW, your jeep is shaping up great.

Regards,
Krishna.

[harjeev]

Originally Posted by kittigadu

harjeev,
I guess your army 550 comes with LSD in the rear and sreerajunnithan once told me that converting a rear axle with LSD to a full floating is difficult and not worthy.
Remember Arka suggesting not to put a LSD on the front axle. Just have to check the lost thread.
Why dont you try a locker instead ?

BTW, your jeep is shaping up great.

Regards,
Krishna.

Thanks krishna

I too remember reading in some thread not to put LSD's in the front. The only thing that I am worried is that is it not recommended as nobody has tried it or someone has tried and had a bad experience with it. As I would be locking the front hubs only when off-roading. How bad could it be??
Can not have lockers at present as it would be too heavy on my pocket at present. Might add it later.
BTW love and envy your 550!! Its great.
I too am not able to decide between the black that you have on your jeep or the glossy army green color!!!