[IronWolf]

Hi Prabhu,

Thanks for the info. This will help when I look around. Currently I am able to find only upto 2002, which is understandable. I guess the 2004 and newer would mostly be accident vehicles.

So far have seen few dealer vehicles however I cannot be sure of its reliability as its not been user owned ~ tried and tested. Just does not feel right.

[Jerrycan]

Originally Posted by IronWolf

Hi Prabhu,

Thanks for the info. This will help when I look around. Currently I am able to find only upto 2002, which is understandable. I guess the 2004 and newer would mostly be accident vehicles.

So far have seen few dealer vehicles however I cannot be sure of its reliability as its not been user owned ~ tried and tested. Just does not feel right.

Sir,
2004 or the later versions need not be Accident-ed Vehicles. You may not find many pre-owned Vehicles, but even if you find it with a dealer and if the papers are clear, you may go ahead and buy. I have bought and sold 3 NGCS, none of these were Accident-ed. These were one of the best vehicles ever.
Should you require any more details please PM.
Why don't you go for a Gypsy instead ?

[svsantosh]

Originally Posted by vivekjayasheel

Sorry about another noob question but why cant a fully floating rear axle have LSD?

It very well can, just that MM didnt make that combo.

You can get a LSD or a locker from USA based on ur requirements also swastikviji supplies and supports lamdas Locker kits for any jeep and gypsy.

[IronWolf]

Originally Posted by Jerrycan

Should you require any more details please PM.
Why don't you go for a Gypsy instead ?

Thanks Jerry for the info.
Why not a Gypsy? I am more of a crawler than a clutch burner. Plus I am really set on what I want. Its now more on the how ...

I will PM you.

Originally Posted by svsantosh

You can get a LSD or a locker from USA based on ur requirements also swastikviji supplies and supports lamdas Locker kits for any jeep and gypsy.

Good info Santosh but I need a Jeep first to buy the upgrades
I had PMed you earlier.

OT- Who all coming for this Saturday OTR? See you there soon. Coming with a friend

[IronWolf]

After a 2 month hiatus of the search. I have started the search again.

Found this with a Dealer/restorer. Obviously the quote for full restoration and KA registration is on higher side.

I swear I was like a 4 year old girl in a candy shop.

Its above my budget - am in talks with him to be more reasonable.

Any other NGCS leads? Please do let me know.

2006 NGCS + OKBJ + NGT520 .. looks like it was shunted during transport but no chassis issues.

[vishwaschettri]

Originally Posted by IronWolf

Found this with a Dealer/restorer. Obviously the quote for full restoration and KA registration is on higher side.

The asking rate of NGCS in mayapuri is around 2.5 lakhs in much better condition than the pics you have posted. Some of them are in running condition also. Post that it depends on the persons negotiation skill.
Registration with NOC for any state in india is another 15K roughly.

Kepp this in mind as a yardstick. Best of luck for your hunt.

cheers
Vishwas

[IronWolf]

Finished product from the same dealer of a 2005 NGCS. In my limited knowledge, I can say he has done a good job




The 2006 is WIP and will be ready in 2 months. Out of my budget, so if anyone wants to persue please let me know through PM.

[IronWolf]

Feels Good to be back. After many months of searching, disruptions in the search due to travel etc. Finally in Oct 2014 I picked up this 2003 ex-Army MM550XD.

My earlier ’92 540 was made to order with sand color as my choice. It was the only sand jeep at that time in Bangalore if I am not mistaken. I got a lot of good reviews for its simplicity.
However, I was told at home and few friends not to buy any weird colors and esp not the sand color I had earlier.

Well as you can see Sand was meant to be. After many mechanical duds and dead ends. This well restored one was the only option I had. Convinced folks that this was a good buy.
Circle is complete am back in a Sand color offroader.





Simple Interiors


Good old 540 tin can


Quick Details

• Restored at FRK Bangalore.
• Earlier owner had put new fitments of Army lights + Wrangler rear lights
• It came equipped with TJM XGS Gold Edition Rear Shock
  Post procurement
• I got the Rims painted Black. A design mistake I did with my earlier Tin can.
• Also fixed Swastik Diff guards + LED lights + FWH + Cobra CB Radio
  
• Initial issues were leaks in the transfer case and rear differential. Sorted out with a visit to FRK.

My current upgrade wish list in order of priority & associated Queries

1. Seat Belts + New Speedometer + passenger step + misc items – SP Road procured
2. Handbrake Drum – Gujlee procured
3. Steering damper - Death wobble is not so cool ! On cards next week with Raju.
4. Snorkel piping - Where to do? Ramamurthy Nagar Raju ?
5. Snorkel head - Safari or tractor Mushroom type? Dont mind the way both look.
6. Off Road Front Bumper. Rear as is.
7. Front axles – DANA 44 OKBJ (57” track) with MRCBT - post 2007 with Disc brakes. I am getting quotes for about 40k+ just in parts.
8. Rear axles - DANA 44 FFRA (53” track) - Not sure how much a FFRA will really help. Technically makes sense but on the road, has anyone seen issues with the good old SFRA? Thar too is SFRA. But cannot continue with 51" rears if I upgrade to 57" track upfront. Right?
9. Dog Bone Shackles – Almost put a set during vehicle procurement, but we got a wrong set. Maybe I should do this if and when I go wider?
10. 4 X Bolero Rear SA shock - UPC 0403BA0201N - travel 8.24" - Current set up feels hard. Not sure if the TJM shocks are helping or causing more unladen bounce.
11. Powertrax Lock-right Lock-Right Differential Auto Locker - 19-Spline Dana 44 0 UPC 662960011375 - Worth the on road clickty click trouble? What do I do with the current LSD? Is the Army LSD really any good?
    Or new Lamda Diff lock?
12. Most importantly. Want to upgrade Sand Highway tires to something slightly wider but not an mm shorter. want to maintain the ~31" height.
    how wide can I go with the Army Rim 'J'? Or upgrade Rims as well? Suggestions?
    265/75R16 / 275/70R16 / 31X10.5R16

Other issues. Medium-Heavy smoke sometimes. FRK and Mechs say its known issue for 550s/XD3P? Fuel pump service won’t help ?

SP Road. Gujlee. Garage days here I come. Obviously OTRs
Like I said.. Feels Good to be back.

[Shubhendra]

Originally Posted by IronWolf

. Finally in Oct 2014 I picked up this 2003 ex-Army MM550XD.

[*]Front axles – DANA 44 OKBJ (57” track) with MRCBT - post 2007 with Disc brakes. I am getting quotes for about 40k+ just in parts. [*]Rear axles - DANA 44 FFRA (53” track) - Not sure how much a FFRA will really help. Technically makes sense but on the road, has anyone seen issues with the good old SFRA? Thar too is SFRA. But cannot continue with 51" rears if I upgrade to 57" track upfront. Right?
What do I do with the current LSD? Is the Army LSD really any good?
Or new Lamda Diff lock?

Congratulations !
Are you sure its 2003 model, as its non NGCS version.
Why you want to go for OKBJ in front, are you facing any problem in current setup.
for rear diffs - Well maintained SFRA are as good as FFRA (other than obvious technical reasons)
I am no expert but i am using LSD for 6 months and if your LSD clutch mechanism works fine, its good for normal to moderate OTRs
If you really want to do hardcore (how to define hardcore ?) offroading than mechanical diff locks make sense

A good driver will compensate most of the modifications you have mentioned !

Regards,
Shubhendra Singh

[madhkris]

Welcome back Wolfe! Remember your old jeep in a few bang OTRs. That's a good list if mechanical upgrades you have and am sure this time around the Jeep is for keeps.

[IronWolf]

Folks My Main confusion now lies in the tyres.

I have seen many offroaders with 16x7.5 tyres do fine. I did fine earlier with 16x7.0s.

Should I upgrade from these Sand Highway tyres ?
If so Cost effective upgrade options please? Currently not interested in the fast eroding MTs.

Originally Posted by Shubhendra

Congratulations !
Are you sure its 2003 model, as its non NGCS version.
Why you want to go for OKBJ in front, are you facing any problem in current setup.....

A good driver will compensate most of the modifications you have mentioned !

Its a early 2003 Non-NGCS.
The moment the word NGCS comes. it price shoots BY 50K TO 100K

Reason for the later upgrade wish to Pickup Axles.

1) Wider stable track
2) shorter turning radius
3) looks better than this stock 51" track

I agree with your last. My earlier OTRs were without any such mods, however I drove a 550 with AutoLockers and I did see a noticeable edge it has in sticky situations.

Need to see how the LSD helps. Taking it slow no hurry.

Originally Posted by madhkris

Welcome back Wolfe! Remember your old jeep in a few bang OTRs. That's a good list if mechanical upgrades you have and am sure this time around the Jeep is for keeps.

Thank you Sir

[Mudcat]

@IronWolf First of all a congratulations on your new ride.

I was not aware that you are looking for a MM550. I share the same passion for 550's and had been looking for a passionate buyer for my rig. But most of the people who came to see it wanted to cut it up and do unthinkable things to my beloved "Thor". So still on the lookout for someone who cares about Jeeps.

Back to your list, IMO I think the first thing on your list should be upgrading the brakes. Its a safety issue. Rest everything can wait. Go for Scorpio booster brakes, new pads, brake cylinders, etc. Once the brake system is being done get the master cylinder piston checked and also the cylinder itself.
(good brakes matter a lot while coming down an incline)

I like the color of your ride. And I am in favor of the Sandgrips too. Let me know the price when you get your hands on some.