Well, progress has been slow but I finally got some more work done. My plan is to get the engine done and place it in the frame so I can check clearance with the firewall before I put on body mounts. Well, Autozone has done their best to slow me down. I ordered a new set of main bearings, but when we opened the box they clearly weren't new. So I took them back and had them order another set. The second set came in looking worse than the first set. There was even what appeared to be saw dust on some of the bearings. I should have known they'd be rough when I saw that the box was taped shut. Well, I had them order a third set after talking to a manager. I told my engine guy about my problems and he calls and tells me that he has a brand new set of bearings for $20 at the shop. I jumped on that deal and I'll just get my $100 back from Autozone for their bearings. Also had an issue with a pushrod being too long and the oil screen and pickup being completely wrong. We got those issues resolved and away we went.
This was my first engine build, so I was a little nervous. Luckily, my neighbor (who does this stuff for a living) came over and helped. He checked to make sure that my cleaning was up to his standards and we began.
We checked the clearance on the crank and got her bolted into place
Then we got each of the pistons in and I started on the heads
by the end of the day I had this
Ran out of time, so I had to stop there. I have to say that this has been a very fun experience. I've always wanted to rebuild an engine and just never had the time/money/space/tools/knowledge/help I needed to get it done. I can't wait to get the Jeep far enough along that I can fire this puppy up!