Well after another couple of weekend days I was able to start and move the jeep under its own power. You all know that feeling when you have been punching away at something for several weekends. Lots could go wrong. The anticipation as you turn the key and fire the engine and with both reluctance and hope you shift the transmission into gear.
I am only running the rear drive shaft. I barely had time to swap out the front flange vs yoke for the CV and when I tried I ran into a problem. (I will start another thread)
But I did drive it about 20 miles. DId a few errands. Runs like a champ. I couldn't resist and tossed it into low before pulling it back into the garage. About 30 feet in 2.0 and it felt great.
Still some buttoning up to do but the hardest part is past and it didn't explode when I put it in gear so I am a happy guy right now. And I should have no issues making the AZ desert Turkey trip! Even without the front drive shaft.....