evan
New Member
Posts: 101
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Post by evan on Jun 17, 2006 0:31:09 GMT -3
ok, i'm starting a complete build of a cj this summer and i'd like to hear some feedback / useful comments / hints from anyone with experience in this type of project. i'm going to pick up a used frame this weekend and i plan to start there. i'm a really handy guy and although i have very little experience with this type of work, i plan to do everything to the best of my ability, with the best parts i can afford (even if that means i have to wait 3 months to save up enough green for the suspension system i want). any advice is greatly appreciated in advance.
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evan
New Member
Posts: 101
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Post by evan on Jun 17, 2006 0:33:12 GMT -3
oh yeah, on a side note, what parts/mods would you have on your ideal jeep?
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Post by axle on Jun 17, 2006 16:36:34 GMT -3
Depends on your budget. What size tire would you like to run? I think the thing i like about my cj is the T-18, and dana 300. Do you have axles?
Bob
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Post by jps4jeep on Jun 17, 2006 18:09:15 GMT -3
also, what are gonna be doing with the jeep.
I too am restoring a jeep, but It will not be used for off roading, I am only going to cruise in it.
So I will save money on things like a Lo T-case gearing, a beefy front axle, elaborate bumpers, skid plates, and mud tires. I will spend a lot of time and detail on the small things, as well as paint, fit and finish in the metalwork, and things that will make the jeep simple and fun to drive.
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evan
New Member
Posts: 101
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Post by evan on Jun 17, 2006 21:08:23 GMT -3
i've got nothing but the frame, tub, hood, and front fenders right now. the engine, suspension and drivetrain have been sitting for so long i doubt if any of them are any good. i havent decided exactly what i want the finished project to be yet. right now i'm leaning towards building the most bad-a** mallcrawler in RI with the capability to keep up with the big boys off road. are 35's too big for a dd?
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Post by axle on Jun 17, 2006 22:04:46 GMT -3
What is the engine and drive train?
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Post by rich on Jun 17, 2006 23:03:23 GMT -3
FUEL INJECTION especialy if it is going to be a dayly driver
1 piece axles if it is the model 20
FUEL INJECTION i run the howell set up, good stuff
find a later model yj tub (they don't rot as bad)
FUEL INJECTION you'll love it in the winter
like bob said t18 dana300 combo or np435 dana 300 combo cant be beat. i got my t18 with the adapter for the 300 completly rebuilt and the clutch kit delivered to my door for just under $1200 with a lifetime warrenty
did i mention FUEL INJECTION, my cj passes emissions with no problems
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Post by jps4jeep on Jun 18, 2006 18:54:31 GMT -3
If your building a mall crawler, I would take the time to detail the frame, liberally coat the under body with some type of rubberized undercoating..
35" at's are fine for a DD, just make sure they get rotated regularly and stay on top of the PSI in the tires to pro-long tire life.
and to add to rich, EFI is the only way to go for a DD, My cj will be a weekend crusier so it is getting carbed, but spent the $$ on efi, well worth it
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evan
New Member
Posts: 101
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Post by evan on Jun 20, 2006 23:15:05 GMT -3
i definately plan to coat the frame and underbody, probably por 15 on the frame and durabak on the tub, inside and out. for suspension, i was thinking ome. (my brother has ome on his grand cherokee and he raves about it) only problem is they only offer 2.5" and they're pricey. for drivetrain i'll be taking your suggestions into consideration since i really dont know the differences between all the different axles, trannys, and engines yet. thanks for the EFI suggestion, didnt even think of that. where does everyone get there parts?
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Post by rich on Jun 20, 2006 23:28:14 GMT -3
what is your plan with the jeep ? is it wheeling only ? street jeep sometimes going off road? or your only car? i ran dana 30 front with cromo shafts and joints with 36's for 2 years with no problems
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evan
New Member
Posts: 101
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Post by evan on Jun 21, 2006 15:14:11 GMT -3
jeep will be a DD that's offroad ready. i hope to make it a really nice looking rig but, i wont mind if it takes some dings and scratches on dirt. street built but offroad capable is the plan.
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Post by rich on Jun 21, 2006 23:15:07 GMT -3
copy bob's (axle's) cj but add fuel injection. done deal
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evan
New Member
Posts: 101
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Post by evan on Jun 22, 2006 0:36:24 GMT -3
what about engines? i was looking into doing a chevy small block since theyre plentiful but i dont want to get in over my head. anyone ever done an engine swap in a cj? how expensive are parts to mate the engine to the tranny?
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Post by rich on Jun 22, 2006 10:56:35 GMT -3
problem with a v8 swap is. cooling and stock cj drive train. the 1978-79 cj's had a t18 dana20 combo the rest of the tranny's are junk (the t176 is a fairly strong trans but you'd be pushing your luck with v8 power) what is wrong with the 258? i injected mine with a larger cam and im very pleased with it's performance off road and on road. if you set on a v8 swap amc v8 are very easy to adapt to a cj (i got everything i needed from napa, motor mounts, radiater, hoses) like i said copy bob's cj with fuel injection
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Post by jps4jeep on Jun 22, 2006 13:15:30 GMT -3
copy bob's (axle's) cj but add fuel injection. done deal X10.. Bob has built one tough CJ.. but the carb has to go.. He has a D30 front (chomo shafts locker etc..richs old setup) locked rear model 20 with one piece shafts, currie steering, I believe a 3.5" Black Diamond llift and some narly swampers. he drives it from RI to NH, MA for all our events, wheels the heck out of it, and drives right back home. Probably one of the most well built dual purpose trail/Driver CJ.. |
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