Build Thread 1986 CJ7 Build

[KRUPP]

Wife and I went to Moab for the EJS for the 60th annual. Lots of people, as expected. Did a few trails and had a ball. Visited a bit with the wife’s family too.



Had an issue on 4th day though. Passenger front leaf spring (main, I think) decided to not work anymore and caused a list issue and steering issue.

-What it should look like after lifting up on passenger side. Notice drag link is parallel to tie rod.

-what it looks like now, if you don’t lift up on passenger side. Notice drag link is angling below tie rod. Passenger shackle angle is wayyy forward too.

Time for new front springs.

 

[KRUPP]

Did some Jet Boat’n on last day, since the jeep was sent to rest. Lotsa fun!
Did it once before in New Zealand on the Shotover River, but the Colorado River is much bigger and colder.

 

[Belizean]

I’ve done that before a few times up in Oregon on what’s called the mail boat ride. Pretty good size and they do about 50 - 60 mphwhen wound up. Boats have 3 351 Cleveland’s for power, and at a certain point in the ride they spin them completely around. You get to see along the bank deer, bear and bald eagles.

 

[KRUPP]

-Did a bit more mods to the fender flares to gain more wheel well clearance. Tires continue to rub at very rear corner at the back wheels, and very top at the front wheel openings.
I cut out the “lip” on the inside mounting surface of all 4 flares. This lip is supposed to mount against the wheel opening, but once removed I can shift the flare higher to allow more tire clearance. I shifted the flares up 1”.


-Trimmed a bit more sheet metal at the very back rear corners. I buggered them pretty good recently. Also had to remove about 2” of the lower part of the bracing sheet metal inside the rear opening, right in front of the driver’s tail light. Buggered corner, before more trimming and paint.


-I used my circular sander to sand off the “bead” at the top edge of both front flares. This was about 1/2” of material to remove.


-I trimmed the sheet metal at the front wheel opening, basically right below the side amber light. Cut out a strip about 5/8” tall to allow more tire clearance at full stuff. Filed and sanded and painted the bare metal before installing the front flares 1” higher. The amber light is slightly covered now by the flare, but I think it looks fine.

-Looks pretty good and gained more wheel opening clearance without totally changing the appearance. My driver side amber light was cracked and broke during the process. Replacement is ordered.