Build Thread 79 CJ5 Frame up, LQ9 6.0L w/ Megasquirt, SM465 4 speed
An early model CJ5 was preferable. However, in North Carolina and south eastern United States rust is prevalent. After viewing several early model CJ5 within price and range, I eventually moved my aspirations to a newer year model. From the start, my goal was a full restore with modification. I finally bought the 79 CJ5 from a private seller in 2011 in NC for $2000. Unfortunately, the Transfer Case , as well as the radiator failed within a few days of purchase. After the radiator fix, I drove the CJ for about a year; at which point, the Transmission bell housing broke in half. At this time, I felt it was the proper time to fix the Jeep the way I wanted.
ODO ?65,624 mi
The CJ came stock with a Strait 6 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , an undeniably good engine for abuse and longevity. However, what it made up in longevity it lost in power. I sold the running engine for $AMC 150 or $200 and their help with pulling it. I also sold the Transmission without the bell housing for $75.
I searched craigslist for months until I found a suitable power-plant, a running 6.0l LQ9 with 55,000 miles 345hp and 395 ft lb torque stock for $700. It is a nice engine at an incredible deal. Now I only need it to work in my jeep.
I also picked up an SM465 Transmission . These bomber transmissions came in big Chevys from the 60's to the 90's. They even came in dump trucks. First is a super low.
I then preceded to pull and evaluate the body and the frame. After being fully sandblasted, I found that fortunately the frame was in good condition; the only deep rust was in the rear cross member/ bumper.
After the sandblasting I used Dupont automotive epoxy to spay the sandblasted chassis and axles. In 24 hours I put 4 thick coats on.
Then for complete overkill, I applied 2 more coats of DuPont Chassis black. I decided to paint instead of powder coat. I chose this because powder-coating comes off in flakes and this jeep is going to spend sometime off-road, and it may slide against a rock or two. Painting also allows for quick touch-ups.
The body was in terrible shape. Before I bought the truck, apparently the previous owner used puddy to cover all the places that the rust has gone completely through. It was a nightmare. In fact, I only had 3 body mounts holding me to the frame. Honestly, I don't know how it stayed on after I made hard turns. The roll bar wouldn't have done much either. The roll bar mounts behind the seat were pushed through from rust, and the back left mount had a hole under it. After the cutting you can see how much was left. I tried to keep as much as possible.
JC Whitney offered fender wells and kick boards, as well as other offerings, but their steel is so thin that you may as well make your vehicle out of tin foil. I opted to fabricate my own out of 18 gauge. The body mounts and reinforcements are 1/8 in thick.
I had no way of transporting the body to get bead blasted, so I used a grinder and did it myself. I honestly, began to hate the Jeep by the time it was finished because it took so much time, but the end result was worth it.
ODO ?65,624 mi
The CJ came stock with a Strait 6 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , an undeniably good engine for abuse and longevity. However, what it made up in longevity it lost in power. I sold the running engine for $AMC 150 or $200 and their help with pulling it. I also sold the Transmission without the bell housing for $75.
I searched craigslist for months until I found a suitable power-plant, a running 6.0l LQ9 with 55,000 miles 345hp and 395 ft lb torque stock for $700. It is a nice engine at an incredible deal. Now I only need it to work in my jeep.
I also picked up an SM465 Transmission . These bomber transmissions came in big Chevys from the 60's to the 90's. They even came in dump trucks. First is a super low.
I then preceded to pull and evaluate the body and the frame. After being fully sandblasted, I found that fortunately the frame was in good condition; the only deep rust was in the rear cross member/ bumper.
After the sandblasting I used Dupont automotive epoxy to spay the sandblasted chassis and axles. In 24 hours I put 4 thick coats on.
Then for complete overkill, I applied 2 more coats of DuPont Chassis black. I decided to paint instead of powder coat. I chose this because powder-coating comes off in flakes and this jeep is going to spend sometime off-road, and it may slide against a rock or two. Painting also allows for quick touch-ups.
The body was in terrible shape. Before I bought the truck, apparently the previous owner used puddy to cover all the places that the rust has gone completely through. It was a nightmare. In fact, I only had 3 body mounts holding me to the frame. Honestly, I don't know how it stayed on after I made hard turns. The roll bar wouldn't have done much either. The roll bar mounts behind the seat were pushed through from rust, and the back left mount had a hole under it. After the cutting you can see how much was left. I tried to keep as much as possible.
JC Whitney offered fender wells and kick boards, as well as other offerings, but their steel is so thin that you may as well make your vehicle out of tin foil. I opted to fabricate my own out of 18 gauge. The body mounts and reinforcements are 1/8 in thick.
I had no way of transporting the body to get bead blasted, so I used a grinder and did it myself. I honestly, began to hate the Jeep by the time it was finished because it took so much time, but the end result was worth it.