Build Thread '81 CJ-7 Laredo build

[Petescj]

I actually had a rough time getting the old shocks off the rear and the new ones in. There was a couple lines in the way on both sided. Anyhow I worked through that and the front ones went on pretty much no issue. Im no suspension guru but when all 4 of your shocks compress and dont rebound they should probably be replaced.



After taking this picture I realized all 4 shocks I installed were the same size. Sure enough when I checked part numers all 4 were for the rear. Guess I'll be ordering the correct ones for the front or maybe higher shock towers.

 

[Petescj]

They dont look to terrible and didnt bottom out when I compressed them to fit. I'll see how it feels when I take it to work tomorrow. I wonder if it can really be worse than what was on it?

 

[mtnwhlr]

I bet it will drive a hole lot better, those old ones looked way over due for the trash can and I'm glad to see you back in your garage working. Keep up the good job

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Agree, those old shocks still look better than mine which I think my be factory models glad to see you back too… been missing your build

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[wm69]

What kind of shocks did you take off Pete? They look like Ranchos and if so, should have a lifetime warranty.

 

[Posi]

I'm digging the 77-78 hood decal

Good progress Pete!

 

[Petescj]

I bet it will drive a hole lot better, those old ones looked way over due for the trash can and I'm glad to see you back in your garage working. Keep up the good job

It did ride a bit better. Still has that CJ feel though.

Agree, those old shocks still look better than mine which I think my be factory models glad to see you back too… been missing your build

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Thanks for the kind words. It did feel good getting back in the garage with the right mindset.

What kind of shocks did you take off Pete? They look like Ranchos and if so, should have a lifetime warranty.

I thought they were Ranchos as well. I'll decipher the numbers. Didnt know they had the lifetime guarantee. Id love to get 4 new ones.

I'm digging the 77-78 hood decal

Good progress Pete!

I was all over the board on this one when I first got it. Renegade ? Laredo ? 81? 85? Finally figured out I had a 81 Laredo with a 78 Renegade hood , and an 85 engine. Plans are a resto mod , 35s and look like this:

 

[Petescj]

My favorite thing about this Cj is while Im upgrading it I still get to drive it alot. The brakes work pretty well finally. Im hoping Vicki will aprove of them. Then we can spend the booster money on something else.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Glad the doors are back on and sure you are too with this weather!

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[Scooter402]

Shocks? Hm...I don't have any shocks on mine... But I guess I don't exactly need them at the moment since it hasn't been driven in, oh...Well, September will be 6 years. I know September is a long ways out, but I don't seeing mine hitting the streets/trails any time before that.

Good work, though! I'm glad someone is getting some wrench time in.

 

[wm69]

Pete, after fighting with OEM power brakes for years, I went to non power. Nothing worse than dying on a hill and having the dang brakes not work worth a !

Of course, I'm only running 31's so non power OEM brakes work for me. With 35's I think I'd go with a vanco brake system or something simliar. I tried the YJ setup as an upgrade that wouldn't be too pricey. Had to replace MC twice, then the pedal throw wasn't right. Finally took it off and sold it, and put on a nice cheap non-PB setup like my other two CJ's have. Works fine.

 

[Petescj]

Pete, after fighting with OEM power brakes for years, I went to non power. Nothing worse than dying on a hill and having the dang brakes not work worth a !

Of course, I'm only running 31's so non power OEM brakes work for me. With 35's I think I'd go with a vanco brake system or something simliar. I tried the YJ setup as an upgrade that wouldn't be too pricey. Had to replace MC twice, then the pedal throw wasn't right. Finally took it off and sold it, and put on a nice cheap non-PB setup like my other two CJ's have. Works fine.

Well the OEM manual brake set up is what I have right now. I took it to a shop awhile back when I was short on time and had some extra cash to get the brake system in shape. That proved to be a mistake. I still had to swap out the front disc pads and put in a new caliper after the fact. I can tell you this though , the 35s have some real wieght to them thats for sure.

The whole brake upgrade is going to be up to Vickis foot. I look at it this way , if I put her in a Cj off road that shes uncomfortable with it could ruin the experience for her. Its easier to save money for Jeep parts when shes in my corner as well. The last thing I want to do is screw that up.

 

[Old Dog]

Pete, stopping 35's is a challenge.
I've heard good and not so good about the yj conversion.
The same can be said about some of the other home brew systems out there.
The Vanco type system seems to be the best for all out stopping power.
The only thing I don't like about it is that if the power steering pump isn't working neither are the brakes.(that's what I've heard anyway)
With the vac. boost you still have brakes with out the engine running, they are crappy yes but they are there none the less.

 

[Petescj]

The only thing I don't like about it is that if the power steering pump isn't working neither are the brakes.(that's what I've heard anyway)

If thats true Id never put her in that situation. In fact Im not too crazy about it myself. In all honesty this Jeep is probably going to be overbuilt for her. Thats fine with me. I just want it safe and comfortable for her. When you have someone whos willing to enjoy wheeling around with you and seeing the different things we'd like to see keeping her interested is key.

 

[Old Dog]

I'm lucky that the wifey likes to ride with me, and doesn't want to drive.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

I'm lucky that the wifey likes to ride with me, and doesn't want to drive.

You can say that again, we bought our cj because i wanted one. Yeah, but i didnt want to sit in the passenger seat all the time… However, im glad she likes to. partake and its cool sometimes to just take in the scenery . I am curious how you go pete , never heard of. the vanco system and didnt know the yj was not so good.

I'm lucky that the wifey likes to ride with me, and doesn't want to drive.

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[Petescj]

Im just hoping shes happy with the brakes the way they are. Then instead of upgrading brakes I can spend money on something Id really like. The Laredo gets great mileage between 16-17 steady and I dont want to lose that. The 3.73 gears arent too bad with 35s but I wont have much of a crawl ratio.


Id like to rebuild the Dana 300 that took a dump with the gears from this link that Old Dog sent me a long time ago:

JB Conversions, Inc.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Sweet! Thank you olddog and you pete for sharing that link. I have bookmarked it for the future. So much info, I forget half of it . That lomax kit is jam up jelly tight.

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[JR74CJ5]

Id like to rebuild the Dana 300 that took a dump with the gears from this link that Old Dog sent me a long time ago:

JB Conversions, Inc.

Pete, have you rebuilt one before? It's pretty easy. Just took some time and double checking.

Having a shop press really helped as well.


~ Jr

 

[Petescj]

Pete, have you rebuilt one before? It's pretty easy. Just took some time and double checking.

Having a shop press really helped as well.


~ Jr

Nope this will be the 1st. I'll probably do it at my brothers since he has more fun tools than I do.