Build Thread '81 CJ-7 Laredo build

[Petescj]

Tweaked my knee a bit at work and it swelled up pretty nice. Bummed me out cause I was going to get the Cj back together tonite. I was so bored I put the new fan clutch and studs on at the kitchen table. Hopefully I can limp my way to the garage tomorrow.

 

[Petescj]

It was a rough Holiday season here for sure. It took me till the first week of Dec. to finally put the water pump back in. After getting that all taken care of I just drove the Cj back and forth to work. My knee finally feels good enough that I can spend an hour or two in the garage every once in awhile. Thats a good thing cause I knew the other axle U joint was toast.





Todays hour was spent putting the Cj up on a jack stand and getting that stub shaft assembly out of there. This side went much smoother due to having the right socket for the spindle nut. Its all torn down now. I'll replace the Ujoint in the warm (er) basement tomorrow and start re assembly.

I cant believe Ive made it this long without the hard top on. Its getting to the point where wind chill will become a factor. I'll probably have the kids help me throw on the hard top before I start daily driving it again.

 

[Petescj]

Cleaned up around the work bench and got to work. Swapped in the other ujoint and the steering is so much better. The steering radius is alot tighter as well. Love it.

 

[Petescj]

It looks like I have all the worn out parts replaced for the time being. I have a lot of little odds and ends to dabble with but I haven't really done a major upgrade since the tires. Hoping to change that soon. It's time to open up the old Dana 300 and see what made those marble sounds last year. Hopefully it's not too bad and I can put the LoMax 4 to 1 kit in at Income tax time. :drool:

 

[Petescj]

Brought home the W-2 form today and things are looking good for the 4 to 1 kit.


Better yet 99% sure Im grabbing up a Scrambler the end of February. Been working this deal forever. Cant wait. :drool:

 

[bearsden]

just read your build post from start to today!! sweet stuff!! Its funny how you read this stuff and you feel like you get know people.( that are basically just like you !!) Can't wait to see the scrambler !!!!

 

[Peanut Butter]

Better yet 99% sure Im grabbing up a Scrambler the end of February. Been working this deal forever. Cant wait. :drool:

Oh yea! Definitely need some pictures of this! I'd love to have one too, but boy are they getting scarce. :lpopcorn: Rod

 

[Petescj]

just read your build post from start to today!! sweet stuff!! Its funny how you read this stuff and you feel like you get know people.( that are basically just like you !!) Can't wait to see the scrambler !!!!

Thanks , I think. I was going to mention the 4 to 1 kit in your Dana 44 rear thread but I guess youve seen it here now. The 3.73s work ok on road on all but the steepest of mountains. Instead of regearing and losing my gas mileage ( plus a huge chunk of cash) Im adding that kit to give me the lower gearing I'll need off road. $650.

Oh yea! Definitely need some pictures of this! I'd love to have one too, but boy are they getting scarce. :lpopcorn: Rod

Rod I am so nervous about jinxing this Im almost scared to talk about it. The owner of it offered it to me and me only. You wont find it on any Craigslist ad. Hes been really great about working with me on it as well. We had a rough patch where Vicki broke her leg and I was out of work a few weeks for my bum knee. The bills still kept coming so that stole a bunch of my Scrambler fund or Id have it already. Just need to make it through February with no radical suprises.

 

[gp4play]

Thanks , I think. I was going to mention the 4 to 1 kit in your Dana44 rear thread but I guess youve seen it here now. The 3.73s work ok on road on all but the steepest of mountains. Instead of regearing and losing my gas mileage ( plus a huge chunk of cash) Im adding that kit to give me the lower gearing I'll need off road. $650. :

I see they have your kit on sale, you could save $50 bucks

 

[Petescj]

I see they have your kit on sale, you could save $50 bucks

I'm definately grabbing the Scrambler first. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[gp4play]

I'm definately grabbing the Scrambler first. Thanks for the heads up though.

Your welcome "A mans got to know his limitations"

 

[Peanut Butter]

Rod I am so nervous about jinxing this Im almost scared to talk about it. The owner of it offered it to me and me only. You wont find it on any Craigslist ad. Hes been really great about working with me on it as well. We had a rough patch where Vicki broke her leg and I was out of work a few weeks for my bum knee. The bills still kept coming so that stole a bunch of my Scrambler fund or Id have it already. Just need to make it through February with no radical suprises.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Be sure to post some pics when it is in your driveway, and it will be in your driveway! Health problems suck, and I'm most likely older than you, but my work came to a halt last week with news of 4 herniated discs and 3 pinched nerves in my neck. Keep us posted.

 

[Petescj]

Your welcome "A mans got to know his limitations"

Did we talk music before? I cant remember but this was the first thing that popped in my head after reading that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOnKCcjP8Qs&list=RDaOnKCcjP8Qs

Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Be sure to post some pics when it is in your driveway, and it will be in your driveway! Health problems suck, and I'm most likely older than you, but my work came to a halt last week with news of 4 herniated discs and 3 pinched nerves in my neck. Keep us posted.

You definately have it rougher than me and I wish you the best. I'll be headed out to see it in person next weekend and finalize the deal. Actually getting it here may take a little longer due to the location and amount of snow thats around.

 

[gp4play]

Did we talk music before? I cant remember but this was the first thing that popped in my head after reading that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOnKCcjP8Qs&list=RDaOnKCcjP8Qs .

I actually got that quote from Dirty Harry, but now I have a new rock climbing tune. I can hear ME arguing with ME now, "If you don't wanna climb that let ME do it" :driving:
I wonder if that's why the wife won't ride with ME anymore?

 

[Petescj]

I can hear ME arguing with ME now, "If you don't wanna climb that let ME do it" :driving:
I wonder if that's why the wife won't ride with ME anymore?

Ummmmm ... pretty much.

 

[Petescj]

I paid for the Scrambler but pushed the delivery date off a little to get some much needed things done to the Laredo . First off ever since I put the new radiator in it hasnt run as cool as before. After a few weeks I could hear a whistling sound when I got off the gas. Here is what I found when I decided to change the thermostat and hoses:



Even after replacing the thermostat along with the housing and the hoses I wasnt happy with the temps running higher. I added a overflow tank after I had a bit blow out during temps of around 50 degrees. I finally decided on a Flow Kooler water pump and now Im happy with the results.

 

[Petescj]

I didnt push the Scrambler delivery date off just cause of a couple cooling issues though. Ive been adding a quart of tranny fluid every two weeks due to the torque converter being scored right where the seal is. Before I put a Scrambler in the garage (that may be there awhile) I decided to get this done.

Yesterday I spent a good 3 hours making my replacement Transmission go from this:



to this:



It wasnt quite as easy as the pics make it look. My front driveshaft was crapped out as well. There was a ton of slop in the slip but I found a replacement for $40. While I have everything out I guess I'll paint it all as well:

 

[Petescj]

It took a little while but I managed to get the old Leaker out of the Cj.The overnight temp here the last two days has been in the 30s. Laying on the concrete floor goes through me anymore.

 

[Petescj]

I still managed to get the Transfer Case mounted on my makeshift Transmission bench by the end of the night.



Then this morning I painted the Dana 300 . I really wanted to do the 4 to 1 kit at this time but taking an earlier family vacation thwarted that idea. My Transmission jack ratchet strap exploded on me so after an hour or so I had it working again. Most of that time was looking for the spring. Anyhow Im headed down to get it bolted up now.

Heres the latest pic:

 

[Petescj]

Been a little while since I updated this. The new Transmission is in , working well and no leaks. Looks like I can finally put that issue to bed. Next up is motor mounts and tackle the last leak issue , the valve cover. A good refresh of the paint as well.