Build Thread 82 CJ7 frame swap & lift build
rbagley
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- Location
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Vehicle(s)
- 82 CJ7 w/258 I6 (Weber 38/38) de-smogged
5 speed manual BorgWarner trans
Dana 300 transfer case
Dana 30 front. AMC 20 w/lunchbox locker

The Jeep was 100% stock from what I could tell. The clutch, brakes, lights, gauges and 4-wheel drive all worked. Rust had taken care of the rear frame rails and was wearing holes in many spots on the tub. We live in MI, so for a 1982 I didn’t think this Jeep was that bad off. I figured I would put a little time and money in and have a fun and inexpensive trail rig. (As many of you have been there and done that, I have over $4500 in and a lot of work to go- glad I picked it up so cheap!)
I have been buying parts and working on it on and off for the last 2 1/2 years. The decision to buy a solid replacement frame has changed the plan from "fix what is broke" to "might as well fix it up nice while I am at it" -hence the $4500.
Looking forward to reminiscing about the progress I have made so far while sharing what is soon to come.