85 cj7

[Roscoeboy15]

Hello all, I am new here and will be asking some questions. So feel free to add your experience and what you did to make it better. I have a 85 CJ7 that I plan on restoring and making it a tow vehicle behind the RV. It will also go into the mud and some good off road trails. It currently has the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l w/ fuel injection and a 1” body lift..but it is going bye bye....has the stock brakes and I am going to convert the drums to disc. Thinking about 1 piece axles and going Dana’s front and rear with air lockers....want to run 33’s so a lift is going on it.
Feel free to let me know what you did and how it worked out. This will be a frame off project that I will be taking pictures and keeping you up to date on.

 

[Roscoeboy15]

Here is the old girl..she needs some tlc

 

[mtnwhlr]

You need to start a build thread.

 

[Roscoeboy15]

Once I start the dissassembly I will take photos and post as I go..you guys do realize it is going to take me awhile to complete this project. The project will start once my shop is finished in the backyard. Making all kinds of notes on things to look at for the rebuild.

 

[shum8]

?.....you guys do realize it is going to take me awhile to complete this project.....

LOL - I swapped frames so everything came completely apart..... only took me 5 years. If you take any longer than that I may have assumed room temperature by then........

Take your time and do it right. We're not going anywhere.

 

[Posi]

I have a 85 CJ7 that I plan on restoring and making it a tow vehicle behind the RV.

Consider a Full Float rear w/locking hubs.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

you might want to consider a power brake upgrade to go with the disk conversion. i used the setup off a 87-95 yj

 

[Roscoeboy15]

Looking at this brake master

https://www.morris4x4center.com/pow...-master-cylinder-disc-drum-mbm-pbuj7486d.html

 

[Roscoeboy15]

Looks like an AMC20 with a Chrysler 7.25 up front. What do you guys think about that pair?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

7.25??? OEM front, is a Dana 30 .
Can you post a couple of pictures of the diff cover?
Why not upgrade to a better rear axle assembly?
LG

 

[Roscoeboy15]

LG I will get under and get some pictures tomorrow..I am hoping it is a Dana 30 that would make it a lot better. If it is I am thinking of redoing the gears do to the 33 on it...

 

[Lumpy Grits]

What tranny do you have? What R&P now?
With 33's, you'll need to do a re-gear.
You going with a LSD diff or true 'locker' type?
Think about also going to a 4:1 in the t'case.
LG

 

[cglax6]

That will do the job. Shop around, though...you might be able to find a better price...but they're all around the same. I think Morris does free shipping over a certain amount, so you don't have to deal with Amazon if you have to return something...my luck with them has been hit or miss.

 

[Roscoeboy15]

LG you are correct it is a Dana 30 ..

 

[Roscoeboy15]

Well just got told that a friend has a small block Chevy V8 with tranny and is willing to sell for $2K..that is way to hard to pass up..the tranny is auto and I really want the manual..I know switch it out..and that yet opens up other issues that I need to deal with..rear end, front dif and a list of others...is it worth it...I am leaning towards YES...

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You would be wise to research the SMOG nightmare deal on any engine switch in PRK.
The engine has to pass SMOG for the year the engine was made.
If the engine comes with an auto-Are you sure the crank is drilled for a pilot bushing needed for the clutch?
LG

 

[Roscoeboy15]

LG just talked to the guy with the motor...and no way he wants to much.. so back to either rebuild or install a long block...want to get more hwy speed.. looking to find the best engine parts..also looking at the Fuel injection..

 

[Roscoeboy15]

Ok now that I have decided to rebuild the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and spare no expense. I need to upgrade all the internal and external parts of the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . I will also rebuild the T-5 and re-gear the axles...I have to see what Transfer Case is on it and have it rebuilt or replaced. The old girl will have a 3” lift running 33’s. Looking at Yukon 4:10 gears and replacing all the hubs to Warn. I have removed the stinger up front and welding some additional plates to it. Will send a picture once it is done. Trying to protect the steering box that is up front from any damage. Also, looking at reinforcing the roll cage to cover the rear. More of a full cage to keep the pup covered when she is in the back.

 

[mtnwhlr]

.I have to see what Transfer Case is on it and have it rebuilt or replaced. .

It should be a Dana 300 .

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Been very pleased with the changes I made over the years.
You will want 4:56-4:88 R&P with that 5-speed.
https://www.jeep-cj.com/database/browsecategory.php?do=member&entryuserid=12421

LG