Build Thread CJ-3B Rebuild

[Sasquach]

Day 1 got the 3B into it's new spot in the man cave and after a bout of apprehention I started digging in to see what I have. I know all the drivetrain needs rebuilding for sure and some mild frame work is in order with a few cracks here and there. The body is pretty solid other than the rear wheelhouse tops and I have some new stampings on the way for that as well as a new tool box and lid. My plans for the finished project are a little hazy and will evolve as I go for sure, kinda want to keep it original but some of that is iffy such as the brakes and possibly the powerplant. The motor I think I will determine as I get into it and if it needs allot I may opt for repowering with a V6 or?, not wanting to spend a ton on it but at the same time I don't want to put $$ into a 4-134 huricane.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

4.3 v6 would be alot more power than the thing needs. you gonna lift it? maybe some new axles?

 

[Sasquach]

4.3 v6 would be alot more power than the thing needs. you gonna lift it? maybe some new axles?

What I want to do and what will probably happen are not the same, This thing is really close to original and to modify it would be bad JuJu and something evil will probably happen to me!
For now I am stripping it down to assess what I'm up against and will make some disisions then. If a guy is to do some modifying the brakes are rediculous on these as is the steering and if you go there then why not a 225v6 OR gmV6 then the Transmission . needs to go if you go the GM route as the T-90 won't last behind it. Should have it all apart by the weekend and get inside the motor to see what I got, It was rebuilt a few years back but the way it smokes you wouldn't know it.

 

[54cj3b]

I said I was going to keep mine all stock till the wheels started turning
4.3/sm465/d18 combo not done yet but soon
the fever is very addicting good luck with your build

 

[ken98k]

I said I was going to keep mine all stock till the wheels started turning
4.3/sm465/d18 combo not done yet but soon
the fever is very addicting good luck with your build

I'm not really a fan of the armor plate look but you have a very cool little buggy there.

 

[Sasquach]

Day 4. Tub off and after cleaning some of the heavy build up off things my first observation is the rear diff is in poor condition, the yoke has movent up and down and when twisted there is about 15 degrees of slack/lash before the wheels move. I did plan on rebuilding all the drivetrain and looks like I won't get off too easy. The frame is really good though, so lucky there I guess. Not sure what to do first but will probably do some more grease scraping before anything else.

 

[Sasquach]

My brakes never worked to good even after new wheel cylinders, shoes, drums and a rebuild on the M cylinder years ago and I thought it was just the way it was..well look what I found next to the driver side engine mount, yep that pinched line is to both front brakes!

 

[gert]

Ouch no good for the brakes lol

 

[Old Dog]

My brakes never worked to good even after new wheel cylinders, shoes, drums and a rebuild on the M cylinder years ago and I thought it was just the way it was..well look what I found next to the driver side engine mount, yep that pinched line is to both front brakes!

WOW you never know what your gona find.
FWIW I would keep it as stock as possable and still be safe, ie, up grade brakes and what ever.

 

[Sasquach]

WOW you never know what your gona find.
FWIW I would keep it as stock as possable and still be safe, ie, up grade brakes and what ever.

Thanks for that FWIW Old Dog. I am having a hard time with it, Deep down I know the best thing would be to restore it but there's the other side of me wanting to do a mild build on it with a 4.3vortec and that would lead to so many other things that it would be anything but original.
I am going to update the master cylinder to a duel reservoir and looking into either larger drums or most likely a disc conversion, you gota be able to stop!
The stock setup is a single reservoir M cyl. and if for instance that pinch started leaking and you pumped out all your fluid you would have zero brakes at all wheels!
Wonder if the gal in the 3B new that before heading over the hill and telling hubbie that the Black Bear was made for old CJ's?

 

[Sasquach]

Day 7 Engine out and head off, Transfer Case off, Transmission off.
Discoveries; Engine semipro? rebuilt by PO with very few miles on it, Head had incorrect head bolts and at least one was too long and not doing a thing and at that cylinder the head gasket leaked coolant into cylinder and did some light pitting that I'm not thinking will clean up with a hone.
2 bolts missing on bell housing to block and right next to each other.
Broken mounting ear on Transmission . were mates to T case and was siliconed back on!
Other than that looks like it's serviceable although I'm thinking I will replace the Transmission , the broken case I guess it could be welded but needs gears and bearings too.

 

[CJKrawler]

Day 7 Engine out and head off, Transfer Case off, Transmission off.
Discoveries; Engine semipro? rebuilt by PO with very few miles on it, Head had incorrect head bolts and at least one was too long and not doing a thing and at that cylinder the head gasket leaked coolant into cylinder and did some light pitting that I'm not thinking will clean up with a hone.
2 bolts missing on bell housing to block and right next to each other.
Broken mounting ear on Transmission . were mates to T case and was siliconed back on!
Other than that looks like it's serviceable although I'm thinking I will replace the Transmission , the broken case I guess it could be welded but needs gears and bearings too.

Sounds like it was a good thing you are pulling it all apart.

 

[Sasquach]

Sounds like it was a good thing you are pulling it all apart.

Pulled the front end apart today and some more surprises, nothing major but the way the Jeep steered and braked have really come into focus as to why it was soo bad. After getting the brakes off I found perfectly unworn drums from the brake job it received in 1986, the pinched line allowed no fluid to pass-not sure how they bleed the brakes or if they even did.
picture is the kingpin bearings from the knuckles, they did'nt work so well either.
I'm starting to think this thing might drive pretty nice when I get it done!

 

[Old Dog]

It's getting better and better. :lpopcorn:
One thing about jeep's they will keep you busy.

 

[gert]

WOW how did your tranny not fall out of the jeep lol I am suprised you were able to evan steer with those bearings

 

[Sasquach]

WOW how did your tranny not fall out of the jeep lol I am suprised you were able to evan steer with those bearings

Me too!
It still had some bolts here and there.

Forgive me if I don't give proper respect but as 73CJ ? Said "this Jeep has not had an easy life" (talking about his own but does apply here as well)

 

[Sasquach]

Well it's starting to not be fun anymore, while taking the front axle out I noticed it did'nt look so straight and sure enough it's tweeked at least 3/8" from pumpkin to long end. After a little search I see it's pretty common to straighten them so now do I attempt it or find a shop? Thought about trying to find a replacement but chances of finding a good 27A?
I think it was from that run up the creekbed years ago, the T-90 has a pretty tall 1st and sometimes things get hit with a little more speed than you might like. Right about the center of the bend is decent ding were it must have made contact with a large rock, I think the same one that tore up the steering linkage that had to be replaced.

 

[Sasquach]

Things back on track, enthusiasim back. Got the axle tube straightened without leaving the shop, scrounged up some iron and chain and jacked it back into shape. I'm sure it's not perfect but close enough for front axle concidering the shafts have spider joints at each end and the front will go unlocked except slow speed use.

 

[Sasquach]

Let me know if I'm boring you guys but discovered another detail of my brakes that I had missed, that pinched line is the ONLY line coming off the M cyl. and goes to a distribution fitting that then sends it to each front and a line back to the rears. No wonder my right leg is bigger than my left, you could'nt push hard enough on that pedal!
The pinched line is the big on on top right behind the motor mount.

 

[CJKrawler]

looking back, you must pucker just thinking about any close calls you had. Nice work on the axle tube.