Build Thread CJ-5 Vermont thread

[DTCVTC]

So I might be getting a head of my self so bare with me. I picked up two CJ's this weekend for $800.00. The first is a 1982 CJ7 Dana 30 and AMC20 with a unknown 4 spd train and Transfer Case . Four inch skyjacker lift installed. Told Frame was in great shape and for all that I can tell it is. The tube is completely gone. The second is a 1976 CJ5 with a bit of a frankin jeep. This is what I was told and still need to verify. Frame swapped with a 82 wide track Dana 44 front and rear with a detriot rear locker, spring over lift, T-18 Transmission , and a Dana 300 transfer. The body is in ok shape looks like someone patched all the floors and rust spots years ago but has not been tended to in a couple years. Both start and drive but need some work. Also came with a second Dana 300 and 3 spd Transmission . Two extra hard tops couple sets of soft doors and two sets of spair rims

What do you think

Dave from Vermont

 

[DTCVTC]

For the build plans

Once I verify all that I have ( and find a garage to work in its cold up here in VT)

I am plaining on selling the CJ7 and building the CJ5 . I do a lot of trail riding in Vermont but do not have a trailer or truck big enough to bring the CJ to place to place. So I will want the CJ to be comfortable on the road. Hoping two run 35's with the sping over that is currently in the CJ5 (if that will fit) Need to work on the steering system and suspension to make this not scary down the road at 65 MPH. Also I would like to switch to fuel injection for the trails. Was hoping to do Durabak smooth (anyone use this) on the body and xtream liner in the inside I have never owned a CJ but this is my 3 Jeep. (two YJ's and one JK).

Need advice and I am going to have plenty of questions down the line.

 

[Darren9975]

Good buy! If I was you I would keep the 7 for parts, and personally if I was gonna drive the 5 on the road I wouldn't keep the spring over.

 

[DTCVTC]

Can I put the 4inch lift from the CJ7 into the 5?

 

[Darren9975]

Yeah they should be the same

 

[hutchman]

Sounds like a great buy to me!

 

[0822]

Great find !

 

[DTCVTC]

Thanks Guys. Really looking forward to this build.

 

[DTCVTC]

So brought home the CJ's last night. Thought I would take some photos. Little Newbie question for all I know you can not get a Dana 44 in the front for the CJ's. Is this true? And If so where do you guys think this one came from.

Thanks

Dave

 

[coldair]

DUDE Thats a sweet hat you have there. Nice buy!!!

 

[IOPort51]

great deal for the money. does the 44 front have disk or drum brakes?? Loose the SOA. build the 5 with T-18 and Dana 300 with Dana 44 rear and front if it is disk brakes.

 

[DTCVTC]

Yeah the front has a Dana 44 has disk breaks.

 

[diddy2003]

So brought home the CJ's last night. Thought I would take some photos. Little Newbie question for all I know you can not get a dana 44 in the front for the CJ's. Is this true? And If so where do you guys think this one came from.

Thanks

Dave

Nice buy. Maybe it came from a scout II? I know that is pretty popular, although it isn't a direct bolt in. It would have been narrowed too.

Jeep Axle Swaps: Front Dana 44

 

[diddy2003]

Hmmm, I just read your top post.

I would build the 7, but that is because I am on the tall side and the 5 is pretty tight for me.

I would keep the 4 inch lift. SOA for a street jeep would not be my choice. 4 inch skyjacker, with 1 inch - 1.25 inch BL, and maybe a small shackle lift for 35s.

Figure out the 4 speed. If it is a T-176 , that is a great medium duty street/trail Transmission . The T-18s are awesome, if it has the 6:1 first gear, but that is almost like a basic 3 speed on the street. 1st gear just for trails. I have the T-176 and if I want lower a 4:1 conversion with the Dana 300 is what I would do.

Also, what is the gearing in the 44s? I would put those under the 7 and take out the locker. A locker, in the rear, on the street sucks. A detroit trutrac in the rear with the locker in front would be a great solution. Gearing is important though. For 35s they should probably have 4.10s, or something similar, for gears.

Do both have 258s for motors?

I guess it all comes down to what you like. I prefer the 7. But, you could also do all the same stuff to the 5, but I think the 4 inch suspension won't fit. They have different part numbers. You could find a YJ tub pretty easy and use that on the 7, but its up to you and which one you like better.

 

[DTCVTC]

Started working on the CJ's today Pulled the belly pan off the CJ5 today and found the broken tranny mount. You can see where it broke off from the alu caseing. I guess I have three options, 1.) Replace the tranny altogether. 2.) Make some sort of braket to hold it. 3.) Have someone weld in a new peice of alu.

What does everyone think?

Also pulled the roll bar and seats. Still lot of work to go

 

[coldair]

Started working on the CJ's today Pulled the belly pan off the CJ-5 today and found the broken tranny mount. You can see where it broke off from the alu caseing. I guess I have three options, 1.) Replace the tranny altogether. 2.) Make some sort of braket to hold it. 3.) Have someone weld in a new peice of alu.

What does everyone think?

Also pulled the roll bar and seats. Still lot of work to go

That looks like cast to me. cast is pretty hard to weld. not saying you cant weld it just have to find some one that knows what they are doing.

 

[Sasquach]

A spring over CJ5 with a detroit locker and street freindly? Not gona happen, loose the spring over and settle for 33" tires on max 4" lift and never let your gal drive it(or anybody else) and you should be fine, less would be better.

 

[DTCVTC]

Update: Takled some time on the CJ7 today. Removed the load of rust or in other words took the tub off. Found a good looking frame under neath. More tomorrow

 

[coldair]

WOW can you say rust.