CJ7 Off Road Build Ideas

[redrodeorattler]

So, I am new to this forum, and 4x4's in general. My question is pretty broad, and probably quite subjective, but here goes.

I am looking at ideas on which direction to go. My initial thought was to do a full, body off build, and for the sake of re-typing the whole thought experiment, you can find it here; http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f60/hello-missouri-27318/

However, I am curious to know if something to that extreme is necessary? What are you guys running on your off roaders?

My use is for pretty much a dedicated off roader. Moderate rock crawling, mud, up to advanced trails. About the only time this thing will see the highway is on my way to a trail. So, my main concerns are flex(articulation?) and ground clearance. So, I need to make sure the engine, Transmission , and rear end can handle larger (35-37") tires, and that the suspension will hold up as well.

Another reason I have thought the above mentioned build is the plethora of parts, for if/when something breaks (because if you think it cant be broken, send it to me for a while ).

So, is this overkill? Are there better-than-nuclear options? Any and all input is greatly appreciated

 

[Peanut Butter]

First off you're having problems with the similes. Try typing in the actual code. That can be found next to the one you want to add when you click the (More Button).

So a lot of people have already given their opinion about the conversion you want to do, so I not real sure what you are asking. Here is my best guess at an answer.

In my opinion, when you dramatically change any vehicle, trouble shooting problems becomes complicated due to the numerous changes you have made. I would get the Jeep. Fix anything that doesn't work on it. Now you have a good baseline to start with. Drive it. Take it 4 wheeling. See what it can do, and what it can't do. Now make changes slowly to make it do what you want. I've wheeled all over Colorado and Northern California. You would be surprised what the little Jeep can do. I've never been rock crawling and don't care to go to that extreme. Have I been over large rocky areas, yes. Just not extreme crawling.

To do what you have in mind is going to cost some money, lot of money. It is also going to take some time and a lot of work. Are you prepared to do that. Most of us are not. That's why I say take it slow and get a feel for what 4 wheeling is first. Then make small changes at a time. I think you'll be happier, and you get a better understanding for why we make the changes that we do. Going out and buying a Jeep and then completely and radically changing it to be something you see in a video or in a picture IMHO is not the way to do this. Others may have a different opinion.

PS: Look at some of the Moab videos. I've seen Jeeps that you think would never make over an obstacle, do just fine.

 

[Posi]

I am looking into an early 80's CJ7 for the body (no particular reason, other than the fact I like to way they look). I am also a big v8 guy,

Get yourself a 78-79 CJ7 with a stock AMC 304 T-18 Dana 20 3.54 gears
Best 76-86 wheeling CJ right out of the box.
I prefer 79 because reverse is over and down (first and only year for CJs)
Chances are a used rig will already have the upgraded one piece rear shafts
If it doesn't, install them.
That is the only upgrade you need to have fun
Go out and get some seat time.
After a full season of wheeling you will have a better idea what works for you and what doesn't.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Nut'n will answer your questions better/faster than some time with 'hands-on'.
You may well rethink the direction you want to go.


LG

 

[Peanut Butter]

Get yourself a 78-79 CJ7 with a stock AMC 304 T-18 Dana 20 3.54 gears
Best 76-86 wheeling CJ right out of the box.
I prefer 79 because reverse is over and down (first and only year for CJs)
Chances are a used rig will already have the upgraded one piece rear shafts
If it doesn't, install them.
That is the only upgrade you need to have fun
Go out and get some seat time.
After a full season of wheeling you will have a better idea what works for you and what doesn't.

You forgot the 79 to 86 with an automatic Transmission . Probably one of the best Jeeps made!

 

[sponge]

Agreed, it running really well and wheel it...

Figure out what like, love and hate...then change and upgrade as you go. Much more fun as a journey.

 

[Posi]

You forgot the 79 to 86 with an automatic Transmission . Probably one of the best Jeeps made!

The only 76-86 CJ that would be in the same ball park as the front disc 78-79 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l /AMC 304 /T-18 /20 3.54 would be the 78-79 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l /AMC 304 400/Qtrac/low range 3.54.

We're talking offroad, where strength and gearing matters. There is no way a medium duty 999 would compare with a heavy duty 400, then add the highway geared axles of the 80s.

Not trying to start a 70s 80s war, but the gov changed things in big way after 79.

Side note: the 76-79 CJ T-150 /20 wasn't geared very well for offroad in stock form at 21.1. As bad as that is it still better then some of the 80s CJs depending on the axle gearing it came with.

The best geared 80s CJ was the T-176 /300 3.31 at 30.1 crawl the 999/300 3.31 was 21.1 and some of those came with 2.73 axle gearing.

If they came with the 2.73 as a lot of them did then your looking at 18.1 crawl with the 999/300, and 25.1 with the 176/300.

The 78-79 T-18 /20 3.54 has a stock crawl of 45.1 .