CJ7 questions

[Roscoeboy15]

Hello everyone I have a few questions that I want to see some suggestions. I have a 85 CJ7 that I am rebuilding. I am buying a 4.0 and have bought the Dana 44 ’s front and rear. Gears I am thinking about 4:56’s and staying with the 33’s. I am going to add a brake booster but which one not sure. And need a 3” lift kit some suggestions. Not going to be a rock crawler so just putting a locker in the rear. If there are any suggestions on anything let me hear them. I also have to rewrite the entire Jeep. I want a 5 speed manual Transmission so give me your thoughts...looking forward to the information you guys will be giving me.

 

[jp360cj]

What Dana 44s did you buy? Which 4.0? Keeping it FI?

For a 5 speed, I would look for either an AX15 (YJ/TJ/XJ) or NV3550 (TJ). Easy bolt up to the 4.0 (assuming you mean a Jeep I6), if you get the right one (or right bellhousing), it will already be set up for the CPS if needed.

 

[caveman]

The 4.0 that you plan to use may or may not have the place for a fuel pump. If not you'll have to mount an electric pump. I used the carter 4070 low pressure pump. 5 years old and still pumping.

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[Roscoeboy15]

Ok guys I forgot the details..the 4.0 came out of a Jeep and has been rebuilt. I removed the heads and the valves are pristine and the pistons are brand new. The guy who did the rebuild has done a few that a friend has installed in his jeeps. They are still running great. Yes it has FI and I am keeping them. The Dana 44 ’s the front one comes of a Jeep and fits perfect the rear has to be cut 3” and have a new axle made. That is no biggie I have a great guy that is doing it and has done a ton. The fuel pump ok I will look into that one.. appreciate the responses guys keep them coming. This way I can see other options that I may have never considered...thanks

 

[jp360cj]

If you can, try to find out what Jeep the 4.0 came out of. They aren't all exactly the same, main changes I know of are different injection and ignition systems over the years.

As far as the fuel pump, since you are keeping the FI, you'll probably need an electric one anyway.

What kind of the Jeep was the front Dana 44 out of? Is it a driver or passenger side drop? has it already been cut down to fit a late model CJ? CJs never came with Dana 44 fronts and there aren't any direct bolt in available (except for a custom aftermarket unit). All Dana 44 fronts must either be cut down, or the springs have to be outboarded to fit under a CJ.

 

[Roscoeboy15]

I will find out about the 4.0.. as for that Dana’s the front fits mine exactly and I can fabricate the mounts. The rear is off an older bronco and already know what t has to be cut 3” off the right side to fit... I got really lucky and taking some automotive classes at the local college. One of the instructors is the son of the founder of King of the Hammers and is one hell of a fabricator and Jeep guy. Let’s just say it will be the class project...

 

[caveman]

If you're going to keep the FI you'll want a different fuel pump than the one that I listed. You'll need more pressure than what that one puts out.

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[jp360cj]

I am buying a 4.0 and have bought the Dana 44 ’s front and rear.

The rear is off an older bronco and already know what t has to be cut 3” off the right side to fit.

Just FYI, the rear isn't a Dana 44 (or any other Dana) if it's from a Bronco. What width will you end up at?


Sounds like a great project and a good build.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

What yr Bronco? Early ones were Ford 9" in the rear, till '77(IIRC).
What side is the housing on that front 44?
Might want to review my CJ's specs.
We just celebrated our 34 th year together.......
LG

 

[jp360cj]

What yr Bronco? Early ones were Ford 9" in the rear, till '77(IIRC).

Broncos used 9" rears until the mid 80s when they switched to 8.8s. Early Broncos ('77 and older) rears were ~58" wide and full size (78+) were ~65" wide.