Build Thread Deerejeep's '81 CJ7 Iowa

[Deerejeep]

CJ is officially gone. Rolling Chassis went out to the shop so we can get the T-18 / adaptor/ Dana 300 fit up and get the drivetrain setup. We're still waiting on the clutch but this is a big day in moving the project forward. I've got very little to work on except better organizing parts cleaning up the garage and getting ready for reassembly. I'm still just bat crazy to drive before the bad weather rolls in again this winter... not sure I'll make it but not ready to give up either.


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[Deerejeep]

Better picture


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[Deerejeep]

stay tuned for more updates

 

[Deerejeep]

Had a great 4th of July yesterday. It was the date I had said I wanted to have the CJ done to tool around and enjoy the day. But, as you can tell I'm far from driving at this point. Thankful however as the JK is suitable next best option to enjoy. The boy was upset that I left "his" door on. He wanted to go doorless like mom and dad up front..

The Clutch came in after a 3 week backorder and we'll get the drivetrain fit up soon. The only thing I can do at this point is clean up the headers and probably get better organized for when the body and chassis gets back. In other words, waiting on others to get some work done before I can make progress. I'm a bit disappointed in the progress of the body. Nearly 3 months and it's barely been touched.. I sure wish I could do the work myself.. Looks like Spring '15 is earliest this thing will see the road.


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[Deerejeep]

Rear cross member has come in from Classic, it only took 3 days or so from when I ordered it. I've been working on the headers too. I've primed 1 with VHT Primer and should have some paint on in this weekend. Progress is slow.


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[Deerejeep]

Working on the headers to remove the "shipping paint" and painting with vht primer and paint 2000 degrees.

Here's a shot of the in process headers.



Here's the finished product.

 

[motorhead]

Not sure if you thought about it but if you are using the AC compressor bracket you can also easily convert your AC compressor into an on board air compressor. Just google how to convert and there are also site that tell you which compressor to get from junkyards with enough power to run air tools. Just a thought incase you want to air down/up your tires or just be awesome and use air tools to rotate your tires in a parking lot to impress your friends.

 

[Deerejeep]

Not sure if you thought about it but if you are using the AC compressor bracket you can also easily convert your AC compressor into an on board air compressor. Just google how to convert and there are also site that tell you which compressor to get from junkyards with enough power to run air tools. Just a thought incase you want to air down/up your tires or just be awesome and use air tools to rotate your tires in a parking lot to impress your friends.

I've definitely thought about that option and I do have the compressor from the
compressor. But, I've not really researched the option and will probably wait to do
it until I get the CJ about done. My thought was to use it to power a big ol' train horn

 

[Deerejeep]

Progress to report.
Clutch


Rear Cross Member welded on



Removed tough country 4" lift and replaced with 2.5" BDS.


T-18 Clean up is underway


Tons more to do.. Fitting up drivetrain, new driveshafts, 1 piece rear axle install and rear disc brakes are next!







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[74G8R2]

Deerejeep, are you going to a different size tire to go with the new BDS lift? If so, what size? I'm about settled on BDS for my '80 and trying to decide between 31s and 33s (no body lift). Your project looks great, I'm at the bare frame stage and ready to start turning those bolts clockwise.

 

[Deerejeep]

Deerejeep, are you going to a different size tire to go with the new BDS lift? If so, what size? I'm about settled on BDS for my '80 and trying to decide between 31s and 33s (no body lift). Your project looks great, I'm at the bare frame stage and ready to start turning those bolts clockwise.

Yes, I'll go with smaller tires than the 35" that are on there today. I believe the 2.5" will clear
32" max. I'll pair them with white wagon wheels. It's a great day when you start turning bolts the other direction. Good luck


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[jdulmer]

33s clear by about a mm... Lol

Front Clearance

Rear clearance

 

[jdulmer]

I don't have large lugs on the sidewalls though. Looks good, can't wait to get more done on mine...

 

[Deerejeep]

T-18 disassembly I'm still adjusting to the concept of assembly.





Found a couple of things laying around on the bottom. What are these?


I think the gears look good?




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[Deerejeep]

Well I forgot to get a picture of the T-18 cleaned up. I went with Cast Iron VHT High Heat, same as I used for the Transfer Case a long time ago and painted the shifter collar thingy AMC Blue. I really like that color! Cleaning up the Bellhousing, painting silver tomorrow. Next step is the T-18 does need some bearing work that my 4x4 shop will be doing. I think in the future, I may get another T-18 and rebuild it just to learn, but with the whole Jeep apart.. I've got more than enough to do!

Great news... Body work has started full force! Hood, dash panel, fenders are in primer. Body and full doors headed that way too! I guess now is the time to get the full doors done, but truth is I'm looking for some half doors too.

Feeling good about the progress. If all goes well, I should be spending the winter months with final assembly, wiring etc..



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[gert]

Found a couple of things laying around on the bottom. What are these?





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Those are roller bearings they between a shaft and gear see item #38 and #71 in attached Borg Warner T-18 Transmission Diagrams and Information

 

[Posi]

Found a couple of things laying around on the bottom. What are these?

The smaller one separated at the top is a roll pin for the shifter stick.

 

[Deerejeep]

Thanks Gert and Posi. Working to get it put together and bolted up which will make moving the chassis a lot easier to move around, without the engine "hanging"


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[jdulmer]

Just got done reading the whole thread. Wow! Your attention to detail is amazing. I think you may be slightly OCD. But, no matter, doing it right the first time is always a good idea. Did I read that you're doing the twin stick conversion? I am planning on doing that. I'm anxious to see how difficult it is. Great build! I'll keep following for sure.

 

[Deerejeep]

Just got done reading the whole thread. Wow! Your attention to detail is amazing. I think you may be slightly OCD. But, no matter, doing it right the first time is always a good idea. Did I read that you're doing the twin stick conversion? I am planning on doing that. I'm anxious to see how difficult it is. Great build! I'll keep following for sure. [emoji481]

I just might have developed OCD here. In normal life I'm actually a pretty
much a practical person, so I was thinking about the OCD. Here is what I've
come up with:

I've dreamed about having a CJ for 30 or more years. In my dream it was prefect
so I can't have a dream come true unless its perfect. This one's for me for a long
time so I hope it's worth all the effort.. Like the 5 dang months I've had it out to
get "perfect" and that work is still not done.

I'll for sure do another, Willy's is on my mind... But I will have to put a lot of
thought into not doing more of it myself. With all the time I've spent waiting on
others I could have learned, made a mistake... anyway, guess I still lack patience!

Thanks for reading the whole thread, good reminder that I've come a long way!


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