LLMF....Lost Like a Mother******

[PhilinColombia]

Hello, all. First post here (posted in a similar forum - but I can't get too much good info on this topic), first Jeep - total 'noob.' Thank you in advance for being patient with my ignorance in this subject area. I recently moved to, and live in, Medellin, Colombia. I am a retired US Soldier, and just recently purchased a 1978 CJ7 . It will be difficult to source parts and whatever I purchase needs to be 'right' the first time, to the extent possible. I have included three pics. The first one (red CJ) is my Jeep that I just bought. The second two (black) Jeeps are 'concept' examples of what I'd like to build. I am thinking of putting a 350 Chevy w/ EFI in, and an automatic Transmission to match. Headers and exhaust is planned, as well. I also want to 'modernize' for 'drivability.' In other words, new gauges, electronics, suspension, engine, Transmission , driveline etc. - anything necessary to improve upon the original model (within reason). I am open to ANY SUGGESTIONS and I think the more I receive, the better. Your advice will allow me to research and resource parts and find what I need to make this a really exceptional machine! Thanks again, in advance, for your guidance and recommendations. If you were going to build this Jeep, given the basic information and pictures provided, how would YOU do it? What parts would YOU use?

 

[hole]

Whats the current drivetrain?

 

[Scout1067]

I feel your pain. I am a retired Joe and live in Germany. The only way I have figured out how to get right the first time is research, research research. I literally spend hours, if not days, researching parts before I pull the trigger on ordering them because if I have to switch something out I lose 2-3 weeks for the mail.
First thin to do is download a FSM from Ol'Jeep Collins' page: Jeep® Parts Manuals online

The guys on this page have been a ton of help to me and I am starting to get to the point where I have enough Jeep knowledge to pay it back and give some advice myself.

LLMF is exactly how I felt when I picked up my '81 CJ7 . I though I made a transformation into a cherry LT.

 

[RiverandSand]

Welcome, another site I spent hours of research time on is Novak Conversions. If you are wanting to do a SBC Novak has the answers and parts. Looks like from the first pic your CJ has a lift and boomerang front shackles, so some work has already been done.

 

[JeeperChris]

And what is your intended use of it? Daily driver, rock crawler, mall crawler.... ??

 

[DHugg]

I began in 2009 with the first Jeep I ever had. Engine was sound, so I started on the drivetrain replacing all bearings, ball joints, tierod ends, steering pump, brakes, u-joints, and overhauled the Dana 300 box. Now that I won't be left in the woods by a drive system hardware failure, I put in a complete electrical ground system. Got a new Motorcraft 2100 carb. Now I'm rebuilding distributor and spark wiring with upgrades. I have a new plastic gastank that I like right well. I do all the work myself from Ludell's and other manuals, and on-link links that talk me through it all.

Since the attached pic, I've decided that open air, completely topless, is how I want to live. I get wet a few times, so next is a home-crafted bikini top that goes over the rollbars to anchor where the back seat used to bolt down.

I think I like to work on it as much as I like to drive it.

 

[cglax6]

First thin to do is download a FSM from Ol'Jeep Collins' page: Jeep® Parts Manuals online

First thing's first...get that FSM...It'll tell exactly what you need to do and what you'll need to do it. Planning goes a long way when you're not INCONUS.

 

[Project86]

Dakota Digital makes clusters and individual gauges. I used a cluster and re organized my dash, but you could just use a blank and cut holes for each gauge where you want it.

 

[PhilinColombia]

Whats the current drivetrain?

Thanks for your question. I'm not sure, currently. I am following up with another important posting in this thread (below).

 

[PhilinColombia]

Dakota Digital makes clusters and individual gauges. I used a cluster and re organized my dash, but you could just use a blank and cut holes for each gauge where you want it.

We're making a custom dash and I plan to add five new gauges (speedo, tach, oil, water, and fuel).

 

[PhilinColombia]

First thing's first...get that FSM...It'll tell exactly what you need to do and what you'll need to do it. Planning goes a long way when you're not INCONUS.

I did it. Great tip! Thank you!

 

[PhilinColombia]

And what is your intended use of it? Daily driver, rock crawler, mall crawler.... ??

Plan is for a daily driver and exploration vehicle (almost always paved roads, but the occasional off-road excursion).

 

[Only in a Jeep CJ]

It’s going to be harder to match your concept pics even if you added bigger tires, a lift, and black paint to yours as you have an older model that has a fender mounted roll bar and narrow track axles. There will be several other differences as well but the “look” may be different in the end.

Go to engine swaps for me would be a 4.0 from a 91 to 98 wrangler and a LS style GM truck motor
Both would give the fuel injection upgrade and the later more power by far

 

[PhilinColombia]

Not sure how this thread works. Is everyone who previously posted notified of another post? I have much more relevant info to add, and I'd like to have everyone's feedback.

Thanks,
Phil

 

[Scout1067]

Not sure how this thread works. Is everyone who previously posted notified of another post? I have much more relevant info to add, and I'd like to have everyone's feedback.

Thanks,
Phil

Everyone who is subscribed to the thread gets notified AFAIK. That is unless they are like me and just get on the site and look at all the new posts to see what is up in the CJ world.

 

[PhilinColombia]

Everyone who is subscribed to the thread gets notified AFAIK. That is unless they are like me and just get on the site and look at all the new posts to see what is up in the CJ world.

Okay, man. Thanks for that info.

So, the other deal (on the Red CJ fell through at the last minute). About a month ago, I managed to find and purchase another Jeep (I guess it was meant to be) - an 1987 YJ. I have already pulled and rebuilt the Transmission . The interior is gutted and seats are being reupholstered. Top is off and being replaced with a bikini (should be fun in this climate). Interior and exterior are being sprayed with T-Rex bedliner. Finally, changing all fluids, doing a complete tune-up, and 'service', as necessary. I also want to 'modernize' for 'drivability' - meaning new shocks, gauges, stereo, etc.

In the near future (next three months), I want to do something with the stock engine. I'm curious what you would recommend. I am considering doing a bore and stroke job here in Colombia, or possibly purchasing a Clifford Performance kit. Basically, I want to get the Jeep somewhere in the vicinity of 300hp or somewhere in the power range of a 327 Chevy. These are arbitrary statements because I don't really know what the hell I'm talking about. Bottomline, I want the Jeep to sound and be powerful....nothing extreme, but I want it to sit asses in the backs of seats and be capable of breaking tires free on the street. This machine will be a short distance (10-15 miles/day) daily driver, on pavement in the city and mountains, with the occasional longer distance trip (100-200 miles, every two months or so). Gravel roads are not uncommon here, sometimes muddy/wet conditions, and on some occasions I will be off-road on dirt trails. She needs to be able to 'wheel', but there won't be any rock crawling or extreme terrain or need of exceptional articulation.

Thanks to all who comment,
Phil