Build Thread Mikes 85 CJ 7 resurrection.

[Graveltraveller]

Hey all. New here. I did post in the trips section, but may as well get started here. I have an 85 Laredo , that I bought for a wheeler whilst building my scrambler. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to let go of the scrambler, along with my 79 Golden Eagle , my 77 Cherokee chief and my 69 J3000. But, I kept my 7, and my sons YJ, and my 62 willys pick up. So all in all, I'm doing alright.

The 85 was bought for $1200. Up here, that's a steal. It had a fresh inspection, ran like a top, and was in pretty good shape. Since the poor thing was used hard by me, all the bondo has fallen out, and the rust holes have come out with a vengeance. Time to swap the tub. I got lucky, and picked up a YJ tub in relatively good shape from a friend. While the body is off, I'll also be swapping in a Dana 44 from an 86 CJ7 that I got for $300, and a T18a from a 79, with a Dana 20 with the 3:1 gears already done. I'll also be doing the gears, 4.56 is the ratio I'll be using for her.

We got a start on the tub this weekend. It was crazy how much rust was in her!

We got her to the frame. I started on the frame with a wire brush, and she's actually pretty clean. I'll be starting the tranny/tcase tomorrow, and then moving the tub in, and deal with the body mount issue, fabbing up new ones and getting it ready. I need this done ASAP, as the kids YJ is next, and we need them for the summer. I'll keep this up to date. Great site here, btw. Hope to meet some of you. Maybe in Colorado for the summer running? Cheers, Mike.

 

[Graveltraveller]

Well, tranny and t case are out. My front diff is a 3.31 ratio, 43/13, and my rear 86 diff is a 3.73. So gears are lined up to be done in February. In the interests of time and $$$, I am doing 4.56's on spools in both axles. The jeep is mainly a bush toy, and I figure I can always unlock a front hub for the switchbacks that we run frequently in the mountains of BC.

I also ran across an AX15, clocking ring to mate it to the Dana 300 I have, a hydraulic clutch assembly, and a new wilwood brake pedal/master cylinder set up. It was all in my buddy's garage. So, I'll be putting the T18a and 3:1 Dana 20 aside for the 401, and the build I'll be doing with my scrambler frame. Gotta get this done first, and figure while I'm this far into it, I may as well just do what I want with it the first time.


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[gert]

sweeeetttt.......Good luck on yours. should be a sweet ride when your done.building it the way I want it the first time has put mine in the garage a lot longer than I wanted. Good luck on yours.

 

[mdeluca]

Another great thread to watch. Quite the undertaking. Thanks for posting.

 

[Graveltraveller]

So, I got the bearing pressed off the stock Dana 300 shaft, found machine bolts for the clocking ring, and am picking up a new seal for the Dana 300 today. I'll get it all buttoned up tonight. As for clocking, anyone want to chime in on what they've done? I'd like to set the Dana 300 level, for clearance purposes, but don't want to run my driveshaft into the bell housing. Any advice would be appreciated.

And, my kid decided that since dad was in the garage, it was a perfect time to bring his YJ in, and start the lift. And the grand wagoneer Dana 44 swap. After all, with Dad in the garage, he has helping hands, right? I gotta be a little off center, two jeeps in the garage in pieces?

This weekend, I'm going to steal my buddy's welding rig, and get after the body mounts. And the roll cage. Did you know, a cage built for a TJ doesn't quite line up in a YJ tub that is going on a CJ frame? Neither did I. We're all a little smarter now!!! https://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/images/smilies/censored.gif

 

[gert]

I am clocking my Dana 300 pretty flat, I didn't have clearance issues on my last Transmission will see on the new one


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[Graveltraveller]

I am clocking my D300 pretty flat, I didn't have clearance issues on my last transmission will see on the new one


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Thanks Gert. I'll get mine in, and shoot some pics this week.

 

[gert]

I am clocking my Dana 300 pretty flat, I didn't have clearance issues on my last Transmission will see on the new one


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[Graveltraveller]

Trying to figure out how to add pics here again. Just about ready to do some wheeling again.

 

[Graveltraveller]

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[Graveltraveller]

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[Graveltraveller]

Front CJ Dana 30 widetrack, rear 1986 CJ7 Dana 44 off for gears and an elocker in the rear, front Easton trac loc LSD.


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[Graveltraveller]

Cowl and tailgate converted to CJ from YJ.


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[Graveltraveller]

350, with a 700r4, and a Dana 300 , and getting a FI-tech EFI system.


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[Graveltraveller]

Poison Spyder corner armour, sliders, fit to the tub, and powder coated.


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[Graveltraveller]

I found a Genright rear tire carrier, for a jk. Couldn’t pass it up. Fit it up on the passenger (swing) side, and got a buddy who’s set up for welding aluminum to cut 3.5” out of each side to fit inside the taillights.

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[Graveltraveller]

Dash is hung, and I am wiring it. Painless kit.


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[Graveltraveller]

Blazer blower motor upgrade done, new heater core, custom patched defrost duct, and it’s a CJ!


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[Graveltraveller]

I just want to get wheeling again!! Like I say, a few more good weeks, and I’ll have it ready to roll again!


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