Build Thread My New CJ-5

[gadawg31]

Here is the ole girl, finally at home. I picked her up yesterday and started the initial look. I believe right now I want to pull the tub off and start with the suspension, brakes, fuel lines and inspect the Transfer Case , Transmission and other items. This will be my very first build and I am a little overwhelmed. I want to start in the right place, so I decided that the suspension and brakes would be my first adventure. If anyone has any suggestions, plesae let me know. Also, I have searched through the threads here and keep coming up empty, so I don't know if I am searching correctly or not. I am basically trying to find threads that show a basic 2.5" suspension lift and brake conversion. Any info will be greatly appreciated. I will try and get pictures on here as I start and finish projects, but I only have the one for now. Wish me luck.

JD

 

[gadawg31]

Ok ya'll, I started taking parts off last night. Dash, roll cage out, seats coming out today and I hope to start getting the front clip off today or tomorrow. I ran into an issue, that I want to get some opinions on. The PO apparently put 33x12.5x15LT tires on this vehicle. (I have not measured them, but they have 12.5x15LT stamped on the tires.) It also appears that there was an attempt to move the front shackles forward. (I'm still working on the measurements, to see if they are in the factory spot. Still looking in the books for those measurements) Well, the tires obiviously rub bad and I don't have in my budget to get new tires/wheels yet. What would you all think of running some 1.5" wheel spacers for the time being? This will only be a temporary fix, as I am definately going to replace tires/rims with either 31x10.5 or 31x10.5. I just want to get a semi-decent rolling chassis for now. I already ordered the 1" body lift, but I have not ordered the 2.5" suspension lift. I will try and get some pics for you all to see what I am talking about this afternoon. Any advise/suggestions is always welcome. Thanks,
JD

 

[0822]

Welcome, that's a good looking CJ

 

[Posi]

Your Jeep looks good, is there a reason your not enjoying it for awhile before upgrading? If all your doing is temporally purchasing wheel spacers because you don't have the cash for 10.5 I'd just stay off the springs, rubbing now and then won't kill the tire or the spring.

 

[gadawg31]

Posi, I thought about that, but the turn radius is very Limited . I just don't want to get caught in a bind turning in somewhere. Althought, the more I think about it and after hearing someone else say it, does help me warm up to your suggestion more and more. Thanks.
JD

 

[gadawg31]

Ok, here are a few more pics of the ole girl getting stripped down. Front clip off, battery holder, seats out, heater/blower, cold air duct and almost the steering column out. As you can see, I may be replacing the entire hearter/blower assembly. Need to research some parts and see where it takes me, other than to the bank. I ran into a snag, so if anyone has any tips/tricks, please chime in. I removed the two bolts under the dash and the column is just hanging. Next I removed the spring clip outside the firewall. I look at the diagram and it appears I have all the bolts removed, but it still won't budge. Has been soaking with PB blaster, but I feel like I am missing something. Well, that is all for now, so more hopefully tomorrow. Final note, before I head off to relax a bit. When I got the front clip off, I noticed that the front brakes were disk. Now, does anyone have any way of telling where they came from, since I don't think this was standard on this model. I could be wrong, so all your experts, help me out here. I will try and get some close up pics, once I pull the tire off, but I am hoping by some miracle that they are stock. BTW, notice all the different types of bolts that was holding the fenders on. You gotta love shade tree mechanics. I am sure I did this at one time or another. Always good for a nice chuckle.

JD

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Please fill out the vehicle info if you have time. If you don't know the info, use the various VIN decoders to fill in the blanks or post a pic of the vin plate here and someone will assist you with that.

My 1980 CJ5 had disk brakes up front from the factory btw.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

~~I removed the two bolts under the dash and the column is just hanging. Next I removed the spring clip outside the firewall. I look at the diagram and it appears I have all the bolts removed, but it still won't budge. Has been soaking with PB blaster, but I feel like I am missing something.~~

There are 8 bolts under the dash to remove the column on my 1980. I have taken it out about 15 times in the last 10 months...

Take the whole plate off the inside column area and get a BFH (rubber) on the bottom of the steering wheel, its pretty tough. I can attest to it's strength. It will come off since you have that bolt out in the attached pic. Put that spring back in there and leave the lower shaft until you get the column off, it was easier for me.

 

[gadawg31]

Great, thanks for the insight and oops, I forgot all about the vehicle info. I had the sheet sitting beside me last night and had intened on doing that. I will get that in there tonight, thanks for the reminder.

JD

 

[gadawg31]

I got the steering out. Just like you said, a few bolts and a couple of love taps and she came right off. I pulled the master cylinder, clutch cable and hopefully she is ready to lose her top. Thanks for all the help, so far. I hope to start on the frame, brakes and suspension next week. I am ready to start putting some pictures on her of it going back together.

JD

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Don't forget the two little bars under the rear of the tub. Mine are on each side of my fuel tank and have to be completely removed.

To make you feel better, you don't get near as much dirt in your eyes and on your face when you put it back together.

 

[gadawg31]

Anything will be better than the crud pit that was in mine and my boys hair. Of course he probably got a little more than me, because my knees won't let me get down there like I could when I was his age. LOL! One of the many reasons to have kids. LOL! More to come.

JD

 

[gadawg31]

Ok, I ran into a snag. The key switch was broken when I got the jeep and I thought no problem, I'll replace the key with a new one and be on my way. Well, as you can see from the picture, apparently someone has already tried to remove it and has bent the small rod hold the plastic gear and the plastic gear is all jacked up. I have searched around and it seems like this may be a junk yard part. Is this the case or has anyone ever replace it before? Thanks.

JD

 

[gadawg31]

Ok managed to get the plastic ignition switch gear to work, with a little manipulating and some commecial strength super glue. I got the steering column back together. Should have the pics on here tomorow. Started working on the frame and rear end assembly. My right rear brake was full of grease and gunk, so I am assuming that the seal is leaking. Hopefully a little more tomorrow.

JD