Misc. New CJ Help

[ColoradoDerek]

Hello. Yes, we have determined it is a 1976 CJ5 based on the VIN number.

The hose you mentioned, is that from this picture?

The hose in the middle there is what you are referring to?
Can you tell me why it is a problem? just because it will get caught on stuff or something like that?
I can take pictures of the current radiator if needed. Is there some other reason you are saying to go back to the original radiator (I'd have to buy a new one).

I'm also looking for help on identifying all the parts I have so I can determine what I need to get ready to replace or whatever. Is there a way for me to identify my front and rear axle setup? maybe better pictures? it appears to have power steering, etc which I thought was strange for a '76.

If I need to start new threads in other sections of the forum I can do that.

I want to get a good list going of what y'all think I need to replace or what I have at least so I can decide what to replace or what is best.

Here is what I'm going to do at first, for sure:
1. Replace rear leaf springs
2. Replace front tires
3. swap from drum brakes to disc brakes

Any information about how hard or what it will take to do those 3 things will be helpful and anything else to help identify my parts will also be incredibly helpful.

I also looked over that "what you do when you get it home thread" and OMG, it started talking about graphing things with a pencil and paper and all this other stuff that I just have no idea where to even begin. hopefully that is all just "engine" stuff and I can do that later. I know without an engine, it's not useful, so most people probably start with the engine, but not me. I'd rather have something good to put an engine in. a good engine but crappy other parts just means I'll be broken down for a broken axle or something and I have a shot to get an engine working again if it breaks but definitely can't fix a broken axle in the desert.

If you think it would be easier for me to find someone here in town to talk to I can probably do that too, but I'm an internet guy so I tend to use that more than in person stuff.

Like I said in my OP, i'm a total noob and anytime I'm new to something I usually jump in feet first (or head first). I'm not worried about the cost of anything. I don't have much money but I can save up and buy stuff every other month or so! You guys said you could tell me where to spend my money, so have at it!!!

Thank you!!!!!!

Also, off-topic, it won't let me click the link to "become a site supporter." How do I do that? just the amount of help y'all have provided so far is worth me paying some $$ to this site.

 

[shum8]

Ok - Take a deep breath, hold it, and slowly exhale...... LOL. Don’t get overwhelmed....... I didn’t read past the bug eyed look you got when you reading about graphing...... I’ll finish in a bit.

First, fill out your profile info (if you haven’t already) so those attempting to answer your questions will have background info. Then start a build thread. You will be able to document all progress, and we get the added benefit of more Jeep porn. Then, as you come up with specific questions, those can be posted in the appropriate forum, then once you have your answers, go back and add your progress to your build thread. As for the donate tab - I’ll hit CJ up and see what he thinks is going on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CJ]

As for help with axles. See here. -->> https://jeep-cj.com/community/threads/cj-axles.43623/

Other great info here. -->> https://jeep-cj.com/community/#jeep-cj-comprehensive-database.176

Take it slow and follow the reply from shum8 above. -->> https://jeep-cj.com/community/threads/new-cj-help.64141/post-562281

 

[ColoradoDerek]

I am breathing deeply and calming down.
I guess my post did seem like I was going nuts.
It's just so much new information!
I'll do as you guys are suggesting.
I do have all winter to get some stuff done anyway. Not much can be done in the winter around here related to mudding and trail riding. Plenty of time to get some new parts!!

Thank you!

 

[73AMC360]

The disc brakes will make a huge difference. I currently have them on front only. There are kits out there that will go in easily.

Your springs are most likely fine unless there is something I cannot see.

Because the jeep is now spring over you need to check the travel on your shocks and compare it to how far your axle can travel. An easy way to do this is to take the skirts off the tops of your shocks. Then put a fiber washer or zip tie on the shaft so you can see how far the chocks are being compressed. If the tie gets pushed all the way to the top of the shock you will need to address your travel before you bust a shock mount. My springs are a 2 1/2" lift, Shocks are 4" longer than stock. I extended my upper shock mount 3" so i can use my spring travel and not bottom the shocks out.

.The hose I was posting about is the one you have pictured. The lower hose fitting on the radiator should be on the drifter side. The upper on the passengers. This is something I would address over time. Lower hose is highlighted. Just don't hook the hose on a stick.


Your getting a lot of information from owners that have had their rigs for years. Just start picking away at it