New here with a new Jeep - advice welcome

[ThisGuyUKnow]

If the cj in question werent so clean. I wouldn't be such a negative nancy about the extensive plans for modification. But they aren't making nice CJs anymore and there are plenty that have already met the angle grinder and have been moved away from original. The things mentioned here are mods that can't be undone. Personally I wouldnt want to street the final product of the proposed build.

I know I am probably the pot calling the kettle black as I have a 4.0 and NV3550 in mine, but that was for all intents and purposes a bolt in and required 0 modification to the jeep.

I don't have an issue with taking such a clean jeep and making modifications that dont drastically change the overall look, YJ springs would be a good example. But seeing a good example of a cj like that modified so drastically kinda makes my stomach turn a little because, as I stated, at this point they aren't making them anymore and that stuff can't be undone..

Not trying to flame or pic a fight just my opinion. All that being said, if I intend to use a Cj for hardcore offroading then ya sure I would need to make drastic changes and not want to be Limited to the weaknesses of some of the OEM equipment (AMC20 comes to mind) but I would not find me a jeep like the one pictured and pull out the hack saw, I'd find one that was a little further gone.

 

[Hedgehog]

mtnwhlr - Had a '92 Bronco, put 192,000 miles on it. Hated it in many ways. I have a CJ5 now and I won't be putting big tires on it, I won't be cutting down Ford axles for it, I won't be adding length, a radio, AC, big fluffy seats or big *** suspension. I wanted a jeep when I sold my '80 but had to be a responsible new father and got something safe for infants to ride in. 23 years and a divorce later I got my damned jeep and I love it. I won't be destroying it by driving over every big rock I can find, I won't be hitting every mud hold in the state, I damned sure won't be jumping it over anything. It will get it's share of desert pin striping in the paint, but I'll be pissed if it gets a dent.

With that being said, if I wanted to do those things I damned sure would get an old full sized Bronco. The top would come off, the wheel wells will be cut, big assed tires, a full tube roll cage and lots of tube under pinning, big bumpers, winches front and rear. I don't want a vehicle that is completely hand built for off road with jeep tin on it, in my opinion that is no more a jeep than a NASCAR Impala is a Chevy.

Now it would be easy to go off the deep end and pick on every modification on my jeep so a finger can be pointed at me. Sure my CJ5 isn't pure. Reasonable modifications are inevitable and I'm as guilty as the next guy. But I've explained this stuff before, frankly I'm sick of doing it. I love my Jeep because it's a jeep, it does what it can do and doesn't do what it can't.

 

[Petescj]

NASCAR doesn't use Impalas anymore.

 

[hole]

NASCAR doesn't use Impalas anymore.

Pete, not sure, but I dont think your using water for the fire.

 

[Petescj]

Pete, not sure, but I dont think your using water for the fire.

Full size Broncos won't fit on the tight trails we have here. Better?

 

[Hedgehog]

Man, it wasn't my intension to derail this thread. I'm not a NASCAR fan so I was digging for a vehicle they once used and remembered some controversy about the Impala so I went with it. The point is still valid.

I believe people are not understanding the point I'm attempting to make with these heavy duty modification threads and I'm not going to pound the dead horse here, today.

The jeep in question appears to be a nice example of a CJ7 , I can't fault anyone for wanting to make it into their dream vehicle. Much of the discussion here is to make sure the OP does the research it takes to do the job right, in that I mean he doesn't create a vehicle that is terribly unsafe and can't do the things he wants in the end.

Remember one thing though, I love my jeep and the jeeps I've had experience with.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Remember one thing though, I love my jeep and the jeeps I've had experience with.

right! you love your CJ, you just secretly wish it were a Bronco

 

[steve1973]

Man, it wasn't my intension to derail this thread. I'm not a NASCAR fan so I was digging for a vehicle they once used and remembered some controversy about the Impala so I went with it. The point is still valid.

I believe people are not understanding the point I'm attempting to make with these heavy duty modification threads and I'm not going to pound the dead horse here, today.

The jeep in question appears to be a nice example of a CJ7 , I can't fault anyone for wanting to make it into their dream vehicle. Much of the discussion here is to make sure the OP does the research it takes to do the job right, in that I mean he doesn't create a vehicle that is terribly unsafe and can't do the things he wants in the end.

Remember one thing though, I love my jeep and the jeeps I've had experience with.

I'm in agreement. Remember, the OP did ask for advice. I'm coming from the been there, done that already camp so my view of what a CJ should be is far different this time around. Safe and reliable are priorities # 1 and 2 for me and that dictates how I approach this CJ ownership. I've done the V-8 swaps, axles swaps, gear swaps, suspension lifts, body lifts, 31's 33's and 35's 25 years ago and had plenty of fun. Hill climbs, mud bogs, sand drag. You name it, have busted every part in a CJ. But, without a doubt the most enjoyment (read safe and reliable) I have had with Jeeps have been when they were close to stock. I also hate to see a CJ that has been modified to the point of losing the character and charm it left the assembly line with.

So my advice, make it safe and reliable. and enjoy it. Make smart enhancements and you might be shocked how capable an off-road rig a CJ is.

 

[Hedgehog]

Guy - Honestly after 192,000 miles of constant trouble with brakes and tires and other things that were a constant drain on finances I hated that darned Bronco with a passion. :down: ...... but I will admit, when it did work the thing was a great 4 wheeler. .... maybe, I hate to admit it in a minor way you are right!

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Guy - Honestly after 192,000 miles of constant trouble with brakes and tires and other things that were a constant drain on finances I hated that darned Bronco with a passion. :down: ...... but I will admit, when it did work the thing was a great 4 wheeler. .... maybe, I hate to admit it in a minor way you are right!

 

[Neuner]

....and off the OP goes to another forum since we haven't seen him reply?

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

....and off the OP goes to another forum since we haven't seen him reply?

oops

 

[jdcaples]

The account's last activity was 07-30-2014 11:43 AM. I don't think enough time's lapsed to call him gone yet. He might just have more of a life than I.

-Jon

 

[10Seconds]

I am still here. I am just a bit surprised at the responses here honestly.

So here is an update for those who are interested, and something to grit your teeth on for the naysayers: I bought a 2003 Chevy 2500HD truck last weekend. I have been working nights this week and pulling the 6.0 / 4l80e out, which are soon to be put in the Jeep along with the disc brake 14 bolt from the rear. I also picked up a Dana 60 for the front, so as soon as I find a suitable Transfer Case I will be switching my drivetrain over. I guess theres not much point to a build thread here, I will do that at Pirate4x4. I do know a friend who is looking for an original button for a seat from his Levi (Edition) edition CJ, so I am going to refer him over, maybe he will fit in better here for most of you.

Honestly, I was excited to find a forum dedicate to the CJ, my favorite model Jeep. But it seems a bunch here dont really get what make a Jeep. Its not the metal that rolled off the factory 35+ yrs ago. Its the heart of the driver who cares about it and knows it inside and out.

People have been modifying and improving their Jeeps for over 50 yrs and that doesnt make them bad for it. Its the enthusiasts who have preserved the legend. At the end of the day, I dont want a 100 point concours restored Jeep, I want a capable rig I can play with. I have had many trucks and broncos. I want a Jeep so that's what I will have. And I will have it my way. Just like I am happy for those of you who want to keep it stock on yours - so I wont insult you and offer to buy it away and "rescue" it from an embarrassing life on donut spare tires. There is a place for all of us in the Jeep family.

Thank you for the warm welcome to the forum.

As an aside - judging from peoples other threads here, most people, including those posting in this thread, whether claiming to be a purist or not, have modified their Jeeps.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I wish you luck with you build, it should a real beast when done. I hope you post some pics and keep us (me) posted as you go. I love big loud Jeeps.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

I am still here. I am just a bit surprised at the responses here honestly.

So here is an update for those who are interested, and something to grit your teeth on for the naysayers: I bought a 2003 Chevy 2500HD truck last weekend. I have been working nights this week and pulling the 6.0 / 4l80e out, which are soon to be put in the Jeep along with the disc brake 14 bolt from the rear. I also picked up a Dana 60 for the front, so as soon as I find a suitable Transfer Case I will be switching my drivetrain over. I guess theres not much point to a build thread here, I will do that at Pirate4x4. I do know a friend who is looking for an original button for a seat from his Levi (Edition) edition CJ, so I am going to refer him over, maybe he will fit in better here for most of you.

Honestly, I was excited to find a forum dedicate to the CJ, my favorite model Jeep. But it seems a bunch here dont really get what make a Jeep. Its not the metal that rolled off the factory 35+ yrs ago. Its the heart of the driver who cares about it and knows it inside and out.

People have been modifying and improving their Jeeps for over 50 yrs and that doesnt make them bad for it. Its the enthusiasts who have preserved the legend. At the end of the day, I dont want a 100 point concours restored Jeep, I want a capable rig I can play with. I have had many trucks and broncos. I want a Jeep so that's what I will have. And I will have it my way. Just like I am happy for those of you who want to keep it stock on yours - so I wont insult you and offer to buy it away and "rescue" it from an embarrassing life on donut spare tires. There is a place for all of us in the Jeep family.

Thank you for the warm welcome to the forum.

As an aside - judging from peoples other threads here, most people, including those posting in this thread, whether claiming to be a purist or not, have modified their Jeeps.

A couple things to keep in mind, before you write us off:

1. Your title and post says advice welcome. Advice kinda boils down to people's opinions and that is what you got. We are all enthusiasts in our own way. No one attacked you they,myself included, "advised" you that you may want to consider preserving such a nice rig as there are plenty of CJS that have gone under the grinder and finding survivors is getting harder and harder.

2. It says on the home page that the is a Jeep CJ Community and General Off-Road Site. Most of the modifications you described and want to do, IMO, fall beyond "general offroading". General off roading, to me, would describe things like unpaved roads with small obstacles that would require a 4 wheel drive capability to overcome to get to something like a camp site deep in the woods or maybe a hunting site. Or possibly putzing around on a beach. Nothing that would honestly require a 14 bolt truck axle or an Nv4500 (I know you didnt mention this tranny I am just using it as an example).

Keep in mind that even the original military Jeep was actually not intended for really super hardcore stuff like rock crawling or mud bogging or insert your offraod interest.

That being said we do have a large number of users here that do some very heavy duty offroading that do require a great deal of modifications and sturdier equipment to do. But in the years I have been a member on here I would say the majority of people here do not fall into that category.

3. what make a Jeep. Its not the metal that rolled off the factory 35+ yrs ago. Its the heart of the driver who cares about it and knows it inside and out.

I couldn't agree more with this statement and I think that most people here feel the same way. Saying that a "bunch of people here" don't get this because they advised you to not cut up a very clean CJ7 is a little rude and you missed the point. No one said that your opinion on what makes a Jeep a Jeep is wrong because it differed from ours. Maybe it wasn't your intention but the way your post is worded that is what you are saying about us here. That is an attitude that I think is more fit for Pirate so if you truly meant that the way it reads then maybe that is the best place for you use.

--------

I don't think many here have a problem with heavily modified cjs but it pangs us a little to see one that is so close to original go this route because we love the CJ model so much. When someone modifies a jeep like in the way you said you plan, it can't be undone, no one is going to run you off this site with a pitchfork and you will get tons of positive feedback if you start a build thread. Again, going back to point 1, the reason you didnt get a whole lot of positive feedback is because you asked for advice on what to do with your jeep. If you started a build thread in the build forum I would be surprised if there was any nay saying.

I am sorry we made you feel unwelcome. I'd like to say that you are very welcome here and we would very much love to watch the progress. Most of use here have expertise in the original equipment mostly and might not be helpful with your chevy components you intend to use but I am sure someone here has done what you are looking to do.

Again sorry for making you feel unwelcome. I know that my posts were in the naysayer category so i can say that was not my intent.

 

[Hedgehog]

So why not put Jeep tin on your Chevy? I think it would be kind of cool. Stretch the body panels both in lenght and width, mount them to your frame. You'd have a big ol' jeep with all the punch of your superior Chevy. Then it would be fun to post on both Jeep forums and Chevy truck forums, the ...... "WHAT!" factor from both forums would be great. After all it's what's in your heart that counts, just drive your Chevy and call it a Jeep. That might not be the same though.

I say go ahead and do what you want, some hybrids are way cool and most probably should have been where the Jeep ended up. Unfortunately CJ jeep guys realy like their CJ jeeps the old way, as Harley guys kept Harley in the stone ages CJ jeep guys are much the same.

 

[Old Dog]

10seconds, just to let you know, I for one would like to see you do a build here. One of these days my old 350 is going to give it up and a newer roller motor like the 6.0 will be going in. I will have to say that the people over at pirate will have more advice on your type of build then we will here though.
Good luck with the build. Oh by the way go with an Atlas t/c.

 

[steve1973]

As an aside - judging from peoples other threads here, most people, including those posting in this thread, whether claiming to be a purist or not, have modified their Jeeps.

Some of us, myself included, who have responded to this thread who have not modified our Jeeps don't feel that we are a "purist" Driving a Jeep that isn't highly modified provides a different type of "feeling". I think that's the part your missing. Its the feel, not the carefully restored CJ. A stockish CJ has a different feel than one with mods galore. It also makes you a better driver offroad knowing you cant just mash the throttle to overcome every obstacle. There is a different on road feeling as well. You will lose all that when you do as you suggest. Its the feel that gives us the passion to advise you not to hack it up. It has nothing to do with value or rarity. We just don't want to see the feel removed for another down the road. I'm just a steward of the feel until the next owner.

Its your ride, so do what you want, but if you ask for advice don't be hurt when it isn't what you want to hear.

 

[hdgapeach]

Read the whole thread so far and here's my poop on the subject ;

The "don't do it" comments I've looked over translate to me that you're in possession of a very decent and desirable CJ. Jeeps that are in the shape yours is in are pretty rare in many parts of the country. And that's what some spend a lot of time and effort to find, the Holy Grail of Jeepdom! I don't believe the emotion would be so negative toward conforming a less desirable CJ (one that isn't so good looking or one that had already been modified).

I don't think anyone is offended by your intentions. Some would prefer to "rescue" your present Jeep and suggest a different beast CJ for the sacrifice. Ain't too many good originals left anymore .

Peace out and good luck with the build . Wish I had the youth and means to pursue another build.