New Owner and a Couple First Questions....

[jjump]

Hope I got the right forum.....

First time owner here, been looking for a CJ after renting one the last two summers at the beach in the Outer Banks, started looking about 6 months ago, and came across this one from West Virginia, strong running, YJ tub conversion, minimal frame rust, mostly surface with one small spot, and all electrical and heat work, all original knobs, starts right up every time.

I really don’t have any plans on changing anything for the first year or so, but I do want to make it as best as I can, a bit more friendly to drive, especially since my wife will want to drive it also….

Couple questions/guidance on the research that I have already been doing…..

The YJ to CJ Power Brake Conversion….

Here is what the research has told me. Try to find the setup from a 95 YJ, the rod may need lengthened and the fittings do not match, so adapters will be needed. Any a vacuum port of at least 18inHG at idle is best. I have the Motorcraft 2100 carb setup, EPA stuff removed, there should be a port for this on the manifold or carb correct? Am I missing anything on the brake conversion?

Better Steering and Handling….

I know it’s a CJ, not to many options here. I will check to make sure all steering linkage is good and tight, ball joints, bearings, etc. It has a stabilizer, but I may add a new one for the low cost. Are there any other upgrades that could help or assist (reasonable cost) to at least make a 55mph drive not white knuckling? Most of my driving will be around town so I don’t plan on travelling far, and I will tow it to the beach each year we go.

Thanks in advance for the info!!

JJ in Pittsburgh

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Make sure the front wheel alignment is within spec. That adds much to stability.
I drive my '7' at 65-70 on the freeway, with no issues.
Is that CJ in the pics yours? Looks clean!
LG

 

[jp360cj]

Good looking CJ!

On of the biggest steering issues on these CJs is not enough caster. Make sure it's checked and in spec (have the shop give you a print out if they can). Even if it's in spec, but on the lower end, it still may not be correct. Probably not a bad idea to have tire balanced & rotated to.

When checking the steering linkage, make sure to check the lower steering shaft (between the firewall and the steering box). If it's still the stock shaft, the joints on both ends are prone to wear/slop.

The steering stabilizer shouldn't be needed if everything else is good.

You're on the right track to not plan too many changes out of the gate. As you drive it more, you'll get a better idea of it needs & what you want. You plan on bringing it down to the OBX?

 

[jjump]

Yes, we stay in Corolla every year, but rent Jeeps and spend a day or two up in Carova, kids play, I fish.....I plan on getting a tow bar setup, may think about a car trailer/auto transport to get it down there....

 

[tarry99]

The YJ to CJ Power Brake Conversion….

Am I missing anything on the brake conversion?

Yep............your pedal set has a different pedal ratio ( about 6-7:1 on manual ) VS what you need for a power boosted system which is about 5:1. To much leverage and the brake pedal becomes touchy when applied........

Some brake pedals did have the second hole while others did not......but the offset to correct the ratio sometimes gets the push rod between the pedal and master cylinder running at an angle which is no good either...

Adding the booster may also sometimes requires a linkage adapter between the firewall and booster for clearance at the firewall and in some cases the offset linkage will correct the pedal ratio inside............

Jeep had a special way of mixing parts.............Get out your tape measure and check your current ratio...and if you can find a similar year model with OEM power brakes , take a look under the hood and see if an adapter was used.

 

[jjump]

Thanks tarry.....

Are you saying thought the YJ swap wont work? I've read a handful of sites and even some selling the conversions online.....