New Project Opinions: "R&R CJ-7 2018" (Another Father Son Project)

[Cazenave26]

I had been looking to sell my 82 CJ7 to get a newer four door Wrangler so that I would be able to tow something more than a small trailer. Fortunately, we're addressing the towing needs with a different vehicle. Also, my oldest son (currently 12 years old) has been asking about being able to drive the CJ when he turns 17 (not giving to him, just being able to use as his daily driver). While I'm driving the CJ now, I would be hesitant to let anyone else drive it for safety reasons. There are too many idiosyncrasies with driving it in its current configuration on the road. We still want it to be able to do expedition type off-roading once complete.

So I have 5 years to get this CJ transformed into something that would be safer, more reliable and a little more comfortable. Some of the things to do are straightforward (upgraded brakes, upgraded steering, roll cage, five point restraint seats, etc). There are some other areas of focus that it would be good to get some opinions. Also, we plan to do this over time while keeping the downtime to a minimum. I attached some pictures of what we're working with below.

Axles
The CJ has the Dana 30 in the front and AMC20 in the rear with the two piece axles. Since we're going to design this around a 4" lift and no bigger than 33" tires, there is no major compelling reason to pull the axles, although trussing the AMC20 might be a good idea. Looking for opinions here on these items:

• Upgrade to one piece axles in the rear? I've heard two trains of thought on this pro and con. Since this impacts brake equipment, it's going to have to be decided early.
• Lockers - The diff's are open now which is a bit of a pain. Not sure about going selectable front and back. Also, the AMC20 has some Limited options. Maybe a selectable in back and an Eaton in the front?
• Any other ideas?

Engine
I want to move it to fuel injection for more reliability of operation. My AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l engine has less than 20K miles on it. We also have a 4.0 long block sans EFI computer in the garage that I'm 95% certain is still good. Opinions on these options:

• We could combine the motors to stroke the 4.0 (this may be too fluid an option for my mechanic skills)
• Hesco/MOPAR AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l EFI upgrade kit (Could you still do the 4.0 head swap as well?)
• Crate FI engine with all the equipment in place (it might not be as pricey as it sounds considering the cost of just the MOPAR kit)

Suspension
Currently running a Rough Country 2.5" lift and the operative word is rough. I've read that Rubicon Express lifts are very balanced for on and off road. Does anyone have any experience with coil conversions? Any other testimonials on CJ lifts that have better road feel/manners?

Transmission
It currently runs a very weak T-4 manual. I want to go to automatic.

• 700R4?
• 42RE?
• Other options?

That is good for a start.

Thanks for any input - Rick