CJ5 project

[AdamCJ]

well guys i have came across a 78 CJ5 that has been sittin for about 5 years...the body is really rough but the 232 runs great and the 3 speed seems great along with the diffs. Anyways im about to start doin alot of cutting and welding including a cage, rock fenders, 5 point harnesses, shackles, etc. (cuz this list keeps goin :p ) and in the process id like to lock in the AMC 20 it has in the rear....would like to find a mini spool so i can stay away from just welding the spiders....any ideas or words of advice???

[Buckeye]

well guys i have came across a 78 CJ5 that has been sittin for about 5 years...the body is really rough but the 232 runs great and the 3 speed seems great along with the diffs. Anyways im about to start doin alot of cutting and welding including a cage, rock fenders, 5 point harnesses, shackles, etc. (cuz this list keeps goin :p ) and in the process id like to lock in the AMC 20 it has in the rear....would like to find a mini spool so i can stay away from just welding the spiders....any ideas or words of advice???

If it has two piece axles................dump 'em.

[AdamCJ]

yeah im gonna dig in deeper to see if it does or not...ive never worked on the AMC 20; always had newer stuff haha

[Buckeye]

yeah im gonna dig in deeper to see if it does or not...ive never worked on the AMC 20; always had newer stuff haha

I used to run them. Twisted the hub off of one and found the key and nut badly worn. Had the rear welded and put in solid axles and never had any more problems. Happened to run accross a narrow 44 with same gears as the ones I was using and Detroit locker. Had to go with that for the right price.

[gumby91]

get that title adam and lets go, since you sold your last jeep to get a horse hauler

[AdamCJ]

get that title adam and lets go, since you sold your last jeep to get a horse hauler
and a friendlier daily driver...

[gumby91]

yea but its super lame. lol

[AdamCJ]

Its another full size chevy ext cab 4x4....but mine is cooler than the rest...i gotta huge DMI back bumper that will cushion the ride when i haul the CJ or when you break :p

[AdamCJ]

opinions wanted.....Rough Country 4in lift kit or buy a SOA kit???? This will not be a street driven jeep...probably wont be legal enough haha

[blackcherryxj]

Why not go with a 4in lift AND a SOA kit?

[samb.]

Why not go with a 4in lift AND a SOA kit?


He may as well go with some 44" TSLs on stock axles as well right? :D

Seriously though that would be stupid tall, especially on a CJ5. If it were mine I would go with the 4" lift and trim the fenders.

[Buckeye]

opinions wanted.....Rough Country 4in lift kit or buy a SOA kit???? This will not be a street driven jeep...probably wont be legal enough haha

CJ5 is tippy enuf without going much higher, especially if you have narrow axles. If you wanted this much lift you should have gotten a CJ7. 2" to 3" of suspension lift and maybe 1" on the body with 33's will get you about anywhere. Your short frame is the drawback of the 5, not to mention difficulty in buying body parts and accessories. That last few inches of reach you can get with a CJ7 makes a big diference. You can save money with the narrow axles by using spacers and wheels with a 4" or so offset. Go with this for a while and keep your eyes open for some full width axles. Until then, get a cheep locker in the front and Lincoln the AMC20 rear with solid axles. If you are only going to drive this off road, you'll never notice the wheel drag. My
$00.02 worth.

[blackcherryxj]

I was definatly joking, it would be nuts. I'd lift just enough to throw 31's or 33's, lock it, and go.

[Buckeye]

I was definatly joking, it would be nuts. I'd lift just enough to throw 31's or 33's, lock it, and go.

Oh, good. Had me going there. Here is a pic of my jumk, 2 1/2" lift, 1" body lift, narrow axles w. spacers, narrow tires let them tuck into the fender and no cutting needed, just remove the flares.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Interlake11-09TFT019.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Interlake11-09TFT022.jpg

[ih8pepl73]

Is this lightning or the ghost of the previous owner?

http://i47.tinypic.com/290xwg3.jpg

[blackcherryxj]

What size tires are those buckeye?

[Buckeye]

Don't know what that is. Maybe it's my "Guardian Angle" holding up the CJ. Or maybe Carolyn's. ;)

[Buckeye]

What size tires are those buckeye?

P78/15/LT Buckshot mudders. Just a little smaller than 33's.

[Buckeye]

Is this lightning or the ghost of the previous owner?

http://i47.tinypic.com/290xwg3.jpg

Ok, I know what it is. I have a UPS vest over my seat and that's the reflective stripe on the front. Had me going there for a while.

[AdamCJ]

Ive already got a set of 33x12.50s for it (thanks tim lol) just couldnt make up my mind on the lift...already pretty well made up my mind on welding the rear, using solid axles, and using wheel spacers...i just want the best lift kit for flex b/c this jeep wont be seeing the streets. The fenders are junk so building tube fenders and modifying the rear tub. Oh btw im building this CJ5 cuz i got it for $80 and as of today it runs and drives and havnt even spent $100 on it :)
P.S. Paul only you would have the mind to consider doing both lifts to a CJ:p

[blackcherryxj]

You would always fit a set of fourty-fours under there and be big time. I still need to see this CJ, like I still need to see tim's improvement. I guess I need to stop being lazy.

[YJason]

No, somebody just needs to........

POST SOME PICTURES :D

[AdamCJ]

LOL im workin on it...hope to have some this weekend

[gumby91]

you better lol

[AdamCJ]

Well as of today found a crack in the block on the 232 but its on the outside so gonna try to do a weld fix....if not then its probably gonna get a small block

[knobturner75]

You would always fit a set of fourty-fours under there and be big time. I still need to see this CJ, like I still need to see tim's improvement. I guess I need to stop being lazy.

I know you're joking, but years ago I test drove a CJ5 with a V8, large lift, and 38" (I think) Ground Hawgs. Scared me half to death. Needless to say, I didn't buy it. I ended up with an 83 Blazer with 6" of lift and 35's.:D

[AdamCJ]

yeah a CJ with that much lift and tire on the street would be a hand full....im just gonna do a spring over on stock springs and possibly a set of shackles along with 33x12.50. Plan on welding up the block this week and start body work. Gonna be sellin a set (5) of 15x8 canyon rims off a TJ so PM me if your interested

[ricewt]

Not to be off subject, but I have to ask?

I'm planning on my CJ7 with full width axles (64 in wms to wms) and 4.5 RE lift with 35's? Too tall or tires too big?

Opinions anyone?

[john roach]

where Are The Pics!!! I Got A Couple Of Old Cj7 Parts Vehicles Layin Out In The Woods Somewhere If You Guys Need Anything Just Ask, I Might Have It

[ricewt]

decent tub? lol

[AdamCJ]

Not to be off subject, but I have to ask?

I'm planning on my CJ7 with full width axles (64 in wms to wms) and 4.5 RE lift with 35's? Too tall or tires too big?

Opinions anyone?
The 4.5'' lift you'll like but the 35s may rub if you are running stock fenders but either way you should be fine with a set of 35x12.50 with the wide track axles

[ricewt]

Well, these would not be CJ wide track axles. They are axles from a 75 Cherokee Chief and around 65 inches wide. I am not sure how wide the wide track CJ axles are? If they are close to this I may not switch to these axles?

Thanks!

[AdamCJ]

Well the CJ gotta lil more work today....rusted out gas tank is gone and body work began. About to do a lil motor work and start my SOA conversion

[AdamCJ]

here's a lil update....now have brakes and pretty sure the block is sealed up now so about to install the radiator and fuel cell so i can run it and find out for sure. If nothing fails then the suspension and body work will continue

[48CJ2A]

Back home in Tucson, AZ. I helped a buddy of mine build a few things on this YJ and I think the rear set up is pretty nice. It's been a wile but I believe he used Chevy 1/2 ton springs in the back with an SOA. The springs could have been off a full size Wagoneer. In your case, I would convert to YJ springs because they are always nice on a CJ. Notice in the picture how the shackles are mounted to the rear bumper. First off, you will have to make a nice solid bumper that is reinforced. You will have to cut off your old hangers and make new ones to fit the new spring width, or buy the hanger conversion kit, spring perches are needed too. We used 3/4" plate to make the rear hangers just in case they scraped on the rocks. Determine where you will put them by placing the new springs up against the area and make sure the rear loop of the spring is roughly where you want your mounting point on the bumper, have the spring placed a little bit further to the rear of the Jeep so you will allow the springs to sang under the weight and your shackle will be slightly angled away from the rear for proper flex. Just to clarify, the rear end is out and the Jeep's back end is on stands. You'll need to have your hangers already made/bought, then tack weld in place. I'm saying this because I'm sure some guy is going to be asking me how to do this when all he's done is buy springs and parked his Jeep in the garage :). Here is the idea behind this. With having the rear hanger on the bumper, and the front hanger set to where it needs to go, your axle will be set back further giving you a longer wheel base. If you go out and measure what you have right now, and measure what I have described, you'll have a good idea of how much more length you'll get. It will give you about 6"-8" depending on the bumper you make and the hangers. I would suggest making your own rear hangers. I've always loved a 5 over a 7 and as posted by other guys, it being shorter does have its draw backs. Hope this opened ideas.


http://www.itsajeep.org/vBulletin/gallery/files/1/8/9/4/20.jpg
http://www.itsajeep.org/vBulletin/gallery/files/1/8/9/4/21.jpg

[AdamCJ]

Thanks for the advise!!! i like that set up so that is definatly somethin im gonna look into. The rear of the frame has a little bit of cancer so im gonna replace it and tie the rear of the frame and the bumper together as one piece so ill have a strong mounting point

[48CJ2A]

Right on dude, love to see some pics when you get done with that!

[AdamCJ]

Well the work continues...broke shaft in steering box is a short set back but may have a power steering set up to swap in :D Cracked block is welded up and ready to roll but may have a 258 with new 2bbl carb to swap in if the 232 gives up. Other than a couple lil things the driveline is about done and then time for body/cage and suspension.

Got 5 Canyon rims from a 2000 TJ for sale if anyone would like them $150obo

[AdamCJ]

Been a while since there has been an update....CJ now has SOA conversion, 33X12.50s, fresh brake system, new rear drive shaft, and power steering, seats, not to meantion little things here and there. Still need to figure out shocks to complete the lift (if any suggestions let me know :D ) but other that that the cage, 5 point harnesses, a new clutch linkage and paint is coming up to have this rig trail ready. Pics comin soon!!

[Buckeye]

Well the work continues...broke shaft in steering box is a short set back but may have a power steering set up to swap in :D Cracked block is welded up and ready to roll but may have a 258 with new 2bbl carb to swap in if the 232 gives up. Other than a couple lil things the driveline is about done and then time for body/cage and suspension.

Got 5 Canyon rims from a 2000 TJ for sale if anyone would like them $150obo

Consider a 4L (with f. i.) instead of the 258.

[blackcherryxj]

Sounds like you've got it going on finally. It would definatly be nice to see some pics of it.

If you need some help one weekend, you've got my number. I'd love to come down and look at it and pull wrenches for a little bit.

Paul

[AdamCJ]

Well the CJ is nearing completion...shocks are done along with some frame and body repair, paint work, electric fan, clutch linkage, hand throttle, and windshield frame. Gotta finish up a lil bit of metal work on the body, build the cage, and install the 5 points then basically done (at least till i wheel it and find weak points)