Nick's CJ build part 1

[USMC 0369]

[COLOR="#800000"]Just wanted to give a few updates, albeit without pictures. =(

When originally laying out the frame I wanted to stay as close to stock as possible to avoid any strange modifications later on due to items no longer fitting up properly.

Then....

While designing the suspension it was determined we could make some modifications to the rear of the frame. This will give us a great deal more room underneath and much more travel for the rear axle without having to make any real modifications to anything else. So that's been the focus for a little while and also getting the 8.8 ready for install. C-Clip eliminator kit from Superior has started to go in and once Santa gets here should be ready in short order.

Hope to have some more pictures pretty soon.[/COLOR]

[HookandLadder]

Thank goodness for the up date, this thread was stating to get boring! Hope Santa brings u some nice jeep goodies!

[RAT]

For those of you that are bored....
Completed the 8.8 upgrade this afternoon. Easy peasy lemon squeezy... It is a really nicely thought out kit. Took an hour.

Before the cutting. The end of the axle tube comes off up to the shoulder right in front of the flange

20131210_140353 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

After cutting. A little grinding with a flapper wheel and a touch or two with a bastard file

20131210_144236 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Instructions call for silicone sealer between the new bearing housing and the axle. I used super duty marine grade stuff I used to use on my yacht. Bullet proof when it dries.

20131210_144236 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Pressing the new bearing housing into the axle tube. An air impact makes this go much faster.

20131210_144245 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20131210_144250 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Nice and clean. I like it.

20131210_150209 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Installing the screw in studs. Axles are drilled for 5x4.5 and 5x5.5.

20131210_150256 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Axles fitted sans backing plates (letting the sealer cure for a few days before I re-assemble everything)

20131210_151037 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20131210_151048 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Next project. The rear half frame was modified last weekend. Now I get to install the rear suspension for realzies this time. Drill some new holes for the body mounts, and tack the rear truss in place. Once that's done time to more forward... Nick. Need weld wire, gas and steel. better get hoppin' rabbit!

[jonah]

You guys are making me want to start a new project! Looking sweet.

[USMC 0369]

You guys are making me want to start a new project! Looking sweet.

[COLOR="#800000"]I have a frame & axles you can start with. [/COLOR]

[jonah]

[COLOR="#800000"]I have a frame & axles you can start with. [/COLOR]

Top of the line 70s equipment in like new condition, lol?

[USMC 0369]

Top of the line 70s equipment in like new condition, lol?

[COLOR="#800000"]Oh, you've seen my craigslist ad? [/COLOR]

[RAT]

Wow, didn't realize December 12 was the last time I posted. Work sux.
Got the rear suspension tacked in completely today, along with frame reinforcement in strategic spots.

went with a hoop again. It allows for more options with clearance and stuff.

20140104_181120 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Went fishin...

20140104_181222 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

There will be some gussets added to the hoops to reinforce them.

20140104_181236 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

The drive line angle is kinda extreme in this photo. It will be adjusted a little when the drive shaft shows up. But this is close to the final fit.

20140104_181246 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Truss is off set to accommodate the axle housing. This may change in the near future. Got some talkin to do with the owner.

20140104_181355 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

This is where it gets fun. The axle flanges are one inch inside the body. When the brakes, axles and wheels are installed the wheels are going to stick out like Obama's ears! I'll be making 10 inch fender flares! Holy crap these old flat fenders are narrow.

20140104_181404 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Still got lots to do...

[aw12345]

Looks like there are rubber bushings in the coilovers, seems that would cause a lot of bind as is. Other than that coming along nicely.
Wheels with lots of backspacing help the other problem

[RAT]

The ass end is on suspension. Few changes to make and everything is still only tack welded but looks like a suspension has grown under the CJ. The tires are DA BOMB eh? I think I want these on for the maiden voyage...




20140105_103422 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20140105_103825 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20140105_103838 by MJR RAT, on Flickr
Back spacing will be critical...

20140105_103929 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20140105_135509 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

We'll be ready for testing and KOH in no time...

[aw12345]

Lil Nicky is gonna have a big boy Jeep in no time now. Looking good Kurt

[dirtman13]

What size shock is that? You should have used the FOA since it should be going in there soon. Going to be ordering King soon.

[RAT]

What size shock is that? You should have used the FOA since it should be going in there soon. Going to be ordering King soon.

Black diamond shocks (Fox). The FOAs we have are going in the front and now that you say Nick can get the other ones soon they will go in place of the Fox. Everything is tack welded right now so easy change over. Thanks.

[RAT]

Been a while. The rear suspension is set, all the body mounts are good and the frame is ready for finish welding. So the tub comes back off, the engine and trans come out, and I have a weeks worth of welding to do. As soon as Nick gets some more parts here the front suspension will get done and welding in.

From this...

20131110_174330 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

To this...

20140201_143956 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

And all the way back to this...

20140201_172011 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20140202_121258 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20140202_121310 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20140202_121318 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20140201_172126 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


Plan is to have all the welding done this week (yeah right) and get the parts from Nick late this week. Then start fitting and building the front end. Roller by the end of Feb???? Taking bets now.

[dirtman13]

Looking good Kurt.

Nick, to answer your question. You rear links are very close to how mine are laid out.