Quick update

[WildTurkeycj8]

Well, finally decided to get back to the build. (I know, I know...) I'm hoping to be able to make it to the National Scramble in June, but I have A LOT to do before then.

Here's a couple of quick progress pics.

1. Had to fab and weld in some new mounts into the rear of the tub.
2. Also welded in new front supports.
3. Added some bedliner.
4. How it is sitting right now.
5. Shameless plug! (yeah, I know, I'll send in my dues this week!)

Plan to install the exhaust manifolds, starter, maybe some of the hydroboos t brake stuff and maybe some of the steering stuff tonight. More details to follow!

 

[bigwalton]

Game ON!!! Nice to see this coming back together Mike!

 

[Ted Wendel]

Well, finally decided to get back to the build.

If you would quit smoking cigars,drinking,and going to worthless ball games,you would probably have it done by now!

 

[TXtrailbuggy]

Nice stance!

what axles are those and did you keep them full width?

Bo

 

[WildTurkeycj8]

If you would quit smoking cigars,drinking,and going to worthless ball games,you would probably have it done by now!

Ha Ha! That would probably help...but I still have a bunch of other activities, too!

The only thing I really need to quit is to quit making excuses for why I'm not working on it! I'm making some good strides now...

Hey, thanks for reminding me...I have to call Richard and invite him over for a cigar and some cold ones...I need to get his advice on the dash and gauges!

 

[WildTurkeycj8]

Nice stance!

what axles are those and did you keep them full width?

Bo

Thanks!

Axles are from a military CUCV full-size blazer ("Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle"). Dana 60 front and 14 bolt rear. Stock 4.56 gears and rear detroit locker. I added an ARB up front.

I traded the stock single rear wheel hubs to somebody for some dual rear wheel hubs. Everything else on the axle stays the same, but when you swap the hubs, the total axle width decreases by 4".

Then I had the long side (driver side) of the front axle shortened by 4". Sent the axle shaft off to Moser, who cut it down. On a D60, the spring perch is built into the pumpkin. But when you decrease the total axle width by 4" and then center the axle under the vehicle...the spring perch lines up perfectly with the cj frame (so I did not out board the springs).

I have re-centered Hummer beadlocks that are backspaced at 4.5 inches, I think. The tires are 38x12.5. I like the narrow tire look.

Anyway, probably too much info (most of which you prorobably already know), but thought I'd throw that out there in case anybody else was wondering.

-Mike

 

[bigwalton]

Nice avatar Mike!

 

[Randyzzz]

Looking good!

 

[cj7berry]

Are you using stock cj front springs.Or did you go to 2.5" wide springs in the front.I just put a 60 in the front of mine and cant decide what i'm going to do on the front spring plate and mounts. Thanks

 

[WildTurkeycj8]

Are you using stock cj front springs.Or did you go to 2.5" wide springs in the front.I just put a 60 in the front of mine and cant decide what i'm going to do on the front spring plate and mounts. Thanks

I am using Rubicon Express RE1445 leaf springs at all four corners. Here is a link to their description:

http://www.rubiconexpress.com/jeepparts/Product.aspx?part=RE1445

They are 2.5" wide, which is stock for a cj rear, but on the front I went with the RE2785 CJ conversion shackle to make up the difference in frame width to spring width. Here is a link to the conversion shackle description:

http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Jeep/CJ/Product.aspx?folder=CJSh&part=RE2785

I went with these RE2786 shackles for the rear:

http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Jeep/CJ/Product.aspx?folder=CJSh&part=RE2786

As noted in the description, the springs in an SOA application give 7" of lift, which seems to sit the jeep pretty high to me at this point. I'm hoping that once I put in the rollcage, winch, seats, and bumpers, and get a little flex time in on the trails, it will settle down some. I'm pretty sure it will.

-Mike