Ramping up to start the rebuild

[nib]

Hey folks
Been a long time since I posted here but then been a long time since I disassembled my scrambler. I just have a couple frame questions. Frame has been sand blasted and in great shape. No accidents or any rust. Before I prep and paint (thinking Eastwood rust encapsulator) I've had good luck with this product. Is there any reenforcing to the frame I should do? Any known problem areas? I'm not building this for serious off roading but while I'm at this stage I want to do what's needed if anything. A pic from 2010. Before disassembly and storage. I know you're asking why. Well, I didn't care for the Ranchero suspension (to stiff sold it), didn't care for the replacement interior (sold it), Had a couple small surface rust spots that I wanted to repair before they grew. So, I stored it and now it's time. Oh ya, forgot to latch hood (that was exciting at 50 mph)

Thanks nib
rust spots

 

[Chamba]

Great looking Scrambler. Should be a great resto platform. Looking forward to the progress. Love the copper.
What are your plans for it?

 

[ebertf]

Good looking JEEP keep us posted with pics

 

[nib]

I anticipate progress to be (not slow) but retired now and money doesn't grow on trees anymore. Anyway, overall plans: OMU suspension (with help from Rocky Road outfitters), Corbeau interior, no bed liner material (cab or under). Interior maybe dyno mat and carpet (at least it can be removed if needed). Have new A/C system I purchased from Collins brothers 10 years ago in a box. Motor original 4.2 around 90,000 miles. Howell throttle body, HEI distributor, (might go with rebuilt from Titian) stroker nice but... Current trans T176 (going to give a rebuild Novak can help), front axle (dana 30 pretty sure) and rear amc 20. Prior owner (dodge dealer installed 4:10 F/R) one piece axles rear.
I bought it when I first moved here while looking for a family car for my wife. I told the dealer I wanted a package deal, and they did (but the salesman quoted a 1999 jeep something in writing). Man, there was a lot of yelling. But she came home with me.
Oh. Been working on cars my whole life so please feel free to give me your input.

 

[nib]

My past 10 years has been spent recreating what was imoa one of the most beautiful cars ever made. You could call it frame up rebuild with personal input. I'm still tuning and yes, I have no windshield wipers (go faster).

 

[GreatCJ8]

Can't go wrong with Eastwood frame prep, it's on mine, after a sandblast

 

[ag4ever]

If you don’t plan for a big engine nor serious off-reading, the stock frame is fine.

If you plan to install a V-8 and/or go rock crawling / mud bogging, then frame plates are a good idea. @CHIEFWAHO sells them.

 

[nib]

Thanks for the input. Probably going to leave frame stock / sort of. The prior owner did install reverse shackle kit. Not sure if I should revert back or just run with that set up. I've heard pros and cons.

 

[nib]

As you can see from the picture posted above the rear front spring mount has been removed and a sleeve was welded through the frame to accept the shackle reversal kit. Now, do you think I should repair this or just leave alone. I'm leaning towards repair. Bring back to original design. But then that's why I'm here to ask.

 

[Chamba]

I would leave it if it were mine. These 8s will never be concourse collectors, so 'returning to original' will produce very little, if any, reward.

I'm not a huge convert to shackle reversals, but they do have their benefits when done right and this seems to have been done right.

 

[nib]

I would leave it if it were mine. These 8s will never be concourse collectors, so 'returning to original' will produce very little, if any, reward.

I'm not a huge convert to shackle reversals, but they do have their benefits when done right and this seems to have been done right.

Thanks for the input. appreciated.