SJScrambler - Getting Started

[mhinchliffe]

You gonna flip that tie rod?
That's something on those hubs, intriguing.
Nice work!

 

[certifiablejeep]

I basically already did all this work on the axles under the Jeep now... except they were 2.73... so the plan is to just swap everything off the axles from one to the other.
I have a buyer already for the 2.73's as it has a locker in the front.
So it is a wash in terms of $$$ for what I spent and what I am getting.
I just have to do all the work.

cb

 

[mhinchliffe]

Do you do the final body fairing and paint yourself or do you hire that out?

 

[certifiablejeep]

I have painted a few... they come out alright, but not perfect.
I probably will do this one as well, not sure yet exactly, my budget seems to be drying up a little each day as the kids get older.

cb

 

[spankrjs]

Picked up a set of wide tracks... 3.54, nice and clean for the most part... need to swap out the axles and inner parts.
2.73 to 3.54 will be a nice upgrade for little money.
Also, 304 w/T176 behind it and 33's should make for good drivability all around.

cb

When I was in college, I swapped out the 3.73 axles in my '78 CJ-7 to 3.54. I had a stock 304, T-18, 33" tires. It was a good combination, especially on the highway. I was driving it back and forth from Biloxi, to Starkville a couple times a month, around 300 miles one way. Anyway, the 3.54's/33's/304 make a good combination

 

[certifiablejeep]

I am looking forward to it... I have 3.54 and 304 with T150 in my CJ5 on 33's... and that is nice.

I will also throw a locker in the front, with a 4:1 kit in the D300, so I can do pretty much anything with it off road... nothing crazy with the longer wheel base, but it should be a fun wheeler.

cb

 

[certifiablejeep]

Axle teardown going very slowly... I think the one spindle got very hot at one time... will not loosen up to be removed.



cb

 

[certifiablejeep]

I got the axle apart and then put the locker in... then when trying to put it back in the case, I snapped a bearing retainer bolt... NOTE TO SELF... 1/2 impact can do 700 ft/lbs. Torque rating of 7/16 retaining bolt is 80 ft/lbs... so stupid.













Removal of bolt will be detailed I guess after tonight

cb

 

[certifiablejeep]

Well, I got it out, just a PITA.

It is funny, when you have no time to waste, you end up wasting the most time.









The I moved onto cleaning everything up.

cb

 

[certifiablejeep]

and finally, an actual ID tag... I have owned a LOT of Jeeps and have worked a lot of Dana 30's, never seen one intact and legible.



cb

 

[masscj2a]

Been there, when you wanted to get something done asap and end up spending 4 times as long doing the same job. My biggest problem is most times, (especially in the winter) I end up having to fix the tools I need to do a job. Nice job on getting that busted bolt out. I use to hate using any easy out type of tools, but with patience and a clean small starter hole, they work like a dream. All I have really gotten done so far this winter, is a sand blasted and primed set of Scrambler rims.

 

[certifiablejeep]

Front is mostly done, then moved to the rear... just tearing down now, installing lockers, getting them painted and then will swap when I can get the body on the chassis to allow for more room to work.
I hope to do some stuff over the next couple weeks... time hasn't been plentiful sadly.







A for effort... actually for 3.54








finally, beautiful, but so much ice.



cb

 

[certifiablejeep]

Bearings were toasty and crunchy in the rear from sitting too long... ordered up some new ones this morning.
All things are being cleaned up... still waiting on some parts, but so far so good.

cb

 

[bigwalton]

Great stuff. I despise dealing with broken bolts like that, well done.

 

[certifiablejeep]

Waiting on a couple more parts that didn't show... keep in mind, a lot of places don't stock CJ stuff, and it gets shipped from the manufacturers... but I got a rear gasket and a new HD cover, which seem stout.

As for hte missing parts... rear locker and front HD cover... so I wait.

Got more cleaned up and torqued down... so I moved onto other projects.

cb

 

[certifiablejeep]

Just waiting on the rear locker for the differentials... since I can't sit still, finished up the welding on the underside and flipped the cab and started cleaning up the shop to put the cab on the chassis to make sure it all fits.
Up next wold be to then start on the back and do the floors on the inside as there are some patch panels that need making.









cb

 

[AJ2393]

CB, I wish I had your knowledge and skills to my own axle rebuilds! That has always flumuxed me along with tuning carburetors. Great work. I suggest youmake a video series for the dum-dums like me out there

 

[certifiablejeep]

Flipped it and onto the chassis for fitment... got the first 4 body mounts in... but now I have to cut off the ones that are on there due to the stretch and move them to fit the YJ underpinnings that also were converted to a CJ with the classic pieces?
Either way I am off by a couple inches.

I want to get the fenders both on, grille and hood and make sure that all lines up, then get it level and then tack those mounts in place.
It is going to be a lot of put it on, take it off work for a while... especially with the replacement step up piece that the cage ties into.

cb

 

[bigwalton]

Sweeeeeeeet!

 

[MrBeep]

Impressive