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Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by CZJ7, Jan 9, 2020.

  1. Jan 9, 2020 at 3:36 AM
    #1
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    Robin
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    Just signed up and appreciate the forum!!

    Quick background (forgive the scattered information): I have a 1980 CJ7, had it for 6 years now, found it on Craigslist just north of Denver, trailered it home (Farmington, NM), and have enjoyed it ever since, running or not (currently...not). Love it here, San Juan and Rocky Mountains, Durango, Telluride—all in my back yard. My first “jeep” was an 87 Samurai...loved it, drove it from here to Portland, Oregon in the dead of winter in ‘99 (not warm in a soft top). Sold it after finishing flight school. Aviation career came and went, decided I hated living out of a bag, hated never being home, and needed to do something different. The oil and gas industry is huge here, and has treated me well since ‘04. It also involves working out in the elements, required off-roading in the company truck, and enjoying Mother Nature. I’m always finding new places to I want to explore, and am looking up others.....hence, Jeep. We also have world-class crawling in Choke-Cherry Canyon.

    Back to the CJ. Not as many of them around here as YJs, TJs, LJs, JKs, JLs, and JTs (if I missed one, oops). I guess that’s true anywhere. CJs live on around here mostly as dedicated crawling rigs. Very cool, very capable. I don’t have that kind of a plan. mine is a clean slate, bone stock as near as I can tell. Bone stock also means rusting stuff, worn out stuff, missing stuff, leaking stuff, stuff that can use an upgrade, stuff that should be held on to, stuff that shouldn’t. It has the 258, T176, D300, D30, AMC 20. T176 and D300 are unverified, but from the research I’ve done, I believe that’s what’s in there. Rear end has a one-piece axle conversion, mfr. unknown.

    The plan, and I welcome input and ideas: I got my hands on a ‘95 ZJ (hence, CZJ7....plus I’m of Czech decent, it sorta works.) The PO’s kiddo jumped it hard, landing it harder, smiley-facing both axles. $350 later I have it and the title. Running 4.0, 42RE, NP231. That much of the entire drivetrain will find its way into the CJ. I also came across both D44 axles from an ‘05 LJ Rubicon.....3 1/2” width increase on each side over the stock CJ axles, 4.10 vs 3.08, 4 wheel discs, and factory lockers--pumps included. These axles also are driver’s side front driveline drop, matching the ZJ driveline. The 42RE’s overdrive will offset the deeper gears. I know it will need a wide-axle front spring kit, steering linkage, drivelines, new springs, possible manual hub conversion, and who knows what else. I really, really hope the frame is ok.

    This whole thing will take a while, and this whole post probably belongs in the build threads, but here it is, introduction complete. I’ve enjoyed scouring this site and look forward to being a part of it.

    Robin
     
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2020
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  2. Jan 9, 2020 at 4:53 AM
    #2
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    Welcome @CZJ7 ...one of the best intro in awhile. Your plans and build should make an interesting read. Post some pics when you get the chance.
     
  3. Jan 9, 2020 at 5:50 AM
    #3
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    Hello Robin, welcome from Oklahoma.
     
  4. Jan 9, 2020 at 7:23 AM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Welcome aboard!
     
  5. Jan 10, 2020 at 7:19 AM
    #5
    Jeep4Life

    Jeep4Life Well-Known Member

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    Welcome from Florida!
     
  6. Jan 10, 2020 at 10:28 PM
    #6
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    The only pic I have of the CJ in the phone. I’ll get more.

    Question for the sharp-eyed: does it look lifted?? To my knowledge it’s entirely stock, but I can’t tell if it was born this height. The tires are 31 x 10.50. They rub at full lock, only turning left, no rub to the right.

    I’m planning on a 4” lift with 33 x 12.50s when it is all done. The D44s will have it fatter by 7”. Any input on lifts and tires helps.

    Also, I forgot to mention that the crank and rods from the 258 will eventually find themselves in the 4.0 to stroke it to a 4.5.

    927D5E61-5B97-4045-838A-A7F267E2B0AC.jpg
     
    JKBob 25, aggrex and Billy1234 like this.
  7. Jan 11, 2020 at 2:43 AM
    #7
    LYFZGOOD

    LYFZGOOD members

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    2.5” lift 32x11.50x15,cold air intake, Smittybuilt stainless steel Bumpers, rough county pocket flares,Rugged ridge seat covers and floor mats. Conversion LED headlights 20’ LED Light bar hardtop,soft top,bikini top.
    I’m not going to answer that I’m married That’s a loaded question like do these jeans make my butt look fat :anonymous: No dammit I saw you before the jeans. Oh sorry.
     
    aggrex and CZJ7[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  8. Jan 12, 2020 at 12:13 PM
    #8
    Jim Beam

    Jim Beam Well-Known Member

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    Your tire rubbing at full lock can be cured by adjusting the stops on the steering knuckle. The adjustment travel is limited, for more adjustment you can install longer bolts with a 3/8-16 thread. Right off hand, it does appear lifted. I would suggest at least an 8" wide wheel for a 33" tire and you will loose braking capability. A 4" lift does require axle pinion angle adjustment to accept the lift height. Other items required are extended flexible brake lines, longer shocks, and pinion angle shims, the transfer case will have to be lowered also. Lift kits usually have everything necessary for the swap. I added a 1" body lift for additional clearance plus extended axle bump stops, plus rotating the pinon angle by moving the axle mounting pads and adding a constant velocity universal joint at the transfer case. I would suggest an aftermarket tie rod as it will bend pretty easy. The front spring shackle mount will be stressed and can break from loads placed upon it, this issue can be cured by aftermarket spring shackle mounts up front. The frame can crack at various locations due to the stresses of off road driving. The Jeep CJ was not designed for a 4" lift, but requires it to have loads of fun with it, I have had mine for over 30 years.
     
    JKBob 25 and aggrex like this.
  9. Jan 12, 2020 at 2:05 PM
    #9
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    Thank you sir, this is the insight that is so valuable! I think the LJ axles may cure the rub. However, I always appreciate the detailed info. Longer brake lines and shocks will be for-sure due to the width. I’m planning on taking it down to the bare frame and starting with the axles/springs/shocks/steering linkage/brake lines. Wide-track spring relocation kit and YJ springs are on the menu.

    I’m thinking the same thing with a SYE and double-cardon joint. Will the TC drop still be required with it? I haven’t measured yet, but the 42RE/231 has to be significantly longer than the T176/300, compounding the driveline angle (in the rear).

    Please tell me if I’m on the wrong track anywhere. I’ve done tons of research, but it’s the input of you guys that’s worth so much more. Thanks in advance for it.
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2020
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  10. Jan 12, 2020 at 6:41 PM
    #10
    Jim Beam

    Jim Beam Well-Known Member

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    Fuel Injection, Dana 44s, T18, 4.10s w/lockers
    The reason I installed the constant velocity u-joint was so I would not have the lower the t-case. The rear pinion angle has to be the same as the driveshaft angle. I also removed as much of the skid plate bump as I could for more clearance also. The 42RE has to be a longer transmission, If you could keep the Dana 300 it would be a good bet as the 1980 version was shorter than the later ones and would also accept a 4 to 1 gear set. Although with an automatic, probably not needed. An external transmission cooler would be a good idea though.
     
    aggrex likes this.
  11. Jan 12, 2020 at 7:01 PM
    #11
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    Great point. Any idea if the 300 can be reclocked for driver’s-side drop and still shift it? It will essentially be upside-down at that point. The front D44 from the rubi is driver’s side.
     
  12. Jan 26, 2020 at 11:11 AM
    #12
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    A few pics of the donor ZJ. It’s more broken than it looks at first glance. Both axles are bent...you might be able to see the tires are very cambered in at the top. The C-clip on the left rear axle is floating around in the rear pumpkin. The only thing holding that wheel on/in is the brake caliper and pad. Good thing I’m not using these axles. I’ll bet the jump was impressive.

    689E5540-B6F2-4D22-9E78-11AED43A2486.jpg 973C07FD-C70A-4FD2-AA56-A0E7DDEB17B0.jpg 694BF632-1AAE-4B9A-A4FD-436F378E288D.jpg EE660847-7DF6-43E6-87AD-547514E3C1B5.jpg
     
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  13. Jan 26, 2020 at 3:33 PM
    #13
    Jim Beam

    Jim Beam Well-Known Member

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  14. Jan 26, 2020 at 4:19 PM
    #14
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to the forum @CZJ7 . Definitely going to be an interesting read with what you have planned for the CJ. I'm subbed :popcorn:.
    That poor ZJ. Dumb ass that jumped it thought it would survive....obviously. Gotta check "Stupid tube" for the video. :smack:

    Looking forward to your build. :thumbsup:
     
  15. Jan 27, 2020 at 10:09 AM
    #15
    Jim Beam

    Jim Beam Well-Known Member

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    I would be concerned on the adaptability of this project. Such as adapting the computer controlled componets with the stuff that is not and if need be how much would it cost to get a custom wiring harness made. There would also be an issue with that long transmission and t-case that would really shorten up that CJ driveshaft. An advantage of the CJ is the ability to get into tighter spots due to its narrower width and the LJ axles would defeat that advantage.
     
  16. Jan 27, 2020 at 12:04 PM
    #16
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    Thanks Donald, well said and I very much appreciate the thought. The OBDI engine management in the ZJ is one of the simplest out there and fits my need/want for fuel injection. For the wiring harness the plan is to transplant the entire under-hood portion of it into the CJ and use what I need for now. This swap seems to be done quite a bit.

    The shorty driveshaft is one of my biggest concerns. As I understand it, a double-cardan-jointed shaft with slip yoke eliminator and re-angled pinion angle (pointing pretty much at the back of the t-case) will fix this. Yes, it too has limits. I’ll have to find a happy medium between the lift and driveline angle. Time to tap some resources.

    The LJ axles are wider, yes. For what I want to do with this rig their advantages far outweigh the loss of “narrowness”. I was researching wide-track axles a while back and stumbled upon these D44s. This ride will see a considerable amount of pavement time, simply getting where I want to go in the mountains with my wife (or not), and bombing around town. I’ll welcome the stability. I’m looking forward to how it will look too. Crap, I just realized I’m in a mid-life crisis.......looks...function...I’m getting old.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2020
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  17. Feb 1, 2020 at 3:06 PM
    #17
    nDub

    nDub []IIIIIII[]

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    Build looks fun!

    I just put a zj motor in my YJ (bought it without a motor). Went fairly smoothly.

    although the YJ came with a Toyota transmission (r150f) built by asin just like the ax15 (strangely enough) mated to a gear driven Toyota pickup tcase (rf1a) with 4.7:1 gears. And my rear driveling can’t be more than 20” long although does have a double cardon on it. It’s going to be interesting to see how it handles highway speeds.
     
  18. Feb 1, 2020 at 3:25 PM
    #18
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    Thanks nDub for the insight. I’m looking forward to getting started. I’ve been hampered by foot surgery this winter (both feet) and cabin fever is driving me beyond nuts.

    I did, however, acquire the LJ Rubicon D44s today. 4:10, lockers w/rear limited slip, and the factory pumps. The missing knuckles will be replaced by the ones from the ZJ.

    AC63CB6F-7E2D-432F-B835-D3F667534B4D.jpg
     
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  19. Feb 1, 2020 at 3:44 PM
    #19
    nDub

    nDub []IIIIIII[]

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    Nice find! Going spring over or staying spring under? YJ springs should ride pretty nice.

    I just updated my worn out springs with some BDS 2”. I got them locally from a wholesaler for about $110 each with bushings. I figure you can’t go wrong with double military wrap and a no questions asked lifetime warranty. We’ll see how they do on the road and off the road....

    Also I see the rubicon rear end has disk brakes. I’m dealing with mushy brake due to the guy I bought the Jeep from had done a rear brake conversion.

    I haven’t come up with a solution yet but I’ll let you know if I do and I’ll keep an eye here to see what you do :anonymous:
     
  20. Feb 1, 2020 at 4:39 PM
    #20
    CZJ7

    CZJ7 [OP] Jeep—rotating the earth since 1941

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    Planning to stay spring-under. Height I want will be close with a 4” lift (I’m not a fan of body lifts but might consider a 1” bl to help with tire rub and, yes I’ll say it....to get the look right. SOA would compound the driveline angle too. I don’t want it stupid-tall due to having to climb in the thing, wife too.

    I understand BDS springs are pretty good. I too will be very interested to know how they ride, flex, etc. Military wraps are choice.

    The rear discs were one of the reasons I wanted these. I’ve run across quite a few posts about mushy brakes after a rw disc conversion. From what I’ve learned is the solution may lie in the master cylinder, one from a 4-wheel disc system. I’m planning to use the master cylinder and booster from the ZJ for starters and see how it works. That system is also 4w disc.

    Another bonus...since I have to use the knuckles and hubs from the ZJ on the D44s, I was glad to see the rear D44 lug bolt circle is 5-on-4 1/2”, the same as the ZJ. Matching stuff is good!
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2020
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