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DJ 4x4 conversion dream

Discussion in 'General Jeep Discussion' started by STEVEO65DJ, Sep 17, 2018.

  1. Sep 17, 2018 at 8:36 AM
    #1
    STEVEO65DJ

    STEVEO65DJ [OP] Member

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    Steven
    Vehicle:
    1965 DJ-3A
    None yet, I'm wanting to convert it to 4x4.
    I have a 1965 DJ-3A. My great grandfather bought it new off the lot and my family has had it ever since. I'm going to convert it to 4x4 and I've gotten some negative feedback. I understand it won't be easy, however is sentimental value and family history that I want to preserve. So without the normal "you'd be better off going a different route" does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to do the conversion? A good friend had suggested finding an XJ donor and that's been the plan for now. I'm well aware that it well include welding etc to swap things over. Anyways any input that's helpful would be appreciated!
     
  2. Sep 17, 2018 at 8:52 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Welcome to the site!! Do you have some pictures to share with us?
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  3. Sep 17, 2018 at 8:54 AM
    #3
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    Welcome! Ambitious project for the Willys>KJ "Dispatcher". As others have already mentioned it may retain more heritage and value as an original Jeep DJ. But the conversion should be achievable.
     
    STEVEO65DJ[OP] likes this.
  4. Sep 17, 2018 at 8:56 AM
    #4
    STEVEO65DJ

    STEVEO65DJ [OP] Member

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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Vehicle:
    1965 DJ-3A
    None yet, I'm wanting to convert it to 4x4.
    I have a ton just gotta figure out how to upload more than one at a time. I've taken it down to the frame and I'm cleaning everything and prepping it for the build when I have the funds.

    20180714_131002.jpg
     
    chris4x4 likes this.
  5. Sep 17, 2018 at 9:03 AM
    #5
    STEVEO65DJ

    STEVEO65DJ [OP] Member

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    Steven
    Vehicle:
    1965 DJ-3A
    None yet, I'm wanting to convert it to 4x4.
  6. Sep 17, 2018 at 9:04 AM
    #6
    STEVEO65DJ

    STEVEO65DJ [OP] Member

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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Vehicle:
    1965 DJ-3A
    None yet, I'm wanting to convert it to 4x4.
    The best part about it has been doing the work with my 9 year old daughter. She's been loving it and is hopeful that it might be drivable when she turns 16.
     
  7. Sep 17, 2018 at 9:07 AM
    #7
    STEVEO65DJ

    STEVEO65DJ [OP] Member

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    Steven
    Vehicle:
    1965 DJ-3A
    None yet, I'm wanting to convert it to 4x4.
  8. Sep 17, 2018 at 9:19 AM
    #8
    Blue Baby Sound

    Blue Baby Sound Well-Known Member

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    All the world's indeed a stage And we are merely players Performers and portrayers Each another's audience Outside the gilded cage
    Build threads in sig
    Man this sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun!!!
    Here's a few of my thoughts:
    XJ are unibody, not sure how any parts would be an easy fit for a DJ
    We have a couple of DJs in our club, they've done custom 4 link onto custom axles. If you don't want to go that crazy then I'd look on craigslist for a set of JK axles (D30/D44) and coils/shocks/control arms. You could then order the control arm mounts, mock them up and weld them in. Then you would have a modern suspension and braking system with plenty of stock and aftermarket choices.
     
  9. Sep 20, 2018 at 8:10 AM
    #9
    STEVEO65DJ

    STEVEO65DJ [OP] Member

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    Steven
    Vehicle:
    1965 DJ-3A
    None yet, I'm wanting to convert it to 4x4.
    Sorry if the question is dumb but what's a custom 4 link? Is that what makes the jeep look like they are skate boards riding on massive wheels and a lift? Just curious. I really have no budget currently so I'm trying to dream up exactly what I want to do and start saving for it.
     
  10. Sep 20, 2018 at 9:33 AM
    #10
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    Houston
    Vehicle:
    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    Looking at your pictures, I bet you could find a rusted out donor CJ 3a to use for a parts jeep pretty cheap and rob the front axle and springs from as well as the transmission and transfercase and axles and anything else you may need. It might bolt right in. Jeep tends to use the same frame and mountings for 2wd and 4wd of same year vehicles when it comes to these solid front steering units like on yours.
     
    STEVEO65DJ[OP] likes this.
  11. Sep 20, 2018 at 11:17 AM
    #11
    STEVEO65DJ

    STEVEO65DJ [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Vehicle:
    1965 DJ-3A
    None yet, I'm wanting to convert it to 4x4.
    I've had a hard time finding a cj3a for cheap but I'll keep my eye out. Thanks for the info!
     
  12. Sep 24, 2018 at 7:05 PM
    #12
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    Houston
    Vehicle:
    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    STEVEO65DJ[OP] likes this.
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