Commando

This is my other project, it's a 1985 CJ-7, it has a straight 6, 5-speed and I bought it on Craigslist almost a year ago for $1000. The ad listed many extras such as a Weber Outlaw carb, Clifford intake, split headers with custom dual exhaust, skyjacker lift kit, shackle reverse kit, HEI ignition, Grant steering wheel, and AGR steering conversion. There are some other minor modifications like the steel plate dash, the fuel pressure dial, custom push bar, and metal arm rest lock box. I figured that the aftermarket parts were worth the asking price so I bought it. It needs new tires, but can still run with whats on it, did use fix a flat on the right rear and is still holding.

I have a few plans for it, but it will wait until the Cordoba engine swap is done. All the pics were taken after I bought it, the only changes since these pictures was that I replaced the entire air cleaner for a new one, replaced the battery to ground cable, and pulled the carpet and back seat out.













As you can see there are many rust holes in the tub so I plan to swap it out for another one I bought on Craigslist, another good deal, I think $700 or $800 and I got the 1990 YJ tub, doors, windshield, plastic gas tank, fiberglass top, and a few other various items. I also plan on not reinstalling the back seat and installing an underbody truck box where it was also. I also plan on modifying the YJ tub to use the CJ drop gate in the back and the modified roll cage and windshield. I want to rhino line/ or similiar coating to the interior and under body, also repaint the whole jeep to a Panzer gray.

johnthegoalie

wolverines!

78D200

Couple of nice things about the CJs, some of them came with D44 rear axle. Swaping in a N/T FJS front D44 just bolts right in from what I have read. A lot of guys around me swap them into their YJs too. That is of course if you want a SOA.

You could have a D300 t-case which is a great case. The tranny could be one of 2 or 3 different ones, I never was good with remembering them for the CJs.

What are your plans for it?

Commando

I was trying the best I could to remember what all was extra. I think the transfer case had been changed, as well as the ring gear, I sort of also remember something about the axle, would have been nice if I had saved the ad.

I got it to have fun off-road, my brother has a jeep so we both could go, and if I could get stuck less that would be awesome. and he gets stuck all the time.

67 GTX

this is gonna be some project

78D200

you'll have either a D20 or D300 since you have a passenger side pumpkin in the front. If you can get a few pics of the underside (t-case and rear axle cover) I can at least tell you what you have. What size tires are you running? You can probably clear a set of 33x10.5 all-terrains.

Commando

I hope it turns out to be easier then the many small problems I have been running into with the 440 swap in.

I believe there are 31s on there now and the guy I got it from said 35s will fit without rubbing. I can take some more pics, but this is still what I have from taking it home.

78D200

35s would fit with the right wheels and backspacing but I wouldn't go any larger than 33s. That is a D30 front axle. You probably have a 4" lift on it since ther eis a drop pitman arm on the steering box.

You know.... You can get a set of TJ fender flares and cut/trim the fenders on that YJ tub and the front fenders, then you wouldn't have an issue with running 35s. The TJs (97-04) run the largest wheel openings out of all the wranglers, minus the new body style wrangler. Plus you can usually pick up a set cheap, like for $30 and paint them black.

If you decide to go larger than 33s though, take it easy on that D30. They are a good axle, just don't like tires that big and being beat on at the same time.

Commando

33s it is then, I didn't want to go to big, and I believe I can put them on the rims I got on there to save a few dollars.

I think I have to replace the alternator, as at idle with the headlights on the battery voltage creeps down, so I can only imagine what it would be like when I put a radio and cb in it, and figure out why the light in the gauges is out.

78D200

Check the voltage coming out of the alternator, as it may not be that. If the battery has one dead cell, you can have the same issues. Also check your ground cables and straps.

Commando

I was monitoring the voltage on the battery and was seeing the decline, might try the alternator, could be the solenoid. I know the ground is good to the engine.

Red Devil

nice truck, my buddy has a 78 and an 83 cj7, they arer both awesome on most trails

challenger

Hey C that will be one nice jeep when your done but why dont you just drop the 440 in that and burn some rubber jk

Commando

I was considering that or the 400 in there, but the 400 needs to be rebuilt and would require tons of modification, but it would be awesome.

Commando

Finally started this project as the Cordoba project is nearing the end, only requiring some tuning, I hope.

So I started stripping the CJ-7 and have been prepping the YJ tub for paint. The only problem I am foreseeing is which body mount kit I should be using, I am assuming that I should be using the kit for the CJ-7 as it is the frame and I don't want the spacers to fall through the mounts. If anyone has any input let me know.

Also if anyone knows where to get new mounts I will be needing to replace a few.

78D200

summit racng usually has it all. Local parts store too.

Commando

I don't need the urethane body mounts, I need the mounts that go on the frame.

78D200

Those you will have to make up.

Commando

Thought that it may be time for an update. So I undercoated the inside and underside of the tub, combined a YJ and CJ mount kit mounted the tub. Redid the clutch (combination of non matching components, no wonder it wasn't working right). Mounted all the hardware inside the tub with the exception of the console, and put new suspension seats in there. Am currently working out the fuel tank as the frame is a CJ and won't fit the YJ tank (too wide), so am working out mounting the CJ one backwards. Also trying to figure out where to mount the 4 point harnesses in the back before I buy them (Schroth Rallye 4) need to be between 10 and 30 degrees off the back of the seats, considering the roll bar mount points.

78D200

Looking good!

You may need to add in some tubing to get those belts mounted properly.

Commando

Not sure the guy at the company asked if I had a piece on the roll bar about mid-chest behind the seats, if I had could run the belts straight down. Was thinking I could mount to the box too, but could compromise the water-tightness.

78D200

I'd install a bar going across and mount them to that. I would think the box wouldn't be strong enough to handle them in an accident.

1966sportfury

nice commando! it all takes time looks like your doing great!

67 GTX

looking good

Commando

Thanks guys, been getting busy at work so not on here much. With the harness I think I am going to go back to the roll bar mounts in the back and use those bolts.

1OldFordMan

I remember seeing that paint scheme ( camo ) on a Jeep down the street from me. Your profile says Joisey, I'm in Misery. Interesting.

Commando

Not sure How long ago you saw it in MO, I bought it two years ago with that paint scheme, probably just coincidence. Was told that it was the same scheme as the Wolverines used in Red Dawn, but never confirmed that.

1OldFordMan

Haven't paid attention. I'll have to look & see if it's still there next time I go out. Will try to get some pictures if it is.