[flame0086]

Originally Posted by Lee3333

Sorry but I aint giving up so fast. Remember-the Mustang and Corvette both originally came with 6 cylinder engines and were considered 'ladies cars'. The GTO was, I believe, a LeMans meant as an econocar. The creed of hot rodders is to take a machine designed for one thing and build it for speed.

IMHO, the Jeep is the perfect starting point. It is easy to work on, already has a chassis, has TONS of parts available for it, has a removable top and doors for the summer, so A/C is not required, and is fun to drive. And, IMHO it looks great.

I'm sorry, I'm missing the part where the YJ was built for speed. You're talking about the same I6 but theirs were built get the most HP, not low end torque. I dought they used a full box frame, but for a serous drag car, full box isn't a bad idea. They also didn't have soild front axles, in fact the jeep is one of the few vehciles that come with one (built for off road... hint, hint)

As you can see from some of the photos posted, others have gone where I intend to. Also, IMHO, it is foolish to spend tons of money on off road wheels, bajillion lights, bumpers, etc just to drive on errands on city streets with no intention of going off road.

And having 450 hp on a short wheel base, with no weight in the rear end, and on stock weak spring is any better? If you do it right, your going to spend just as much money

It is interesting how JeepFreak 81 also posted street rods. I have noticed the same basic lines, and that is part of the reason I fell in love with this project.

Except the good looking ones require tons of body work, and the quality ones require much work done to the suspension. Neither you have addressed. You stated that you wanted to remove leafs from a soft suspension.

Look the reason why many don't like what you are doning is probably because they don't think you are going to do it right.

It seems that you already have your mind set, and you have been mentioning these other "drag jeep" people so why aren't you asking them about removing the leafs? Plus, you came to an offraod forum asking about doing something that many think is doing what it is not intened for.

This thread is a waste of time and energy for me, so this is the last I'll post in it. I've tried to put in my input without beeing too condensending. All I ask is that you do it right and not let a unique vehicle go to waste.

[Lee3333]

I didnt say I was going to remove leafs from the springs-I asked about it. There is a suspension shop near my house that I will go to for their recommendations. I was just thinking out loud about ways to lower it. After examining the leafs, I realize that there is really no arch, so removing any leafs would not help. Perhaps a 4 link suspension. Who knows. This is all a project that has no deadline. Right now, I am just having fun setting everything else up-new seats, gauges, roll cage, Supertop, etc. Before dropping in the motor, tranny, and rear, I plan on driving it with the 4.2 which runs pretty nice. I replaced the factory air cleaner with a Mr Gasket and removed the emissions crap.



I have to bring my HHR in for some warranty work and custom body work, so I need the Jeep to be my daily driver for a few weeks. Plus, I want to enjoy driving around with the top off. Then I can get down to the serious work.

[cushtech]

It's kinda like this...

from this site...
http://http://membres.lycos.fr/pacer/e4x4.htm

Something I wouldn't do but definitely interesting. Keep us up to date on how this project goes.

[Mark455SD]

Leave the guy alone. I saw a pink 08 Cadillac today, the smaller SUV they have and it looked like factory paint. The only thing I don't get is why does the jeep have to be lowered, drop the 350 in it keep it the stock height and put muscle car/drag looking rims on it.

[Mark455SD]

I just took another look at the pictures. Get the wider flares for the rear and put tube fenders up front. Paint the inner fenders body color. Dont lower the Jeep.

[JeepsOLot]

Just for you, Toxic TJ,







This is what Toxic TJ was talking about, what if someone posted these pics in a Mercedes Benz racing forum? You would probably get the same reaction,

PS, how do you embed images in the post, I'm trying to use Photobucket. I've tried the IMG codes, but it ends up the same as if I do links on the actual post. But, in the preview, it works, go figure. Thanks for any help.

Jerry

[Brandon_YJ]

Originally Posted by JeepsOLot

Just for you, Toxic TJ,

You need 50 posts to embed an image. It keeps the spammers away.
But here you go, click free!

Oh, and I'd wheel it.

[Lee3333]

I tried all three in Photobucket, then reedited my post each time until the picture showed up. For me, it was the last one, IMG.

There is a shop near me that specializes in leaf springs. They mostly do trucks, but I want to speak with them to see if they have any ideas. It is not just the height, but the ride is VERY stiff. Before anybody calls me a wus, I have to tell you my background is racing sports cars. I had a 1977 Datsun 280 Z that was street legal, and barely street driveable. Not only did I lower it, I used a different models springs and swaybar that were even stiffer, did a plus one wheel conversion, shorter steering knuckles, etc. I also lightened the car with every fiberglass part I could swap. Track weight with me in it and 1/2 tank of gas was 2708. You culd feel the paint on the road when you changed lanes. And that car saw a lot of track time, both road racing and drag racing. And some of my first mods on my HHR were stiffer leveling springs in the back along with a sway bar. So I am very used to a tight ride.

My only concern here is that since I am not setting up the Jeep for handling or off road, I dont think it needs to be so bone-jarring. Plus, the suspension needs a little give, doesnt it? (Actually maybe my shocks are just frozen )

[gregor0585]

Do some research on JP magazine from last year. I can't find the issue but I know they had a CJ built for drag racing with a built small block a custom cage and a Ford 9 inch that put some civics to shame. I'm not one for lowering a vehicle intended for off-road...let alone a Jeep...but I think everyone here can agree that as long as we're talking about outdoing imports anything goes. If I can find the issue I'll re-post but I bet you can get some good tips from the article.

[bradyman1]

I think this is what gregor0585 is talking about.

http://www.jpmagazine.com/featuredvehicles/154_0708_1980_jeep_cj_7/index.html

[TrailWorthyFab]

This was in a YJ I had that had a Chevy 400 Bored to a 406 throwing down 525 HP with a TH350 trans. behind it.

[Piet]

I cannot believe the grief you are getting!

Number 1) It is your jeep

Number 2) It is your jeep.

Do what you think is fun. I have been very involved in the Muscle Car scene... and this is the type of dicussion I would expect there... but was not expecting it here.

While I am not looking for a Drag Jeep.. I applaude what you are doing. Push the boundaries. You gotta know that the first guy who put on 35's on his jeep got pointed at. "Are you trying to be a mini monster truck!" (FYI, I have heard that comment)

Give it a try, have fun and post pictures ! ! ! !

[Bwick84]

Originally Posted by bradyman1

I think this is what gregor0585 is talking about.

http://www.jpmagazine.com/featuredvehicles/154_0708_1980_jeep_cj_7/index.html

Holy crap, an 8.87 at 151 mph on a stock CJ suspension. That is crazy. Since that time they've added 100 hp.

[Lee3333]

Thanks for the links and support. I am not going to get too crazy, but I do want it to be a show stopper. I am not worried about building the full roll cage, gauges, engine, tranny, rear, etc. My only concern is the suspension. I would like it to hook up good, ride fairly nice, and be the height of a conventional car. Oh yeah, also want to eventually find a nice front axle.

[ar4130]

I ran into this Jeep on craigslist.

Maybe you can shoot this guy an e-mail and find out how lowered his.

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/680547335.html