J20 Baja 1000 rig

Jeep450r · 09-22-2009, 08:20 PM

My friend is planning on turning his J20 Jeep pickup (or whatever comes with a 350 v8 from the factory) into a desert racer. He has plans on running the baja 500 and 1000.

Is he out of his mind? Or is this reasonable?

UglyJ20 · 09-22-2009, 10:09 PM

I don't believe the J20 ever had a 350 in it from the factory. More likely a 360. But that is beside the point.

I think any truck could be made into a baja truck with enough money and know how. However, I could see the stiff 3/4 ton leaf springs that are in a J20 being very problematic. I suppose this could be overcome with a four link and coil over conversion (things like this are the money and know how that I speak of). That is just my two cents. If he does decide to go through with this keep us up to date, I would love to see how it ends up.

Jeep450r · 09-22-2009, 10:15 PM

Hes always been a motor junkie... and he had the money and know-how to do it too haha. From what I hear, he's doing long-travel up front, but I have no idea about the rear. He is pretty set on doing it too.

What front axles do these things come with from the factory? Maybe I could score a free axle from him and put it into me XJ haha.... if its worth it of course

UglyJ20 · 09-22-2009, 10:19 PM

I know I have a Dana 44HD in my '78 with the center section the passengers side, perhaps problematic for you XJ. Couldn't tell you exactly on all years, but I believe all J20's were a Dana 44 in one form or another.

Mttrek360 · 09-22-2009, 10:23 PM

Smells like a nice build tread to follow

RedZeppelinXJ · 09-24-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UglyJ20

I don't believe the J20 ever had a 350 in it from the factory. More likely a 360. But that is beside the point.

I think any truck could be made into a baja truck with enough money and know how. However, I could see the stiff 3/4 ton leaf springs that are in a J20 being very problematic. I suppose this could be overcome with a four link and coil over conversion (things like this are the money and know how that I speak of). That is just my two cents. If he does decide to go through with this keep us up to date, I would love to see how it ends up.

the '63-69 j-trucks had the option of coming with a BUICK 350 V8.....it was before the AMC 360 was in troduced if i am correct

Jeep450r · 09-24-2009, 10:49 PM

Is there a site specifically for these trucks other than here on jf?

T-birdJunkie · 09-24-2009, 11:19 PM

ifsja.com

**BJ's Off-Road** · 09-24-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-birdJunkie

ifsja.com

nope... it is .org

International Full Size Jeep Association

and

www.bjsoffroad.com

www.bjsoffroad.com/forum

T-birdJunkie · 09-25-2009, 12:00 AM

D'OH you're right. Thanks

wilet-moeracing · 11-19-2009, 11:33 PM

What class is he going to race in? depending on what class depends on what mods are done. I have a class 3 fsj cherokee that is score ready and that platform works great. If you have any questions let me know Thanks Tim

Jeep450r · 11-20-2009, 08:37 PM

Class 8

10char

wilet-moeracing · 11-21-2009, 08:11 PM

My advice is to order the score rule book(about$30) that will give you all the info you need.You will need to keep the leaf spring set up. you will need to call deaver springs in cali, there will be a lot of work to get it ready and competetive, don't be scared just take your time Thanks Tim