Hutch's 1985 CJ7 Frame Off Rebuild

**cshutchinson** · 03-08-2007, 03:04 PM

Just for my own use, this project started with the tear-down on November 28th, 2006.

I haven't posted any updates to this in a while, but here is what I started with

1985 CJ7 in near perfect condition outside of some of the typical problems.

I took the Jeep apart. Had the frame and body bead blasted.

I purchased:

ARBs for front and rear
4.56 gear sets
one piece axles kits
rear brake kit for rear
all new parts for front disc brakes
Warn Premium Hub system for Dana 30
Rubicon Express 4.5 Lift

I have done most of the work myself, but I had help with the differentials and lockers, brake install, and painting, oh and the bead blasting.

As far as I can tell, I am ready for tires and wheels.

I started out with RE monotube shocks but changed to these skyjacker hydros after i ran into length problems with the RE shocks on the front axle. See I chose to use the shock studs on the spring plate instead of the mounts on the axle which I cut off so I had to get longer shocs. RE didn't make any economical longer shocks besides the expensive resevoir shocks, so I changed to Skyjacker hydros to get a longer shock for the front spring plate mounts. I have the 4 RE shocks for sale as they are brand new. PM me if you want them.

I installed 4 degree steel RE shims in the front and 8 degree RE steel shims in the rear. I just bolted them into the spring packs.

I am building a 99 Vortec Chevy 350 block into a 383 stroker kit bored 30 over with Edelbrock ETec 170 Heads, 3705 Pro Flo EFI system currently. A 700r4 with an 1800 stall converter will be added to the motor and Dana 300. I am debating a 4 to 1 kit currently.

Here are my progress pics. Gosh I have been working on this a long time, so I hope you guys like it all. Thanks to BSERK for all the help and encouragement.

RLBJeep · 03-08-2007, 03:09 PM

I'm jealous...I wish I had the time, space and money to do that.

**BLS33** · 03-08-2007, 03:12 PM

That looks GREAT!

I am really looking forward to seeing it when its all finished. It should really be a beautiful piece of machinery when all is said and done. Keep up the good work!

**BESRK** · 03-08-2007, 03:24 PM

Man that is a beautiful chassis!! It deserves to be mounted on a spinning platform on a showroom floor somewhere..

Can't wait to see the rest of this build.. keep the pics coming!

Mr.Crowley · 03-08-2007, 03:41 PM

very nice..

nichols077 · 03-08-2007, 03:44 PM

nice keep us updated

JoonHoss · 03-08-2007, 04:02 PM

what color are you going with?

looks nice so far.

Hoss

dodchall70 · 03-08-2007, 04:09 PM

Very nice. I wish my frame looked like that.

**cshutchinson** · 03-08-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joonhoss71

what color are you going with?

Hoss

I am going to use Flame Red. The identical color used now by Jeep.

Fuzz21 · 03-08-2007, 05:49 PM

Very nice!!!

Now throw some mud on it and the rest of us will be able to recognize it a little bit better

**BESRK** · 03-08-2007, 07:16 PM

.. had to come back for a second look..

jlutsey · 03-08-2007, 07:21 PM

Well Done, That's one nice shop!!!

**Carmell CJ** · 03-08-2007, 08:59 PM

WOW, man that is sweet !!! Now Im inspired to start some planning

**cshutchinson** · 03-09-2007, 11:44 AM

Thanks for all the positive comments guys. I really appreciate it!

Fatman · 03-09-2007, 11:52 AM

almost making me wish I went with disks on the rear, ..... almost

Looking good, keep the pics coming.

Looks like you and I are about the same stage. I just droped in the motor last weekend

Pic Link

.

03-08-2007, 03:09 PM	#2
RLBJeep Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Milford, NJ USA Posts: 95 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'm jealous...I wish I had the time, space and money to do that. __________________ 84 CJ7 w/ 258, T-176, Dana 300

03-08-2007, 04:09 PM	#8
dodchall70 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 151 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Very nice. I wish my frame looked like that. __________________ 85 CJ7, 258, Howell Fuel Injection, CRT Performance HEI Dist., 2" lift, Warn winch [COLOR="Yellow"][COLOR="Black"]Colorado Jeep Club Member #75[/COLOR][/COLOR]