Project "Spare Parts"

**only in a jeep cj** · 09-28-2009, 02:18 AM

So a few local Jeep Clubs are getting a trip together to go to Mountainside Off Road Park in northern Alabama. My REAL trail Jeep is just a collection of nice parts right now. Months ago, I happen across a killer deal on built axles, tires, and a lift. I was going to throw them on my Scrambler and run it.....got to thinking about damage, rolling, and it's value.....Hey, I have enough parts to build several CJs. Why not take to wost of all the parts and throw a CJ together in record time.....Oh yeah, did I mention we leave out on Oct 9th...thats 11 days away!!!!
Here's what I did in the last 2 days.

Select a crap tub and frame

Cut out squares around the 7 bad body mount holes

Weld in new steel from scrap frame sections I had, grind smooth, and cut out new holes.

Punch out the bad frame crossmember nuts and use weed eater line to fish in a flanged nut into the hole, tach, weld, and smooth out.

I drilled two access holes in the rear crossmember at the rail ends. I lifted the frame up and used hammer hits, compressed air, and a coat hanger to have all this pour out the bottom.

More progress and pics on Monday night.

**only in a jeep cj** · 09-28-2009, 10:26 PM

Monday night already....got all the frame brackets on like motor mounts, shock towers, bump stops, spring hangers, etc. Installed a 3 inch Black Diamond Kit with shocks and installed the axles. Front has a tru trac and the rear a Detroit and one piece axles. Both have 410 gears. Tires are old Goodyear MTs in 33 12.50 R 15. Using a Energy Susp full bushing kit. After the trip, the lift, axles and tires will most likely come off and go in the Scrambler in the backgraound and the "use my old leftover crap" plan will return this one back to stock running gear. Tomorrow...I tackle the engine and transmission.

Roadymi · 09-29-2009, 05:30 AM

Where do you find those insert nuts?

Happy Joe · 09-29-2009, 09:33 AM

Looking good... I wish that I had that level of motivation again.

Enjoy!

datmony · 09-29-2009, 10:15 AM

Nice tip with the weed eater line for fishing in the nuts. That is helpful. Keep that mojo going, looking forward to seeing what you are building.

**only in a jeep cj** · 09-29-2009, 11:55 PM

Well, today I had distractions.....so I didn't get as much done as I wanted. I got the engine, transmission and transfercase in (with a little help from some friends). Had trouble with the belly pan a little but got it. The engine is opposite of the "crap parts" theme as I built it for another (later) nice CJ. But I need a good running drivetrain that will get me through the trip. After that, I'll take it out and swap in another set with higher miles or in "less" condition.

Yes, thats a T-5. I have 3 of them so I'll bring a spare. I do like the way they shift and feel... AND they have a lower first gear then the T-176 that I'm using in another Jeep. NO, in all my parts, I don't have a T-18 or NV3550 or something better...remember, this is a super quick build with what I have. Behind it is a Dana 300 with twin stick.

**only in a jeep cj** · 09-30-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadymi

Where do you find those insert nuts?

Not nutserts at all...made them. Used common flanged nuts like what is used all over the Jeep. Rounded the points over in a bench grinder so they would fit in the hole for welding. The flange gives it extra support so as not to pull through.

SC77CJ · 09-30-2009, 04:55 AM

Wow, I need a bigger garage and more spare parts lying around. Your doing a great job to be on such a short timeline.

Jason

**only in a jeep cj** · 10-01-2009, 12:40 AM

This morning was spent going through the attic and picking out gas tanks, fuel and brake lines and seeing whats what, as it's been awhile since I've seen some of this stuff and didn't know how many of each part I have. I have to hold back certain numbers of parts in certain condition as I have three more of my Jeeps and one buddies Jeep to build. I just fixed a busted up YJ to sell......man! there are Jeep parts ALL over the place.
Today I got the Warn rear bumper installed, the gas tank in, the fuel and brake line plumbed, the steering box installed, and the exhaust system installed. What sucks is it doesn't look like anything was done so I didn't take pics. I will tomorrow though.

**only in a jeep cj** · 10-02-2009, 10:38 PM

Gas tank and Warn rear bumper (that sucker is heavy for what it is)

I should have installed the exhaust sytem first as it is all whole and bolted together...as in long and I had to drop the pan to get it in...Also got the brake and fuel line runs.

Found out we are leaving Thursday at noon...just not enough time to fix all this mess....

SO on to plan "B". Use the front half of a YJ tub that was hit in the rear.

They share the same sub structure and that makes a good line to follow. Plus it lands right in the good zone of each damaged tub.

Let the cutting begin.....no turning back now!

I will fit it better and weld it up in the morning....Here's a preview of what I'm after.

alex211 · 10-02-2009, 10:48 PM

That's really neat how you are grafting the tubs together.

**only in a jeep cj** · 10-03-2009, 09:22 PM

More cutting, tach welds, grinding smooth and beating it with a big hammer, but tub is together.....

tonsoffun_77 · 10-03-2009, 09:59 PM

this is bad a$$ no lie dude this is great thread...

rustymudder · 10-04-2009, 02:02 PM

Dang thats awesome. I remember thinking you had plenty of parts to build several jeeps when I came to get that bellhousing you gave me. Didn't you have a CJ6 sitting back there too?

**only in a jeep cj** · 10-04-2009, 05:04 PM

Yeah....time to use some of these parts...no. Yep, a 6, an 8, and a 7 are whole. Another 8 and three 7s are (in parts) and a buddies Scrambler too. Just sold a YJ and will most likely sell this project after the trip. I need to focus on building my REAL trail CJ. For that I have gathered a TDK ganvanized frame, dana 44s, a YJ tub, full Posion Spyder armor, bumpers, etc, etc. Need to get gears, tires, and make a cage though.