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Introduction and some direction...

5K views 71 replies 23 participants last post by  hutch1200 
#1 ·
Hello everyone,

I wanted to just introduce myself (i'm 34 and heterosexual lol)and my jeep (a 1983 Jeep CJ7 Renegade). I can't post pictures yet, but I will once I pay the money to be a premium member. I'm now almost $45k in the hole with medical bills, down from $85k...after trying to save my son (next paragraph)

Long story short, I have recently acquired this jeep after a rough last year or so. I recently lost my dad, my son, my dog, and my wife was diagnosed with cancer and just completed treatment. I have a 7 year old daughter that I am working hard on keeping myself sane for her. SO...I daily drive this thing, which is a big deal right now once you read the details on the jeep below. It is in pretty damn good shape, needs a little this and that, but gets a lot of compliments already. Keep in mind that I drive it around town and <3 miles to and from work. I essentially got it to bring a smile on my little girls face, and my wife (she used to have YJ 10 years ago), and to keep my mind occupied with tinkering. I am mechanically inclined, and have built several cars from a 600HP grand national to a 550AWHP Subaru STi, and I used to (before my son's death) do high performance driving instruction...I only mention it because I am a true gear head, and catch on quick. But, I do not know much about CJ's...but I have been just reading and reading on this board.

It is a 5-speed, 258 (rebuilt) but with a carb (YIKES) that runs pretty good actually. Interior is nearly flawless. it has A/C and crappy heat (I've read about the blazer blower upgrade).

It has a 4" Pro-comp suspension lift (yeah, I know....)
35x14.50x15 boggers on 15x12 steel pro-comp wheels.
Obviously, it rides like crap. Steering SUCKS. And, I am sure it has stock gears...it is undergeared terribly.

My thought is to just buy 33x12.50x15 general grabbers and throw them on there with some 15x10 or 15x8 steel wheels. I also need to get the steering taken care of, and I think for the time being I am going to just try to get caster right and do the shackle reversal kit? Long term, I will be taking this lift off and putting something way better and my trail worthy.

Long term, I want to make this a fairly stout trail rig. I'm pretty sure I will do an engine swap of some kind...but I don't know a lot about the 258.

I welcome any suggestions or worthwhile points. I'm excited about having this thing as it is pretty freakin nice. I ultimately want it to be road worthy, and not work to drive on the street like it is now, and also have the ability to go right to a pretty hard trail without me worrying about breaking stuff.

As I said, I have to work on this counting my $$ carefully as I still have dr bills to pay. I don't mind working on things myself, but I welcome meeting new people and having a helping hand. I can pay with beverages of your choice and a stomach full of good food.

Take care everyone. I am happy to part of the community.:2thumbsup:
 
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#32 ·
You can measure wheel to wheel, but I don't know what the measurement is. A search should give you the info you need.

Gearing can be determined by lifting the rear end and spinning the wheel, counting the number of rotations of the driveshaft. A little more searching should help you there, too. There's some conversion, but don't know the math on that either :dunno:
 
#33 ·
I think you'll be fine with the 33" tires. They are probably closer to 32.5 anyway. Most tires except interco (super swappers) are. The Manufacturers website should contain all the info.
As for the steering, and gearing. With the miles you stated who knows when the Differential fluids were changed, so think about that. While your changing fluid you can count the teeth on the pinion and ring gear for ratio and make sure the front and rear match.
Steering wise. Gojeepin has useful info in his Signature on steering issues . All the steering components need to be checked , as well as caster.
The Boggers you currently have are Notorious for being hard to balance , so that could be part of the problem.

Bill
 
#34 ·
Here's some axle info.

Product Font Line Screenshot Technology


The axle width is the WMS, (wheel mating surface) this is where the rim touches the axle. The dimentions in this screen shot are not 100% accurate but close enough to tell the difference.

Bill
 
#36 ·
BTW, my family is originally from Meigs... know where thats at?
Yep, I know exactly where that's at!

I ordered a set of 15x8's with 33x12.50's. Boggers will be off and up for sell (on the wheels) as soon as the new ones come in. I am hoping there is a pretty big difference in drivability etc.

I might try tackling dropping the fuel tank and replacing the fuel sender assembly this weekend.

I'll keep this updated as I do things....
 
#37 ·
I see that you pulled the trigger on wheels and tires. I sold 15 x 8 with 33 x 12.5 wheels and replaced them with 15 x 10 and 32 x 11.5 One of the issues that I think you run into when running that wide a tire on a narrow rim is the balloon effect with the tires looking out of proportion with wheels.

Enjoy the ride - that will turn out to be pretty cool once it gets the TLC you are giving it.
 
#39 ·
Well guys, I stayed up late and swapped out the PO's 35" boggers for my new 33's...took it for a ride and overall I am more than pleased. There's still issues, read about them below, but the jeep doesn't shake itself half to death, it drives better, but nor perfect, and there is no roar....and it stops better and 5th gear is now usable again.

Issues:
Broke a rear wheel stud off. Need to replace it.
Noticed the steering box, and/or pump, are leaking.
Jeep is still a bit of a handful to drive. I'm sawing on the steering wheel pretty good....that being said, it is a HUGE improvement over the boggers.

Here's some pics ....I'm tired...I'll check back later.

Thanks for the help guys. Already making the CJ better.
 

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#41 ·
My advice is to have your alignment professionally checked. My shop will give me a readout for free. If they make adjustments, they charge me.

I will almost guarantee your caster is off, and is causing the squirrelly handling.

Matt
I agree. Luckily we have a shop here with a damn good alignment guy...But I doubt they have spring shims to get the caster set correctly...So I'll have to see how much they are off and then order a set I suppose.

I thought the wheels and tires turned out good though..
 
#43 ·
I have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised that your sidewalls don't look ballooned out. I have 33X12.5's tires on a 15X10 wheel and the sidewalls are fairly rounded. They don't give me any driving issues (other than they generate a lot of noise) but was definitely going to go narrower on my next set.

Once I get my rig back together I'll be in the market for a new set of tires and wheels so I gotta ask...what make are yours?

BTW, love the Renegade stripe package...it makes for a great looking CJ!

Thanks, Al
 
#44 ·
Thanks, I really like the renegade stripes too! the tacky yellow and orange with the green just make for all kinds of awesomeness. I swear this jeep gets thumbs up and questions everywhere I go...to the point that my little girl said yesterday, "dad, people sure do like MY Jeep!!" :laugh:

So the tires are 33x12.50x15 Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains on a 15x8 wheel. If I had one gripe it would be that the wheel lip does not have a lot of protection...which is funny, when I ordered them I would have bet money that with a 12.50 tire on a 8" wheel it would have had plenty. Not a deal killer...just me being nit picky.
 
#45 ·
Well...took it to the alignment shop. They called me back, and my steering box is "flexing". I had planned on buying the steering brace and bracket anyway, just looks like I am going to do it sooner. And, the steering box is leaking, which I knew...so I ordered a H1 box, and I'm tossing the idea around of going with a PSC pump...or, just getting an OEM replacement pump. I guess I'll replace the hoses too.

I'm pretty sure I'll go ahead and replace the steering linkages too with some heavier duty pieces....

damn.

Already planned on doing the blazer heater blower and new heater core tomorrow....

did I say damn already? :)

At least I know the steering will be jam up.
 
#68 ·
And, the steering box is leaking, which I knew...so I ordered a H1 box, and I'm tossing the idea around of going with a PSC pump...or, just getting an OEM replacement pump. I guess I'll replace the hoses too.
I'm real new here with a new to me '83 CJ7. I have leaking from my steering as well and wondered if you could explain how you determine whether the steering box, steering pump, and/or the hoses need to be replaced. The pump and box are both covered in fluid, its more caked on - on the pump and is dripping from the box. I have tried to find threads on how to pinpoint the issue without much success. Did you go with am OEM replacement or upgraded parts? Thanks.
 
#47 ·
Well... I have a ton of stuff coming for the front end..... And my little girl asked me if this could be a daughter/daddy project. She is excited!

But, new issue...

I have oil, or oil like substance, coming from the cross member. Pretty decent amount, LOOKS like oil. Thinner than gear oil.

Could be dripping down from the valve cover, which I know I have, but I don't see it being that much. Is there a common leak on these? I don't think it is the transfer case.
 
#48 ·
Hmm - any way you can get a picture of where you mean? You could have a leaky front output shaft of your T-case. Could be your transmission leaking from a crack or something, or it could be blowback from your valve cover/RMS/oil pan gasket leak. Imagine driving down the road and that leak gets all blown back to your belly pan. Does it smell like gear oil?
 
#49 ·
I will do my best. Interestingly, I drove it to work today, and it isn't dripping like it was at the house. The difference is, at my house it sat for days without moving, and obviously, driving to work it warmed up and/or slung all of it off.

To be honest, it is so dirty from the leak (where ever it is) that it is hard to see where it is coming from.
 
#51 ·
Yep, I agree.

I plan on doing all the front end work this weekend....oh and trying to figure out where a piece of metal goes. It fell down on my shin while driving home last night from under the dash.

I would attach pics, but they arn't uploading for some reason.
 
#52 ·
Just a quick update....

Spent the weekend replacing the RMS, oil pan gasket, Valve cover Gasket, Motor mounts, Coolant temp sender, oil psi sender, belts, radiator hoses and thermo, heater core and upgraded blower, heavy duty tie rod and drag bar, H1 steering gear, P/S pump and new hoses, steering brace and HD Mount, brakes, and fuel sending unit.

I'm tired and still have more left to do...
 
#60 ·
Just a quick update....

Spent the weekend replacing the RMS, oil pan gasket, Valve cover Gasket, Motor mounts, Coolant temp sender, oil psi sender, belts, radiator hoses and thermo, heater core and upgraded blower, heavy duty tie rod and drag bar, H1 steering gear, P/S pump and new hoses, steering brace and HD Mount, brakes, and fuel sending unit.

I'm tired and still have more left to do...
Hey Bill,

Sorry I missed this before and I'm sorry for your trials.

It looks like you are making a lot more progress on yours than I am on mine. We are almost neighbors with me outside Tallahassee. Maybe once I'm up and running we can get together for a ride!

Keep up the good work!
Paul
 
#53 ·
This is the mystery bracket....Any help would be appreciated.

I'll update the results of all my work soon so that anyone doing the same work can refer to this thread just for another's experience and point of view.
 

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#54 ·
Bill,

AFAIK...I don't have one on my '79. But I haven't tore my dash apart yet so maybe there's one hiding up there somewhere? :dunno:

Anyhow, you sure got a lot done on your daughter's Jeep this weekend. Was she in the garage playing straw boss? :laugh:

Al
 
#55 ·
HAHA, she was a good tool girl. She asked questions...mainly "daddy, is that supposed to go there??" when I had to give the tie rod ends a few love taps to get them to drop out. And, she made me scrub the undercarriage real good. I couldn't ask for more...she always helped me on the race car when I changed tire sets, so it was good for the 2 of use to get back in there together.

I don't have another jeep to reference right now, but I sure would like to know where that mystery piece came from....
 
#56 ·
Just an update...TeamRush upgrade done, and boy was it an improvement!!

Wednesday I will be putting Howell fuel injection on, and figuring out what parts of the nutter bypass can be done.

next up....gears and amc20 strengthening, and yj spring conversion.
 
#58 ·
Okay, Just a quick update with some pics....if they cooperate.

Did the Howell Fuel Injection, took my time and enjoyed some decent temps, took a few days off to do it. Had a buddy help me and one of our mechanic friends stop by from time to time to check on us....I'll probably post up a link to my experience with howell, but suffice it to say, it is much better than the worn out carb. Seat of the pants feel is a much peppier engine. I am having the slightest bit of knock on 5th load situations when I give it too much pedal...I have the timing at 9 or 10 degrees.

One other thing to note....I ripped out a CRAPLOAD of wiring...turn the key for the very first time and it started right up, and quickly settled into a steady idle. Awesome.

Here's some pics......(my best friends father in law is a huge jeep fanatic....as you'll be able to tell)....

Let me know what you think!







Pics aren't working right at the moment. Feel free to go look in my gallery....
 
#59 ·
The rig is looking pretttttty sharp!!!!!!

I take it the handling and performance issues are now a thing of the past?
 
#61 ·
The rig is looking pretttttty sharp!!!!!!

I take it the handling and performance issues are now a thing of the past?
Well, kind of. Steering is definitely tightened up. A lot of the wander is gone....I can steer with one hand. However, I still have a bit of the twitchy-ness. I would bet my caster is off, and I have plans to put wedges in...but, I am going to do YJ spring conversion when I get some extra dough.

Performance wise, I think it is about as good as it gets. I may go to CDI later, but right now it is okay.

BTW, thanks for the compliment...it is coming along!
 
#63 ·
Great to here your project is coming along. I also just installed Howell kit on mine. Drives way better, idles around 600 rpm. I was wondering how long/miles it took to have the computer learn the vehicle. I have probably 40 miles on it now and it still stalls when I come to a stop after crusing down the highway. Fires right up post stall. just courious if you have had this happen to you. Great job so far, love the jeep.
 
#65 ·
It's coming along...not as fast as I'd like, but it is getting there.

I'm in week two, and it is getting better as I drive. So I would say I have 200 miles on mine. I think the best thing you can do is drive the sh*t out of it. I am not running into a stall issue so far. I've got a idle stumble I can't get rid of, but that's it.

Thanks for the compliments. Let me know how the howell does as you get some miles on it....:thumbsup:
 
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