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NEW Jeeper and dont have a clue where to start

1K views 11 replies 11 participants last post by  kufd 
#1 ·
I just bought a 1980 CJ7 I think its all stock it has a 258 inline with amc rear end and dana 30 front. I want to be able to do some semi serious trail blazin but i also use as a daily runner im trying to learn as much as i can about all the axles and gears and such. I want to be able to have effortless experiance on trails but cruise around town as well. Help where do i start with this project?
:drool:
 
#3 ·
Welcome to the Forum. There are enough opinions on here to make your head spin for weeks. If you have a specific question hit up the ol' Search buttton. If you don't get confused enough by what you find there, ask it in here and we will point you in the right direction.

For your project, I would start with the basics first. Make sure your fluids, brakes and driveline are all in good shape. Take it out wheelin and you will know what you need next. good luck!
 
#6 ·
....I want to be able to have effortless experiance on trails but cruise around town as well. Help where do i start with this project?
All depends on what your definitions of 'effortless' and 'cruise' are. Stock CJ's fulfill both for most people.

I know people that wheel stock/lightly mod'd Jeeps on difficult trails and have no problems. Then I've seen people with highly modified Jeeps get stuck and hung up on all sorts of things. Learn how to drive off road. I've learned that if I don't want to get stuck, I don't go places where I might get stuck. Join a local club, take a few organized trail rides, etc.

You'll either get the taste for the more difficult, or decide you'd rather take the bypass. Both on the trail and off.
 
#7 ·
I see you have an SOA. I would assume that was done by a PO, so check it out and make sure it was done correctly/safely...I don't think that's a bad way to lift it or anything, just a lot of half *** attempts out there.
 
#9 ·
Look it over, fix any obvious problems or things that don't work. Check the plugs-fuel filter-ignition, fluid levels, and the basics to make sure that it's set for driving. Then....drive it. Shortcomings and problems will pop up and keep you busy enough while you learn all about the monetary black hole...er, Jeep. After a short while and a few trail runs, you'll have lots of ideas where to start.
 
#11 ·
hello all, I too am very brand new to jeeps, I just bought a used/built CJ5 1972, its a pretty awesome play rig in my eyes, need to get some advice and pointers. How can I tell what is the exact make/model of my axles? I want to up grade my gears to about 4.88. the current axles sim to be the stock ones, but I cant tell. when I bought the jeep it already came with 35x16x15 boggers, and they work fine, but I dont feel the uumoof or power I need. should I down grade my tire size also? the axles seem small too my eyes. please provide me with any feedback. like I said im a newbi to jeeps
 
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