[dg6772]

When I did mine,I started with a list of what I wanted. Things such as fuel delivery are a system; wether its a carb or fuel injection. I choose tbi,therefore I needed to figure supply(tank), delivery(pump),internal or external( I chose internal and built my sending unit), lines (I chose plastic with quick connects) also where to put computer and how to power it.

I took this approach across the board with my 86. It was basically new (with some old parts) when it hit the streets.

Dave in Muskegon using JeepForum

 

[1978CJ7Beast]

I haven't read it, but it's quite popular. I think it would be time and $ well spent if you're looking to prepare yourself well before getting started.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0837601517/ref=pd_aw_sims_1/191-0344798-6609527?pi=SL500_SY115

 

[scooby533]

Ian, PM me if your interested in this project. I've got a complete 85' CJ7 w/ 4.2l, t176, d300, AMC20 rear, D30 front (3.31) 76,000 miles. No top no doors. 91' SBC 350 and the 3/4 ton (K) 700r4. The tub has a few spots that need fixed, but it's definitely useable. The frame is cherry. SBC came out of a police car w/ 75,000 on it but lord knows how long idling so at least erring and reseal as well as the 700r4.
I can walk you through everything you need to make it work. The engine mounts I have, but you would need to source the trans to T/C adapter.
I've had the project since 99' and she is in my garage. I recently picked up an 86' Laredo so I'm going to use that. Only reason I'm letting her go. This is one stop shopping, it's exactly what your looking for.

 

[sully122]

I just removed a chevy 350 with SM420 (granny 1st great) from my 83 CJ 7.. I have the bellhousing from advanced Adaptors as well.. The engine was a brand new chevy crate motor purchased in 97 and it has about 40,000 miles on it.. The trans was fully rebuilt a few years back and has about 30,000 ,lies on it.. 95% street miles as this was my daily driver Bach in the college days.. Let me know if your interested.. I'm in Nor Cal..

 

[WindKnot]

Before you turn the first wrench, you need time, (lots of it) money, (much more than you think) patience (almost as much as Job had) and room. (enough so that you can have several projects going on at the same time) If you don't have organizational skills, think long and hard about taking this on.

Before committing to the tub and the frame, no matter how good of shape you think they're in, expect rust and possibly cracks. CJs had no rust protection whatsoever. What can look like a nice tub when painted (even painted a long time ago) could actually be more rust than steel. I own what is supposed to be an "Arizona Jeep". It's supposed to be rust free. It is now, but it was hardly that when I started. Even though the tub was crispy from a fire, it wasn't until it was media blasted that I knew I had "significant rust issues". And as things like the floor was removed for replacing more rust was found in the supports. If I knew how much rust I actually had in my seemingly rust free tub at the beginning, I may have opted for another Jeep.

CJ frames twist and they crack. That's not the end of the world, but again, before you drop that engine and running gear onto the chassis, I'd make darn sure it was sandblasted before I commit to anything. M.O.R.E. Off Road makes some great stuff for strengthening the frame and a member here, (Jim1611) makes some great shackle hangers www.crabtreetool.com Examine the frame and repair it before you start hanging stuff on it and then find trouble.

Others will chime in. I don't want to discourage you but rather encourage you to go about it with a LOT of planning and thought involved. There are too many half started projects out there collecting dust and rust in guys' garages because they lost heart.

My project is costing more money than I ever imagined. But I also could've gone cheaper with some of my parts and equipment choices. I chose to buy American whenever I could, but that's just my choice. We all do what we have to do when it comes to stuff like that; I won't criticize financial choices.

Good Luck and keep your sense of humor! :cheers2:

Oh yeah, since you're a new member you're on probation until we vote you in. One of the conditions for new members is to paint their Jeep Pink. (Barbie Pink, actually) It's in the rules somewhere. You could look it up, but trust me, it's in there! :rtft: