Time to update this thread, as a lot of work has been going on that several folks may want to see.
So we took the jeep out of storage and got back to work, with the plan of running a L-134, T-90, and Dana 18/20 hybrid case with Teralow 3.15 gears.
After really getting into the frame and tub, we cut out a lot of cancer spots and fully plated both sides of the frame with 1/4" steel. I cut off all the existing suspension I had previously mocked up.
At this point, it looked like this:
Then it took a turn into more of a buggy build than a resto-mod, when I picked up this:
And a SM465.
So now, the plan is triangulated 4-link front and rear on air shocks, propane 350, SM465, Dana 18/20 Teralow. Final drive is 85:1 with the SBC.
Front axle is FJ-40 center section with Dana 44 outers. I'm running a stock length chromo inner on the passenger side and custom Dutchman shaft on the long side, 4.10s, 760X joints.
Rear axle is FJ-40 with disk brakes, 4.10s.
I got an Advanced Adapter kit to mate the Dana 18/20 w/Teralow to the SM465, using a replacement main shaft in the SM465 with a 5/8" adapter. The trans and t-case are 1.5" longer than the stock willys combo.
Seats are Corbeau SS, pics to come.
The jeep as it sits now (don't mind the angle iron, it's holding the body together
):
So what started out as a neat resto-mod build with a 4 cyl turned into a SBC chevy buggy build. And that's alright with me
The goal is to be sub-3500 lbs when complete.
More pics to come.