HELP!! Where do I start?

Casey79CJ7

Casey79CJ7

Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2007
Location
Rutherfordton
Im wanting to turn my junky CJ into a trail only rig. Right now, heres what I got: 79 CJ Chevy 350 TH350 NP205, Dana44 frt & rear, both spooled Stock YJ SOA leaf springs. I have 4.5" coils for a ZJ in my basement and would like to use them. Where do I need to start to turn this pile into a rock worthy rig?
 

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Looks fairly rock ready now.

I would start with a 4 link in the rear, extend the wheelbase and comp cut the rear.
 
Deeper t-case gearing.. you can do the lomax 3:1, put in a different case, or do a doubler, but that will add length to the driveline.

How much $ do you want to dump into this? stronger axles and bigger tires along with a steering upgrade would be my next step, (and this time, don't spool the front axle.)

then you'll quickly start hating your leaf springs, so link suspension is the next logical step..

The coils you have are the cheapest part of anything I just mentioned.
 
before you do anything you should think long and hard about how much time and money you are willing to dedicate to the project. Once you figure out what your build plans are and figure up the costs then multiply by 3 and you'll have a close guess at what its going to cost. good luck man and have fun with it.
 
Well, my plan is............if everything works out............. (if is such a HUGE word) keep my axles I have now maybe a super 44 kit or find a deal on something better, build a doubler with a spare NP203 I have access too, and lengthen the wheel base by at least 10". Also, hydro steering is in order or at least better than what is up there now (can't turn around in a 10 acre field). I have 38x15.5x15 boggers in my building so, I'm gonna use those, unless someone wants to trade for some beefy axles!!! :huggy:
 
I dont think that those 44's are gonna like 38 boggers no matter whats in them. Are those the YJ springs in the pic- seem to have a good bit of arch- maybe take out a few leafs? Is that 350 carb? Lose the headers. Looks like youre pretty well off except for maybe some beadlocks.
 
I know the D44 is a weak axle for tires that size. Im pushing them now with 35s. The 350 is fuel injected and makes leaf springs look like pretzels! Know anybody who wants some 15 x 12 beadlocks 5 on 5.5? They are too wide for me!
 

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Im trying to get mine lower to the ground. Its hard getting up in that big ole thang when you got a belly like mine!! Anyway, yeah lower center of gravity is always good. Hopefully I can lower my body enough to where I can tuck my t-case and transmission up out of harms way. Who knows maybe we can both have "lowboys"!!!! Oh yeah, and you don't need to know how to drive when you have 300+ horsepower LMAO! Stick it to the board and LET IT EAT!
 
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